Spice Island, the beautiful island of Zanzibar on the east coast of Africa, is known for being full of culture and history, apparently at odds with its ideal geography of white sand beaches with swaying palm in the sea breeze. Together, this makes Zanzibar a great place to explore as well as dream of relaxation.
Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It consists of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25-50 kilometers (16-31 miles) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of several small islands and two large ones: Unguja (main island, informally referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba. The capital is the city of Zanzibar, located on Unguja Island. Its historic center is Stone Town, which is a World Heritage site.
The Portuguese conquest and control of the Swahili coast ended in the late sixteenth century, the golden age of the archipelago, although Omani Arabs returned to power less than a century later. Today, many winding streets and tall houses in Old Stone Town remain unchanged and visitors can walk between Sultan Palace, Wonder House, Castle, Portuguese Gardens, Turkish merchants' homes and baths in the Old City. The all-day spice tours to the business farms provide visitors with an opportunity to observe the cultivation of cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and other spices that made the island famous.
The coast of Zanzibar offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surfing vary depending on which side of the island you are in. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and marine sand bars, and low tide exposes small ponds of starfish, small fish, and anemones. In the north, ocean swimming is less prone to tidal injury, and soft beaches and white sands make dazzling days in the sun.
The coastal town of Stone Town dominates the West Coast, and although the beaches of Mangabwani, where delicate caves can be seen at low tide and close to Bobobo are less than half an hour drive away, spending a night or two on the east or north coast is worth an additional hour that takes To drive there. However, Chole Island Marine Park opposite Stone Town - and the nearby prison, Grave and Snake Islands - makes a refreshing day trip and a good rest from exploring the winding paths of the old city.
On the southern coast of Zanzibar, the Menai Bay Conservation Area is located, a zone of marine turtle protection for the endangered species that reproduce on the island. Roads to the southeastern coast take visitors through the Jozani Forest, the habitat of rare red flower monkeys Zanzibar and a number of other primates and small antelopes.
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