Overflowing with a vibrant and interesting history, there is loads to do and see in Zanzibar. Photo / Thinkstock
Overflowing with a vibrant and interesting history, there is loads to do and see in Zanzibar. Photo / Thinkstock
For a small island in the southern waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar has a long and astonishing history.
Forming part of Tanzania, it consists of two main islands, namely Ungaja (known as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba Island. Easily accessible to the people of the African mainland, the Zanzibar islands are believed to have been first settled by African's almost 4000 years ago.
Africans, Arabs, Indians, and Persians, among others, have been interacting and intermingling for hundreds of years, influencing the Swahili culture and in turn being influenced by them.
The result is a society of beautiful and friendly people that are not just pleasing to the eye but dignified and proud of their heritage.
Zanzibar's capital and largest town is Stone Town, distinctive and well-known for its narrow alleyways, large carved doors and covered balconies.
This town is home to over 16,000 inhabitants, and almost 2000 buildings. It was named for the coral stone buildings built in the 19th century, and exhibits a coming together of Swahili building traditions and architecture with those of the Arabia and India, to which Europe made its own contribution.
And the same can be said about the Swahili Taarab music and the deliciously spicy cuisine that blends together ingredients that originate from a collage of far-flung lands.
The staple diet of rice was originally from Malaysia, and cloves, now Zanzibar's cash crop, came from Indonesia. Tomatoes and corn came from the Americas, and the ever-present bananas and coconuts from the Pacific islands or Southeast Asia.
Overflowing with a vibrant and interesting history, there is loads to do and see, and getting to know Stone Town can really only be done by foot.
Don't be concerned about getting lost - it just adds to the fun and is totally harmless. Just remember that all roads either lead to the waterfront or the main parameter roads.
Among the favourite sites is the Arab Fort, build in 1780 and used as a prison and barracks at some time in the past, and the House of Wonders that got its name by being the first house in Stone Town with electric lights. Be sure not to miss the main market on Darajani road where you'll get a true feeling for life in Zanzibar.
We found the local people incredibly helpful and friendly. It's best to respect the local custom by keeping your knees and shoulders covered and to ask permission before snapping away with your camera.
It would be criminal not to go on a Spice Tour - after all Zanzibar is not called the Spice Island for nothing. A guide will treat you to a zesty treasure hunt - going from plant to plant trying to determine the spice within some of them adeptly disguised. For instance, nutmeg grows on huge trees and is the pit of a fruit that look similar to an apricot, while vanilla is a vine that is dependent on a supporting tree.
Another interesting fact is that cardamom seeds grow at the base of a plant that shoots runners from which the seeds are picked. On your journey to and from the plantation, you'll notice the reason why the air in Zanzibar is so intoxicating - the locals dry cloves on the road side, allowing the sun to bake them dry and releasing that unmistakable fragrance.
The Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins captures the true spirit of Zanzibar - an enchanting combination of the natural beauty of an Indian Ocean island, blended which the vivid history of this exotic destination. Situated 7km from Stone Town, the hotel has been built amid the famous Mbweni Ruins, which date back to the 1800s.
Consisting of 13 suites that are set in a botanical garden, this hotel offers the most beautiful views, complete seclusion and the tranquillity that only your soul will recognise. When you tire of the tranquillity, hop on the complimentary shuttle bus, and head for Stone Town.
Mbweni Ruins was once the St Mary's School for Freed Slave Girls, built to accommodate slaves that were freed by the British from illegal dhow traders. A village of freed slaves developed around the mission, housing up to 250 orphan girls who attended the school training to become teachers. The girls later went on to teach in other missions on the mainland. Contained within the grounds is the Chapel, which had a marble altar with mother of pearl inlay which is now used by a neighbouring church.
If you prefer the buzz of a beach resort, head to the North East of Zanzibar Island, to Matemwe a small fishing village. The Protea Hotel Zanzibar Beach Resort, situated on Matemwe Beach, is a haven for water sports enthusiasts who take advantage of the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Suited to both families and couples alike, this is the place for total relaxation, and for catching sunsets and sipping cocktails Spice-Island style.
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