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Zanzibar - The spice of
life, where
Africa meets Arabia...
Zanzibar is the melting pot of cultures because of the many
cultures that met there and left their marks. Just the name
Zanzibar evokes dreams of romance and mystery and the
reality will not disappoint the traveler bored with mass
tourism. Zanzibar welcomes those who come to marvel at the
rich heritage reflected in the architecture and the culture
of the people for this is where Arabia meets Africa. Breathe
the fragrant scents of cloves, vanilla, cardamon, and nutmeg
and discover why Zanzibar is called the Spice Island ON TOUR
IN
ZANIZIBAR.
Tours in Zanzibar are an extremely rewarding experience with
cultural sights and natural beauty on the itinerary.
Visitors will travel past fragrant plantation of cloves,
cardamon, nutmeg and other spices in their way to a number
of places of historical events. To the south of the island
is the walled city of Kizimkazi, where the ruins of Shiraz
mosque stand, part of which dates back nearly 900 years are
found. A coral stone inscription provides evidence of its
making one of the earliest Islamic buildings in this part of
Africa outside the mosque are 18th century tombs of
dignitaries of the period. Head north from Zanzibar town and
visitors will encounter the palace ruins of Maruhubi near
the shore off the road to Bububu offer a tantalizing glimpse
of the former grandeur of this palace built by Sultan
Bargash in 1880 to house his harem but burned down in 1889,
only a few rooms and impressive arches remain. The palace of
Mtoni suffered a similar fate. Dating back to early part of
the 19th century, it once housed 1000 people. All that
remains now is a courtyard, a row of stone baths and an aqua
duct. These are only few examples of historical ruins that
are dotted throughout the island. Others are to be found at
Chuini, Dunga, Kidichi, Kizimbani and Dungi Thirty five
kilometers south east from the city is the Jozani forest
reserve, an area of 10 sq. km whose thick forest with trees
over 100 years old are also of the last remaining
sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, the small Zanzibar
leopard, duicker and Sunni antelopes may also be seen.
Another popular option is a trip to Changuu Island or Prison
Island, as it is known, something of a misnomer.
The island was used by an Arab to contain his awkward slaves
and a jail was built here in 1893 but it was never used.
However the ruins can still be seen. Today the islands most
famous inhabitants are the giant tortoises and it is a
popular place for a swim, a stroll or a picnic
THE ZANZIBAR BEACH SPLENDOUR
Brilliant white beaches constantly lapped by the warm water
of the Indian Ocean surround the entire island. It provides
a perfect place to relax. Soak up the sun and take a break
from a some busy sightseeing schedule. Modern resorts nestle
in the shade of coconut palms providing cool and comfortable
retreats. The beaches are a paradise. Here are picturesque
fishing villages where the people live in a simple way of
life. Close to Zanzibar town is Fuji beach, which offers
facilities for a range of water sports. Another lovely
location is Chunni beach, where the local hotel has a
restaurant and a beach bar, swimming pool and water sports
equipments. For really getting away from it all there is
Mangapwani, where the only noise breaking the silence
islikely to be the sound of the ocean. On the northern trip
of the island is Nungwi approached by a road lined by
banana, mangoes and coconut trees. Visitors can watch
fishermen’s boats being built here. Swim in the coral
lagoons. On Zanzibar northeast coast are the beaches of
Matemwe and Pwani-Mchangani with their wide stretches of
uncrowded sands and opportunities for scuba diving. One of
the most luxurious resorts is to be found at the Uroa Bay
well known for the beauty of the under water world beyond
its shores. Other well developed resorts; Bwejuu and
Jambiani are to be found on the southeastern coast. As well
as water sports there are also opportunities for fishing or
for observing the activities of the local fishermen
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