About Zanzibar

The main islands of  ZANZIBAR are Unguja, Pemba, Tumbatu and Mafia. Stone Town, on the western shore of Unguja Island, is the Capital of this region. The city gained its name from the many large multi-story "stone" buildings that fill the old town area. These structures are actually constructed with coral and mortar, not stone. There are currently about 1700 of these buildings in the Stone Town section of Zanzibar City. 1100 of these have been classified as having architectural significance. In this small area, which was originally a peninsula, almost an island at times, and which is only about 83 city blocks square, there are 23 "landmark buildings", two cathedrals, over 50 Mosques, 157 balconies, verandahs and loggias and more than 200 carved doors. Zanzibar's Stone Town has been designated a "World Heritage Site" by the United Nations.

The age of Stone Town is in some dispute. Did it rise from a fishing village known to have existed on the point of the peninsula since the 12th century; or is it even older? Is it the result of 10th century immigration from Persia? The visits of 9th century Islamic Disciples? A 1st century outpost of the Queen of Sheba? All have been suggested by historians. Or must we look even further back, to five or six thousand years ago when indigenous Africans crossed the great Rift valley and first occupied the islands of East Africa? Was it they who truly created the Swahili Coast by conquering the reefs and tides of the Azanian sea? Was it they who cultivated a civilization of Island City States from Lamu to Lindi, an archipelago of Stone Towns spanning almost a thousand kilometres?

As the site of the largest Swahili Stone Town in the world, Zanzibar is well worth a visit. Tourists are now welcome on Zanzibar and the infrastructure for guests has greatly expanded in the last few years. Hotels and Guest Houses are available in all price ranges. Accommodations extend from basic backpacker support to luxurious private islands. There is an international airport about 5 km. from Stone Town and many modern Ferry's now ply the short sea routes between the Islands and the mainland.

For those who cannot yet visit please enjoy the rest of the pictures, links and information about Zanzibar, its history and people.

Getting to Zanzibar  Many airlines from Europe and the rest of the world fly to Zanzibar: Emirates, Oman Air, Alitalia, Gulf Air, etc. Regional flights from Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha and Dar es Salaam (Dar) are operated daily. Zanzibar is also accessable by sea with hourly ferriers departing from Dar each day.

Travel Trips

We recommend you to consider the following tips when travelling to Zanzibar and avoid all the inconveniences that might happen to the visitors.

Visa and Immigration

Visitors from most countries require a visa to enter Tanzania, and passports must be valid for the duration of your stay. Single three month entry tourist visas can be applied for at Tanzanian embassies and High Commissions. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous state within Tanzania, so although visitors won’t need separate visa to enter, you will need to show your passport on arrival. Visitors flying direct to Zanzibar are able to purchase a visa on arrival at the airport. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.

Religion 

Most residents of Zanzibar are Muslims but there are also Christians, Hindus and other faiths. If you not a Muslim you are not to enter mosques. Photographing of the mosque interior from the doorway is not allowed during prayers.

In the Islamic holy month of "Ramadhan" (dates change) Muslims are fasting you may find it difficult to find food during the daylight hours. Some specified restaurants are allowed to serve the tourists. Contact the Commission for Tourism for advice. You are requested not to eat, drink or smoke in the public during this month.

Churches and temples are available. The Anglican Cathedral Church offer regular services on Sundays and special holidays.

Accommodation

Zanzibar offers a variety of hotels, resorts and guesthouses and visitors should be able to find something to suit both taste and budget. Breakfast is usually included in the prince. During low season most hotels and guest houses offer discounted rates.