Portuguese invasion and control of the Swahili Coast in the late 16th century ended the golden age of the archipelago, although the Omani Arabs returned to power less than a century later. Today, many of the winding streets and high townhouses of old Stone Town remain unchanged and visitors can walk between the sultan’s palace, the House of Wonders, the Portuguese fort and gardens, the merchants’ houses, and the Turkish baths of the old city. Day-long spice tours to working plantations offer visitors the chance to observe the cultivation of cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices that have made the island famous.

Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun.

The port city of Stone Town dominates the west coast, and although the beaches of Mangapwani, where slave caves are visible at low tide and nearby Bububu are less than half an hour’s drive away, a night or two spent on the east or north cost is well worth the extra hour it takes to drive there. That said, the Chole Island Marine Park just off Stone Town – and nearby Prison, Grave, and Snake Islands – make a refreshing day-trip and a good break from exploring the winding passageways of the old city.

On the south coast of Zanzibar lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection area for the endangered species that come to breed on the island. Roads to the southeast coast take visitors through the Jozani Forest, home to Zanzibar’s rare Red Colobus monkeys and a number of other primate and small antelope species.

East African Safari Air/Kenya Airways/KLM fly into Zanzibar daily from Nairobi, Kenya. Many other international airlines fly to Dar es Salaam from where you can take a local flight to the island or choose to cross over by ferry ( the trip by sea last approximately 2 hours ). A number of European tour operators also operate regular weekly charter flights directly to the island.

Zanzibar, whose actual name is Unguja Island, is a partner in the United Republic of Tanzania. It is located in the Indian Ocean about 35 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania at Longitude 39 degrees East and Latitude 6 degrees South of the Equator. The highest point of the island is 150 meters above sea level.

Island Capital: Zanzibar Town

Population: 950.000

Island size : 1464 square km, 86 km long and only 36 km wide at the largest point.

Climate: Tropical, average temp. 25 degrees centigrade throughout the year . Long rains in April/May, short rains in
October/November. Hot dry season from November to March.

Time Zone: GMT plus 3 hours

Language: Official languages are Kiswahili and English

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling

Telephone: Country code +255 Local area code 24
A few cellular phone companies are now operating on the island and rental of mobile phones is available for visitors.

Electricity: 220 Volts

Entry Documents: you will need a valid passport and a visa depending on the country of origin.

Health: Prophylaxis for malaria highly recommended.

Airport: Zanzibar International Airport

Departure Tax: US$ 25

Driving: on the left--International Driving License required