This article will tell you about the beautiful archipelago located in the Indian Ocean. Its name is Zanzibar. Reviews of tourists often confuse it with the main island of the archipelago, Unguya. It is the second largest off the coast of Africa after Madagascar. In addition to Unguay, the archipelago includes smaller islands: Chapwani and Chumbe, Prizon and Bave, Mnemba and Tumbatu, Mafia and Pemba. The entire complex lies seventy kilometers east of Tanzania and is part of this country. True, on the basis of broad autonomy. Zanzibar has its own parliament, president, and customs. But in circulation goes Tanzanian shilling. Recently, tourism has become the main industry in the archipelago. Both lazy beach vacationers and athletic-looking young people come here who want to conquer the wave or explore the depths of the sea. When should you come to Zanzibar? How much are tours to this fabulous archipelago? How developed is the leisure infrastructure there? You will find the answers to all these questions below.
History of Zanzibar
The close proximity to the mainland has allowed people to populate the island since time immemorial. Even the ancient Egyptians and Assyrians knew about these lands. The Phoenicians, Persians, Chinese, Indians, Portuguese, Dutch and English left their cultural mark on the archipelago. Since the VIII century, Zanzibar has been the legendary homeland of spices. Arab traders brought vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and ivory from there. The longest (from 1698 to 1890) was the influence of the Omanis, under the influence of which 97% of the population of the islands became Muslim. Then power over the archipelago was established by Great Britain. The colonialists were driven out only in 1963, but the independent sultanate of Zanzibar did not stay long. Already in 1964, the archipelago became part of Tanzania. The country uses the natural beauty of the island to attract tourists. Holidays in Zanzibar reviews are called a ticket to paradise. The nature here is the same as on the first day of the creation of the world, and the tourist infrastructure is developed, as in the best European resort.
How to get there
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to the Zanzibar archipelago. You have to get to the capital of Tanzania, the city of Dar es Salaam. And from there, small “corncracker” planes will fly you to the airport of Zanzibar resort in fifteen minutes. Tours (traveler reviews repeatedly mention this) do not include air travel. But rest on the paradise archipelago can hardly be called budget. The cheapest beach tour will cost from $ 565. And outdoor activities (for example, with a safari in Tanzania) are even more expensive: $ 1000-2500. You can, of course, purchase a ticket at a travel agency. But reviews recommend taking care of the flight themselves. From Moscow, it is most convenient to use Emirates airline with a transfer in Dubai.
When to go to Zanzibar
The archipelago lies in a tropical humid climate zone. But at the same time, the sky above Zanzibar is almost always clear. There are two short periods of rains: the first from April to June and the second from October to the end of November. Then some hotels stop working, and prices are significantly reduced. Travelers disagree when it is best to go on vacation to Zanzibar. Reviews of tourists say that the "high season" falls on November-March. When winter reigns in the northern latitudes, comfortable hot weather sets in Zanzibar. The average air temperature during the day at this time is +32 ° C, but at night it drops to +24. The water in the Indian Ocean is always warm, regardless of the season (+ 24 ... + 27 ° C). Other travelers claim that the best time to travel to Zanzibar, except from June to October, is not found. This is the so-called low season. There are few tourists, the prices are moderate, not hot (+ 26 ... + 27 ° C), there is little rain, a refreshing breeze blows from the ocean. This is an ideal time for those who cannot stand the heat.
Where to settle
On the archipelago, and especially on its most important island, Unguya, there is no shortage of choice of housing. Every tourist here can find shelter based on their preferences and wallet size. In the "high season" prices, of course, bite. In this case, vacationers who arrived on the island of Zanzibar, tourists are advised to look for housing in the only city in the archipelago (and at the same time its capital) - Stone Town. It is not located on the coast itself, and therefore the prices for the hotels there are not subject to seasonal fluctuations. Life in a real medieval city, and even with such an Arab flavor, has its advantages. The most favorable option in terms of price and quality of services is called Zanzibar Coffee House Hotel. It is located in the very center of Stone Town. The rooms at this hotel have coffee "names." For example, “espresso” (double “standard”) costs $ 75 per night, and “macchiato” (“superior” for 2 persons) costs $ 115. Coastal hotels are asking for a higher price for their services. The most prestigious reviews are the Serena Inn complex. True, a double “standard” in this hotel costs $ 570 per night. But, reviews say, if you want, you can always find a more budget option. Travelers recommend the Tembo Hotel and the Beit Al Chai Guest House.
Beach holidays in Zanzibar
Reviews of tourists mention over twenty-five beautiful coasts located on only one island of Unguya. A characteristic feature of the local beaches is snow-white sand surrounded by lush greenery of plantations, where a lot of different spices are grown. In the north of Unguya lies the Nungwi. From the coast, this beach is decorated with mangroves, coconut and banana palms. In the west of the island, tourists praise Mangapwani. The best beaches are located in the east of the Zanzibar archipelago. Reviews of tourists mention Jambiani, Bvey, Uroa, Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani and Matemwe, which are covered with fine white sand. In terms of beach holidays, other islands of the archipelago are also good. Only on Mnembu you will not be able to land. This is a private property. Each island has its own "chip", in addition to beach holidays. For example, Prizon and Bave attract masked divers with their famous coral reefs. And in Tumbatu you can have a great fun. After all, this island is an offshore zone.
Diving
This type of water entertainment is considered one of the best in the world in Zanzibar. The same colorful tropical fish, as in Ras Mohammed in the Red Sea, but the water temperature stably keeps at around + 26 ... + 27 degrees. Diving conditions are suitable for both beginners and those who have already become proficient in scuba diving. The best diving season is November-March. Then the average visibility reaches fifteen meters near Nungwi and twenty-five - near the island of Mafia. The best diving spots are Tartles Dan and Sea Reef near Stone Town, the surroundings of Mnemba and Mateve. Leven Banks (Pemba Island) is popular with experienced divers. A lot of interesting impressions will be provided by a dive in Chow Bay (Mafia Island). Several dive resorts are located on the island of Zanzibar. Reviews of tourists warn of possible strong currents and an abundance of large fish, so be careful.
Nature of the Zanzibar Archipelago
Photos, reviews of tourists and the impressions described by them testify that it is equally pristine and ... man-made. Indeed, in the Middle Ages, Zanzibar was considered the main homeland of spices. And now, daily “spice tours” are sent from the capital of Stone Town. The reviews mention that during an interesting excursion they do not just carry cardamom, nutmeg, ginger and cloves through the plantations. You can cut cinnamon yourself, try jackfruit and breadfruit, process coconut. The natural beauty of the archipelago is simply amazing. Many endemic species live here - plants and animals that, in addition to Zanzibar, are not found anywhere else. This is a high-sided bottlenose, and giant turtles, and a red thick-bodied monkey. There are many exotic birds ( turuko , zebra amadins) and fish, of which reviews often mention a white shark.
Stone town
The main calling card of the Zanzibar archipelago is the reviews called its capital. This city was founded by the Arabs in the ninth century, and now UNESCO is included in the list of international heritage of mankind. On its narrow and confused, like a maze, streets seemed to freeze. Walking between stone houses, through eastern bazaars and squares, past ancient mosques and gates decorated with delicate carvings, you will feel that the same atmosphere and atmosphere reigns here as a thousand years ago. Nevertheless, in the city there are as many as two Sultan's palaces and as many huge cathedrals. From the British colonial rule, several mansions and elaborate buildings of foreign embassies have been preserved. Reviews are advised not to miss the abandoned Persian baths. And not far from Stone Town, there is a unique forest massif of Khosani, Mangapwani, also known as the “Cave of Slaves”, and the ruins of ancient palaces.
What to try in Zanzibar
Travelers who have tasted local dishes have the impression that the inhabitants of the archipelago do not export a good half of the spices, but rather they consume them locally. The usual side dish on weekdays and on holidays is pilau rice with leek. Of meat dishes it is worth trying sorpotel (stewed pork with offal and spices). The archipelago has plenty of restaurants serving local and European cuisines. Do not be afraid of street cafes - they are also well fed there. The best institutions on the island of Zanzibar reviews were called "Archipelago" and "Lazuli" in Stone Town. The first serves delicious seafood, and the latter is famous for a wide range of smoothies and fresh juices. From restaurants serving European cuisine, reviews recommend visiting House of Spice and Amore Mio.
Souvenirs
How to complete the rest spent on the Zanzibar archipelago? Reviews recommend buying a set of spices - the cheapest souvenir. For a beloved one needs to bring a blue tanzanite diamond - it is found only in this country. Also in Zanzibar make beautiful gizmos from gold and silver. A worthy reminder of a happy holiday will be statuettes made of makonde wood. Masai masters are ready to offer you traditional fabrics and blankets, bright hoodies and shirts with Swahili inscriptions.