Zanzibar, ultimate holiday destination
Zanzibar Tanzania is the perfect holiday destination to “escape” from everything for a while. Lazy days with a book in the sun, walks along the beach and swimming or diving in the beautiful azure ocean are a wonderful way to relax and fully recharge. It is the perfect place for the ultimate holiday feeling. At zanzibar-holiday.co.uk you will find all the information you need to plan the perfect holiday to Zanzibar.
Practical information
Visa, Vaccinations, money & more..
Take a look at all the practical usefull information which you would want to know when going on a holiday to Zanzibar. Visa, money, flights and more.
Attractions
Sightseeing and places of interest
There is a lot to see and enjoy @ Zanzibar. Find out the attractions and read about what you don’t want to miss on your holiday to Zanzibar.
8x reasons why you should go
You’ve probably heard of it: Zanzibar. The beautiful exotic island with white beaches and a stunning blue sea. We’ll tell you why you should add this island to your to-do list of favourite holiday destinations.
About Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of the island of Zanzibar and the Pemba Islands. The island is located in the Indian Ocean about 40 km off the coast of Tanzania of which it is part. Located 6 degrees below the equator, Zanzibar is almost 100 km long (96.5 to be precise) and over 30 km wide. It is characterised by the white beaches around the island and the beautiful coral reef. In addition to this, of course, is the beautiful historic town of Stone Town which is the only functioning ancient city in East Africa.
Wildlife on Zanzibar
No large wild animals live on Zanzibar. Although an elusive leopard is rumoured to roam the island. But the Jozani forest area is inhabited by monkeys, wild pigs and small antelopes. It is also home to a species of monkey found nowhere else in the world: Zanzibar’s red colobus. The island is also home to many different species of birds and butterflies. And in the coral reef located on the east side of the island, there is a great diversity of fish. This is the ideal location for snorkelling and diving.
Diving at Zanzibar
Zanzibar has the reputation of being one of the best dive sites in the world! There are more than 30 (scuba) dive spots and, thanks to the perfect conditions, hundreds of fish species can be spotted. Read about diving on Zanzibar here..
Language, Religion and the people
Over the centuries, the island has been under the influence of different rulers who used the island as a transit port. As a result, the island’s population has different ethnic backgrounds and the island itself reflects its colourful history.
Most people on the island are Islamic. But Christianity and Hinduism are also widely practised there.
About 800,000 people live on the tropical island, 100,000 of whom live in the capital: Zanzibar City. The language spoken on the island is Swahili and is largely spoken in East Africa. Swahili originated on Zanzibar and later spread further across East Africa. Because of this, Zanzibar’s Swahili is thought to be the purest form of the language.
Culture and festivals
The most famous festival on the island is the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF). Which is known as the Film Festival of the Dhow Countries. This festival is held every year in July. During this festival, the best Swahili art scenes are shown to audiences with the island’s favourite music ‘Taarab’.
Government on the island
Zanzibar has its own semi-autonomous government within the United Republic of Tanzania. This government consists of a Revolutionary Council and the House of Representatives. The current island president is Amani Abeid Karume, who was elected in October 2000.
Economy
The main income of locals on the island is agriculture and fishing. Zanzibar used to be known as the biggest exporter of cloves and this is what the island was built on. Currently, it is still an important export product just like coconut and other spices. Over the years, this has changed and tourism has emerged. Currently, about 100,000 tourists a year visit the island.
Zanzibar holiday location & islands
Also called the ‘Island of Spice’, Zanzibar is located about 30 miles east of the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Somewhat confusingly, Zanzibar is both the name of the main island – the island of Unguja to Zanzibar locals – and of the island group that includes Mafia, Pemba and a number of more distant small islets.
The Island of Mafia
Mafia is a perfect destination for the serious divers among us, as well as for fishing enthusiasts and for those who just want to relax with their feet up. Pemba is the least developed of the main islands in terms of tourism, but offers some of the best diving in the archipelago as well as in the world.
Best beaches of Zanzibar
there are lots of beautiful beaches to be found on this special island. But which beaches are particularly worth visiting? Check out this overview.
What to do and see at Zanzibar?
If you are going on holiday to Zanzibar, you will probably want to know what the island’s main attractions are. These include not only the beautiful white-sand beaches, coral reefs and world-class diving opportunities. But Stone Town, the old centre of the capital, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a must-see.