Zanzibar

Zanzibar, locally known as Unjuga, is characterized by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town – said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa. It is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands and several islets. Located about 40 km from the Tanzanian coast, Zanzibar Island is 96 km long and 32 km wide, occupying a total area of approximately 1,660 sq km.

Stone Town, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is the oldest city and cultural heart of Zanzibar; little has changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques, and grand Arab houses. One can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways. Zanzibar’s local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colorful history. Islam is the dominant religion and practiced by most Zanzibarians.

Zanzibar’s brilliant white beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean provide the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun and take a break from some busy sightseeing. There are more than 25 fantastic beaches in Zanzibar, and some are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean.