Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Tuesday August 9, 2005
Zanzibar is one of Africa's top destinations because of its fascinating history and its incredible beaches. Zanzibar's location in the Indian Ocean (off the coast of Tanzania) has made it a natural trading center throughout its history. Famous for its spices, Zanzibar also became an important slave trading post under its Arab rulers.
The Arab influences are obvious throughout Zanzibar but especially in Stone Town one of the island's biggest attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town boasts beautiful traditional houses, narrow alleyways, a Sultan's palace and many mosques.
- While many tours combine Zanzibar with other Tanzanian itineraries, there are plenty of excursions you can book once you are there. Ocean Tours for example offers a Spice Tour, a Dolphin Tour, Stone Town Tours, Prison Island and a safari to Jozani Forest.
- There's a Zanzibar Photo Tour run by Steve Outram a professional travel photographer. He offers a 14 day tour of Zanzibar, where you'll get the opportunity to take photos of dhow's being built, spice plantations, fishermen, markets, Stone Town and more. One of his photos is featured here.
- Diving Tours are also a popular option given the clear waters of the Indian Ocean and the proximity of coral reefs in Zanzibar. Tanzania Adventure offers 7-14 day diving packages for both beginners and experienced divers.
Thanks very much for the link to the Photo Tour with Steve, unfortunately the link seems to be broken.
Thanks, just updated the link to reflect the new tour for 2009.
Here some more tours folks: the english version of the site seem to be off at the moment, anyway I found great deals for resorts, diving end excursions.
Thanks for the information about Zanzibar. My fiance and I are actually thinking about going there for our honeymoon which will be at the end of March (29th) next year, after getting married at The Round House is Cape Town. Is this a good time of year to explore Zanzibar?