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The allure of the spice islands is centuries
old, with sailors and traders bringing the sights, sounds
and smells that are synonymous with the Zanzibar we know
today.
Trading gold, ivory, cloth and slaves, merchants from around
the Indian Ocean accrued great wealth and built the high
stone buildings which give Zanzibar Town its common name
today – Stone Town. At its peak, Zanzibar was home to the
sultans of Oman who used the island as a gateway to the
riches of mainland Africa. Their town palace and the House
of Wonders remain as symbols of their wealth, however the
Anglican Cathedral now stands on the site where much of this
wealth was created – the slave markets.
Stone Town is an exotic world, so different from mainland
Tanzania. Filled with a labyrinth of alley ways and Arabian
inspired markets, indulge your curiosity and get lost in
this ancient world of architecture, cuisine, fishing methods
and the call to prayer.
An escape to the beaches reveals even more of the soul of
Zanzibar. Soft bleached sands and cool turquoise waters
coupled with spectacular sunsets is the pinnacle of a
Tanzanian adventure. Accommodations nestled amongst local
fishing villages shows true Zanzibar with sights of children
whooping with joy in their beach playground or an old
fisherman returning home on his bicycle with his catch tied
to the handlebars.
Seeking out the elusive red colobus monkey in Jozani Forest
or taking a spice tour are great ways to learn more about
the Swahili Coast and its people. The islands surrounding
the main island of Unguja are ideal day trips for those
seeking more than beachcombing and relaxing in the sun.
These islands offer fantastic snorkelling and diving
opportunities.
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