Zanzibar, also named the Spice Island, is a beautiful island off the coast of Tanzania. It lies in the tropics of the Indian Ocean, and has other Islands near by, namely Pemba and Mafia. It really is a wonderful place, catering for both the back packers and the more affluent travellers. Firstly a little history. Zanzibar was a major stopping port for the Arab traders. They would travel between Arabia, India and Africa, trading ivory, spices and slaves. It became a British protectorate in 1890, which led to the Anglo - Zanzibar war 1n 1896. This was the shortest war in history as it only lasted a good 45 minutes! In 1964 Zanzibar gained independence ...  Read the complete review

Zanzibar is without doubt one of the star attractions of Tanzania. It lies 15-30 miles off the mainland, but you can still get your passport stamped on arrival by boat if you like...! The two ways of reaching Zanzibar are by plane and by boat from Dar Es Salaam. A number of tourists will take the plane, but I would recommend the boat - it is a beautiful journey, and you will get to talk to some interesting locals as you while away the hours. There are two types of boat - the fast boat and the slow boat. There's a $20 difference in price, but quite a lot differs in quality. I would recommend missing the slow overnight boat unless you're really on a budget - 7 hours of ...  Read the complete review

They call Zanzibar the 'Spice Island' because of the exotic fruit and spices they grow and export. You can take a tour around this part of island. You will learn about the spices, get to smell and feel them, as well as taste exotic fruits you have never heard of or seen before. Take, for example, the Jerk fruit. Our guide said to me, "This one tastes like Strawberries and Milk". I said, "No way. If that were true, they'd sell it in Sainsbury's!" But sure enough, it actually did! The down side of it, was that this wonderful tasting fruit has the texture and consistencey of a rotting cabbage!! Zanzibar was a ...  Read the complete review

Zanzibar is an island off the African country of Tanzania. On a trip travelling through Africa we stopped there for a few days to relax and just enjoy the weather. This place is really interesting especially the old town which has the most interesting architecture - with the special highlight being the doors. Zanzibar is very Muslim and at the time we visited, it was the time of Ramadan. When the Muslim people fast from the dawn to the setting of the sun. Ramadan is about inner reflection and self control. They abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex. Ramadan lasts for about a month and starts in November. I have mentioned ...  Read the complete review