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Zanzibar

Description: Covered with luxuriant tropical plant life, Zanzibar is a low-lying coral island with elevations no higher than 120 m ... more

Zanzibar ... (400 ft). Zanzibar is the collective name for two islands in Tanzania: Unguja and Pemba. The capital of Zanzibar, located on the island of Unguja, is Zanzibar City. The city's old quarter, known as Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site. Although Zanzibar enjoys a high degree of autonomy, it is not a sovereign state: it remains part of Tanzania. The population of Zanzibar was 981,754 in the 2002 census, and its area is 1,651 km² (637 mi²). Zanzibar's main industries are spices (which include cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper), raffia, and tourism. Zanzibar is also the home of the endemic Zanzibar Red Colobus and the elusive Zanzibar Leopard. The word "Zanzibar" probably derives from the Persian زنگبار, Zangi-bar ("coast of the blacks") and it is known as Zanji-bar in Arabic, also. "Zanzibar" may also refer to the spice ginger (genus Zingiber). "Zanzibar" often refers especially to Unguja Island and is sometimes referred to as the "Spice Islands," though this term is more commonly associated with the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. Pemba Island is the only island apart from Zanzibar that still produces cloves on a major basis which is the primary source of spice income for the islands. Temperatures average between 24º and 27º C (75º and 81º F) throughout the year and are tempered by ocean breezes.

Newest Review: ... get ripped off by money changers, especially outside the airport. Stone Town in the capital of Zanzibar. It is an ancient city which has plenty of history. Much of it is in a derelict state, and it really does need some conservation as it is a World Heritage Site. There are so many places to stay, from the cheap back packer haunts to the 5 star hotels. There is too much choice. If you are a ... more

... drinker, make sure your hotel serves alcohol, as many with strong religious backgrounds do not. Also there are so many different places to eat, from the vendors cooking on the side of the roads, to classy restaurants like Emersons. Emersons is a wonder...more

Read Reviews for Zanzibar

Zanzibar: The Spice Island is Hot and Spicy (1180 words)
by - written on 13/08/09 (Very useful, 74 readings)
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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 - small but perfectly formed (413 words)
by - written on 27/05/09 (Very useful, 26 readings)
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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

Zanzibar: Spice Island (thankfully nothing to do with Geri Halliwell) (403 words)
by - written on 27/05/01 (Very useful, 199 readings)
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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

I didn't want to leave (395 words)
by - written on 19/02/01 (Very useful, 200 readings)
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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