Zanzibar
A Tropical Island Paradise
As exotic as its name suggests, Zanzibar is the perfect 'escape from it all' holiday destination. Lazy days of sunbathing, gentle strolls along the beach and swimming in the crystal-clear azure ocean are the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life.
Zanzibar Overview
The Spice Island of Zanzibar lies off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Somewhat confusingly, Zanzibar is both the name of the main island - Zanzibar Island or Unguja to the locals - and of the island group which includes Mafia, Pemba and a number of off-lying islands and islets.
The main attractions of Zanzibar Island are its beautiful sandy beaches fringed with coral reefs, world-class diving amidst abundant marine life and Stone Town, the ancient quarter of the capital which is suffused by Arabic influence and has been designated a World Heritage Site.
Mafia is a perfect island retreat for serious divers, fishing enthusiasts and those seeking simple feet-up relaxation.
Pemba is the least developed of the main islands in terms of tourism, but offers some of the best diving in the archipelago.
Key Points
- Zanzibar is part of The United Republic of Tanzania, which resulted from of the union of two former British colonies, Tanganyika and Zanzibar, in the 1960s
- The islands lie between 15 and 30 miles off the east coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean
- Zanzibar is still sometimes referred to as the Spice Islands, on account of its large scale production of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and other spices - there are 3 million clove trees on Pemba alone
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