Zanzibar information

ZANZIBA...

Zanzibar Island! If you are looking for a vacation on an island,

a beach getaway, a romantic honeymoon holiday or destination wedding

Rich in history, culture and language Zanzibar is one of the most romantic places one earth!

Sandy white beaches, excellent diving and snorkelling, warm people make this an ideal destination for a

diving group, post safari twin centre getaway, family retreat, wedding or honeymoon venue.

  Zanzibar holidays. What is Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets.

It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator

. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide,

occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles. It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with

fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.

Wildlife There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar, and forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by monkeys,

bush-pigs and small antelopes. Civets - and rumour has it, the elusive Zanzibar leopard!

Various species of mongoose can also be found on the island. There is a wide variety of birdlife, and a large number

of butterflies in rural areas.

The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in marine diversity, and make Zanzibar an ideal location for

snorkelling and scuba diving. People, Religion and Language Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic

backgrounds, indicative of her colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris,

although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism.

 Population is estimated at 800,000, with the largest concentration being Zanzibar City which has

approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (known locally as Kiswahili),

a language which is spoken extensively in East Africa. Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it

is the birth place of the language.

Culture and Festivals Zanzibar's most famous event is the Zanzibar International Film Festival,

also known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries.

Every July, this event showcases the best of the Swahili Coast arts scene, including Zanzibar's favourite music,

Taarab. Government Zanzibar is an island state within the United Republic of Tanzania, and has its own semi-autonomous government made up of a Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives.

The present government is led by the island's President, Amani Karume.

The government body responsible for tourism promotion is the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism.

Economy Fishing and agriculture are the main economic activities of the local people.

Zanzibar was once the world's largest producer of cloves, and her economy was based on large incomes thus derived.

Although cloves are still a major export along with coconut products and spices,

tourism has been ear-marked as the primary foreign exchange earner, with more visitors coming to Zanzibar each year.

At this stage, the numbers are still low (less than 100,000 annually) and the potential for tourism is relatively untapped.

Zanzibar's tourism private sector is represented by the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI).

Travel link co-ordinators Travel & Wedding co-ordinators

TOURS / EXCURSIONS SUN AND SANDALS ORGANISE: STONE TOWN & WEST COAST -

HOTELS CITY TOUR SPICE TOUR PRISON ISLAND CHUMBE ISLAND JOZANI - ECOTOUR -

NORTH COAST BEACH LEASURE DOLPHIN SAFARI LONG SPICE TOUR