Zanzibar - A Magnet for Adventurers, Men-of God, Explorers and
Conquerors
Those who have not been to Zanzibar will be surprised that
despite its big name, it is only a small part of Tanzania.
Zanzibar encompasses the main island of Ugunja, its twin Pemba
and several small islets. A shallow channel 37km across at the
nearest point separates it from the African mainland. As the
crow flies, it is 73 km from Dar es Salaam and 219 km from
Mombasa in Kenya.
Zanzibar is referred to as the Spice Islands with good reason.
The fragrant scents of cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and vanilla hung
in the warm tropical air. To this day sailors claim that they
can recognise the aroma of the islands even when far out at sea.
Surely, not even die-hard fans of the Spice Girls can claim
anything similar. But the spice business is relatively recent,
less than 200 years old. It is the fascinating history of the
islands that evokes the image of magic and romance in the minds
of visitors.
The charms of Zanzibar have at one time or another lured a vast
array of adventurers, men-of God, explorers, traders and
conquerors. The diligent time traveler will sight footprints of
Bantu Africans, Phoenicians, Persians, Assyrians, Sumerians,
Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, Malays, Portuguese, English, Dutch
and Omani Arabs. That is why a visit to Zanzibar leaves a much
more lasting impression than your usual island destination.
The first people to settle on the islands were Bantu Africans
from the continental mainland. The assistance of the trade winds
eventually brought in Shirazi Persians and Omani Arabs from
about AD 700. Then commencing early sixteenth century, the
Portuguese dominated the East African coast including Zanzibar
for nearly 200 years. Sensing the decline of Portugal as a world
power Omani Arabs invaded and subdued the Islands. The Omani
Sultan was so excited about the prospects of riches from the
Islands that he actually relocated here. The magnet was ivory
and slaves.
The slave business was thoroughly unwholesome as you can well
imagine. Zanzibar was the transit market of slaves coming over
from raids in the interior. David Livingstone, the missionary
and explorer had traveled extensively in the interior and was
greatly offended by the practice and impact of the slave trade.
This man-of-God managed to provoke liberal opinion in Britain,
which led to action by the Royal Navy. For the sake of humanity,
Zanzibar became a British Protectorate in 1890. And for the sake
of smooth administration, power was finally transferred to the
gentle hands of the King of England in 1913.
As a modern day explorer, Zanzibar welcomes you to peek at the
rich heritage whose testimony is in the architecture and culture
of its people. The cultural heart of Zanzibar is Stone Town,
which is little touched by the hand of time. It is here that the
association with "a thousand and one nights" comes alive. You
will find narrow winding streets, bazaars, mosques, fortresses
and a Persian style public bathhouse.
There are also palaces and grand houses whose magnificent
proportions and extravagant decor does justice to the term
"oriental splendour". Remember to pay homage to Dr. Livingstone
by visiting the house named after him - where he stayed for 3
months in 1866. The Cathedral Church of Christ, on the site of
the open slave market, is of historical interest and for the
devout is the appropriate place to pray for the souls of those
who perished in the slave trade.
For an all-in view of Zanzibar, a "Spice Tour" is recommended.
This will include ruins of palaces and ancient mosques', a
Sultans harem, the Mangapwani slave caves and of course the
spice plantations after which Zanzibar takes its trade name.
Nature lovers may also want to take in Jozani Forest located 35
km from the city. This area of thick forest is one of the few
remaining sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey.
Zanzibar is after all an island and the usual delights of a
beach destination are available. Break your sight seeing by
relaxing at the brilliant white beaches and soak in the warm
waters of the Indian Ocean. The choice for Zanzibar hotels and resorts is wide
ranging. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing and
watersports. Pemba Island has its own unique attractions and
snorkeling and scuba diving are particularly good here. The
Pemba channel across from the main island is reputed to have
some of the best game fishing anywhere in the world.
Mnemba Island, off the north coast of the main island is very
exclusive. Cond