Official Language:
Swahili
Secondary Language:
English
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Currency:
Tanzanian Shilling
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Population:
About 200,000 people call Zanzibar home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Zanzibar Tanzania: Zanzibar experiences an equatorial climate with an average temperature of about 89°F/32°C and an annual rainfall of about 60 inches. The temperature hits the high thirties during the hot season (December-March) when the northern monsoons (Kaskazi) blow over the island, and high twenties in the cool season (June-August) during the south west monsoons (Kusi), which continue to blow over the islands until November. From late December to February or early March temperatures are slightly higher. April and May which are the rainy months.The coolest and the driest time to visit is between late June and October and further short rains in November. From June to October it is particularly pleasant with cool and dry periods. The temperature averages from 77°F/25°C, there are cool, long breezes of the south-east monsoon. The Generally, the hottest month is February, with temperatures averaging from 84-91°F /29-33°C degrees. Tanzania lies so close to the equator that seasonal variations in temperature are not extreme. As you approach the top of Kilimanjaro, temperatures can be well below freezing year-round, especially at night. Many of the northern wildlife reserves are about 10°F/5°C cooler year-round than elsewhere. Take along a heavy sweater and a windbreaker or jacket.
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PORT: Cruise ships dock at Zanzibar Town.
Sitauted in the Indian Ocean, is the Spice Island of Zanzibar. Zanzibar is located off the eastern coast of Africa. A low-lying island of coral formation and is home to glorious beaches, coral reefs and fragrant clove plantations. The Spice Island is famous for spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, peper and others. Also the capital, Zanzibar, is located on the west coast of the island and has more 50 mosques. Cruise passengers can stroll through the winding labyrinth-like streets of Stone Town, which displays the influence of Arabian, Indian, British, and Portuguese building. See such sights as palace of Beit-el-Ajaib (House of Wonders, built by Sultan Barghash in 1883, or Bayt El-Sahel (the Palace Museum). There are hundreds of finely crafted studded doorways that line the Stone Town's streets along with the vivid markets and colourful bazaars.
Visited by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1499, this island was already an important centre for trade between Africa, the Middle East, and India. Zanzibar then came under Portuguese rule in 1503. Driven out by Arabs from Oman in 1698 and made a British protectorate in 1890. In 1964 the island merged with Tanganyika to form Tanzania. Zanzibar is an island state within the United Republic of Tanzania with its own semi-autonomous government that consists of a Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives.
Zanzibar is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with coral reefs, warm blue waters, idyllic islands, and excellent reefs for snorkelling and diving. The best thing about Zanzibar is that there are very few tourists so visit Zanzibar now while it's still mysterious!
As a matter of respect to the culture of Tanzania, please keep the following in mind: When not on the beach, dress modestly (no topless sunbathing). Women should keep legs and chest covered. Displays of wealth are discouraged. Taking photos of people should be done only with their permission.
The Arab influence on Zanzibar and Pemba islands is evident in the people, who are a mix of Shirazia (from Persia), Arabs, Comorians (from the Comoros Islands) and Bantu from the mainland, though the latter predominate.
Asians are a significant minority especially in the towns and cities. Europeans (either by descent or expatriate) are a smaller minority.
The island of origin of the locals pretty much determines what tribe they belong to. The Waunguja would emanate from Unguja Island, with Wapemba tribe from Pemba Island and Watumbatu from Tumbato Island.
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Attractions |
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Some of the popular attractions include: The Old Dispensary, a grand four-story building with a set of decorative balconies, Livingstone's House, The House Of Wonders (the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity), the Palace Museum, where you can view they way the old sultans lived, Prison Island, where the Arabs once kept the misbehaving slaves along with where the British built a jail that was never used.
Jozani Natural Forest Reserve:
Home to the rare Red Colobus Monkeys, who roam freely and enjoy showing off their personality. You can see other fauna such as the Syke's Monkey, the small buck, and bushpigs can be sighted as well. A guided nature walk is available.
Ras Nungwi Diving Center:
Diving here is supposed to be among the best in the world! There are coral reefs that are home to incredible varieties of marine life, including barracuda, kingfish, mantas and sharks. You may even see the Napoleonic Wrasse at over six feet long! For experienced divers wall dives and night dives are available.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.tanzania-web.com/zanzibar/home.htm
Web: http://travel.state.gov/tanzania.html
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