Volunteer Abroad in Zanzibar, Africa.

Tanzania is a large compact of land in Eastern Africa lying between the great lakes namely Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa and Indian Ocean. Lying just South of the Equator Tanzania comprises of the Mainland and the Island of Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba). The nation has a population of about 36 million, crosscutting a range of ethnic groups and different nationalities from all corners of the world. Zanzibar’s population is estimated at 1 million.

In 1963 Zanzibar got its independence from Britain. In April of the same year, Zanzibar merged with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania, commonly known as Tanzania.  

The mainland of Tanzania is commonly called Tanzania mainland while the Islands are called Zanzibar. Zanzibar has its own government resembling a state government complete with a president and a popularly elected house of representatives, but it remains part of and under the umbrella of Tanzania.

Zanzibar History

Zanzibar has a most romantic, old and fascinating history which emanates from long interaction with many cultures. As early as AD 60, Zanzibar was first mentioned by the Periplous of the Erythraen one of the famous Greek sailors of that time, in his writings. This suggests that residents and traders from other continents must have visited Zanzibar. The earliest travelers came from Persia, India and North Africa.

Then the arrival of Shirazis, Omanis, Portuguese and the British exposed Zanzibar to the rest of the world.  Legendary Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama visited Zanzibar in 1499 on his way to India. The British warship, Edward Bonaventure anchored at the Zanzibar port in 1592 lead by James Lancaster. British colonization of Zanzibar begun later and ended in 1963.  

Economy of Zanzibar

Fishing and agriculture and tourism are the foundations of the local economy. Cloves along with coconut products and spices are a major export earner while tourism is the primary foreign exchange earner.

Religion

Although many residents of Zanzibar are Moslems, there are significant numbers of Christians, Hindus and people of other faiths.

Climate of Zanzibar

Zanzibar experiences warm tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity all the year round. The average temperature is 25º C (77 F), but it can be as hot as 39º C (102 F). Because of the ocean breezes during daytime and the continental wind in the night the condition are more comfortable. February is the warmest month while August is the coolest. There are two rainfall seasons, the heaviest in March to June and lesser rains in September to November.

How to travel to Zanzibar

By Air: The only airlines providing direct scheduled connection to Zanzibar with the rest of the world are Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airline, Gulf Air and KLM. Other airlines fly to Dar – Es – salaam from where connections Zanzibar are made by local airlines, or sea ferries. 
By Sea: A number of ferryboats provide regular services between Dar and Zanzibar. Most common boats include Sea Express, Sea Bus, Sea Star and MV Sepideh. Bookings can be made at the ports in Dar – Es Salaam and Zanzibar and through local travel agents.

Important Zanzibar Attractions

Zanzibar is a tourist’s paradise, with lots of old architectural sites to behold, warm quiet waters to swim, dive or snorkel in, wetland ecosystems, spice farms, expansive and white sandy beaches and a most friendly people. Among the Islands attractions are:

Stone Town:  Zanzibar’s really old town with important sights such as the House of Wonders; the Palace Museum (People's Palace); Dr Livingstone's House; and the Arab Fort. Stone town is also famous for its bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors. Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from.

Spice Plantations:  Zanzibar is Africa’s home of spices and lots of spice farms and gardens abound on this Island. Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices are grown in the city.

Jozani Forest: The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is located in the central east region of Zanzibar island and is home to the rare Red Columbus Monkey (pictured opposite), Sykes’s monkey's, small buck and bush pigs and the elusive Zanzibar leopard (which is said to roam about at night).

Sunbathing, Beach Relaxation, Snorkeling and Diving: Both Zanzibar and Pemba Islands have un-spoilt fantastic beaches ideal for relaxation and sunbathing. The picture perfect blue seas are replete with and coral reefs and ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Both beginners and experienced scuba divers can enjoy exciting wall dives, night dives and drift dives. In deeper waters, lush coral gardens often stretch as far as the eye can see, and large game fish including barracuda, kingfish and tuna hunt together with graceful manta rays.  There is a sanctuary where injured turtles and other marine animals recuperate before being released back into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Dolphins: Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several varieties of bottle-nosed dolphins and lucky visitors can have a chance to swim next to these fascinating creatures.

Prison Island:  Once the site of a prison for slaves, the island has a lovely white beach for sunbathing and the surrounding waters have a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkeling.   It is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century.

With all these attractions and more, you have a thousand reasosn to plan your trip to Zanzibar and experience Africa's secret paradise

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