Everything you want to know about Zanzibar.
Zanzibar, Swahili Unguja, island in the Indian Ocean, lying 22 miles (35 km) off the coast of east-central Africa. In 1964 Zanzibar, together with Pemba Island and some other smaller islands, joined with Tanganyika on the mainland to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Area 600 square miles (1,554 square km).
Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of two main Islands of Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island), and Pemba. There are about 51 smaller surrounding islets. Pemba is the second-largest island of the archipelago. Pemba is famous for its clove production. Some of the best diving experiences are found in the waters of Pemba.
Animals
The major wild animals include leopard (a variety peculiar to Zanzibar), civet cat, mongoose, two species of monkey, lemur, the African pig, forest duiker, pigmy antelope, about 20 species of bats, and 30 forms of snakes. Mosquitoes breed freely during the rainy seasons. Insect pests such as the coreid bug (Pseudotheraptus wayi), which attacks coconuts, and animal pests and parasites, such as tsetse fly and ticks (which transmit east coast fever to cattle), have been the subject of research and control.
Butterfly Center
Zanzibar has over 45 native species of butterfly with the Butterfly Center (ZBC) offering a brilliant interactive exhibition showcasing these butterflies within tropical gardens.
Visiting the center will offer you the opportunity to see butterflies flying very close at hand, feeding and displaying their life cycle.
Climate
The climate is typically insular, tropical, and humid, with an average annual rainfall of 60 to 80 inches (1,500 to 2,000 mm). Rainfall is reliable and well-distributed in comparison with most of eastern Africa. Northeast trade winds blow from December to March and southeast trade winds from May to October. The “long rains” occur between March and May and the “short rains” between October and December. Average temperatures are 88 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 degrees Celcius. It is ideal beach weather year-round.
Diving and Snorkeling in Zanzibar
Zanzibar diving and snorkeling is amongst the most spectacular in the world with stunning coral reefs and more than 350 fish species recorded.
The diverse aquatic life of Zanzibar includes frequent sightings of turtles and dolphins, as well as occasional sightings of whale sharks! Our magnificent 20+ dive sites offer variety and adventure for beginners trying scuba diving for the first time as well as for experienced divers!
Chumbe Island and Kizimkazi are known for their pristine waters, ideal for high visibility while diving and snorkeling.
General Facts
Time Zone GMT +3
Currency Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh)
Exchange rate US$ 1 = 2,55 Tanzanian Shillings but it varies from time to time
Official Language Kiswahili & English
Electricity 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz
Religion Predominantly Islam, a small percentage are Catholics/Christian/Hindu
International Dialing Code +255 plus code number, followed by the 6-digit local number
Geography
The general impression of Zanzibar, when approached from the mainland, is of a long, low island with small ridges along its central north-south axis. Coconut palms and other vegetation cover the land surface. It is 53 miles (85 km) at its greatest length and 24 miles (39 km) broad. The highest point of the central ridge system is Masingini, 390 feet (119 m) above sea level. Higher ground is gently undulating and gives rise to a few small rivers, which flow west to the sea or disappear in the coral country.
Government
Zanzibar is a part of the United Republic of Tanzania. It has a House of Representatives popularly elected and cabinet ministers for all matters which are not Union Affairs. Since 1995 election, Zanzibar is a multiparty democracy.
History
Zanzibar’s history is vast and is shaped by its location in the Indian Ocean.
Zanzibar’s history is greatly shaped by its geography, the prevailing winds of the region placing it directly on the Indian Ocean trade routes, and making it accessible to both traders and colonists from Arabia, South Asia, and the African mainland. The first immigrants were the Africans; the next was the Persians, who began to land in Zanzibar in the 10th century and who, over a brief period, became absorbed into the local population and disappeared as a separate group.
For more on Zanzibar’s history visit the House of Wonders and Princess Salme Museum in Stone Town.
Jozani National Park
Jozani Forest lies 35kms South-East of Zanzibar Town, it takes about 45 minutes to drive from the city center. The Jozani forest is a terrestrial and inter-tidal protected area dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity. Jozani Forest is a world hotspot for biodiversity, most commonly associated with the indigenous red colobus monkeys.
Population
Zanzibar consists of a multicultural community, with people that come from many different origins. Zanzibar is a “mixing bowl” of diversity. The current population of Zanzibar according to the 2012 census is 1,303,569 inhabitants with an annual growth rate of 3.5%.
Tours
Stonetown Tours- The Old Stone Town is a World Heritage declared by UNESCO in more than a decade. Spice Plantations Tours-plantations some examples are cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, vanilla, nutmeg, etc.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is safer than most urban places, and most locals are friendly and hospitable. However, normal precautions should be taken to have a relaxing and safe stay in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
2 Paddle Winds
2 Winds is a paddle sports company based in Zanzibar. We offer guided tours and adventures in beautiful lagoons, mangrove forests, and the open ocean by stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and kayak. https://www.paddlesportszanzibar.com/
The Practical Permaculture Institutes Zanzibar is situated in Shakani Unguja Island, Zanzibar, that teaches practical livelihood skills by using the Permaculture approach. PPIZ creates sustainable living environments where people live in harmony with nature. PPIZ offers sustainable skills and practice, which enable us to live in tune with the environment and society in a natural and fair manner.
Dhow Country Music Academy
Dhow Countries Music Academy is the only music school in Zanzibar. We preserve and promote the musical heritage of Zanzibar the “dhow region” which includes countries along the shores of the Indian Ocean and the Arab Gulf such as Zanzibar, Comoros, Oman, Kuwait, Iran, U.A.E, and India. https://zanzibarmusic.org/
Msonge Organic Family Farm
Farm to Table- Dining where the food is produced.
In its purest, most honest form, farm-to-table means the table is actually at the farm, and cooks or chefs prepare and serve the food at the farm (even in the field). This is exactly what Msonge offers. An authentic Swahili meal that is mostly vegan at their 12-acre farm.
Zanzibar International Film Festival
The annual multi-disciplinary arts and cultural festival is ZIFF’s major activity; the festival is an all-arts affair, with 8 days of local and international discussion panels, workshops, 10 days of screenings of the best local and international cinema, and evenings of musical concerts including a Gala each evening. All festival programs are a culmination of the realization of the capacity of film to fuse together the best of each art form, offering a wide range of Entertainment, Educating, and Networking options for world audiences. The festival is arguably the largest multi-disciplinary art and cultural festival in Africa and continues to lead as a tourist attraction event in the region. ZIFF now gives 12 International Awards presented by 5 International Juries. It is estimated that 7000 Western tourists came to Zanzibar to attend the festival and the total festival audience was in excess of 100,000 with wide appeal across race, class, and religions. Its impact on the economy of Zanzibar is unquestionable.
For more details on trips, tours, sights, etc. contact partnership@ccazanzibar.com
