Zanzibar Island is one of the world‘s most beautiful destinations. It is popularly referred to as the – Spice Islands.
Zanzibar, which is only 20 minutes flight from Dar es Salaam, is an archipelago consisting of two main islands. There are Unguja (also referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba, and several other surrounding small islets.
Zanzibar Island of Pemba
Pemba island is located about 80 km from Zanzibar Island (Unguja). It is about the same distance directly east of Tanga on the Tanzanian mainland. With its hilly landscape and altitude not exceeding 100 meters above sea level at its highest point, Pemba Island is by size smaller and a less known destination than Unguja. Named “The Green Island” by the early Arab sailors due to its dense and lush vegetation, Pemba has more natural forests, plantations and grows more cloves than her sister island of Zanzibar (Unguja) to the south.
The interesting point about Pemba is its wealth of natural resources ranging from beaches to mangrove ecosystems to natural forests. The coral reefs surrounding the island protect a massive amount of marine species. Furthermore, it offers some of the best diving spots in the world. While much of the coast is lined with mangroves, there are a few amazing stretches of shoreline. Particularly are interesting attractive offshore islands with pure, clean beaches and interesting bird-life.
The great European explorers Burton, Speke, Livingstone, Krapf, Rebman, and Grant set out on their voyages of discovery. The different races that have settled in Zanzibar over the centuries have left an imprint on the people and the architecture.
Especially important is that Zanzibar is the birthplace of the fascinating Swahili culture. Moreover the Island has an elegant architecture, full of balconies, courtyards, hand-carved doors and mosques.
Zanzibar Island – Popular Excursions
Basically, we arrange different excursions for the guests while in Zanzibar.
Popular excursion is the Zanzibar Stone Town Tour which is literary a travel into history of this old capital of the Omani Sultans. Other excursions will include the old slave caves in Mangapwani, the prison island, ruins of what was the palace of the Sultan Said, the old slave market and many other historical places.
Another excursion is spices plantations in the countryside where a variety of seasonal spices, tropical fruits and medicinal herbs are grown. Specifically detailed description of the spices is given, and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. Guests will be fascinated by the sheer number of spices produced, and by their incredible value for many ailments. This is also the cheapest place to purchase spices and oil extracts.
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