Just the mention of the name Zanzibar is enough to tantalise most travellers who conjure up images of pristine beaches and azure Indian Ocean. The stereotype is true but there is there a lot more to Zanzibar than meets the eye. And we can plan your tailormade itinerary to this paradise.
- Beautiful beaches on the northern and eastern coast
- Explore Zanzibar island and its history on a Spice Tour
- Wander the cobbled and charming streets of Stone Town
- Escape to a private paradise on the Satellite Islands
- Feast yourself on seafood & enjoy an array of activities
"The finest place I have known in all of Africa...an illusive place where nothing is as it seems. I am mesmerised." (David Livingstone, 1866)
Zanzibar Island - called Unguja by the locals - is a dream destination. With a troubled and tumultuous history, it is a fascinating part of the world which now enjoys peace and relative prosperity though there is still the odd conflict with mainland Tanzania. And it offers an excellent insight into Arab and African relations over the years with the infamous slave trade having been an integral part of this
'Spice Island'. Thankfully those days are over and Zanzibar is now renowned world-wide for its beauty and beaches.
NB: You can visit Zanzibar on its own or combine it with any other destination in
Tanzania or even
Kenya. We are experts at planning Zanzibar Itineraries so
contact us to tailormake your holiday!
Zanzibar was settled by the Arabs as early as the 9th century and by 1045 the locals had been converted to Islam. They were joined by the Persians some 400 years later though both were ousted by the Portuguese in 1500. The Omani Arabs reclaimed the country by 1700 and they were instrumental in the expansion of the infamous slave trade to work on clove plantations. The British opposed slavery vigorously and by 1873 it was abolished in Zanzibar.
The British exerted more influence and Zanzibar became their protectorate in 1890. Despite the mainland being controlled by the Germans, they ruled peacefully for over 70 years and Zanzibar was largely unaffected by both World Wars.
Tanganyika became independent in 1961 and
Zanzibar followed suit in 1963. A few months later a union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar was formed in 1964, leading to the creation of modern-day
Tanzania.
NB: You can visit Zanzibar on its own or combine it with any other destination in
Tanzania or even
Kenya. We are experts at planning Zanzibar Itineraries so
contact us to tailormake your holiday!
