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Zanzibar: An island full of enchantments

Sun, Aug 1, 2010

Africa



In the world, there are many islands that offer breathtaking scenes and draws tourists from all over the world. Just to revitalize you, there is an island, which lies of the coast of Tanzania and is known as Zanzibar. Whenever you plan for your next vacation think once and mark it on your vacation destinations list, as the island is among the most beautiful destinations in the world. Zanzibar boasts a pleasant atmosphere that is simply romantic and you time spent there would be full of pleasure and serenity.

Zanzibar is actually a semi-autonomous division of the United Republic of Tanzania that lies in East Africa. It is an archipelago that is located in the Indian Ocean at a distance of 25-50 kilometres off the coast of mainland. It also includes many small islands as well as two large ones – Unguja, which is the main island casually referred to as Zanzibar and the other is Pemba. It is a low-lying area that covers 2,461 square kilometres with the highest point elevates at 120 meters. The island is typified by the fringing coral reefs, beautiful sandy beaches, and the magic of the historic Stone Town that is said to the only still functioning ancient town located in East Africa.

Zanzibar island Tanzania

Well, when the island is a pride attraction of the Indian Ocean, you can expect lots of water and beautiful sights around and make yourself happy. Besides this, the coral reefs, which encircles the East Coast are affluent in the marine diversity and makes the place an ideal spot for those who love snorkeling as well as scuba diving. In fact, the island offers ideal weather for almost every months of the year. The heat of summer becomes cool due to the windy conditions, making the weather pleasant and ultimately results in sea breezes. The island also boasts flora and fauna that raises the beauty of it.

Unguja, which is the main island of Zanzibar, has great fauna that reflects its links to the African mainland. It was during the time of last ice age. At the site, you can see and get fascinated the endemic mammals like Zanzibar red colobus, which is among the rarest primates in Africa. Today, there might be some 1,500 Zanzibar red colobus left. The mammal is isolated on the entire island for nearly 1,000 years and is known as a distinct species with different coat patterns. Apart from this mammal, the other rare animals in the island include Zanzibar leopard that is critically endangered and possibly extinct; and also the newly depicted Zanzibar servaline genet.

Unguja

When you are in Zanzibar, you are bound to explore the Spice Island. Centuries ago, the Spice Island was a significant stop in the Spice Trade. Take a spice tour that will cost some $10 to $15 and you could explore every corner of the island. Besides this, the Jozani Forest is the place where you should make a visit. The forest offers excellent nature trails and highlights some very exotic trees. At the site, you will be even more excited to see the Red Colobus Monkeys, as the forest is their home. To enter the forest, you need to pay the entry fee that will cost $8. With this, the mangrove forest is the other option, which you could try.

Jozani Forest

The island boasts many historical structures and buildings that could be found in Stone Town. Explore the House of Wonders and the Arab Fort that are really enchanting. Take a walking tour with a local guide and enjoy the place as much as you can. The Stone Town also boasts a large market where you can visit and buy some of the things for you and for your loved ones. The elephant garlic in this market is very famous and unique. Here you can also find the largest avocadoes that you might have ever seen anywhere else. The market is among the largest in the island and is actually an open-air market. Buy anything on reasonable prices.

House of Wonders

The beaches are the famous spots for scuba diving and snorkeling. So give a try to these activities and make your vacation memorable. The Kimikazi Dolphin Tour offers a ride from the Stone Town to the Kimikazi village with some $25 to $35. Few hours’ boat tour will make you completely enthralled that include snorkeling, chasing dolphins, nap on the beach, local lunch, and an optional tour that will take you to the Jozani Forest. Besides this, you can also arrange for a ride on a wooden boat that is actually known as the local’s dhow. While riding, simply sit and go on staring at the water for hours and feel your beautiful dreams coming true.

Scuba diving

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