 Zanzibar
Marco Polo’s explorations
led him to discover Zanzibar in
the 11th century. This idyllic
Indian Ocean Island is easily
accessed by air from Dar es Salaam.
If you are not yet fond of seafood
then Zanzibar will be the place
to turn you into a seafood fanatic,
since the many fine restaurants
on the island serve up ocean delicacies
that melt in the mouth.
Zanzibar is unique in so many
ways. It is one of the worlds
largest producers of spices, it
is the only place in the world
where you can find the Kirk’s
Red Colobus monkey, it is the
birthplace of the rock group Queen’s
late lead singer Freddie Mercury
- and the island had the first
steam locomotive in East Africa.
There are no large animals on
Zanzibar yet bush pigs, small
antelope, a variety of birdlife
and many large butterflies inhabit
the islands. The marine life is
diverse and is the main attraction
for divers, snorklers and fishermen.
Zanzibar’ Stone
Town
If you are interested in exploring
the rich local culture and history,
it is worth visiting ancient and
historic Stone Town. A strong
Indian influence in Stone Town
can be seen in the 500 or more
magnificently carved wooden doors.
It is believed that this is the
largest collection on the east
coast of Africa Doors with the
most elaborate adornment was a
reflection of the affluence of
the folk that lived in that home.
Many hours can be spent exploring
the bustling bazaars and meandering
streets of the town which has
changed very little in the last
200 years. It was recently declared
a World Heritage Site.
 Pemba
Pemba is undoubtedly the best
destination for scuba divers with
its coral gardens and tropical
fish. Considered one of the oldest
settlements in East Africa, Pemba
hosts some of the oldest ruins
of the archipelago, with ruins
of ancient mosques, tombs, palaces
and other evidence of human settlements
dating back to the 6th century.
With much of the forest on the
island now conserved within a
reserve, the rarely seen Pemba
Flying Fox bat is protected and
is one of the largest in the world
with a wing span of over 5 feet.
Mafia Island
For deep sea fishermen, scuba
divers and snorklers, Mafia Island
is a dream vacation destination.
It is not unusual to see giant
turtles laying their eggs on Mafia’s
white sandy beaches. Chole Bay
forms part of a marine park with
an unbroken reef that follows
the entire coast of Mafia Island.
Birding on the island is excellent.
A variety of coastal, sea, woodland
and forest species of birds provide
enjoyment for all visitors.
Visits to a local coconut plantation,
traditional boat building yard
or one of the archaeological sites
on the island provide a varied
experience, proof that the island
is more than just beach and sunshine.
Access to the island is by air
from Dar es Salaam, Selous Game
Reserve or Zanzibar.
Mnemba Island
Mnemba (Arabic: Octopus) is an
exclusive resort island a short
15 minutes boat ride north east
of Zanzibar, protected by a lagoon
with miles of coral reefs rich
in tropical fish. This is indeed
a magical place and true paradise,
with no snakes, mosquitoes, scorpions
or rats -- only white butterflies
in the forest, dolphins in the
lagoon, starfish and other colored
ocean creatures beneath the water
and a sandy beach washed by phosphorescent
waves. It is not surprising then
that celebrities from around the
world frequent the island from
time to time. |
