Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast and is 60 miles long by 20 miles wide.  It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.

Click on map to enlarge

On the coast of Jambiani the town we stayed in for three days.  Notice the colour of the Indian Ocean.

Spice Plantations The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, and  our tour included opportunities to dazzle our senses with fresh spices. A detailed description is given about a variety of spices, and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. We were fascinated by the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. This is also the cheapest place to purchase spices and spice oils.  I bought some ginger (my favourite spice) and brought it home with me.  We also got to eat some of the fruit and sample spices cut fresh from the tree.  They are all hand-picked and no ladders or machinery are used.  This of course can be dangerous and there was a man who fell out of a tree and died on the Island of Pemba just a day before our spice tour on Zanzibar.

This is our boat we went out snorkeling on.  The ocean is very warm and clear.  We saw many beautiful fish and other sea creatures.

Lots of fruit stands on the island with fresh oranges, lemons and pineapples, which I ate plenty of!

Typical house in Jambiani

A family restaurant

Stone Town - Most Zanzibaris are Sunni Muslims; some follow traditional beliefs, and there are also small numbers of Christians and Hindus. Swahili is predominantly spoken.

Women dress in bright wraps called "Khangas".  Women also use khangas to carry their young children on their backs.  They are also used as tablecloths and decorative wall hangings.