Zanzibar is a Semi-autonomous part of the United Republic of Tanzania in East Africa.  It is the Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, which comprises two main island, Unguja (Informally referred to as Zanzibar) and its sister island Pemba as well as about fifty smaller islets.  The land area of the two main islands is approximately 2 332 square kilometers of which Unguja is 1 464 square kilometers.  Zanzibar (Unguja) is mainly a low lying island, with its highest point at 120 meters above sea level.

A white sandy beach encircles the island which is full of palm trees and dotted with huge ancient baobab trees.  Long stretches of beaches are found at the East and North Coast of Zanzibar Island.

The Capital of Zanzibar, located on the island of Unguja is Zanzibar Town (also well known as Stone Town) and its historic centre; it is located about 35 kilometers off the coast of mainland Tanzania.

Until 2002 Zanzibar had a population of about 981 754.  In Zanzibar Island of Unguja the total population is about 620 957 and Pemba 360 797.  The population growth is about 2.7% - 3.1% annually, the current population is estimated to be more than 1 200 000.

 The most commonly practiced religion is Islam.  80% of Zanzibar’s population follows the laws of Islam. The remainder is a mix of Hindus and Christians.  Zanzibar’s history was influenced by the Arabs, Persians, Indians, Portuguese, British and the African mainland.

Zanzibar’s local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colourful history.  Zanzibaris speak Kiswahili (but English is also widely spoken), a language which is spoken extensively in East Africa.  Many believe that the purest form is spoken in Zanzibar as it is the birth place of the language.

Zanzibar is a few degrees south of the Equator and enjoys a tropical climate that is largely dominated by the Indian Ocean monsoon.

Zanzibar Town, also well known as Stone Town, is the oldest functioning Town in East Africa.  Stone Town was declared a World Heritage Stine in 2001, is home to a mixture of cultures, architectures and languages.

Over time Stone Town has developed from a small fishing village on the peninsula of Unguja’s west coast to a bustling town rich in history.

Highlights that Stone Town offers is the main City market which was opened in 1904, the Anglican Church of Christ built in 1897, the Sultan’s Palace Museum built in the late 1890’2, the House of Wonders, the Africa House formerly the English Club, Forodhani Park and the Old Fort that was built by Arabs for defense against the Portuguese.

Zanzibar Island offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  The white beaches with the warm turquoise water of the Indian Ocean make Zanzibar a perfect holiday destination.
 Some of Zanzibar Island's best beaches are found on the North Coast and on the East Coast of Zanzibar.

On the North Coast you can stay at Mnarani Beach Cottages or Langi Langi Bungalows, all part of our budget saver packages.  One of the best Resort hotels found on Zanzibar, Diamonds La Gemma Dell 'est is also situated here.  Azanzi Beach Hotel is also located on the Northern part of Zanzibar.

The tour also includes a visit to:

• Kidichi Persian Baths built in 1850 by Seyyid Said bin Sultan for his Persian wife Princess Sheherezade granddaughter of the Shah of Persia.
• Maruhubi Palace Ruins built by the third Sultan of Zanzibar Seyyid Barghash for his concubines.
• Dr Livingstone’s House built in 1860 for Sultan Majid. Dr David Livingstone lived here before commencing his last journey to the mainland interior.

The drive from Stone Town to Kizimkazi a small village to the southern point of the island takes one hour. The surface of the Kizimkazi channel is broken by the skimming arcs of wild bottle-nosed dolphins.

Here you are taken by an outboard engine boat into the sea to see the dolphins, and if lucky you will be able to swim quite close with them, as they are very friendly and playful.
Please note that: the dolphins at Kizimkazi are wild but there is an 85% chance of seeing these mammals.

Snorkeling is also part of this tour (snorkeling equipment can be hired at the site). Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th Century Mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and the return trip includes a visit to this Mosque which still contains the famous Kufic scripts in its walls.

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