Introducing Zanzibar (Unguja)
Whether you’re arriving for the first time or the fiftieth, Zanzibar never seems to lose its touch of the exotic. After two wind-buffeted and salt-sprayed hours on the ferry (or 20 smooth minutes in a plane), the waters calm and turn turquoise as Stone Town’s skyline slides into view. The spires of St Joseph’s Cathedral, Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort, a jumble of rooftops and then the harbour itself – an earthy, timeless mix of grime, touts, dockyard workers and ships. And then, after negotiating passport controls and taxis, you’re there, walking through cobbled alleyways, past women clad in bui-bui, small shops smelling of spices, children playing ball, elderly men dressed in kanzu and kofia playing bao and chatting. Ancient Persia mixes with the old Omani sultanate and India’s Goan coast. Mainland life seems far away as island rhythms take over and (once again) you’re hooked.
Advertisement
Most visitors arrive at Zanzibar Town, the island’s hub. At its heart is the old Stone Town, with its labyrinthine alleyways and architecture. Within easy reach of here is a fine collection of powdery white beaches fringed by coconut palms and sun-baked villages and lapped by the turquoise sea.
Last updated: Feb 26, 2010
Tips & articles
-
10 places of myth and legend
21 February 2011
Even though we can get to the other side of the world in less than a day, there are still...
-
Tanzania: travel books to read before you go
14 October 2010
This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Tanzania guide provides a selection of travel literature to get you in the mood for your...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: Yellow Fever Tanzania / Zanzibar - current requirements?
by nutraxfornerves 28 May 2012
You do not need a yellow fever shot for your own protection. However, Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole have been pretty erratic about…
-
RE: Yellow Fever Tanzania / Zanzibar - current requirements?
by aur0rascopic 28 May 2012
Just to bring this topic up again. I'm confused I went to my GP and they said I don't need yellow fever shot for Zanzibar. Now, we'…
-
share safari vehicle for southern tanzania second half september
by koelan 28 May 2012
Hi, We, a couple of 35 and 28, will touch down in Dar es Salaam September 15th 2012. We are both Belgians, mothertongue being Dutch,…
