The principal grouping of attractions on Zanzibar are: coastal tourism, terrestrial wildlife, dhow cruising and spice tours. Stone Town. View of Stone town. Coastal tourism. A beach on Zanzibar. Spice Tour. The town is famous for its spice tours. Jozani forest and Kidike Root Site. What could be more enduringly romantic than to spend your holiday in a pristine sandy beach on the mystical spice Island of Zanzibar.
If you are wondering is Zanzibar safe, rest assured: the island is extremely safe for tourists. As tourism is the primary source of income in Zanzibar, the local authorities take the safety of tourists very seriously. While the island itself is very safe, it is nevertheless prudent to exercise caution while sailing around Zanzibar as there can be pirates lurking in the waters.
However, on your sailing excursion with Enchanting Travels, worry not! Our local guides are well-versed in the local terrain and keep in constant contact with both the authorities and local people to ensure that you are always safe.
Being a predominantly Islamic region, Zanzibaris are conservative in their clothing. While vacationing in the islands, we recommend that you dress modestly, especially while traveling in remote areas. Ensure that your knees and shoulders are covered, and avoid wearing short skirts and pants. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. Exercise caution especially when you visit religious institutions.
Avoid crowded areas and religious demonstrations especially in and around Stone Town on Fridays. Compared to the rest of Tanzania, risk of contracting Malaria is much lower in Zanzibar Island. However, it is still prudent to consult a doctor before your visit and receive proper advice on vaccinations and preventive medication.
Avoid drinking tap water at all costs! Most of the drinking water in Zanzibar is imported from the mainland and tap water is not safe to drink. Be careful with fruits and food that are sold on the street – if you have a sensitive stomach, avoid these altogether! Your comfort and safety are our topmost priorities. Our Travel Consultants are happy to answer all your questions about safety in Zanzibar. During your trip, your local guide is happy to help you and your Trip Coordinator is available around the clock to assist you.
ZANZIBAR SITES
Zanzibar’s rich heritage of culture, defined as Swahili, meaning “coastal”, is a blend of influences from the African mainland and the nations bordered by the Indian Ocean all the way to China.
Influences range from the early settlers from Africa’s interior to early sea-faring Assyrians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, to later day Persians, Omanis, Indians, Chinese, Portuguese and the English.
TOWNS
Stone Town
This town is also known as Mji Mkongwe (Swahili for “old town”). It is the old part of Zanzibar City, the main city of Zanzibar, in Tanzania. The newer portion of the city is known as Ng’ambo, Swahili for ‘the other side’.
Stone Town is located on the western coast of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Former capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate, and flourishing centre of the spice trade as well as the slave trade in the 19th century, it retained its importance as the main city of Zanzibar during the period of the British protectorate.
When Tanganyika and Zanzibar joined each other to form the United Republic of Tanzania, Zanzibar kept a semi-autonomous status, with Stone Town as its local government seat.
Stone Town is a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa. Its architecture, mostly dating back to the 19th century, reflects the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture, giving a unique mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements. For this reason, the town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Due to its heritage, Stone Town is also a major visitor attraction in Tanzania, and a large part of its economy depends on tourism-related activities.
