Why is Zanzibar worth visiting? : Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago, an area with some autonomy, is a well-known vacation spot. As a group of seven islands, they are also known as the “Spice Islands” because of their strategic value in the old Arab trade in spices. There are numerous reasons to visit this stunning location, but the largest island, Unguja, is what most people refer to as Zanzibar. Some of the reason of why is it worth visiting the Zanzibar Island includes:
Beaches
An unwavering tropical temperature, clean sandy beaches, as well as famous snorkeling and diving opportunities with the highly sought-after coral gardens, surround and cover Zanzibar Island. In general, there is a distinct island atmosphere with warm, calm waters and even pods of dolphins in the distance.
Multicultural Island
Zanzibar city on Unguja Island have a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere making it one of the best place to visit especially if you’re more interested in cultural tours. This comprises distinctive architectural influences from Arabic, India, Europe, and Africa coming together in one place. The majority of people in Zanzibar are Muslims (around 90%). (We call it an Islamic country). However, a variety of ethnic and cultural influences, including Persian, Arab, and African, can be found among Zanzibar’s population.
Go on a spice tour to learn more about the culture and to sample and appreciate the local cuisine as well as interact with the populace. An excellent way to learn about the lives and customs of the inhabitants, including fishing, which is essential to their sustainability, is to take a village tour.
It is an island chain with many unique islands.
Zanzibar is not a single island; rather, it is a chain of islands, each of which is distinct due to its own characteristics and offers something special to visitors. Some of the other many islands found in Zanzibar includes:
Prison Island: In reference to its terrible past, Prison Island is also known as Changuu Island. It is currently a serene tourist destination, a marine conservation area, and the habitat of giant tortoises.
Chumbe Island: Visitors can witness the uncommon Adder’s duiker, turtles, whales, and the threatened coconut crabs on Chumbe Island, which has been designated a marine protected area.
Pemba Island: Although Pemba Island is undoubtedly a less well-known travel destination, it features excellent diving opportunities and coral reefs. You should also pay a visit to the flying fox sanctuary while there.
Mafia Island: Mafia Island is a destination for nature enthusiasts, with lovely trails to explore and excellent scuba diving opportunities. We recommend visiting the historic ruins of the 15th-century mosque there.
Unguja Island: The largest island, Unguja, is home to magnificent beaches as well as a number of cultural landmarks, such as the old Sultan’s Palace, the elaborately designed Malindi Mosque from the fifteenth century, the Hamamni Persian Baths, and the old town area.
Don’t miss the Old Fort, Stone Town’s oldest free-standing building, as you get lost in the maze-like lanes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site old town. For those with a sense of adventure, there are also the enchanted caves of Jambiani, such as the Kuumbi cave, which exhibits ancient wall murals from people who lived at least 18,000–20,000 years ago. About 250,000 years ago, when Zanzibar was still connected to mainland Tanzania, the limestone caves were developed.
Perhaps one can envisage a long-forgotten utopia where ancient tribal peoples met, traded, and mated around freshwater rivers and pools discovered inside the caverns. In fact, animal skeletons have been discovered in the caverns with marks that were probably made by human tools or weapons, offering a glimpse of the sophisticated civilization that once presided in these parts. A swim in the Kuza cave is highly recommended; it’s like swimming in a time-frozen jewel box.
