Zanzibar is traditionally part of Tanzania and is composed of an archipelago, with two major islands, Unguja and Pemba, and various smaller islands mostly unknown to tourism.
Zanzibar became part of Tanzania only in 1964 (the continental part was once called Tanganyika), after being a sultanate, a British protectorate and briefly a constitutional monarchy.
Its name derives from the Persian, zanj, a term used to refer to blacks: it has always been at the center of important trade between Africa and Asia, and today it is one of the main centers of Swahili culture, as can be seen from the typical Stone Town architecture , the historical district of the capital Zanzibar City.
Zanzibar also played an important role in the slave trade and was a key step along the spice route, thanks to its production of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, pepper and cloves. In recent years the archipelago has focused heavily on tourism, thanks to the beauty of its pristine beaches and its wild nature.
The climate of Zanzibar is typically tropical, with temperatures always high and a rainy season more abundant between March and June and a less abundant rainy season between October and January.
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What to see
Zanzibar is visited mainly for its beaches and its sea, blue as the water of a swimming pool, transparent and rich in colorful fish. Zanzibar is still a pristine paradise, touched only in part by mass tourism. The best way to get to know its secrets, its culture, its wildest nature, is to rely on a local operator and local guides.
The main island is Unguja, the most touristic and where the capital is located, Zanzibar City, whose Old Quarter, Stone Town, is protected by UNESCO for the beauty of its architecture. In addition to the city, you can also visit the spice plantations with excursions organized by local operators.
Those who love nature can also explore the Jozani forest, which is home to some endemic species. On the other hand, the most beautiful beaches of Unguja lie to the east and north, particularly in the Ras Nungwi area.
The other best known island of the archipelago is Pemba, although less affected by tourism than Unguja. Pemba has the most exuberant vegetation, for example in the Ngezi forest, with few tourist facilities and many unpaved roads. Pemba, located north of Unguja, is appreciated for snorkeling and immersion, thanks to the richness of its seabed. The beaches of Pemba are wild and not very crowded.
The other smaller islands of Zanzibar, including Mafia Island, have remained completely untouched and are inhabited mostly by fishermen.
When to go
Average temperatures are quite high all year round and settle around 25 degrees. From December to February the dry season is encountered, with absent rainfall and temperatures over 30 degrees, as well as from June to October.
From March to May and from November to January there are instead the two rainy seasons, in which the heat recedes, but strong thunderstorms abound.
Zanzibar can be visited all year round, but in general it is advisable to avoid the months of March, April and May which are the wettest.
Nature and wildlife
The fauna of Zanzibar is similar to that of Tanzania, with some differences due to the distance from the coast. But do not expect to go on a safari in Zanzibar: there are no big animals or predators.
The most important endemic species (and endangered) is the red colobus of Zanzibar, a very rare African primate, which lives mainly in the Jozani forest. In Zanzibar there are also the leopard of Zanzibar and the genic servantina of Zanzibar.
On the island of Pemba you'll find the flying fox of Pemba. In the forests then there are owls, mongooses, monkeys and antelopes. Zanzibar has plenty of bird species, butterflies and submarine animals.
Take a look at Zanzibar beautiful landscapes in the following gallery:
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