Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the name of a Tanzanian province that consists of two islands: Unguja (known as Zanzibar), Pemba and a number of smaller islands, some of which are just a coral rock. Zanzibar belongs to Tanzania since 1964. Before that, the island was an independent trading state. For centuries people have visited the island to trade with the inhabitants or capture it. At its peak, halfway through the 19th century, Zanzibar was the capital of the vast Oman Empire and included the whole of the East-African coast. Zanzibar was also an important city during the slave trade. Slaves were sold and forced to work on plantations or shipped to Oman. There is a monument to the slaves in Stone Town.
When people talk about present day Zanzibar they often refer to the image of an exotic paradise: miles of long white beaches with palms and colourful coral reefs. The island is very popular with young married couples who spend their honeymoons here. The island is also a favourite for sun admirers - the climate is pleasant all year round. The popularity is easy to explain: It’s a perfect mix of African charm, the exotic Middle-East atmosphere, beautiful beaches and romantic hotels. On Zanzibar, several spices are cultivated like cloves, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, cinnamon, henna and lemongrass. The island offers a range of excursions, ranging from a spice tour, diving and snorkelling trips to safaris on the mainland of Tanzania and Kenya. Both of these countries are within stone’s throw of each other.
Zanzibars wildlife areas
In Kizimkazi, at the southern tip of the island Unguja, you can watch dolphins. Several bays along the coast are used as breeding grounds by dolphins. Roughly a hundred bottle nose dolphins and fifty white Chinese dolphins have settled permanently here. During excursions you could see as many as twenty to thirty dolphins, though this can not be guaranteed of course. This is a wild dolphin population. You may even have an opportunity to swim with the dolphins; though this takes time and patience. You should never shout to the dolphins or encourage the captain to chase them. If you do decide to go into the water yourself, make sure you do it slowly, and let the dolphins come towards you, instead of you chasing them.
The Mnarami giant tortoise aquarium is located on the north of the island, near Nungwi. There you can find the green and leathery giant turtles in a natural lagoon. Local residents have tried to protect the turtles and have been given help by several international organisations. They have created a large natural tidal pool for the giant turtles.
The Jozani Forest is the last native woodland on the island of Unguja. Some woodland areas have been re-forested; this has resulted in the creation of a magical tropical nature park. It now has the status of a conservation area, with a prospect of soon becoming a National Park. Do you have a passion for wildlife and exotic animals not found anywhere else in the world? Then the Jozani Forest is a place for you to explore. The Kirk’s red Columbus Monkey, the Blue Sykes Monkey, the Ader’s duiker - a rare small antelope species that is now extinct in Kenya - and the Suni Antelope which is even smaller than the Ader’s duiker.
The forest is also habitat for 40 over bird species. If you are a genuine nature lover, then the best time to visit the forest is early in the morning or late afternoon; before the tourists arrive.
Three kilometres out of the Jozani Forest is the Zala Park, a project of a local resident. Here you can see snakes, lizards and chameleons close by. The project was initially started to educate young students and teach them about the Unguja environment.
Pemba
Pemba Island is located eighty kilometres North of Unguja and is the preferred holiday destination for those who want a less touristy sphere. The island is hillier and more densely forested than Unguja. Pemba Island produces nearly 80% of the total world clove harvest. Along the roadside you can see mats on which the cloves are being dried. The whole island carries the distinctive aroma of cloves.
The main reason for visiting Pemba is the sea. The island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and is one of the best diving locations in Africa. The Misali Island is a small Nature Reserve completely surrounded by coral reefs. It is an amazing experience to go diving and snorkelling here. Pemba is also known for its religion which is not much talked of in public: witchcraft. The island is considered one of the largest witchcraft centres in the world. Voodoo practitioners from West-Africa and even South-America frequently visit the island.
Mafia Archipel
The tropical paradise Mafia Archipelago is located near the coast, south of Dar es Salaam and on par with the Rifiji delta. The Archipelago consists of a number of islands: Mafia, Chole, Juani and Jibondo.
Mafia is a prime location for divers, snorkelers and amateur fishers. The coral reefs are situated in a Nature Reserve of more than 820 square kilometres. On the reserve you can find 50 types of coral and 400 piscatorial species. Thanks to the pearly white beaches and the azure blue sea, it is not difficult to imagine yourself being in a tropical paradise.
On Mafia Island, coconuts, cashew nuts, pineapples and cassava are grown.
Mafia Island is less frequently visited compared to the better known islands such as Zanzibar. For nature lovers, there is plenty to explore: several unique species are found here like the Duiker Antelopes, Monkeys, Bush Babies and even a few hippo’s whose ancestors probably washed in during a Rifiji flooding. This Archipelago is also interesting for bird-watchers as there are over 130 bird species to be seen.