Set like a jewel in the warm and tranquil coral waters of the Indian Ocean, 15 minutes flight from Dar es Salaam and slightly more or less than an hour from Arusha, are the legendary islands of spices, fragrances, flowers, and fruits so-called Zanzibar.
To the shores of these islands came Sumerians, Assyrians, Hindus, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Arabians, Chinese, Malaysians, and the Portuguese, all sailing in on Monsoon winds. From these shores, the great European explorers Burton, Speke, Livingstone, Krapf, Rebman, and Grant set out on their voyages of discovery into the East and Central African hinterland.
The different peoples from all corners of the world that had visited and settled in Zanzibar over the centuries have left a lasting imprint on the island’s culture and architecture. Zanzibar is the birthplace of the fascinating “Swahili” culture with its elegant architecture full of balconies, courtyards, ornately hand-carved doors, and mosques. The winding narrow streets, the House of Wonders, Tip Tip House (notorious slave merchant), and the Palace Museum are just some vivid reminders of the Islands’ long and colourful history. Stone Town is a travel into history it is a must tour for visitors to Zanzibar and Stone Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
