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Zanzibar - A Magnet for Adventurers, Men-of God, Explorers and
Conquerors
By Andrew Muigai
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Those who have not been to Zanzibar will be surprised
that despite its big name, it is only a small part of Tanzania.
Zanzibar encompasses the main island of Ugunja, its twin Pemba and
several small islets. A shallow channel 37km across at the nearest
point separates it from the African mainland. As the crow flies,
it is 73 km from Dar es Salaam and 219 km from Mombasa in Kenya.
Zanzibar is referred to as the Spice Islands with good reason. The
fragrant scents of cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and vanilla hung in
the warm tropical air. To this day sailors claim that they can recognise
the aroma of the islands even when far out at sea. Surely, not even
die-hard fans of the Spice Girls can claim anything similar. But
the spice business is relatively recent, less than 200 years old.
It is the fascinating history of the islands that evokes the image
of magic and romance in the minds of visitors.
The charms of Zanzibar have at one time or another lured a vast
array of adventurers, men-of God, explorers, traders and conquerors.
The diligent time traveler will sight footprints of Bantu Africans,
Phoenicians, Persians, Assyrians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Chinese,
Indians, Malays, Portuguese, English, Dutch and Omani Arabs. That
is why a visit to Zanzibar leaves a much more lasting impression
than your usual island destination.
The first people to settle on the islands were Bantu Africans from
the continental mainland. The assistance of the trade winds eventually
brought in Shirazi Persians and Omani Arabs from about AD 700. Then
commencing early sixteenth century, the Portuguese dominated the
East African coast including Zanzibar for nearly 200 years. Sensing
the decline of Portugal as a world power Omani Arabs invaded and
subdued the Islands. The Omani Sultan was so excited about the prospects
of riches from the Islands that he actually relocated here. The
magnet was ivory and slaves.
The slave business was thoroughly unwholesome as you can well imagine.
Zanzibar was the transit market of slaves coming over from raids
in the interior. David Livingstone, the missionary and explorer
had traveled extensively in the interior and was greatly offended
by the practice and impact of the slave trade. This man-of-God managed
to provoke liberal opinion in Britain, which led to action by the
Royal Navy. For the sake of humanity, Zanzibar became a British
Protectorate in 1890. And for the sake of smooth administration,
power was finally transferred to the gentle hands of the King of
England in 1913.
As a modern day explorer, Zanzibar welcomes you to peek at the rich
heritage whose testimony is in the architecture and culture of its
people. The cultural heart of Zanzibar is Stone Town, which is little
touched by the hand of time. It is here that the association with
"a thousand and one nights" comes alive. You will find narrow winding
streets, bazaars, mosques, fortresses and a Persian style public
bathhouse.
There are also palaces and grand houses whose magnificent proportions
and extravagant decor does justice to the term "oriental splendour".
Remember to pay homage to Dr. Livingstone by visiting the house
named after him - where he stayed for 3 months in 1866. The Cathedral
Church of Christ, on the site of the open slave market, is of historical
interest and for the devout is the appropriate place to pray for
the souls of those who perished in the slave trade.
For an all-in view of Zanzibar, a "Spice Tour" is recommended. This
will include ruins of palaces and ancient mosques', a Sultans harem,
the Mangapwani slave caves and of course the spice plantations after
which Zanzibar takes its trade name. Nature lovers may also want
to take in Jozani Forest located 35 km from the city. This area
of thick forest is one of the few remaining sanctuaries of the red
colobus monkey.
Zanzibar is after all an island and the usual delights of a beach
destination are available. Break your sight seeing by relaxing at
the brilliant white beaches and soak in the warm waters of the Indian
Ocean. The choice for Zanzibar hotels and resorts is wide ranging.
There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing and watersports.
Pemba Island has its own unique attractions and snorkeling and scuba
diving are particularly good here. The Pemba channel across from
the main island is reputed to have some of the best game fishing
anywhere in the world.
Mnemba Island, off the north coast of the main island is very exclusive.
Condé Nast Traveller has picked it as one of the three most romantic
ocean destinations in the world. That super model Naomi Campbell
and her beautiful friends have been here is proof enough for me.
I also think the earlier Sultan's would be much pleased to know
that the Sultan of Software, Bill Gates has been on holiday in this
very island.
To further enhance your experience in this part of the world consider
making Zanzibar your base to partake of a Tanzania safari or scale
mighty Kilimanjaro. You will be following in the footsteps of David
Livingstone and the earlier explorers who used Zanzibar as their
base for expeditions to the African mainland.
Zanzibar has two main festivals of interest to visitors: the Zanzibar
Cultural Festival and The Zanzibar International Film Festival.
The cultural festival is held in the July-August period and is marked
with taarab traditional music and dance and display of arts and
crafts. It also includes street carnivals, canoe races, bull fighting
and fairs. Participants come from as far away as Germany and China
though most are from Zanzibar itself and nearby countries.
The film festival celebrates the culture of the "Dhow Countries"
and is staged in the first week of July. I can inform the curious
that the countries enjoined here include those on the eastern seaboard
of the African continent, India, Pakistan, the Gulf states, Iran
and the Indian Ocean. Participants come from the world over. The
heart of the event is the screening of competition and non-competition
events. Other activities associated with the festival are dance
and music performance, workshops and exhibitions on the culture
of the Dhow countries.
Zanzibar is a hot and humid place, tempered only by sea breezes.
The wettest period is April and May with a shorter and lighter wet
season in November. The mean minimum and maximum temperatures are
between 30 and 33 degrees centigrade. December to March is hot and
dry while June to October is the period when it is coolest and driest.
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Copyright
© Africa Point
Author
Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter.
You can view more info on Tanzania safari and tours at the website.
Disclaimer:
Africa Travel has done its utmost to ensure that the information
on this web site is as accurate and current as possible. The information
is provided 'as is' and Africa Travel will not accept responsibility
for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting
from the information on this website. Please verify crucial information
like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation with the
relevant authorities before you travel.
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