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Z A N Z I B A R
I S L A N D
Set like a jewel in
tranquil coral waters, only 20 minutes flight or 70 minutes by speed boat
from Dar es Salaam, is one of the world’s most beautiful island –
ZANZIBAR – called ‘UNGUJA’. Its name evokes a romantic past.
Zanzibar has for centuries been a center of attraction for merchants, sea
farers, explorers, fortune hunter, missionaries and invaders. The cultural
heritage of the people of Zanzibar is a reminder of the past left by
Summarians, Assyrians, Hindus, Egyptians, Portuguese, Arabs, Germans,
British, who left their mark on the islands. Kiswahili the local language
is full of Arabic words, Hindu and Portuguese. The Bullfight of Pemba and
the occult Mwaka Kogwa (celebrations of Nairuz Year) in Makunduchi
originate from Portugal and Persian respectively.
The Zanzibar Stone Town is about 150 years old covering an
area of 96 hectares of residence, gardens and bazaar streets. It is
physical evidence of the rich cultural heritage from Arabs, Indians and
Europeans combined with the local African tradition. The Central Market
(1904), the Anglican Church (built on the site of the former slave
market), the old Arab fort, the Palace Museum, the House of Wonders (built
in 1883 by Sultan Bargash) and the Livingstone House. A walk along the
narrow lanes of the Stone Town gives you an opportunity to see some
splendid artifacts like miniature samples of the famous Arab doors and
chests with their studded brass decorations.
The famous spices, such as cardamom, connamon, cloves, black
pepper, nutmeg and many others are grown here. Also to be seen and tasted
are different kinds of tropical fruits such as durian, Zanzibar apples (tufah)
drupes (coconut) rambutans (lychees) and many others, not forgetting rare
plants like the Henna, Perfume tree and Lipstick trees, e.t.c. The spice
tour includes visits to some historical places such as Persian Baths at
Kidichi built in 1850 by the first Sultan of Zanzibar Sayyid Said bin
Sultan, for his Persian wife and Princess Shehzad, grand daughter of the
famous Fateh Ali the then Shah of Persia. You will get the chance to visit
Mangapwani Slave Caves.
The Jozani Forest situated 35 km Southeast of Zanzibar Town
is the only remaining natural
forest in UNGUJA ISLAND. A visit to the forest will give you a very rare
opportunity to see
different species of its flora and fauna. The forest is the refuge of the
Red Columbus Monkey.
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P E M B A I S L
A N D
Lying 40 km to the North-East of Unguja is Pemba or "The Green
Island". The island consists of three main towns: Mkoani, Chake Chake
and Wete. It has many historical monuments which include three ruined
tombs (Ras Mkumbuu), a fort at Chake Chake and the Mkumbuu mosque ruins
The East of the Island are the remains of the late fifteenth century
"MKAMA NDUME" fortress at Pujini. The Island has some of the
best up spoilt beaches and is also very rich in underwater coral gardens.
Misali – a small island on the east Coast of Pemba is unique for
snorkelling and diving. The Pemba Channel is regarded as the best sport
for game fishing . To the Northwest of the Island is the Ngezi Forest
Reserve covering an area of 14 sq km, the only remaining natural forest in
Pemba.
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M A F
I A I S L A N D
Only 40 minutes south of Dar es Salaam, isone of the most exiting big game
fishing and diving locations in the world. The virtually unfinnished
waters of the island, abound with a rich variety of fish of the tremendous
size and weight, many of them being great fighters. Catches include
marlin, sailfish, shark, tunny, kingfish, barracuda, rock cod, dolphin,
horse mackerel, wahoo five fingered jack and fimbo. The main fishing
season is from September to March, although fishing is possible all year
round, inside the reef and channel.
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