Zanzibar (The Spice Island)
Zanzibar is actually an archipelago consisting of two large islands, Unguja(Zanzibar Island)
and Pemba, plus several smaller islets. Zanzibar Island is steeped in
Arabic history and is famous for its exotic spice industry and stunning
white sand beaches. Historic Zanzibar Stone Town has the main port of
Zanzibar and is the main trading center. It is was home to both the
Omani Sultans and colonial administrations as well as the current
leadership. Stone Town is a world heritage site and well worth a visit.
Zanzibar was also the setting for the shortest war in history which
occured in 1896 and lasted just 38 minutes before capitulation to the
British navy. This marked the end of Zanzibar as a sovereign state. There is a central forest (Jozani) with endemic Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkeysand
mangrove swamps teaming with bird life. There is also the opportunity
to swim with dolphins or to go to a butterfly farm. It is possible to
arrange a sunset dhow trip and visits to the smaller islands, and of
course no visit to Zanzibar would be complete without taking a Spice
Tour to learn about the main traditional economy of the island. Scuba
diving is also a big attraction, with good coral reefs around the
island and several PADI-certified dive centres and schools. Sailing and
Yacht Charters are a fantastic way to explore the coastal islands and
Zanzibar.
Pemba Island
Pemba Island
- the northernmost Island of the archipelago. Pemba Island is still the
world's major clove producer, but has now slipped into its more
traditional role of being an Island Paradise with small inter-island
trade. Chake wharf is now mainly used for swimming & fishing. Pemba
was seized by the Sultan of Muscat (now Oman) in the 17th century. He
was so enchanted by the Spice Islands that he installed himself in
Zanzibar and ruled Muscat from there. When the Western Colonial powers
came to East Africa the British forced the Sultanates of Muscat and
Zanzibar to separate and then administered the Spice Islands in the
name of the Sultan.
Mafia Island
Mafia
Island is a paradise for fishermen, divers and water sport
lovers.Bird-watching on Mafia is excellent and very different to the
mainland parks that guests may havevisited.The tidal flats and
mangroves are always alive with coastal and sea birds and there are
many colourful woodland and forest species.Mafia Island with its
idyllic setting and tranquil milieu, the island of Mafia, once an
important trading center between the11th and 13th centuries, now draws
tourists to its extraodinary coral formations and marine park. The
waters of the island are splendid for swimmimg, snoerkelling, scuba
diving, sailing and sport fishing.
Bagamoyo
Bagamoyo, 45
miles north of Dar es Salaam, is an important cultural heritage site
for Tanzania. Famous for its slave and ivory trade, Bagamoyo was also
the first capital of Tanzania under German Colonial rule until it
shifted in 1892 to Dar es Salaam. An International Conference was
organized by scholars and conservationists who are proponents of the
idea that that the coastal town should be declared a World Heritage
Site of global importance. The conference, under the chairmanship of
Prof.Wilbard Kombe of the University College of Lands and Architectural
Studies in Tanzania, took place September 9-12, 2002 in Bagamoyo.
Rufiji River
The
largest river in Tanzania with its spectacular array of plants and
animals can be devided into four distinct parts. Starting up river
where rivers like the Luwegu and Kilombero (Ulanga) form to become the
Rufiji River at the Shuguli falls. Then flowing North- East through the
Selous Game Reserve to be joined by the Ruaha River, entering its
second part when entering the Stieglers Gorge. Here the Rufiji River
makes his path through a 8 km narrow canyon, only approximatly 100
metres wide. In this gorge the river heads down over rapids known as
"Pangani Rapids", Conman´s Foil and Ropeway Rapids.Finally flowing out
into a wide area where it splits into many different channels and lakes
known as Lake Tagalala, Lake Manze, Lake Nzelekela, Lake Siwandu and
Lake Mzizimia, the actual photographic tourist game viewing area within
the Selous Game Reserve.