The History of Zanzibar Island

The Zanzibar Island, locally known as Unguja, is a scented paradise full of aroma of locally grown spices such as, cloves, vanilla, peppers, cardamoms and many more. The spices were brought to the island by the Sultan of Oman in 1698 after he banished the Portuguese traders who used the island as a transit port for repairing and refueling their ships, on the way to the long journey to the Far East. Owing to the growth of slave trade in 18th and early 19th century, Zanzibar became an essential location along the Eastern African slave-trading routes. Slaves were taken from as far as Congo, traveled to Bagamoyo, then shipped to Unguja to either work in the cloves and coconut plantation in Unguja and Pemba, or to be shipped to the Middle East and former French colonies of Reunion, Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar, or North America.

The history of the Stone Town (Unguja) goes beyond 19th Century when the island was the most vital trading center in the Indian Ocean. Today the town is an outstanding material manifestation cultural fusion and harmonization. Above all the only remain of early Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa, which maintains its urban fabric and townscape. The evidence can be seen from historical buildings in the heart of town; among them House of Wonders (Bait-el-Ajab), The Palace Museum, Dr. Livingstone’s House, Arab Fort, Maruhubi Ruins, Anglican Cathedral, slave trade market and Malindi Minaret Mosque and narrow arrays.

Excursions on Zanzibar Island, Short Trips on the Spice Island

AAZ 1 - Stone Town Tour
The city of Zanzibar is often referred to as Stone Town because of the coral stone used in the construction of many of the older buildings found along the narrow alleys ways. No visits to this exciting island is complete without a tour of this historic town. The three hour guided tour includes the city market, a century old Anglican Church of Christ, built on the site of the notorious slave trade in 1874; and some of the rooms where slaves were stashed before their sale. The tour also include the National Museum, Forodhani Gardens, the Arab Fort (circa 1700) and some interesting shops found along the narrow streets and walkways. The tour ends at Livingstone.

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AAZ 2 - Evening Stone Town Tour
As a rainbow of colors bounce off the Indian Ocean whilst the sun sinks into the west, the city of Zanzibar comes alive with the call to prayer from the dozens of mosques. Your guide takes you for a leisurely walk through the narrow streets where you will encounter a variety of cultures in the many shops that come to life in the cool of the night.

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AAZ 3 - Jozani Forest
After a drive of half an hour from the city center, spend about two hours walking through the nature trails of this tropical rain forest. The guide will point out some of the interesting vegetation, birds and smaller animals seen along the route.

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AAZ 4 - Prison Island
For a relaxing break from the city, take a native dhow to Changu Island, nicknamed Prison Island because of its use by Arab Slave traders for the confinement of slaves. A side from the 1893 built garrison that still stands, there are giant tortoise on the island. Take this opportunity to swim, snorkel and sun bathe. A full day trip with lunch can also be arranged.

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AAZ 5- Mangapwani Beach and Slave Caves
Arriving by vehicle for lunch, a new facility operated by Serena Hotels provides a tasty lunch under thatched roof overlooking the private cove below. After lunch, stroll along the nature trail to the caves once used by slaves to fetch fresh water for their captors, view local crafts, swim or relax on the sandy beach. Late afternoon transfer back to your hotel.

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AAZ 6 - Spice Garden Tour
This guided tour begins at the Kibweni Palace (Sultan’s Rest House) to view the Persian Baths built in 1850. then on to Kizimbani to visit the spice plantations where there are a variety of spices such as Cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg and naturally cloves. You will also come cross rare plants such as the henna bush, perfume tree and lipstick tree.

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AAZ 7 - North Coast Beach
Transfer to the white sands of Nungwi where you have the day to swim and relax. Lunch is included from a nearby hotel. Visit a craftsman who constructs local dhows.

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AAZ 8 - East Coast Beach
En route is the opportunity to view Dunga Palace Ruins, the last African palace built before the 18th Century rule by Omani Arabs. At the beach in Pongwe, swim, snorkel or just sun bathe. Includes a picnic lunch.

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AAZ 9 - Dolphin Safari (South Beach)
Drive to the village of Fumba on the south coast and board local boats in search of dolphins. The species found in Menai Bay are Spinner and Bottlenose swim alongside these remarkable animals. A guide will assist with snorkeling in the reef. A Swahili barbecue lunch is provided on a desert island and soft beverages are available throughout the day. The afternoon is free for swimming snorkeling and relaxing on the island before sailing back to the mainland.

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AAZ 17 - Swahili Cultural Adventure
Driving to Fuoni on the outskirts of town, begin to feel the excitement of local life. This special tour includes experiencing local cooking, arts and food, products made from small farms, drying of spices, weaving, plus a visit to a Koranic School where young and old study the teaching of Islam. Refreshments are served.

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