If you’re a travel junky and its summer, you’re probably searching for the ideal holiday destination and have a few things in mind. You need a place with culture, heritage, good food, and of course a warm, lovely coast shaded by lush coconut palm trees, including a wide range of beautiful local attractions to check out. Many traveling agencies and brochures boast about extraordinarily luxurious – yet affordable – resorts and unlimited facilities ranging from private guides to hot tubs on balconies. They are persistent in selling you their expertise, but the question remains; where should your next plane land?

Zanzibar, commonly known as the ‘Spice Islands, is an archipelago (an extensive group of islands) located in Tanzania, East Africa. The largest island, snuggled between the coasts of Chumbe and Mnemba, is known as the Swahili Unguja, an attraction flaunting salt-white beaches, some of the prettiest of which are the Nungwi , Kendwa , Kiwengwa ,Matemwe , and Jambiani.

About the Island

Far before the island was famous for its local attraction and became a tourist spot, it excelled in trade. The geography of the island provided the opportunity to build a trade route, while the ideal climate offered the perfect opportunity to irrigate and sell crops as well as other goods to Arabs. Many settlements and colonies were constructed by traders, and slave trade was certainly not uncommon. In fact, by the early 19th century, Zanzibar was central to the slave and ivory trade. It was only when the British intruded in the First World War that this activity ceased.

Although the slave trade has long since been eliminated, much of the island’s economy, to this day, depends on agriculture and trade. Exotic spices, warm climate, a vast ocean attract tourists, and an intricate history adds to the cultural charm of the island that many people travel the world to see.

What does the Island have to Offer?

Located 25 miles off the mainland coast of East Africa, the cool ocean breezes paired with swaying palm trees and pearly white sand provide the most idyllic place for you to relax and unwind after a long year. It’s a world popular honeymoon destination as well as a family vacation getaway.

Much of the Arab’s and British’s influence can be seen in the antique architecture and magnificent buildings. Indeed, even the Indian, Dutch and Portuguese have left hints of their own culture behind, creating an elaborate and fascinating mix of diversity that leaves a sight to behold. A culture junkie would like nothing better than to tour through their Stone Town, declared a UNESCO cultural heritage site in 2000, the historical capital unique in its ancient stone architecture, walls covered with intricate details of excellent craftsmanship, a little village dotted with colorful markets, offering a tour of the site of the ancient slave trades and old sultan palaces, insinuating Oman or Persian legacy.

Museums

One of many is the old market accompanies a museum where 20,000 men, women, and children were sold a year. Throughout the town, many monuments, sightings, and memorials have been immortalized as reminders of humans tortured and sold. However, this has created a historical heritage fit to witness only in person.

It is important to consider that, while it is a world-famous attraction, the island itself is never too crowded, the beauty and peaceful atmosphere remain intact, which helps tourists truly appreciate the vacation and enjoy themselves without feeling the rush and hassle of too large a crowd if they were to visit any other destination. Because the economy primarily relies on agriculture, the vacation is surprisingly affordable.  Due to the tropical climate, the island stays warm all year, but the most popular time to visit is between July and September.

Rich Woven Culture

Apart from annual local festivals, which attract people from all over the world, the island hosts the perfect blend of richly woven culture and a deep antique exuberance, alongside the specialty of being the perfect blend of sand, sea, culture, and food. Furthermore, Unguja Island offers a wide range of activities and tours which ensure a great time for people of all ages and ideas, be it cruising, relaxing, and scuba-diving, etc. If you hold an interest in wildlife, you’ll discover that many of the endangered species in the world are found surrounding this island’s waters.

Water Sports

While the island never lacks in entertainment, the crystal-clear tropical waters are home to the most diverse and beautiful underwater life. Forty of all twelve hundred endangered breeds of dolphins, turtles, and other wildlife reside in these waters. You get to see it all up-close. Several resorts offer training courses and guides to scuba dive, snorkel, swim with dolphins, kayak, jet-ski, water-ski, parasail, and many more marine activities.

Finally!

For Queen’s fans, another aspect of interest is that Freddie Mercury, the lead singer, was born in Zanzibar and the island holds a shrine in his memory. Enjoy breakfast with the locals, indulge in the street-food, watch them prepare and then fill yourself up with their freshest, most delicious seafood delicacies, with the unique names, feel them melt in your mouth. Listen to stories that date centuries back, walk through the streets built hundreds of years ago. Shop in the little bazaars, fill your bags with exceptional local merchandise, handmade items which are incredible to observe