Zanzibar :: overview

The name Zanzibar means "Land of Blacks" and originates from the Arabic words "Zinj" meaning black and "barr" meaning land.  Lying off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean about 72km north from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar (Unguja) is the undiscovered jewel on the African Coast.   Zanzibar (Unguja) is 85km long, 40km wide and 1464 square kilometres.  With its mix of unspoilt beaches, aquamarine, warm seas, incredible culture and fascinating history; it is definitely not a place to be missed.

 

The Island of Zanzibar consists of two main islands, Pemba and Unguja with some 50 smaller islands surrounding the archipelago. Unguja is the main and most developed island. Many people refer to Unguja as Zanzibar and that’s what we will do as well. The population of Zanzibar is about 800,000 people, of which 150,000 are found on Pemba. The majority of people inhabit Stone Town (which is the "capital" of Zanzibar). Many of the rural people prefer the fertile Northern section of the island, whilst the East Coast has coral rag, and provides the most spectacular beaches and holiday destinations.

 

Zanzibar is not a very big island and you can tour the whole Island in a day. On the other hand, there is so much atmosphere and culture to absorb, that you could also take months to explore the island.

 

Whether looking for a few days on the beach or an intense traveller’s itinerary, it would be very difficult not to have a good time on Zanzibar.