Karibu ndani tafadhali!
Zanzibar conjures up exotic images of dhows, lateen sails set against
a dawn sky, whitewashed Arab houses embracing an azure sea and tall palm
trees swaying on a warm tropical breeze redolent with the aroma of
cloves and frangipani. The reality is satisfyingly similar and Zanzibar
continues to luxuriate in its reputation as a tropical idyll latent with
romance. Yet, how different is the chequered history of this island
which reveals a far from tranquil story.
Spectrum Guide to Tanzania, Camerapix, 1992
Upon arrival on Zanzibar island you will realize that this is where you
wanted to be in the first place. As if an inner voice has been calling
you all the time - "please come in, please come in". If romantic
sunsets, palm fringed beaches, snow-white sands and azure blue waters is
your idea of an idyllic setting, then Zanzibar is the place to be. This
history-filled island, some 37 kilometers off mainland Tanzania, is
bound to charm you. Once the epicenter of slave trading in the 17th and
18th centuries, Zanzibar is now better known for its spices, of which
cloves and cardamom are just some of the samples on offer.
Laid-back in atmosphere, there are plenty to do for the adventure
traveler. Top on the list would be scuba diving, followed by scuba
diving, and in third place scuba diving. Plenty of reefs to dive, with
excellent viz, will make the scuba diver feel they have arrived at the
pearly gates. Non-divers need not worry, as fourth on the list is
snorkeling. Or take up a scuba diving course at one of the resorts (if
you can't beat them, join them). If however you wish to skip the first
four options on the to-do list, there is plenty of other water sport
available at the resorts, such as windsurfing, kite-boarding, fishing
and other.
Zanzibar is not only about the diving and water sport though. One would
also want to learn more about the slave trading days, with plenty of
examples around to remind you of those dark days. Another would be
architecture - with the strong Asian and Arab influence on the Swahili
culture of the islanders, not forgetting the Portuguese's nearly 200
year reign, strong in existence. A walk about Stone Town, will make you
look at doors with new eyes. And whilst you're at it, you can also see
if you can find the house where Freddy Mercury was born and raised in.
The fertile soils of this tropical refuge are replete with nutmeg, lemon
grass, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon - and the omni-present clove
which earned Zanzibar its soubriquet, the Spice Island. Although the
clove arrived late to the islands (it wasn't introduced until 1818),
today the Zanzibar and neighboring Pemba Island supply seventy-five
percent of the world's crop. An organized tour which stops to see, smell
and taste the tropical fruits and spices is probably the most practical
way to tour the plantations.
Whilst we're talking about eating - have you ever thought what influence
all these spices, as well as the cooking traditions of the Asians, Arabs
and ultimately the Swahili's, would have on the food? With a vast choice
of predominantly seafood, you will not be disappointed with the culinary
skills of the islanders of Zanzibar. It is all healthy though, so the
ladies need not worry about putting on weight. Besides, with all the
scuba diving and snorkeling, you'll need the extra energy.
For some examples of what to expect from Zanzibar,
click here.