A town dwindled in time; is that Zanzibar? A paradise whose beauty is unmarred; is that Zanzibar? A cultural epicenter, is that Zanzibar? To each his own as the saying goes. The scenic and picturesque beaches of Zanzibar, with the local guys fluttering around making a friendly flash; to the modesty of outlandish yet so eccentric towns can be true only to this amazing locale.
Set away from the shoreline of the Tanzanian borders, Zanzibar treasures a cluster of pictorial islands including the Pemba Island, the Zanzibar Island which is referred to as Unguja among the local crowds. The territory of Zanzibar includes some more little islands that together contribute to the enchanting splendors the place has to offer.
Zanzibar is not only a serene destination by its ethereal beauty, but can also be confirmed to be a peace-loving territory. To support the statement, this place makes way into the fact file for having fought the shortest spanned war to happen on these grounds ever to be recorded in history. The battle lasted thirty-eight minutes before surrendering to the rival British force. Wonder, if the troops forgot to carry their arms, mesmerized by the sheer magnificence of the place!
Religiosity and Beyond
The enigmatic mosques in Zanzibar make it clear that the most widely practiced religion over here in Islam. Influences of the Arab and African cultures, gives this place a quaint vibe. The other religions practiced in Zanzibar are Christianity and even Hinduism. The religion of Hinduism is the most widely religion practiced in the Asian country of India. Mixed influences of such varied and diversely rich places is what makes Zanzibar so different from the others.
Zanzibar Soaked in the Enigma of the Bygone Era
Walk through the meandering paths, lively market place, divinity stirred in the air by the presence of some of the most exquisite mosques. The beauty of these structures transcends the boundaries of religion and soaks one in the unanimity of mystical spirituality, regardless of where they come from.
The contrast of the bustling streets against the backdrop of such tranquil structures is what earns Zanzibar a peculiar feel, unparalleled by any other place.
The art of Zanzibar is vivid on the architectural elements. The door of ancient Arab houses feature great aesthetic sense from the way carvings are done on the wooden doors. The art on the door itself is a metaphor into the gateway of Zanzibar’s cultural grandeur.
The Stone City is a UNESCO declared world-heritage site. However, when visiting most people tend to be under the impression of visiting a museum of a place or alike, which should not be how it is. The place is comprised of real people, with real houses that till date mark the grandeur of the past, though in a faded manner. The traces of legacy of the Arabian culture that confluence with the blend of the Africans with added influences of the Indian and Moorish backgrounds; a stroll down the Stone Town can definitely be a melting pot of history, cultures and beyond. The winding streets of Stone Town band in the circles of nostalgia that give the Stone Town its unique feel. With shopping destinations galore and architectural amazement of stemming from the timelessness of the past history; there’s certainly a whole new different life waiting for you out there.
Next is the buzzing market place of the Spice Island was a hub on the spice trail commerce in the past. The spice tour is not just an amazing spectacle but an aromatic journey to the only place where the most priced spice of saffron grows. From passing by the ginger, cardamom, licorice and other exotic plantations, this tour will be remembered for a long time. The dunk of so many aromas against a picturesque old town is definitely very nostalgic.
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiast, is the exciting Jozani forests. Home to the Red Colobus species of monkeys, they make a great host and also your picture-perfect-partner. Not at all camera conscious, the fun with them ends no soon. Coming to the Jozani Forest and not visiting the enticing mangrove forests is a big no-no! Also, the Zanzibar Butterfly Center is a kiddy retreat where kids and adults can spectacle some of the most pretty butterflies. It indeed is a magical experience to see such awfully beautiful butterflies buzzing around.
You can stop, and so can’t Zanzibar with its umpteen options. The House of Wonders and the Arab Fort as well as the Slave Market is an experience of its kind. However, a piece of advice in the areas of Kenyatta and Shangani Road of maintaining a straight NO to many more than keen cab drivers to offer a ride or the many spice tour agents can help you a great deal and can be avoided.
With all the adventure and getting around, it surely is time to hear the cries of the belly. If you’re the cuisine sampler sort and like to go unique on the palette then go ahead and get yourself treated with the local style dining experience at the Forodhani Gardens. With the most inexpensive cuisine delight consisting of tasty crab pincers and calamari steaks, one must definitely savor the specialty of the sugar cane juice over here. After the gulp down session, there are many gift bazaars just down the road. Pick up a souvenir, but remember bargain is a part of the travel spirit. So go ahead and pick your steal deal.
From the share of fun on the land, don’t miss out on the aquatic delights that the picturesque East Beaches have in line to offer. The scuba diving experience is an amazing tete-a-tete with the marine creatures. Take up the Kimikazi Dolphin Tour and be ready to thrill at the amazing sights. The Knedwa Beach is another place of unending fun. Take the traditional dhow ride and experience Zanzibar like never before.
