About Zanzibar
The First inhabitants in Zanzibar were referred to as Swahili people. They thrive in
the island through trading various items across the Indian Ocean like ivory,
gold and cloth. The Swahilis also constructed stone houses. The Portuguese were the first European settlers to discover the island of Zanzibar. They arrived in the late fifteenth century, and their only interest is to keep Zanzibar from the prying eyes of their enemies. The arrival of Portuguese has a significant influence to the culture of the Swahilis. They introduced bullfighting to Pemba Island and they were also responsible for enriching the Swalihi language with a few Portuguese words, such as Meza (table), Pese (money), Mvinyo (wine). Up to this day, these words are still being used in the Kishwahili language which goes to show how far-reaching the influence of the Portuguese settlers to the early inhabitants of the island. The Omani Arabs, meanwhile, were considered as the chief among trade visitors in Zanzibar. The Arabs successfully developed what is hailed as the strongest navy in the Indian Ocean, which later became the hub of a thriving sea-trading empire. The Oman sultans have amassed their wealth through slave trading expeditions, where slaves from Africa were sold either as plantation workers or household servants in the Persian Gulf. Zanzibar became the trading point of slaves from the African interior who were trapped in the island as they wait for ships which will transport them to the North. By 1828, Oman’s most influential and power ruler, Sultan Seyyid Said, arrived at the island. The moment he set foot on Zanzibar he was instantly captivated and mesmerized by its beauty. Said decided to move his household to the island in 1840 and consequently declared Zanzibar as his empire. |
However, the reign of Sultan Said did not last that long because the British put
an end to this great empire in 1890. British settlers successfully annihilated
the African slave trading.
Zanzibar is a unique coral island lying in the Indian Ocean a short distance from Tanzania. With Pemba, and about 50 other islands, Zanzibar originally was an independent country until 1964 when it was united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania under President Julius Nyerere. Presently it has its own President and a degree of autonomy Zanzibar and attractions Known as one of the most enticing places in the coast of East Africa,
Zanzibar continues to gain popularity as an ideal vacation destination. The town
and island of Zanzibar boasts off its colorful past and well-preserved culture.
It features some of the best and untouched beaches in the world. Zanzibar is not just a great place to unwind after a tiring and dusty but
rewarding Safari to the Tanzanian safari but it is a great
stand-alone vacation destination on its own. More and more
international visitors are now coming to see the island with its beauty,smiles and hospitality from local people . Zanzibar is an archipelago comprised of several islets and two primary islands – Pemba and Unguja (the informal name used to refer to the main Island, Zanzibar). Between the two islands, Unguja receives the most visitors, tdue to its sandy, white beaches and the historic Stone Town, Pemba Island also has its own charm. It features the best diving opportunities in the area and considered as the ideal destinations for adventurous guests who like traversing off-beaten paths , the evergreen lush, butterflies and birds are scattered here and there .
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