Welcome to Zanzibar
Once an important and flourishing trade centre, Zanzibar has lured visitors for centuries, from the Arabs and Chinese to the Dutch and Egyptians. It was the centre of trade for slaves, ivory and spices, and the British, German and French all fought for its ownership. It was ruled by the Portuguese, Omani and British until it joined the mainland Tanganyika in 1964 to create the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar today is a reflection of its past with 1.3 million residents and a government representing its diversity of African, Arab and Indian people.
Zanzibar
A mere 23 miles from mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar is a beautiful archipelago off the coast of East Africa. Renowned for its white-sand beaches and pristine turquoise waters, it’s a sought-after tourist destination that has long enjoyed political and economic stability. Comprising Zanzibar, Pemba and a number of smaller islands, the archipelago is a destination for fishing, sailing, snorkelling and swimming.
Known for its welcoming “hakuna matata” culture, Zanzibar is a peaceful and tranquil island in a stunningly idyllic setting. Its stable political environment and strong focus on foreign investment have made it a safe haven for international investors. And its welcoming and relaxed environment, coupled with its vacation season stretching to 10 months a year, have positioned it as an ideal place to live, work and play.
Dining is a reflection of Zanzibar’s history with African, Arab, European and Indian influences in everything from street food at Forodhani Gardens market to beachfront fine-dining. Welcoming and one-of-a-kind, Zanzibar offers an appealing mix of natural beauty, rich history and cultural diversity.
Kizimkazi
Found on the island’s southernmost tip, Kizimkazi is less developed and quieter than Tanzania’s popular beach destinations, yet less than 40 miles from the airport and Zanzibar Town. Unlike the east and north coasts, Kizimkazi has no major fringing reefs; its deep, clear waters welcome bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales in season.
The city was Zanzibar’s first permanent settlement, and its once walled centre is home to the first mosque in the southern hemisphere, built by the Yemenis in the 12th century. Kizimkazi remains an active fishing village, and its distinct culture and dialect set it apart from the island’s other regions. The village is set to be the island’s next up-and-coming destination thanks to the attention brought by Samia Suluhu Hassan, a Kizimkazi native and Tanzania’s current president.
