Zanzibar is an island about 37 kilometers off the East African Coasts. Its very name evokes romatic associations- the smell of spices, images of narrow streets. Arab chests, carved doors, coral reefs. A small island in size (Zanzibar 1658 km and its twin sister, Pemba 985 sq. km). Zanzibar has been visited by Asyrians, Asians, Egyptians, Chinese, Malaysians and Arabs. On these shores also passed explorers like Burton, Speke and Livingstone. Vasco Da Gama visited Zanzibar in 1502 enroute to India.In the 19th Century, the Sultan of Oman introduced cloves, which today is its main export product. Due to the generally slower pace of life, its tranquility has survived.

Different races and their peaceful co-existence have left an impression on varied architecture Persians baths. Arab-studded doors and impressive mosques. The Stone town, recently declared a world heritage site by the United Nations, is a maze of narrow streets and oriental architecture. The architecture of Zanzibar and its historical significance is a vast topic. You may wish to refer to the following texts for further information.

References

Zanzibar Stone Town: An Architectural Exploration", Prof Abdul Sheriff and Javed Jafferji, The Gallery Publications, Zanzibar, 1998 Slaves, Spices and Ivory in Zanzibar", Prof Abdul Sheriff, James Currey, London, 1987.

Beit-Al-Ajaib (House of Wonders): Admired for its high ceilings and towering pillars, this used to be the Sultans Palace until 1911.

National musuem: Here can be found a collection of portraits of past Sultans and
their documents, and relics of early explorers - including Dr. Livingstone's medicine chest and local arts and crafts.

Livingstone house: This house was once placed by the Sultan Seyyid Majid for use by the European explorer David Livingstone, while in preparation for his expedition to the mainland in 1866.

Slave market: Zanzibar was the hub of the slave trade in East Africa, until 1873 when it was abolished. On this site now stands a church.

Changu island: This small island used to be known as prison island, where slaves used to be kept pending transportation to other markets. Remains of underground slave chambers can still be seen. One of the main attractions today are the giant tortoise. Zanzibar can be reached from Dar es Salaam either by a 10 minute flight or 90 minute catamaran boat ride.

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Hotels in Zanzibar:

STONE TOWN

• Emersons & Green
  In the heart of the Stone Town is a beautiful restored house that once was the home of one of the richest men in the Swahili empire. The hotel aims to recreate the wondrous atmosphere and grandeur of the past by providing traditional, elegant accommodation. Spaciious airy rooms, antiques furnishing and stone baths are feature throughout the hotel.
  
  
• Tembo Hotel
  This 19th century structure is ornamented with Zanzibar treaditional furniture and antiques. One side of the hotel faces the historical buildings of the Stone Town while the other faces the sea fron from where visits can enjoy the sunset.
  

• Dhow Palace
  The 19th Century restored Dhow Palace Hotel is located in the heart of Zanzibar Stone Town. The hotel has ten self contained rooms. Oriental and Zanzibari furnitures add to the ambiance.

• Zanzibar Serena Inn
  Located on the seafront of Zanzibar's historic Stone Town, the Zanzibar Serena Inn has been created by renovating two romantic and historic buildings. This is the only 5-star hotel in Zanzibar Stone Town.

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COAST BEACH HOTELS

• Mtoni Marine Centre
  Located only a few kilometers from the stone town. Set amidst Emerald towns, canopied with palms, this hotel is targeted towards the budget holiday maker who is not willing to compromise on basic necessities.

• Mbweni Ruins Hotel
  Located a mere ten minutes drive from both the airport and the stone town, it is promoted as a homely hotel consisting of twelve suites with verandas overlooking the Indian Ocean.

• Zanzibar Beach Resort
  The hotel is located between the Stone Town and the airport, in a secluded cove. The village layout, set in sculptured and landscaped gardens, has been designed to offer elegant accommodation using traditional materials.

EAST COAST BEACH HOTELS

• Blue Beach Resort
  The resort is situated on part of the finest wide, white, sandy beaches on the island of Zanzibar. The hotel features as well as decorated and spacious rooms, all with split unit air-conditioning. A comfortable breezy lounge leads to the restaurant, with a views of both the pool and the sea beyond.
  
  
• Breezes Beach Club
  Located on the beautiful pristime east coast beach, stretching as afar as the eye can see. Rooms are specious, air-conditioned with ensuite bathroom, all tastefully furnished in authentic Zanzibari style.
  
  
  
• Zanzibar Safari Resort
  Close to the Uroa Bay village, this intimate hotel consists of 48 rooms each with private terraces amongst lush garden surroundings.

NORTH COAST BEACH HOTELS

• Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel
  Located on an expanse of beach wilderness on the northern tip of Zanzibar. An expensive coral reef protects the frontage of the hotel making it an ideal location for all kinds of water sports or merely relaxing in the temperature water while soaking up the equatorial sun.
  
  
• Nungwi Village
  Located on a beautiful expense of beach, this moderate standard hotel features ensuite and fully air-conditioned rooms facing the sea.

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