Zanzibar - a "paradise" in Africa

Zanzibar is known as a "paradise" in Africa, boasting some of the world's most beautiful beaches, tropical forests with diverse flora and fauna, and a unique indigenous culture and history that creates an unforgettable attraction for tourists.

Stone Town is on the coast of Zanzibar.

The unique "spice islands"

Zanzibar has a total area of 1,554 km2, located about 35 km from the mainland. Its capital, Unguja, serves as the economic, political , cultural, and social center of the archipelago. Meanwhile, Pemba Island is a popular resort destination. Therefore, when mentioning Zanzibar, Unguja is often understood to be the central focus.

Zanzibar captivates visitors with its narrow, winding streets that crisscross the city. Many centuries-old stone structures overlook the smooth, white sandy beaches, with the deep blue ocean stretching into the distance. This is the quintessential image of Stone Town – the former capital of Zanzibar, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. For the most convenient exploration of this ancient town, walking or cycling is recommended.

The town of Stone is highly regarded by UNESCO because, despite having existed for over a millennium, it has preserved its urban structure and landscape almost intact, with many beautiful buildings reflecting the intermingling of African, European, Arab, and Indian cultures, creating a unique identity for Zanzibar.

A distinctive feature of the town's buildings is their construction using traditional materials such as laterite, limestone, coral, and wood from mangrove trees. The small, elongated two-story houses are typically arranged around an open courtyard, accessed via a narrow corridor. The houses are distinguished by their elaborately carved doors, wide verandas, and rich interior decorations.

Stone Town still preserves many architectural structures dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the Old Fort, the House of Miracles, the Roman Catholic Church, the Malindi Bamnara Mosque, the Sultan's Palace, and Persian baths; especially relics related to the centuries-old slave system, such as the Slave Market and Prison Island. The narrow, winding streets and large villas facing the sea are the result of the long-standing maritime trade between Africa and Asia that took place here.

Although the Zanzibar people have lived here for 20,000 years, the island has always been coveted and sought after by various powers and empires due to its abundant resources, especially spices. Zanzibar is known as the "Spice Islands" because of its history of trade with other continents and its numerous plantations of pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and more.

Today, the people of Zanzibar have capitalized on this advantage to create interesting tourist attractions. Visitors can visit the Darajani market in the town center, which offers everything from spices and fresh fish to meat, to learn about the lives of the local people. For those wishing to experience local cuisine, visitors can participate in a cooking class or tour the plantations on a "spice tourism" tour.

Here, you'll be guided by farmers to learn about and sample a collection of high-quality spices and discover the secrets of Zanzibar cuisine. At the end of the tour, families will welcome their guests with a variety of traditional dishes cooked with spices harvested directly from their gardens.

A paradise for experiences and relaxation.

Zanzibar's climate is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season lasts from November to May, while the dry season lasts from June to October, with an average temperature of 25°C. This is the ideal time for European tourists to visit the "holiday paradise" of Zanzibar – surrounded by 20 beaches, many of which are listed among the world's most beautiful beaches. Here, visitors shouldn't hesitate to participate in exciting activities such as swimming, boating, kitesurfing, or snorkeling underwater...

As you immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters, you'll be amazed by the endless vista. You'll find yourself lost in an enchanting underwater world teeming with vibrant marine life and some of the world's largest coral reefs, drawing you in to explore and satisfy your curiosity. You can easily get close to turtles, octopuses, blue-ringed stingrays, and moray eels to observe and interact with them; or swim alongside schools of bioluminescent fish searching for food on the reefs, or witness dolphins frolicking offshore...

Zanzibar boasts numerous diving spots, with Mnemba Atoll and Tumbatu being the most popular. Mnemba Atoll offers many diving locations suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. It features a large, diverse coral reef with visibility exceeding 20 meters, allowing visitors to comfortably dive deep and take photos.

Tumbatu Island offers diving services from 2 to 18 meters, allowing visitors to explore the colorful hard coral reef teeming with turtles, cuttlefish, and other marine life. The island's inhabitants are primarily Watumbatu people, renowned for their traditional Goma music and dance, which visitors can experience firsthand.

Tumbatu's historical significance is evident in its ancient ruins, including the remains of the medieval Swahili town of Jongowe. With its blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and historical allure, Tumbatu offers a unique experience for travelers seeking to explore lesser-known aspects of the Zanzibar archipelago.

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/zanzibar-thien-duong-o-chau-phi-189298.html