Zanzibar And The Spice Islands

Submitted by: genwright

The phrase "Spice Islands" can remind people of any one of two places - the spice islands of Indonesia, or the spice islands of Zanzibar in coastal Tanzania. Zanzibar is composed of two large and many small islands, all between 25 and 50 kilometers off the coast of Tanzania.

Zanzibar is in the interesting position of being a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania. In fact, Zanzibar and Tanganyika had united in 1964 to form Tanzania, but the two parts still retain their individual identity. However, the union of these two highly tourism-friendly areas definitely makes paperwork much easier for people traveling to both places.

Zanzibar City, located on the main island - Unguja - is the capital of Zanzibar. It has a picturesque beauty that hits the eye immediately on arrival - the white, white city, filled with dhows moving gracefully through the waters of the Indian Ocean. Tanzania, like a large part of Eastern Africa, is a curious mixture of African, Arabic and Indian culture - as confusing as it is beautiful.

Most confusing of all, though, is the Stone City - the city centre of Zanzibar City, now declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site. Its labyrinthine narrow streets are an attraction for people used to large and broad highways, even though people continually get lost and end up spending hours roaming around the same place. The monuments, churches, markets and mansions add up to a memorable experience, though people afraid of getting lost may NEVER want to repeat it!

At Zanzibar, the spices are always worth purchasing. The fresh cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper make it obvious that the spices which reach the West are mere ghosts of the originals.

Decent accommodation can be obtained at under $250 per person per night. Most accommodation is actually in old houses that have been renovated and turned into hotels. This gives it an old-world charm that simply adds to the relaxing ambience of the place.

Most people go to Zanzibar to enjoy the calm sea of the area. A relaxing beach vacation, complete with walks on the beach and in the laid-back city, can be the best way to rejuvenate before plunging back into the breathless grind of daily life. Inner communion is also best had at a quiet place like this, where the welcoming behavior of the hosts will put you completely at ease, for prices that are highly affordable.

Do exactly what your heart wants - enjoy a relaxing sunbath and massage on the beach, sip Zanzibar-style tea and coffee at the plantations, visit the quaint fishing villages, get a henna tattoo, or sit sipping your sundowners on a dhow. Here, there are no compulsions - just the chance to relax as fully as you want.

About the Author

Design your own Tanzania Safari to suit your interests and budget. Specialists for Selous, Ruaha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and cultural safaris. Climb Kilimanjaro . Specialists for Kilimanjaro and Meru Treks, Kilimanjaro by all routes: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe.

Article Source: Ad-Matrix.net