Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba.
The island’s higher ground is slightly rolling, giving birth to
several small rivers and streams. Believed to have once been covered by
dense evergreen forest, what remains are small patches of indigenous
forest and isolated large trees. Coconut palms, thicket vegetation and
grass are abundant.
A tropical, humid climate leads to an annual average rainfall of 60
to 80 inches (1,500 to 2,000 mm), which is consistent and
well-distributed throughout the islands. Northeast trade winds blow from
December to March and southeast trade winds from May to October.
Periods of long rains occur from March to May, while short rains fall
October through December.
Zanzibar Island is without doubt the number one beach
location in East Africa, an absolutely wonderful island of tropical
white-sand beaches, lush plantations, an incredible history and a
fascinating culture.
The island’s history goes back many centuries. Its heyday came in
the early 19th century when the Sultan of Muscat moved his court to
Zanzibar. Spice cultivation was developed (particularly the clove tree),
and the slave trade was at its height – Zanzibar became the most
important town in East Africa.
The islands became part of the historical record of the wider world
when Arab traders discovered them and used them as a base for voyages
between Arabia, India, and Africa.
Zanzibar capital City is Stone Town a place of winding lanes,
circular towers, carved wooden doors, raised terraces and beautiful
mosques. Named for its many multi-story stone buildings, these
structures are actually constructed with coral and mortar, not stone. Of
the 1,700 stone buildings, 1,100 have been classified as having
architectural significance. There are 23 landmark buildings, two
cathedrals, over 50 Mosques, 157 balconies, verandahs and loggias and
more than 200 carved doors. Zanzibar, Stone Town has been designated a
World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Important architectural features are the Livingstone house, the Guliani Bridge, and the House of Wonders.
Fauna include the African pig, civet cat, forest duiker, lemur,
leopard (a variety peculiar to Zanzibar), mongoose, two species of
monkey, and pigmy antelope. Numerous species of bats and snakes exist.
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