The sun fades off the Tanzanian coastline, marking the return of fishermen and their dhows. The hues of the crumbling stone buildings mimic the burning horizon. The aroma of the Zanzibar blend – a complex soup made from potatoes and fried cassava – wafts in from the nightly street food market in Forodhani Garden. Locals sit on the floor, place beads on wooden boards and play strategy games in Bao la Kiswahili. Anguja, the largest island in the Zanzibar archipelago, has a unique African flavor. However, its narrow streets are filled with multicultural influences, the result of a struggle between countries seeking to benefit from the favorable geographical location of Africa’s Spice Islands.
Zanzibar gets its nickname for its massive production of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper, which once supported the economy. In the past, life on the island revolved around a thriving port open to Asian, African and Arab traders. This encouraged communities from nearby Somalia and as far away as Persia to migrate to the region. Street vendors who fry samosa cakes indicate that they were influenced by Gujarati artisans from India who settled and traded here.
When the Oman Empire took control of Zanzibar, they built some of the most characteristic attractions on the island. Built in the 1600s, Ngome Kongwe is the oldest building in Stone Town and is right next to the largest Palace of Wonders. The Sultan of Oman also commissioned the construction of the Hamani Persian Baths, which has been available to the public for decades. These landscapes, although weathered over time, are magnificent relics of Zanzibar’s history.
While its past may have had multiple cultures and nations, there is one thing that unites the people here – their desire to preserve island species. Twenty years ago, the wild red colobus monkey, endemic to the island of Anguja, was in danger of extinction. Today, they walk around the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, which consists of 50 square kilometers of forest habitat and is officially established as a protected area. Despite their name, these monkeys are very docile. Your guide gives you the chance to get up close and personal with one of Africa’s rarest primates while looking for the mysterious Zanzibar leopard. The species was once thought to be extinct and only existed in local mythology until a cat found in a camera trap in 2018 re-led the belief that the animal might still be there.
Tanzania is rich in biodiversity, with five of the seven species of sea turtles being home to Tanzania. In 1993, Nungwi villagers opened the Mnarani Sea Turtle Conservation Pond. Located in a natural tide pool, this is a sanctuary for turtles rescued from fishing nets or injured by plastic consumption. In addition to exploring the dazzling beaches, one can visit and feed these turtles. Ecotourism continues its success on Prison Island, once a prison and now home to the giant Aldabra tortoise. The small island is only accessible by boat, which adds to the protection of the island’s reptile inhabitants, some of which are over 200 years old.
Although Zanzibar is famous for its white sand beaches and palm-lined villas, it’s not just another seaside resort. Bask in the warmth of the Spice Islands while mingling with the locals and supporting wildlife, or visit a farm rich in cardamom, saffron, licorice, and ylang-ylang. Even the most experienced traveler will be satisfied with a glimpse of the archipelago’s sights.