Stonetown in Zanzibar

CLIMATE
Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year, with exception of April and May, which are seasonally subject to the long rains. Short rains occur in November, but do not last long. The heat for summer is seasonally often cooled by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North & East Coasts. Being near the equator, the islands are warm all year round. The island is blessed with an average of seven to eight hours of sunshine daily.

PEOPLE, RELIGION AND LANGUAGE
Zanzibar’s local people are an incredible mixture of ethic’s backgrounds, indicative of her colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, practised by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Population is estimated at 800 000, with the largest concentration being in Zanzibar city which has about 100 000 inhabitants. Zanzibar spear Swahili, a language that is spoken extensively in East Africa. The purest form is spoken in Zanzibar, as it is the birthplace of the language.

ECONOMY
Fishing and agriculture are the main economic activities of the local people. Zanzibar was once the world’s largest producer of cloves, and her economy was based on large incomes. Although cloves are still a major export along with coconut products and spices, tourism has been earmarked as the primary foreign exchange earner with more visitors to Zanzibar each year.

THE MARKET - a great place to visit – it is a vibrant place, with the odour of spices and fish. Locals bring their produce from all over the Island. A great place to get your own brightly coloured khangas (colourful pieces of material worn by local woman).

THE LIVINGSTON HOUSE - built around 1860 for Sultan Majid, and was used by missionaries as explores as a starting point. The famous Dr. Livingstone House lived here before commencing his last journey to the mainland.

Livingstone Pub is also a good place to visit for great evening entertainment!

PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM – informative look at Zanzibar’s history. There are sections on archaeology, early trade, slavery, palaces, sultans, explorers, traditional crafts and household items, stamps, coins and fishing.

OLD DISPENSARY - grand four story building with a set of decorative balconies. Served as dispensary during colonial times but fell into disrepair in 1970’s. It has been successfully restored.

PALACE MUSEUM - with its castled battlements, built in 1890’s for members of the sultan family. The palace was turned into a museum dedicated to the history of Zanzibar’s sultans. For the first time, visitors can see much of the Sultan’s furniture and other possessions that survived the revolution.

ARAB FORT - next to the HOUSE OF WONDERS, built between 1698 – 1701 by the Busaidi group of Omani Arabs. It is a large building with high, dark brown walls, topped by castellated battlements. It is open to visitors and contains little shops and an amphitheatre for local shows.

HOUSE OF WONDERS - surrounded by tiers of pillars and balconies, topped by a large clock tower. Built in 1883 as a ceremonial palace for Sultan Bargash and was the first in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator. When it was built the Zanzibaris called it "Beit el Ajaib" meaning the house of wonders.

AFRICA HOUSE - the old English club. Excellent for sundowners and phenomenal sunset views !