The legendary Spice Islands of Zanzibar

After spending a day in the pleasant city of Dar es Salaam, we boarded a ferry to the legendary Zanzibar Archipelago.  The Archipelago is comprised of Unguja (called Zanzibar Island by many, as it is the best known island of the group), Pemba and many smaller islands.  We visited Unguja, which we will refer to as Zanzibar.  

As we traveled from the shores of Dar (left) across the Zanzibar Channel to the beaches of Stone Town in Zanzibar (right), we enjoyed the beautiful blue sea water and the playful dolphins that attempted to keep up with our ferry.  

The symbol of Zanzibar is the dhow boat.  Dozens of these boats can be seen along the shores ferrying people around the island and taking the fisherman out for the day's catch.

Life in Stone Town

As we walked through Stone Town, we saw churches, temples, palaces, a large fort and beautiful architecture with Arab, Indian and European influences.   For centuries, Zanzibar served as an important trading port for India, Arabia, Portugal and other faraway lands.  Everything was traded here, from spices to ivory to slaves.  Fortunately, the last two are no longer a commodity for trade on the island.  
Today, most of Zanzibar's citizens are Muslim.  Here are three young Muslim women enjoying a stroll through the narrow alleyways of Stone Town.

Stone Town is also the birthplace of one of Kelly's musical heroes:  Freddie Mercury of the band, Queen.  Freddie was born under the name, Farouk Bulsora in this whitewashed building which now houses Cumlur's restaurant. 

Stone Town is a shopper's heaven.  Some of the more popular items to buy are ebony carvings, jewelry, kangas (colorful cloths worn by the local women) and the colorful tinga tinga paintings.  We purchased a few tinga tingas from this talented man:  Ahmed Said.

One of our favorite activities was just wandering through the Stone Town streets.  We had our favorite places, such as this square.  Here, we would sip a bottle of Coca Cola as we sat on the step and watched the men playing carom, the children running and the street vendors working.  Here is a vendor selling fruit with political posters for the CUF and the CCM parties in the background.  Just before we visited Zanzibar, they had their major elections.  The results were very controversial and the public responded with violence.  Needless to say, this has effected the tourist industry.  However, the world does not need to fear.  The Zanzibar that we came to know is a very peaceful and friendly place.

This shy, young boy observes us from his window.

2 Go Maps / 2 Go Actual Itinerary / 2 Go Photos / 2 Go Home Page

PLEASE E-MAIL US. . . WE WOULD LOVE 2 HEAR FROM YOU!

[email protected]

©1999-2001  Kelly and Rich Willis.  All rights reserved.