Table of Contents
1. What is Zanzibar Island Tanzania?
Zanzibar is actually not an island but an archipelago, i.e., a group of islands.
Unguja, the biggest island in the archipelago, is often commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island though.
2. Is Zanzibar a Country?
No, Zanzibar is a semiautonomous archipelago in the United Republic of Tanzania.
3. What Currency Is Used on the Island of Zanzibar?
The official currency of Zanzibar is the Tanzanian shilling, though due to the archipelago’s vibrant tourism sector, many major world currencies are accepted in Zanzibar (especially at hotels & for tours).
Such currencies include US dollars, Euros, Pounds, etc., but especially US dollars.
Where Is Zanzibar Located?
Zanzibar Island, often simply called Zanzibar, is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Known for its stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a rich blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European cultural influences, Zanzibar is both a historical treasure and a modern-day tourist haven. The island’s official name is Unguja, although many people refer to the entire archipelago, including Pemba and several smaller islands, as “Zanzibar.”
One of the most striking features of Zanzibar is its history. For centuries, Zanzibar was a major trading hub in the Indian Ocean, with merchants from Oman, Persia, India, and later Europe docking along its shores. The island became especially significant in the 17th and 18th centuries as a center for the spice trade—particularly cloves—as well as a hub for the East African slave trade.
The legacy of this complex history is visible in the island’s architecture, religion, language, and food.
Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most vivid representation of this heritage. A labyrinth of narrow alleys, coral stone buildings, intricately carved wooden doors, bustling markets, and ancient mosques, Stone Town feels like a place suspended in time. It was once the seat of the Omani sultans and home to thriving Arab and Swahili communities.
Notable landmarks include the Old Fort, the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib), and the former slave market site near the Anglican Cathedral. A visit to the Freddie Mercury Museum—dedicated to the Queen frontman who was born in Zanzibar—is also popular among tourists.
Zanzibar’s culture is deeply rooted in Swahili traditions, but it’s also layered with Arab, Indian, and European influences. Swahili, an Afro-Arabic language, is the primary language spoken, although English is widely understood, particularly in tourist areas. The island’s population is predominantly Muslim, and this is reflected in local customs, dress, and daily life. The call to prayer echoes through the streets, women wear colorful kangas or hijabs, and traditional dhow boats still sail the waters around the island.
Tourism is a major part of Zanzibar’s economy today.
The island attracts visitors looking for both cultural immersion and natural beauty. The beaches—such as Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, and Matemwe—are renowned for their powdery sands and clear, warm waters. These coastal areas offer opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, kitesurfing, and dhow cruises.
The coral reefs surrounding the island are rich in marine biodiversity, making it a top diving destination.
The interior of the island is just as intriguing.
The Jozani Forest Reserve, home to the rare red colobus monkey, showcases some of the island’s unique flora and fauna. Spice tours, where visitors can learn about and taste cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla directly from local farms, are a popular activity that ties back to Zanzibar’s reputation as the “Spice Island.”
Islands of Zanzibar
The term “Zanzibar” commonly refers to the Zanzibar Archipelago, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean.
The archipelago lies about 25 to 50 kilometers off the mainland coast of East Africa and consists of two main islands and several smaller ones.
Each island has its own character, ecological features, and cultural significance.
Here’s an overview of the main islands and notable smaller ones in the Zanzibar Archipelago:
1. Unguja (commonly called Zanzibar Island)
- Size & Population: It’s the largest and most populated island in the archipelago.
- Capital: Zanzibar City, with Stone Town as its historic center.
- Features: Unguja is the cultural and economic heart of the archipelago. It’s known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, spice farms, and historic sites.
- Popular Beaches: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, and Matemwe.
- Tourism: Most of Zanzibar’s tourism infrastructure is concentrated here, ranging from luxury resorts to eco-lodges.
2. Pemba Island
- Location: About 50 km north of Unguja.
- Nicknamed: “The Green Island” due to its fertile landscape and lush vegetation.
- Features: Less developed than Unguja, making it ideal for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Pemba has hilly terrain, mangrove forests, and untouched coral reefs.
- Activities: Diving, snorkeling, and exploring remote villages.
- Cultural Note: Pemba has strong Swahili traditions and is historically known for clove production.
3. Tumbatu Island
- Location: Off the northwest coast of Unguja.
- Access: Restricted—visitors need permission to enter.
- Culture: Inhabited by a closely-knit community with strict traditions. Tumbatu is known for preserving old Swahili customs and is often considered culturally conservative.
- Notable For: Its historic mosques, Swahili ruins, and being a center of early Islam on the islands.
4. Mnemba Island
- Location: Off the northeast coast of Unguja, near Matemwe.
- Size: Tiny—only about 1.5 km in circumference.
- Type: Private island.
- Access: Restricted to guests of the exclusive &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge.
- Known For: Luxury, privacy, and spectacular marine life. The surrounding waters are part of a protected marine conservation area, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
5. Chapwani Island
- Location: Very close to Stone Town.
- Features: Small and mostly known for day trips. It has a quiet beach and a small resort.
- Historic Site: Contains a British colonial cemetery and the grave of a Sultan’s son.
6. Chumbe Island
- Location: South of Chapwani, near Unguja.
- Type: Marine Protected Area.
- Activities: Eco-tourism only—home to Chumbe Island Coral Park, an award-winning private nature reserve.
- Notable For: Coral reef sanctuary, nature trails, and eco-lodging. It’s a hotspot for marine researchers and conservationists.
7. Bawe Island
- Location: West of Unguja, not far from Stone Town.
- Features: Once used as a communication outpost by the British.
- Tourism: Now a quiet beach escape with snorkeling options.
8. Prison Island (Changuu Island)
- Location: About 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town.
- History: Originally intended as a prison but used as a quarantine station instead.
- Popular For: Aldabra giant tortoises, which were gifted from Seychelles in the 20th century.
- Day Trip Spot: A favorite for short excursions from Stone Town.
9. Pange Island (Sandbank)
- Type: A tidal sandbank that appears at low tide.
- Use: Popular for picnics, snorkeling trips, and sunset cruises.
General Notes on the Zanzibar Islands:
- The islands are surrounded by coral reefs, offering excellent diving and snorkeling.
Photo Credit: Matt Kieffer