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The name Zanzibar means "Land of the Blacks" and originates from the Arabic words "Zinj" meaning black and "barr" meaning land.
The Island of Zanzibar consists of two main islands, Pemba and Unguja with some 50 smaller islands surrounding the archipelago. Unguja is the main and most developed island. Many people refer to it as Zanzibar, so please do not get confused when we refer to it as Unguja. The population of Zanzibar is about 800,000 people, of which 150,000 are found on Pemba. The majority of people inhabit Stone Town (which is the "capital" of Zanzibar). Many of the rural people prefer the fertile Northern section of the island, whilst the East Coast has coral rag, and provides the most spectacular beaches and holiday destinations.
These areas are so sparse that at the right time of the year, you may even have a whole stretch of beach to yourself.
At a glance.
| Languages: |
Swahili, English, Italian, Arabic |
| Population: |
800,000 |
| Capital city: |
Stone Town (also known as Zanzibar Town) |
| Currency: |
Tanzanian Shilling |
| People: |
Native African, Arabic, and Indian |
| President: |
Amani Karume |
| Government: |
Republic |
| Religion: |
Muslim (95%), Christian and Hindu (5%) |
| Climate: |
Hot and humid |
| Average Temp: |
25ºC (77ºF) |
| Major Industries: |
Tourism, Spice, and Fishing |
About Pemba.
Pemba - the northernmost Island of the archipelago Pemba is still the world's major clove
producer, but has now slipped into its more traditional role of being an Island Paradise with
small inter-island trade. Chake wharf is now mainly used for swimming and fishing.
Pemba was seized by the Sultan of Muscat (now Oman) in the 17th century. He was so
enchanted by the Spice Islands that he installed himself in Zanzibar and ruled Muscat from
there. When the Western Colonial powers came to East Africa the British forced the
Sultanates of Muscat and Zanzibar to separate and then administered the Spice Islands in the
name of the Sultan.
International Flights.
International Flights will show you the route from Europe to Zanzibar, United States to Zanzibar and South Africa to Zanzibar. These are meant as guidelines as they are the most frequently traveled routes by visitors. Should you be flying from one of these, or any other destination, please contact us and we will gladly assist you in your flight arrangements or advise you how to get there.
We are also able to arrange all domestic flights. If you are combining a safari with a Zanzibar trip, or a trip out to Pemba Island, we will be able to assist you with with any queries you may have, especially on how to co-ordinate the flights.
Unfortunately we are unable to assist with ferry transfers or Dala Dala (local taxi's) transfers. These you will have to try to negotiate yourself, but we have given an indication of their routes. We have also identified the most reliable ferry operator on the island.
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