Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 40 km from the Tanzanian coast. Zanzibar Island is 90 km long and 30 km wide and is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs. The islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper and for this reason are sometimes called the Spice Islands. Over centuries different cultures have influenced Zanzibar to become what it is today. Sumerians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguse, Omani Arabs, Dutch and British have settled here at one time or another and influenced the local culture into the present fascinating fusion.
FBC ZANZIBAR is set against the stunning background of endless blue Indian Ocean and beautiful white beaches, where the pace of life seemingly hasn't changed for over fifty years. It is located in the friendly fishing village of Paje on the southeast coast - a tranquil and characteristic place known for having one of the most beautiful beaches in East Africa that you will mostly share with seaweed farmers, fishermen and Masai. Tourism is growing at a sustainable pace in Paje and it is safe and easy to navigate the area as a first time visitor. There is a wide range of laid-back hotels and restaurants in Paje & surrounding villages. The spot is about one hour drive from the airport.
Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colourful history. There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar, and forest areas are inhabited by monkeys, bush-pigs and small antelopes. The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in marine diversity, and make Zanzibar an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving.
WE RECOMMEND
Stone Town - Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most unique cities in the world. Blending Moorish, Middle Eastern, Indian, and African traditions and architectures, it is possible to spend days winding through Stone Town's labyrinthine alleys.
Forodhani Gardens - For local food this place is definitely worth a visit. It is possibly the cheapest food you will find on the island, and value for money too. Try the local sugar cane juice.
Spice Tours – Pay a visit to a spice farm where your guide will show you how things like cinnamon, jack fruit and kukurma are grown, and will let you taste most of them.
Zanzibar Butterfly Centre - A unique and fascinating opportunity to learn about all the different butterfly lifecycle stages close up in one of Africa's largest butterfly exhibits where hundreds of butterflies, all of which are native species to Zanzibar, fly freely.
