Zanzibar: A journey into ancient times

Centuries ago, Zanzibar was an important area for the spice trade, first with the Arab world from around the eleventh century, before falling under the rule of Arab sultans who reigned over the islands and with the local Swahili.

- Charmaine de Villiers

The islands are in a legendary archipelago in the Indian Ocean, some 35 km off the coast of Tanzania. Known in Swahili, the archipelago consists of several islands lying off the coast of East Africa south of the Somali sea. Zanzibar comprises the islands of Unguja and Pemba, along with some smaller isles, but are collectively known as Zanzibar, one of Africa’s most enticing destinations and exotic laid-back paradise.

Step back in time

From the moment one arrives at the airport there is a feeling of stepping back in time. The first stop has to be a visit to Stone Town with its narrow streets, old old buildings, fascinating little shops and the overwhelming sense of history that pervades the very air. Some of the buildings are centuries old, many with the heavy, solid, huge doors of ancient times, a few with doors still decorated with heavy studs. Exploring Stone Town requires that one has a lot of time and patience. African time has a foothold here but the people and the sights are entrancing. There are heaps of intriguing little shops tucked into narrow streets such as the Mrembo Spa for locally grown flowers, herbs and spices.

There are so many sights that are of the ‘have to see’ variety that it is difficult to say which can be left out. Our trip unfortunately did not allow a trip to Prison Island to see the giant tortoises and pay a visit to the old colonial hospital/quarantine space. Built in 1893, it was originally designated as a prison but then changed purpose to contain the cholera and bubonic plague epidemics that authorities fear would spread to Zanzibar on ships sailing in from Bombay and Egypt.

A mix of cultures