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He will operate on 80 - 6m, including WARC Bands, Holiday style, CW, SSB, FT8.
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Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an unforgettable escape from everyday life and routine, offering world-class beaches and a rich history, culture, and geography. It is a true tropical paradise that has much more to offer than just its natural beauty.
Zanzibar Island. Author - Mauro Astolfi.
What is Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of a chain of islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. Unguja is the largest island and is where most visitors spend their time. Zanzibar is also known as the “Spice Island” and has been a major source of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper for centuries.
Things to do in Zanzibar
Nakupenda Beach: unspoiled expanses
This is an unspoiled paradise that you have never seen in your life. Nakupenda Beach, off the coast of Zanzibar Town, is an isolated island of pristine sand surrounded by crystal clear waters. Spend the day sunbathing, snorkeling in the clear sea, and enjoying a break from the hustle and bustle of civilization. It is the perfect place for peace and paradise.
Stone Town: the historic center
Zanzibar's capital is known as Stone Town, and it abounds with historical attractions combined with modern experiences. Be sure to visit the 17th-century Old Fort or the House of Wonders, a stunning architectural museum of Zanzibari culture. St. Joseph's Cathedral still stands after centuries, and its time-worn details simply amaze every traveler. To get acquainted with the local culture, you can head to Darajani Market or the Forodhani Gardens for a grand night market of seafood on the water.
Changuu Island: From prison to paradise
Changuu Island is also known as Prison Island. This coastal wonderland had a grim history during the slave trade. However, today it is a popular destination for travelers to Zanzibar. The giant tortoises that roam the island are the number one attraction. You can also get up close and personal with other creatures, from dolphins to butterfly fish. There is also an informative and memorable Slave Trade Museum with moving exhibitions that tell the story of past centuries.
Nungwi Beach: Pamper Yourself
The northern part of Zanzibar Island is full of interesting beach vacation opportunities. Nungwi Beach has been recognized as one of the best in the world and is surrounded by top-notch resorts. Even if you're just visiting for a day, you can take advantage of water sports, scuba diving lessons, massage parlors, and seaside bars.
Cheetah Rock
One of the island's unique attractions brings tourists face to face with majestic African creatures. Here you can see cheetahs, lions, zebras, and other interesting animals in a safe environment. If you take beautiful photos, the beauty and uniqueness of the wild nature will stay with you forever.
The north coast also offers a wealth of experiences:
- swim in the bays;
- watch the sun set over the sea;
far to the north, see the huge Nungwi Beach, which curves around the coast of the island.
There are small guest houses integrated into the village structure. Nungwi, like Kendwa, is a great place for tourists and those on a budget. To get there, you need to return to Mkwajuni and take the main road north.
On the east coast, you can relax on beaches that stretch for several kilometers. There are small fishing villages built from white coral rocks, rocking canoes, and small tides.
Zanzibar Island. Author - Dennis Sylvester Hurd.
Animal world
Armed with a mask, you will discover the beautiful underwater world off the east coast and around Chumbe Island, not far from the city of Zanzibar. The deep waters around Pemba Island are virtually unexplored, but despite this, divers are attracted to the area. This is the only place where you can see some of the most beautiful places in the world. In Zanzibar, you can encounter not only turtles, sea bass, and barracudas, but also sharks, tuna, and more. We also recommend visiting Kizimkazi, where many dolphins gather and there are beautiful corals that only amateur divers can reach. Changuu Island is the only place in the country where you can see giant tortoises. Red colobus monkeys inhabit the Jozani Forest, where they live in groups of about 40 individuals. They feed on hard leaves and green fruits. Red monkeys are pretty much the only land animals you'll find in Zanzibar. Black-tailed colobus monkeys are a different species from their red-tailed cousins.
The black-tailed or blue-tailed monkeys, as they are called on the island, have black fur with small white stripes and live in colonies of 5 to 10 individuals, spending most of their time in trees and rarely coming down to the ground. The natural habitat of this herbivorous animal is tropical forests, especially where there is plenty of bamboo. Unfortunately, very few remain in Zanzibar.
When to visit Zanzibar
Strong breezes have a cooling effect on Zanzibar's tropical climate. The cooler, drier months from June to October are the most popular for visitors. There is a rainy season from March to May associated with the monsoons. It is best to avoid visiting Zanzibar during this time.
Spice Island
Zanzibar is also known as the spice island and was an important stop in the spice trade centuries ago. Today, it is one of the few places in the world where saffron is produced, and many other Middle Eastern and Asian spices are also grown here.
All spices are an integral part of the island's history and an important ingredient in everyday life. You can see how spices grow and try some exotic fruits that the locals pick from the trees.
The seaweed center in Zanzibar is the island's second largest industry, producing 3% of the world's commercial seaweed harvest. This gives women who grow seaweed the opportunity to improve their standard of living and participate in economic development activities. Visiting this place will leave you speechless as you witness the process from raw seaweed to cosmetics. Every woman takes great pride in her work.
Where to stay in Zanzibar
Naturally, there are many resorts and hotels along the coast, including the charming Mizingani Beach Hotel with its local flavor. The Emerson Spice Boutique Hotel in Stone Town offers travelers a taste of sophisticated modern Africa, with unique furnishings and magnificent views from its unique terrace.
Popular areas of Zanzibar
Zanzibar Town - located in the heart of Unguja, it is the capital and center of Zanzibar's spice and other goods trade. It includes both the historic Stone Town and Ngambo, a growing modern city with office towers and apartment buildings.
Nungwi and Kenda are villages on the northern coast of Unguja, where tourists will find some of Zanzibar's best beaches. Unsurprisingly, there are also luxury premium hotels where you can stay.
Pemba Island is the second largest island, separated from the rest of the archipelago by deep ocean channels. It is a green island with fertile soil, often used for growing cloves. Here you can also go diving, fishing, and check out new resorts and hotels.
Zanbibar Island. Author - Marty Gowan.
How to get around Zanzibar
Public transportation
There is no public transportation in Zanzibar itself. There are private companies that offer their services. Public transportation, which is popular among locals, also operates for visitors to Zanzibar.
Taxis
Taxi services are widely available in Stone Town and many other areas of the island where luxury resorts are located.
Car rental
Car rental is available from local companies such as Zanzibar Express Car Hire and First Car Rental. Parking can be a problem in some areas of the cities, so many tourists prefer to hire a car with a driver.
