“THE SWAHILI COAST”
Swahili means ‘coastal’ in Arabic. Swahili coast refers to Tanzania’s coastline and islands, a beautiful and historic region rich in history, natural beauty, art and culture.
Remnants of a spectacular history gives Tanzania’s mainland coast an appeal for greater than just Sun, Sand and Sea. Along the coast there is a vast array of natural and cultural resources – ancient Bagamoyo, a former capital city, and nearby Kaole Ruins; historical Mafia Island; the history and culture of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara.
The coastline of 800 km consisting of palm fringed white sandy beaches look out over the warm, sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. These and Zanzibar archipelago offer unlimited scope for big game fishing, scuba-diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, whale watching, dhow cruises, canoeing and other varieties of water sports.
“ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO”
Despite its tiny size and obscure location, Zanzibar holds an almost legendary status among travelers as an exotic island paradise blessed with palm fringed shores, timeless fishing villages and lush spice plantations. Zanzibar has an identity all of its own, shaped by a turbulent history which abounds with a colorful cast of characters from slave traders and sultans, to pirates and princesses.
Zanzibar has for centuries attracted seafarers and adventurers from around the world. Now it welcomes a new generation of explorers – those who have come to marvel at the rich heritage, reflected in the architecture and the culture of the people.
Stone Town is the Capital and Cultural heart of Zanzibar. It has winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses with brass-studded, carved, wooden doors. Zanzibar and Pemba Island are surrounded by more than 20 smaller islands. The famous ones include Prison Island, Chapwani Island, Bawe Island, and Chumbe Island etc which provide a stunning location for day trips or longer stay.