Tanzania Travel

Zanzibar, a part of the United Republic of Tanzania, is a series of many islands, the main ones being Unguja and Pemba. The more populated of the two main islands, Unguja, is better known as Zanzibar Island and is home to Stone Town, a historic, bustling city of narrow alleyways and stone coral buildings. In addition to the two main islands, there are many other islands and islets in the Zanzibar archipelago.

Pemba, located about 50 Kms north of Unguja, is far less populated. Pemba is covered in steep hills full of palms, clove and rubber trees, rice paddies and the Ngezi Forest in the north. There are many pure, beautiful beaches in and around the numerous inlets and coves.
History of slave trade: The slave chambers is a terrible place where the slaves were kept before they were taken to the market, and the site of one of the greatest human atrocities ever, lasting a staggering one thousand years throughout modern history. The Arabic slave driver would take over a hundred women and children and pack them like sardines into a tiny room. Most of them would die because of suffocation, it is thought that only 6% of slaves survived from capture to market. Ironically, the slave traders of those times said if a slave could survive these conditions they are strong and in command of a high price.

Zanzibar as a cultural collage: The following things were introduced to Zanzibar by foreign lands; Rice from Malaysia, Cloves from Indonesia, Bullfighting from Portugal, Islam from Arabia, Cassava and Cashews from Brazil, Tomatoes and Corn from the Americas, Turmeric from India, and some types of Bananas and Coconuts possibly from Pacific islands or Southeast Asia.

Shopping: Whether you’re in the market for T-shirts, spices, kangas, furniture or hand sewn pillow covers, Zanzibar is one of the last places left for fun shopping and bargain hunts. You will find the inevitable ashtray carved out of a coconut shell, but there are enough Tinga-tinga paintings, woodcarvings and woven goods to keep almost everyone in the market for a tasteful souvenir.

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