Traveling - Checkout the Wonders of This Place, Zanzibar

This Newsletter produces different stories including personal experiences, traveling, and more. Therefore, here's a story about traveling.

Do you love traveling to places!?

I do.

I love traveling and exploring different places inside or outside the country. I am from Tanzania mainland.

In February 2023, I was in Zanzibar for the teachers' international conference that took place at the State University of Zanzibar.

Before diving further, let's first know about Zanzibar;

It is a Tanzanian archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. It has many small islands, including the two famous big islands; Unguja and Pemba.

The capital is Zanzibar City (in Unguja) with its historical center called Stone Town. About the language? Mostly Swahili language is spoken in Zanzibar. The island also has landmarks such as the House of Wonders, a former sultan’s palace.

Nevertheless, there are other places like the northern villages Nungwi and Kendwa having wide beaches lined with hotels for all visitors.

Therefore, I utilized the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Zanzibar. I and my friends spent some moments visiting some places.

So, I visited the world heritage site - Stone Town. It's also known as "Mji Mkongwe" in Swahili, which means "The Old Town". It was a significant center for the East African slave trade during the 19th century.

Currently, the town is well known for its narrow streets, meticulously carved wooden doors, dynamic markets, and historical landmarks such as the Old Fort, the Sultan's Palace, and also the House of Wonders.

I enjoyed the place, walked around, and made sure I see and understand everything about the stone town ??.

The amazing Stone Town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 due to its cultural significance and preservation of its architectural heritage. Now different people from across the world visit the place every year.

Moreover, I got another opportunity to take a boat to another small island known as "Prison Island". This small island is also known as "Changuu", a small island located 5.6km northwest of Stone Town.

The island (prison island) was originally intended to serve as a prison for rebellious slaves in the 1860s, but it was never used for its intended purpose. Instead, it became a quarantine station for ships arriving with passengers suffering from yellow fever. And later, the British colonial government transformed the island into a quarantine station for the entire region.

Nowadays, the main attraction on the small island is the population of Aldabra giant tortoises, which were originally a gift from the British governor of Seychelles in the late 19th century. So, people who visit the island can enjoy these tortoises.

There are also other opportunities, including swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on beautiful beaches around.

I and my friends enjoyed the moment and took pictures, and videos at Prison Island before returning to Unguja.

I you love traveling, don't miss visiting Zanzibar. Put it on your bucket list and feel the experience.

Have you been to Zanzibar?! Whether it is a Yes or No, kindly share your experience about traveling.