It will take about three days before it hits you: there is an Africa beyond the safari. It lies not in the big cities – Cape Town, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam – though those cities have their charm. A little-known Africa lives on an island off the coast of Tanzania, a part of that East African country but a world apart. The Spice Island of Zanzibar is a well-kept secret.
Often overlooked in the mad rush to hit safari parks on mainland Africa, Zanzibar merits a standing of its own as a destination offering up a unique cultural mix and a strong culture of hospitality. For those who know, the name throws up the promise of beautiful beaches, coral reefs, the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, and the warmth of the people. The archipelago was once one of the great trading centres of East Africa, a gateway for international travellers foraying to and fro between Arabia, India and Africa. The resultant fusion of diverse cultures is at the heart of many experiences that the island offers.
Much of this cultural mix can be felt when you walk through Stone Town, Zanzibar City’s old quarter, and a place of significant historical importance. The World Heritage site was once the capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate and the centre of a flourishing spice trade. Its maze of winding streets and bustling bazaars cocoons a fascinating mix of buildings: houses of coral and stone protected by imposing Zanzibar doors carved with Quranic script, Arab houses with whitewashed walls, and the beautifully-carved balconies on Indian houses that open out onto courtyards. The Old Fort, the former palaces of Arab sultans, and the mansions that used to belong to Persian merchants also offer glimpses into a grand past.
This story is from the October 2023 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2023 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Productivity Tips To Stay Focused
Make the most of your time with productivity tips for a focused workday in a hectic schedule.
Check The Health Of Your Wealth
Kalwyna Rathod shares tips for women to build financial wellness
How's Your Aura Doing Today?
Do you have a positively-charged aura? Prachi Rijhwani helps you find out
AGAINST ALL ODDS
SAIKA ISHAQUE's cricketing journey is a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and triumph against adversity, writes Kayal Arivalan
MASTERING THE ART OF TEACHING
DR SANGHAMITRA BUDDHAPRIYA talks to Ravina M Sachdev about her many accomplishments and her inspiration to become a professor
ART ATTACK
KANIKA RANKA ADANI, founder of The Studio Project, talks to Ravina M Sachdev about turning her passion into her profession
GLOBAL CRAVINGS
PLAKA in Bengaluru promises an exceptional dining experience for casual dining enthusiasts eager to explore international cuisines
TAKE A BREAK IN GANGTOK
Nestled amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is a serene choice for your summer vacation
NOURISHING THE NEW MOTHER
The right nutrition can help new mothers recover and feel stronger.
QUIT RIGHT
Pratyasha Sarkar shares ways to quit your job without burning your bridges