Europe will wait! So far, the paths in the usual countries are closed, it makes sense to explore other directions. More than once wrote about Africa - the countries of this continent, with the exception of Egypt and Tunisia, are minor among Russians. And if relative to Madagascar, South Africa and the like this can be explained by a rather high cost of travel, then why do people do not want to go to Zanzibar? This island of Tanzania is open to visa-free entrance and hides a lot of interesting places, which we will tell in this material.
Stone City, or Stone Town
More than 20 thousand years have passed since Zanzibar became the inhabited island. Stone City is the center of the island and local attraction. Because of its location, the coast and sheltered harbor has become a stone town from a fishing village in a shopping center. The island also managed many colonial rulers from Portugal to Oman and Great Britain, until he became independent in 1963.
The long history of the slave trade and the rich colonial heritage is just some of the reasons why this point is an excellent choice for an excursion. This is a mixture of African, Arab and colonial styles collected in the same city. Because of all unique influences, the stone city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.
Freddie Mercury Birthplace
If you like Queen, do not miss the chance to see where Freddie Mercury was born - it is located right in the center of the Stone Town, so you will not miss it! Locals say that tourists are deceived and lead to the wrong address. This house where the singer spent his childhood is difficult to find out - during his infancy, the family has moved more than once. In order not to waste time in vain, go immediately at the singer's museum, located in the same Stone Tauna.
Old Fort
Inspect the unique historical monument and visit the old fort. This is an old fortification built by Omanski Arabs in 1699. It is also one of the oldest buildings in the city. The last extension to the fort is an outdoor amphitheater where you can watch local shows or other events. Specify on the tourist information rack in Forte about the nearest concerts to enter them into your vacation plans.
Museum of slavery
There is no place better to develop empathy and declare the national equality of people forever. Zanzibar Market The last operational slave market in the world and closed only in 1873. Although it may seem sad, yet this is an important part of the history of the region. Thousands of Africans were brought to the island as slaves to work on plantations. The slave traders also used the island as a basic camp before sending slaves to a long trip to the East for sale in Persia, Arabia, the Ottoman Empire and Egypt. In the slavery museum you can visit the cameras where slaves held before they were sold. Such rooms contained more than 30 people. Although this happened hundreds of years ago, after such a spectacle, each comes out in a state of shock. The museum is open every day from 8:00 to 18:00. The entrance ticket costs 5 dollars, and you can count on the museum for about an hour.
Enjoy local cuisine
The best view of the island opens from the height. Book a table in a restaurant for dinner and enjoy a sunset - here they open stunning, as the horizon is not observed by architectural objects, but opens over the endless stroking of water. However, it is worth going for dinner not only therefore: another reason is an exotic kitchen for a Russian person. Here are the dishes that cost:
Zanzibarsa pizza. Such a pizza you have never seen! The dough is folded so that all ingredients are inside and then prepare on a hot metal frying pan. You can choose a pizza with a chicken or beef, which also usually includes an egg, cheese, onion, sweet pepper and mayonnaise. For sweetness lovers there is an alternative - a pizza with a scum or mango and cheese.
Biriani and pilaf. To make Biriani, rice is prepared separately from meat and sauce. When everything is ready, everything is mixed and served with a delightful sauce. Plov is preparing together with all the ingredients in one dishes, which gives the rigid incredible fragrance. You can choose it with meat to your choice, and without it.
Soup ugly. This is a soup based on flour with mango and lemon aroma. It also usually has potatoes, which is served in three ways: sliced with cubes, roasted potato mashed potatoes and potato chips, as well as many spices and meat. With light sourness and a strong taste, this soup is what you need to try!
Zanzibarsky tea. Zanzibar is not in vain called the "island of spices"! This tea is an amazing mixture of spices, which, by rumors, even helps ease the sore throat if you are cold on the kayserfing or snorcling.
Mice. Miceki is a meat kebab, where the meat marked with spices, and then prepares on the grill. As an alternative, Miceaki can be chosen from seafood.
Mandai. Mandaii is fried dough, a little similar to the donut, but not so sweet. They are eaten separately or with sauces and accompany many dishes.
Sea safari
Depending on which tour you choose, you will get into several different places, from the sandy braid to the lagoon. You will go on a sailing on one of the traditional DOU - the type of boat with large triangular sails used by the Arabs and Indians. During snorkeling, swim with the mask and examine many rainbow fish and mammals of the water inhabitants.
We just do not advise only go to tours, including bathing with dolphins. For these purposes, travel agents are driving them into the tourist area, which harms animals. And after the dolphins become aggressive - there are cases of their attacks on people in the open sea.
Meeting with exotic animals
Want to see monkeys? Josania National Park is a house for Zanzibarsky Red Colobus - the type of monkeys who live only on Zanzibar! These monkeys are black and white with red spins, and you will definitely see some if you visit the forest. You will also see many birds and unique butterflies! The park is open every day from 7:30 to 17:00. Input fee of $ 8 turns on a brief tour. Then you can walk on the Mangrove Promenade yourself. You can give a tip guide if you want, but it is not necessary.
Do not miss kaitsurfing
Another typical entertainment on Zanzibar, which people fly from around the world - Kaitsurfing. Kaitsurfing is a sport in which you ride, standing on a small surfboard and allow the wind to carry you towards yourself while you hold on to Kite. The beach of the Part is considered the best place for kaitsurfing, but you can also take lessons on Nungvi or Jambiani Beach. In fact, most tourist beaches offer kitesurfing lessons, so, if you just start, you can try yourself anywhere! The best time for kaitsurfing - from January to February or from June to September. If you visit there at this time, you can also see some experienced kiteservs performing tricks and jumps.