Zanzibar and the Coast

ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, occupying a total area of approximately 650 square miles. It is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa. Zanzibar's brilliant white beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean provide the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun and take a break from some busy sightseeing.

MAFIA ISLAND

Mafia Island, Tanzania, lies off the mouth of the Rufiji River in Southern Tanzania. It is one of the least developed parts of an undeveloped country, yet it has been, and continues to be, part of important historical processes. Although its spectacular marine life is becoming increasingly well known, especially since the setting up of the Mafia Island Marine Park, little other information is widely available. Using search engines on the worldwide web tends to bring up mainly sites which represent the island as a tourist paradise: some of them also give inaccurate or misleading information.

PANGANI

The name Pangani comes from the river that runs from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro through the northern part of the historical town of Pangani. Pangani was established before the Sixth Century BC. It was instrumental in the slave trade era as the port was used to move ivory and slaves to Europe, America and other places. The historical sites are strong reminders of the German, British and Arabic influences of its past. Today Pangani is a treasure to the tourist not only for its historical sites but for its white sandy quiet beaches, flanked with coconut trees. The primary industry in this area is fishing.