General Information about Zanzibar

Zanzibar is the collective name for two large islands and several smaller ones located in the Indian Ocean, about 40km off the eastern coast of Tanzania. The two large islands are Pemba and Unguja (also called Zanzibar Island). Just to confuse tourists a little more, the capital of Unguja Island is also known as Zanzibar).

Zanzibar (Unguja) Island

Zanzibar Island offers the traveller a number of pleasures: characterful rural towns and fishing villages; cobbled streets and ancient buildings; markets bursting with exotic spices and colourful fabrics; long white beaches and striking coral reefs. Visitors to Zanzibar are never bored, and there is always the opportunity to explore quieter parts of the island if you feel like getting away from absolutely everyone.

Pemba Island

Pemba offers the traveller empty beaches, and unbelievable diving and snorkelling. Fewer people visit Pemba than Ujumba, which makes it all the more appealing to seekers of solitude. The flip side to this is that there are fewer tourist facilities on Pemba, and less choice when it comes to getting around the island.

Pemba lies the same distance (80km) from Zanzibar Island as it does from the Tanzanian Coast. The island is smaller than Unguja but is more densely vegetated with natural forest and plantations. Early Arab sailors used to call Pemba 'El Huthera', meaning 'The Green'. The island is also much hillier than Ugunja, but its highest point is still only 95m above sea level.

Mnemba Island

About three kilometres from the Tanzanian coast, this small island (a single kilometre in circumference) is wrapped by a large coral reef. Mnemba Island only has one hotel, which is as exclusive as it is expensive. Mnemba is a popular spot for the rich and famous and it's not uncommon for someone to hire the entire island for a holiday in a private paradise.

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