Zanzibar Islands (Archipelago)
Zanzibar Archipelago
Step off the boat or plane onto the Zanzibar Archipelago and you’re transported through time and place. This is one of the world's great cultural crossroads, where Africa meets Arabia meets the Indian Ocean.
The Zanzibar Archipelago consists of several islands lying off the coast of East Africa south of the Somali Sea. The archipelago is also known as the Spice Islands. There are four main islands, three primary islands with human populations, a fourth coral island that serves as an essential breeding ground for seabirds, plus a number of smaller islets that surround them and an isolated tiny islet.
In Zanzibar Town, the narrow alleys of historic Stone Town meander between ancient buildings decorated with balconies and gigantic carved doors. Meanwhile, on the coast, fishing boats set sail, and in the countryside farmers tend fields of rice or the clove plantations that give Zanzibar its 'Spice Islands' moniker.
Beyond these little-changed traditions, visitors see a very different landscape. The idyllic beaches are dotted with hotels, and the ocean becomes a playground for diving, snorkelling and kitesurfing. With its tropical tableau and unique culture, plus an active beach-party scene for those that want it, the Zanzibar Archipelago offers a fascinating and highly enjoyable East African Indian Ocean experience.
Most of the archipelago belongs to the Zanzibar semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, while Mafia Island and its associated islets are part of the Pwani Region on the mainland.
Main islands:
- Unguja Island, the largest, colloquially referred to as Zanzibar inhabitants
- Pemba Island, the second largest
- Latham Island (also called "Fungu Kizimkazi"), tiny and uninhabited
- Mafia Island
Surrounding Unguja Island:
- Bawe Island, Changuu Island, Chapwani Island, Chumbe Island, Daloni Island, Kwale Island, Miwi Island, Mnemba Island– settled, Murogo Sand Banks, Nyange Island, Pange Island, Popo Island, Pungume Island, Sume Island, Tele Island, Tumbatu Island – settled, Ukombe Island, Uzi Island – settled and Vundwe Island.
Surrounding Pemba Island:
- Fundo Island– settled, Funzi Island, Jombe Island, Kashani Island, Kisiwa Hamisi, Kisiwa Kamata, Kisiwa Mbali, Kisiwa N´gombe, Kojani Island – settled, Kokota Island – settled, Kuji Island, Kwata Islet, Makoongwe Island – settled, Matumbi Makubwa Island, Matumbini Island, Misali Island, Njao Island, Panani Island, Panza Island – settled, Shamiani Island – settled, Sumtama Island, Uvinje Island – settledand Vikunguni Island.