JWH TRAVEL BITS AND MORE...July 12, 2019

Known as the Spice Island, the beautiful island of Zanzibar on Africa’s east coast is bursting with culture and history, seemingly at odds with its idyllic geography of white-sand beaches with palms swaying lazily in the sea breeze. Together this makes Zanzibar a fabulous place to explore as well as a dream to relax and unwind.

Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre is Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site.

Portuguese invasion and control of the Swahili Coast in the late 16th century ended the golden age of the archipelago, although the Omani Arabs returned to power less than a century later. Today, many of the winding streets and high townhouses of old Stone Town remain unchanged and visitors can walk between the sultan’s palace, the House of Wonders, the Portuguese fort and gardens, the merchants’ houses, and the Turkish baths of the old city. Day-long spice tours to working plantations offer visitors the chance to observe the cultivation of cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices that have made the island famous.

Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun.

The port city of Stone Town dominates the west coast, and although the beaches of Mangapwani, where slave caves are visible at low tide and nearby Bububu are less than half an hour’s drive away, a night or two spent on the east or north cost is well worth the extra hour it takes to drive there. That said, the Chole Island Marine Park just off Stone Town – and nearby Prison, Grave, and Snake Islands – make a refreshing day-trip and a good break from exploring the winding passageways of the old city.

On the south coast of Zanzibar lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection area for the endangered species that come to breed on the island. Roads to the southeast coast take visitors through the Jozani Forest, home to Zanzibar’s rare Red Colobus monkeys and a number of other primate and small antelope species.

Source: /www.tanzaniatourism.go.tz

Published on Oct 15, 2018

Zanzibar is a beautiful flat island with white beaches and emerald water. Smiling residents welcome us and share their culture. If you like water, you can swim with dolphins or go to one of the many disappearing sandy islands (sandbank). Stand up before dawn at sunrise and see how beautiful it is over the ocean. See where it is worth going and what to see. 

Published on Feb 12, 2019

Published on Mar 20, 2019

Zanzibar, also known as the 'spice island', grows lots of different spices. When tourists visit they get to visit the lovely beaches, and also learn about the spices on one of the popular spice tours.

Published on Jun 3, 2017

Cocooned among 32 hectares of tropical gardens, fringed by a pristine mile-long beach, The Residence Zanzibar immerses you in the splendour of a secluded hideaway. Surrounded by nature’s untouched beauty, enjoy carefree days on this exotic, Spice Island as powder-soft white sand is lapped by crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Our luxury Zanzibar resort blends modern comforts with Swahili, Omani, British and Indian influences. Indulge in the privacy of the spacious villas, attended on if you wish by our butlers. Whether you dream of a quiet couple’s retreat or fun in the sun for the whole family, embrace all the delights of our island life at The Residence Zanzibar. Find out more about The Residence Zanzibar and the current offers here https://cenizaro.com/theresidence/zanz...

Published on Dec 28, 2018

We Visit Zanzibar's Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 13-year-old Tasnim tells us about Stone Town's fascinating history and also shows us her favourite food, Zanzibar Mix!

IFC Films

Published on Sep 21, 2018

Opening IN THEATERS SEPTEMBER 21 & ON DEMAND SEPTEMBER 27 What happens when four legends of British stage and screen get together? Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Eileen Atkins, and Dame Joan Plowright are among the most celebrated actresses of our time, with scores of iconic performances, decades of wisdom, and innumerable Oscars, Tonys, Emmys, and BAFTAs between them. They are also longtime friends who hereby invite you to join them for a weekend in the country as they catch up with one another, reminisce, and share their candid, delightfully irreverent thoughts on everything from art to aging to love to a life lived in the spotlight. Bursting with devilish wit and whip-smart insights, Tea With The Dames is a remarkable opportunity to spend time in the company of four all-time greats—up close and unfiltered. 

Get your boots on and head down to the River Thames with mudlark Lara Maiklem, as she discovers the history of London hidden in mud.

By The Frommer's Staff

Onebag.com founder Doug Dyment joins host David Lytle to discuss the no-nonsense rules for packing wisely. Dyment reveals the secrets to the best bags and suitcases and teaches what to pack and how to fit it all into one bag -- even on a long trip. He also lets listeners in on surprising solutions to typical travel problems and shares the one piece of essential packing advice you should know before heading anywhere

Inside a specially built, temperature controlled room at Hereford Cathedral, hundreds of medieval manuscripts sit chained to their shelves, exactly as they did centuries ago.

BBC Culture