Let’s Explore Tanzanian Arab Culture

When you think of Tanzania, the vast plains of the Serengeti instantly spring to mind. But Tanzania is more than safari game drives and exotic wildlife; it also includes the archipelago of Zanzibar. This semi-autonomous region is made up of many islands and is known for the rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar Arabs and beautiful beaches. It’s also a great add-on to your Tanzania trip, so consider asking your travel operator about adding a few days in Zanzibar to explore the local Tanzanian Arab culture!

Where is Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. Located in the Indian Ocean, it is made up of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba Island. The capital of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City, which is located on the island of Unguja. Stone Town, the historic heart of the city, is a tourist attraction and World Heritage Site where visitors can take a deep dive into Zanzibar tribal history.

Five Historical Facts about Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region that united with Tanganyika in 1964 and formed the present-day United Republic of Tanzania. But for centuries before the region became part of Africa, it was a main hub for the world’s spice trade. The Zanzibar Arabs that lived on the archipelago grew and exported cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. Here are five historical facts to introduce you to Tanzanian Arab culture, as well as the Zanzibar tribal history of the region.

• The original inhabitants of the Zanzibar islands were Africans from the nearby mainland. But during the 10^th century, Persian traders occupied the island, mingling with the native population. Two distinct ethnic groups of Zanzibar Arabs then emerged: the Hadimu and the Tumbatu. These groups followed the Islam religion that was introduced by the Persian traders, which has become an integral part of Tanzanian Arab culture.
• The name Zanzibar comes from the Arabic word Zanjbar, which is derived from the Persian Zangbar, meaning “black coast.”
• Zanzibar Arabs are an ethnic minority in Tanzania. However, the Arab community controlled much of the island’s wealth and became the aristocratic, ruling class for much of the island’s early centuries. Zanzibar tribal history shows that the islands were a major hub for trade between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East during this time.
• In 1870, the sultans who ruled Zanzibar lost their powers to Germany and Great Britain. In 1890, the British placed a protectorate over Zanzibar, effectively stripping the sultans of any remaining powers. This protectorate lasted until 1963, when Zanzibar gained its independence from Britain during the Zanzibar Revolution and merged with Tanganyika to form the independent nation of Tanzania.
• Today, the official languages of Zanzibar Arabs are Kiswahili and English. English is spoken by most of the islanders, although if you are traveling in a more rural area, your might want to to learn a little Swahili or have a guide that can translate for you!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Zanzibar?

Most people visit Zanzibar as part of an add-on package before or after a safari in Tanzania. Fortunately for most travelers who want to explore Zanzibar tribal history, the best time to visit the archipelago coincides with the mainland’s dry season. During this time, from June to September, the beaches are crowded with tourists enjoying the sunshine. While this is the best time to take advantage of beach weather, just keep in mind that you’ll also face larger crowds and higher costs for your lodging and other amenities. Still, if you want to explore Tanzanian Arab culture, this may be the best time of the year to plan your trip.

Finding the Best Activities in Tourist-Friendly Zanzibar

The Zanzibar archipelago may seem like the perfect place to kick back and relax on a pristine beach, but if you look beyond the white sand, you’ll find the history of Zanzibar Arabs too compelling to ignore! The island’s many spice farms and coconut plantations are a throwback to a time when Zanzibar Arab culture ruled the archipelago, and the market stalls of Stone Town were a hotspot for commerce and trade. Today, Zanzibar attracts tourists wanting to explore the natural beauty of the environment, as well as the history of the Tanzanian Arab culture that dominated the area for centuries.

Here is a list of some of the top attractions and activities in Zanzibar that you will want to see when you visit:

 Book With Gondwana Ecotours To Discover Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a hidden gem just off the coast of Tanzania, and well worth a visit. With Gondwana Ecotours, you can add on a visit to the archipelago’s pristine beaches before or after your safari across the Serengeti. Discover the Zanzibar Arabs, bask in the Tanzanian Arab culture of Stone Town, and relax in the old-world ambiance of the local bazaars. After the exciting thrill of a safari across the Serengeti, Zanzibar’s laid-back atmosphere is the perfect place to unwind.