Zanzibar, you beautiful

Here, in the Middle Ages, the Persians and Sultans from Oman dominated, making Zanzibar the hub of the slave trade. Other important sources of income were carnations and ivory. Later, the island came under Portuguese, in 1890 under British protectorate. Zanzibar gained independence at the end of 1963, a year later the People's Republic joined the then Tanganyika, and the state called itself Tanzania. As before, Islam dominates everyday life. The national language is Kisuaheli. Many residents also speak or understand English. The most important industry today is tourism.

Best travel time:

From June to December. In November there is still a small rainy season. There is a year-round tropical climate.

Flat-rate:

Several tour operators have Zanzibar in the winter program, for example TUI.

Getting there:

For example, from Frankfurt to Dar es Salaam and continue with domestic airlines. Or charter flight with Condor (only in the winter season, from November). Zanzibar vacationers need a visa. Available at the Embassy of Tanzania, Theaterplatz 26, 53177 Bonn, Tel. 02 28/358 05 14, Fax 35 82 26. With a processing time of about four weeks you have to expect.

Getting Around:

Left-hand traffic. International driver's license required.

Shelter:

In Zanzibar Town: The luxurious four-star "Zanzibar Serena Inn" on the edge of the Stonetown, on the seafront in historic buildings (P.O. Box 4151, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Tel. 2/32306, 2/33587, www.serenahotels.com).

"Chavda Hotel", beautifully renovated Arabian palace in the middle of the old town, with dinner on the roof terrace, (Changani Area, Baghani Street, PO Box 540, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Tel. 2/32115, www.chavdahotel.co.tz) ,

At the beach: "Matemwe Bungalows", beautiful complex located directly on the northeast coast (P.O. Box 3275, Tel. 00255/54/236535, www.tanzaniaodyssey.com).

"Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel", modern bungalow complex on the cliffs on the northeastern tip of the island (P.O. Box 1784, Tel. 232512, www.rasnungwi.com).

Going out in Zanzibar Town:

"Emerson's and Green" (Hurumzi Street, Tel. 2/30171). On the rooftop terrace overlooking Stonetown, you can sit on Oriental pillows and enjoy the surprise menu. Reservation absolutely necessary.

"Blues", on a terrace on the water on the edge of Stonetown, with Zanzibar and European specialties. (Tel. 2/328509).

Trips:

Guided tours, z. Al-Salaam Tours at the Fisherman's Resort Hotel, P.O. Box 2569, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Tel. 234595/6/7, to Stonetown, Prison Island, Jozani Forest, Mangapwani Slave Caves, and Spice Plantations.

Also recommended is the "Spice Tour" through the spice plantations inside, offered by Fernandes Tours & Safaris, P.O. Box 647, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Tel. 230666.

A special tour operator in Germany, who also assembles individual tours: Safari Aktuell, Wernher-von-Braun-Strasse 5, 63263 Neu-Isenburg, Tel. 06102/73520, www.safari.de.