Here is one of the fun facts about Zanzibar … it’s not one island but an island archipelago. Zanzibar archipelago consists of two larger and many smaller islands. Two larger islands are Unguja and Pemba.
Are you interested to know more interesting facts about Zanzibar? These Zanzibar facts will detail everything you should know about the Spice Island, a popular tropical destination in the Indian Ocean.
Best places to stay IN ZANZIBAR:
• New Teddys on the Beach (I stayed here in Jambiani)
• The Loop Beach Resort (top location on Jambiani Beach)
• White Sands (top stay on Paje Beach)
• Makofi (I stayed here in Nungwi)
• Z Hotel (direct access to Nungwi Beach)
• Lost & Found (I stayed here in Stone Town)
• Shoki Shoki House (I stayed here in Stone Town)
TOP EXPERIENCES and TOURS IN ZANZIBAR:
• Stone Town walking tour (my favorite and A MUST DO!)
• Spice farm tour (I did this fun top-selling tour)
• Prison Island tour (I did this and met tortoises)
• Jozani Forest (I saw endangered monkeys on this tour)
• One-day safari from Zanzibar (top-rated tour!)
In the minds of most people, Zanzibar is usually seen as a postcard-perfect beach destination on the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. However, the majority of people don’t know the facts about Zanzibar, its culture, and its people.
The Spice Island is home to the capital Zanzibar City, UNESCO World Heritage Site Stone Town, birthplace of Freddie Mercury, is packed with rich culture, world-class food, incredible heritage and other things you may not have known about Zanzibar.
Below are 23 Zanzibar facts – known as a blue travel destination that I definitely recommend for a relaxed holiday or honeymoon in the Indian Ocean.
If you have and other Zanzibar travel facts to share, feel free to send them to me via email.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
Fun facts about Zanzibar
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Learn some of the best Zanzibar facts, about a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, Swahili language and interesting culture.
● Find out some fascinating facts about Zanzibar Island unique wildlife, Prison Island, spices, and UNESCO sites.
● Get surprised by Zanzibars’ interesting facts about culture, people, history, and events happening here.
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List of the best Fun Facts about Zanzibar
1. Zanzibar got its name from Persian and/or Arabic language
The origin of the name Zanzibar is believed to have Persian or Arabic language roots.
Some believe, that the word Zanzibar comes from Persian words ‘zang’ (black) and ‘bar’ (coast, land, country), referring to the “dark soils of the islands“. Others believe the Zanzibar name has an Arabic origin, with ‘Zinj el Barr’ meaning “land of the blacks” or “coast of black“.
2. Main practiced religion in Zanzibar is Islam
Almost 99% of Zanzibar’s population is Muslim and practices Islam.
Mainland Tanzania is predominately Christian. There is a tiny fraction of the Christian population in Zanzibar, practicing their religion in the cathedral in Stone Town.
Mosques can be found all around Zanzibar (Unguja) island, and the oldest one, 900-year-old Shirazis Mosque in Kizimkazi, is one of the oldest Islamic buildings in East Africa.
3. Zanzibar’s nickname is the “Spice Islands”
Islands in the Zanzibar archipelago were once an important spice trading hub.
The most important role in spice trade history was given to cloves, followed by other spices like cinnamon, black pepper, and nutmeg. Production of spices is still one of the main industries Zanzibar is known for.
4. Stone Town is not the capital of Zanzibar
Contrary to popular belief, UNESCO World Heritage Site Stone Town, with its labyrinth streets and food markets, is not the capital of Zanzibar. Title of Zanzibar’s capital city belongs to Zanzibar City, with Stone Town being the historic center.
Stone Town is the cultural heart of the archipelago, known for its famous doors and significant landmarks. There are many things to do in Stone Town that show a rich blend of African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.
5. The Giant Aldabra Tortoises on Prison Island were a gift
Endemic to Seychelles, the Giant Aldabra Tortoises found on Prison Island have a unique origin story – they were a generous gift. Four tortoises were presented as a gift to Zanzibar from the British governor of Seychelles in 1919.
They felt at home and had good breeding conditions on Changuu Island. Today there are around 100 tortoises of different ages and sizes living on the Prison Island tortoise sanctuary.
6. Freddie Mercury from Queen was born in Stone Town, Zanzibar
Queen’s lead singer Freddie Mercury, was born in Zanzibar in 1946.
He was born in Stone Town Zanzibar on 5 September 1946 and spent his childhood in Zanzibar and India as Farrokh Bulsara. His family moved to London, England in 1964. Later he became one of the most famous singers and songwriters of all time.
Thanks to the Bohemian Rhapsody movie, Zanzibar and Stone Town are getting more popular among the Queen enthusiasts. In the center of Stone Town, you can visit Freddie Mercury’s house, now transformed into a museum.
7. Stone Town was a capital of Oman
Positioned at the crossroads of Indian Ocean trade routes, Zanzibar, and particularly Stone Town, played a pivotal role in the spice trade. The strategic location and flourishing economy of the islands made the Sultan of Oman, Said Bin Sultan, move the capital of the country.
In 1840 capital of Oman was moved from Muscat to Stone Town. This encouraged the development of clove plantations and established a ruling Arab elite.
Stone Town was the capital of Oman until 1856 when Zanzibar and Oman were divided into two separate sultanates, Zanzibar Sultanate and Sultanate of Oman.
8. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania but has its own president
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region in Tanzania. The union between the independent Sultanate of Zanzibar and mainland Tanganyika happened in 1964 when they formed the United Republic of Tanzania.
Inside the union, Zanzibar has its own government, president, administration, and legislature. People of Zanzibar are Tanzanian nationals and you can visit Zanzibar and go on a safari in Tanzania mainland with the same visa.
9. Swahili is the official language of Zanzibar
Swahili or KiSwahili is, besides English, one of the official languages spoken in Zanzibar.
Many locals also speak dialect Kiunguja and Arabic language. In towns with bigger resorts, like Nungwi and Kendwa, you can also hear locals speak in French and Italian.
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10. Swahili got its name from the Arabic language
The name Swahili comes from the Arabic word ‘sawāḥilī’ and it translates as “coast, of the coast or shore“.
Swahili is a language spoken in East Africa. It is the official language in Tanzania, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. As a second language is Swahili used in Rwanda and Burundi.
11. Tanzania and Zanzibar have a plastic bag ban
Since 2019, both Tanzania and Zanzibar have implemented a ban on plastic bags to address environmental concerns.
The plastic bag ban aims to fight against pollution, preserve ecosystems, and protect wildlife by reducing the use of non-biodegradable materials.
Ban of plastic bags is in place for manufacturing, bringing in, selling, and using plastic bags, followed by strict penalties for violations. So you will not get your souvenir in a plastic bag. Exceptions include certain types of plastic bags, such as those for medical waste or in the construction industry. Zip-lock bags used in airports are also allowed.
12. Prison Island was never a prison
Changuu Island or Prison Island was constructed by the British as a prison. It was originally intended to be one, yet it never housed any prisoners.
Complex on the Changuu Island was used as the main East Africa’s quarantine station, for all the travelers who wanted to visit the island. They had to stay on Prison Island from one to two weeks, to get clear of cholera, yellow fever, and bubonic plague symptoms.
Now is used as a tortoise sanctuary.
13. Zanzibar flag is from the 21st century
The current flag of Zanzibar was adopted on 9 January 2005. It has three horizontal stripes of green, black, and blue and the Tanzanian national flag at the top left.
The top blue stripe represents the Indian Ocean, while the black stripe represents the Swahili people and their African heritage. The green stripe at the bottom symbolizes the rich natural resources of the islands.
Prior to the current flag, Zanzibar had 6 flags. For some time it shared Tanzania’s flag, before that it was all red, red with green circle and cloves, once there was a flag with black, blue, and yellow stripes and the flag of the Sultanate of Oman.
14. There is a Jozani Forest in the heart of the Unguja island
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park or shorter Jozani Forest is the only national park in Zanzibar. Inside Jozani Forest you can find a diverse array of flora and fauna.
There are canopy-height trees, groundwater forest, coastal forest, grassland, and three different types of mangroves. It is home to the endemic Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey, an endangered primate species, Sykes’ monkeys, a small to medium-sized Ader’s duiker brown antelope, and a variety of bird species.
15. Stone Town in Zanzibar was center of East African slave trade
Zanzibar was the center of the Arab slave trade in the 19th century. This was the largest and one of the last operating slave markets in East Africa and in the world. It was closed down by the British in 1873.
More than 50.000 slaves were brought to Stone Town, sold, and shipped to Africa and overseas. At the height of the Arab slave trade around 15,000 slaves were exported annually from Stone Town in Zanzibar.
You can pay your tribute to the victims at the Christ Church Cathedral, an Anglican church, built directly on the site of the former slave market. There is a Slave Market Memorial that honors more than 50.000 slaves sold, or you can visit the slave chambers.
16. Red Colobus Monkey is endemic to the Zanzibar archipelago
Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii) or Kirk’s red colobus is endangered. There are only around 2000 to 2500 left.
Red Colobus monkeys are endemic to the islands in the Zanzibar archipelago, and the majority live in the Jozani Forest.
Red Colubus name comes from their unique appearance with vibrant red fur and a contrasting black face. They have an immense ecological importance as seed dispersers in the coastal forests.
17. Zanzibar cuisine is a mix of cultures and flavors
Zanzibar is known for its delicious food created as a fusion of diverse cultures and flavors, reflecting the island’s rich history as a trading island and cultural exchange. Swahili cuisine is a mix of influences from Arabia, Persia, India, and Europe combined with the local Swahili traditions.
There is a tropical fruit, a mixed rice dish originating from Asia called biryani, curries from India, spice-infused pilau rice, flavorful seafood, and Zanzibar pizza.
18. Seaweed is the third largest source of income
Exporting seaweed is the third largest source of income for the island, and the majority of the workers are women. Two main types of red seaweed are Kappaphycus alvarezii (cotonii) and Eucheuma denticulatum (spinosum).
In Jambiani and Paje, and other coastal areas, you can see seaweed farms at low tide. In the villages, you can also see seaweed getting dried on sheets.
Dried seaweed is sold and used to make carrageenan or agar thickening agents found in food (yogurt, ice cream, beer …), cosmetics (soap, toothpaste), and pharmaceutical products.
19. Uniquely crafted doors are the spotlight of Stone Town
Doors in Zanzibar’s Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, date back to the 17th century. There are approximately 550 original doors left that served as a decorative element and a status symbol. Doors are a legacy of the city’s history as a trade hub.
There are two distinct styles, Arabic and Indian, showcasing the fusion of cultures and architectural styles in Stone Town. Arabic doors, with detailed carvings, emphasize Islamic culture, while Indian doors, inspired by Mughal architecture, feature vibrant colors and brass spikes purely for aesthetic purposes.
20. Shortest war ever recorded happened in Zanzibar
Zanzibar holds the record for hosting the shortest war in history. The Anglo-Zanzibar War, on 27 August 1896 lasted 38 minutes.
The shortest war was triggered by a succession dispute between the United Kingdom and the Zanzibar Sultanate. British forces came out as victors after they bombed the Beit al Hukum Palace.
21. Dhow boats are traditional sailing vessels seen all over Zanzibar
Dhow, pronounced as ‘dow’, was invented by Arabs or Indians. They are made from coconut, teak, or mango wood and have a triangular-shaped sail, first made from coconut or palm leaves and later from cotton.
Those traditional fishing and trading vessels between India, East Africa, and the Middle East using monsoon trade winds. They were used to carry spices, slaves, water, and other goods and also played a huge role in the exchange of ideas, religions, flavors, and skills.
22. There are red bananas in Zanzibar
Red bananas are named after their red skin. Their flesh is yellow to orange color and have a sweet, creamy flavor. Red bananas are used for ice creams and milkshakes and are rich in nutrients, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and antioxidants.
23. Zanzibar was among the first countries in Africa with color TV
Zanzibar was one of the first countries in Africa to introduce broadcasting in color television.
That was in 1974. On the other hand, mainland Tanzania was for years, the largest country in the world without television. Up until 1994 president, Julius Nyerere, opposed the TV in the country.
Final thoughts on Fun Facts about Zanzibar
What is the most interesting fact about Zanzibar you found out today?
After learning about all the amazing facts about Zanzibar, you can be convinced that this East African archipelago, is much more than your typical beach escape. It’s infused with spice smells, vibrant markets, Swahili speaking locals, unique flora and fauna, and interesting history.
History-rich destination where different cultures and spices created a unique architecture, cuisine, and culture that you can see, smell and taste! With spice aromas all around the island, beautiful colors in Jambiani and Nungwi, and upbeat music. A perfect destination with pristine beaches to combine it with a safari in mainland Tanzania.
Start planning your perfect Zanzibar itinerary and craft a Zanzibar budget to envision, experience, and escape to Spice Island and historic Stone Town. Have a look at my other Zanzibar travel guides, find where to stay in Stone Town or visit the best Zanzibar beaches. Karibu Sana.
➤ What you should read next …
• 15 Best hotels in Jambiani Zanzibar for a perfect holiday – Find the best beach hotel
• 15 Best Places to Stay in Stone Town Zanzibar – Sleeping in Frreddy Mercury’s bed?
• Zanzibar Itinerary – How to spend you time on Spice Island
• 15 Best Things To Do in Stone Town, Zanzibar – Best places to see
• How to get to Zanzibar – Find the best routes!
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