Zanzibar is located about 35 kilometers off the East Coast of Tanzania. It comprises the 1,464 square kilometers, of Unguja (also known as Zanzibar) and the island of Pemba (868 – square kilometers), which is located about 50 kilometers north of Unguja and famed for its deep-sea fishing and scuba-diving; and a number of smaller islands. Kiswahili is the main language and more than 90 per cent of the population is Muslim. Visitors should dress modestly in public places. Zanzibar is warm almost all year round with heavy rains from March to May and lesser rains during October and November. February is the hottest month with a maximum average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius, while in August the temperature falls to 21 degrees Celsius. Think of Zanzibar and images of romantic dhows with curved white sails, veiled women, ancient ruins and exotic spices, float before your eyes. Zanzibar is known throughout the world as the jewel of the Indian Ocean and has a romantic, colourful history of seafarers and explorers, of riches and tragedy, and the dark stain of slavery. Best Time: June to Mid March with the hottest months from January.
