cultural tourism in zanzibar

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• Description

The Stone Town of Zanzibar is a fine example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. It retains its urban fabric and townscape virtually intact and contains many fine buildings that reflect its particular culture, which has brought together and homogenized disparate elements of the cultures of Africa, the Arab region, India, and Europe over more than a millennium.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

La ville de pierre de Zanzibar

La Ville de pierre de Zanzibar est un magnifique exemple des villes marchandes côtières swahilies d'Afrique de l'Est. Elle a conservé un tissu et un paysage urbains quasiment intacts, et beaucoup de bâtiments superbes qui reflètent sa culture particulière, fusion d'éléments disparates des cultures africaines, arabes, indiennes et européennes sur plus d'un millénaire.

مدينة زنجبار الحجرية

تشكل مدينة زنجبار الحجرية نموذجاً رائعاً من المدن التجارية الساحلية السواحيلية في افريقيا الشرقية. وقد حافظت على نسيج ومنظر مدني لا يزالان على حالهما وعلى أبنية رائعة تروي ثقافتها المميزة القائمة على مزيج عناصر متفاوتة من الثقافة الافريقية والعربية والهندية والأوروبية امتد على أكثر من ألف سنة.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

在东非斯瓦希里沿岸的贸易城镇中，桑给巴尔石头镇是一个典型代表。它的城市结构和景观至今未变，包括许多反映它独特文化的精美建筑。这些建筑已有了上千年的历史，它们被建造在一起，从而使非洲、阿拉伯、印度、欧洲这些风格迥异的文化因素融为一体。

Ciudad de piedra de Zanzíbar

La ciudad de piedra de Zanzíbar es un magnífico ejemplo de las ciudades comerciales swahilíes del litoral del África Oriental. Ha conservado su tejido y paisaje urbanos prácticamente intactos, así como muchos edificios soberbios que ponen de manifiesto la peculiar cultura de la región, en la que se han fundido y homogeneizado a lo largo de más de un milenio elementos muy diversos de las civilizaciones de África, Arabia, la India y Europa.

ザンジバル島のストーン・タウン

source: NFUAJ

Stenen stad Zanzibar

De Stenen stad Zanzibar is een mooi voorbeeld van een Swahili-handelsstad. De heersende islamitische dynastie en aanwezige buitenlandse kooplieden werden erg welvarend en verrijkten de stenen stad met paleizen en fraaie herenhuizen. Deze hadden een verscheidenheid van stijlen en tradities, maar werden samengevoegd en gehomogeniseerd tot de karakteristieke Swahili-architectuur. In de 19e eeuw werd deze Swahili-traditie overweldigd door nieuwe stijlen, onder andere de Minaret Moskee dateert uit deze periode. Zanzibar is van grote symbolische betekenis voor de bestrijding van de slavernij. Het was een van de belangrijkste slavenhandelhavens in Oost-Afrika, maar ook de basis van waaruit tegenstanders, zoals David Livingstone, hun campagne voerden.

Source: unesco.nl

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

  Located on a promontory jutting out from the western side of Unguja island into the Indian Ocean, the Stone Town of Zanzibar is an outstanding example of a Swahili trading town. This type of town developed on the coast of East Africa, further expanded   under Arab, Indian, and European influences, but retained its indigenous elements, to form an urban cultural unit unique to this region.

The Stone Town of Zanzibar retains its urban fabric and townscape virtually intact and contains many fine buildings that reflect its particular culture, which has brought together and homogenized disparate elements of the cultures of Africa, the Arab region, India, and Europe over more than a millennium.

The buildings of the Stone Town, executed principally in coralline ragstone and mangrove timber, set in a thick lime mortar and then plastered and lime-washed, reflect a complex fusion of Swahili, Indian, Arab and European influences in building traditions and town planning. The two storey houses with long narrow rooms disposed round an open courtyard, reached through a narrow corridor, are distinguished externally by elaborately carved double ‘Zanzibar’ doors, and some by wide vernadahs, and by richly decorated interiors. Together with, the simple ground floor Swahili houses and the narrow façade Indian shops along “bazaar” streets constructed around a commercial space “duka”.

 The major buildings date from the 18 th and 19 th centuries and include monuments such as the Old Fort, built on the site of an earlier Portuguese church; the house of wonder, a large ceremonial  palace built by Sultan Barghash; the Old Dispensary; St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cathedral; Christ Church Anglican Cathedral commemorating the work of David Livingston in abolishing the slave trade and built on the site of the last slave market; the residence of the slave trader Tippu Tip; the Malindi Bamnara Mosque; the Jamat Khan built for the Ismaili sect; the Royal Cemetery; the Hamamni and other Persian baths. Together with the narrow, winding street pattern, large mansions facing the seafront and open spaces these buildings form an exceptional urban settlement reflecting the longstanding trading activity between the African and Asian seaboards. In particular the Stone town’s is also marked by being the site where slave-trading was finally terminated.

Criterion (ii):  The Stone Town of Zanzibar is an outstanding material manifestation of cultural fusion and harmonization.

Criterion (iii):  For many centuries there was intense seaborne trading activity between Asia and Africa, and this is illustrated in an exceptional manner by the architecture and urban structure of the Stone Town.

 Criterion (vi):  Zanzibar has great symbolic importance in the suppression of slavery, since it was one of the main slave-trading ports in East Africa and also the base from which its opponents, such as David Livingstone, conducted their campaign.

  Integrity  

The individual buildings in the Stone town manifest, through their structure, construction materials and techniques, the interchange and influence of the different cultures around the Indian Ocean rim. The outstanding universal value of the property resides in the character of the assemblage of blocks (cluster) and buildings, the layout of the Town including the relationship of buildings to the open spaces, streets, roads and gardens, the character of the littoral edge viewed from the sea, and the nature of access to the sea from the land. These are all still intact but the buildings are vulnerable to deterioration and the visual aspect from the sea is vulnerable to inappropriate development.   Work on the Malindi Port development project, including the loss of two historic warehouses, and erection of new, inappropriately scaled and designed port facilities without prior approval has created a precedent on how unintegrated development, and legitimate modern inspiration of Zanzibaris, if not well thought through and articulated, could be a threat to the integrity of the property.

 The property boundary coincides with the boundary of the Urban Conservation Area including the port area to the north, bounded by beaches along the north-west and south-west, open areas to the east and older part of Darajani Street. The buffer zone covers the historic part of Ng’ambo that includes part of the modernist buildings of Michenzani and the main road of Mlandege.

  Authenticity  

The ensemble of the town largely preserves its historic urban fabric and landscape. The buildings, their uses, and the layout of the streets continue to express the interchange of human values around the Indian Ocean rim. The materials and the skills of construction used in the town are still widely used in the Zanzibar archipelago and the Swahili coastal zone. The local artisans are competent in both the traditional building techniques and the skills needed to produce quality construction materials, namely laterite-sand, lime and coral stone. Traditional materials and construction techniques are still being employed to a large extent, though there is growing competition from modern materials, designs, and techniques.The continuity of traditional uses of most of the buildings in the historic town as residential and commercial space maintains the town as an important administrative and economic centre of the archipelago. Yet, the authenticity of the Stone Town in its setting is vulnerable to the inappropriate scale and design of new development in the property and its buffer zone.

Protection and management requirements

 Cultural property in the Zanzibar archipelago is protected under the “Ancient Monuments Act” of 1948. This legal framework protects individual monuments and sites Gazetted in the Official Gazette. Responsibility for the monitoring and management of these monuments falls within the jurisdiction of the Department of Museums and Antiquity. The Town and Country Planning act of 1955 also provides a clause to protect historically important houses. The Stone Town has been protected as a conservation area since 1985, under the Town and Country Planning Act of 1955.  Finally, values, boundaries and features have been further protected by the Stone Town Conservation and Development Act of 1994 and the associated Master Plan which specifies actions and strategies to be taken to safeguard, conserve and develop the values of the Stone Town. Together with these legal frameworks, the Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority (STCDA) which was created in 1985 has a full mandate to coordinate and supervise the Master Plan of 1994. Many buildings of the Stone Town are also protected by other institutions such as the Department of Housing and Human Settlement and the Commission of Waqf. A Management Plan for the property was prepared by the STCDA in consultation with all stakeholders, in 2007, with the stated vision to: “protect and enhance the Stone Town cultural heritage leading to it being well preserved as a sustainable human settlement supportive of its cultural diversity and maintaining its Outstanding Universal Values”.

 The Stone Town is not only an historic living town but also a commercial and socio-cultural centre of the Zanzibar Archipelago. As such, the property is subject to the pressure of development, manifested through traffic problems, changes of land uses and the lack and high expense of accommodation inside the Stone Town. Tourist development since 1990 is an important factor in the development pressure on the town. However the absence of clear policies on heritage promotion, cultural tourism, and the lack of a strategy on how to accommodate tourism development, and on how to revitalize public spaces could result in random development that could threaten its Outstanding Universal Value.

 The management system set out in the Management Plan (2007), produced by comprehensive consultative approach under the supervision of STCDA aimed to mitigate these pressures. Nevertheless, an integrated and sustainable conservation and development approaches are urgently needed in order to develop practical sustainable management strategies to ensure that the overall coherence of the town and its highly distinctive town planning, architecture and traditional methods and materials of construction are sustained.

• Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority's website page
• Facebook page
• Zanzibar Commission for Tourism's website page
• Tanzania Tourism Board

The Nomination files produced by the States Parties are published by the World Heritage Centre at its website and/or in working documents in order to ensure transparency, access to information and to facilitate the preparations of comparative analysis by other nominating States Parties.

The sole responsibility for the content of each Nomination file lies with the State Party concerned. The publication of the Nomination file, including the maps and names, does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever of the World Heritage Committee or of the Secretariat of UNESCO concerning the history or legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its boundaries.

State of Conservation (SOC)

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Cultural experiences in Zanzibar

Best for experiencing the culture in zanzibar, turmeric beach holiday.

7 days • 2 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$2,220 - US$3,470 per person

Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge sits at the north end of Matemwe village, it has close connections with the area and supports a number of community projects.Take a guided walk to visit the fish markets, explore the streets and try octopus curry at a local restaurant.

Zanzibar Palace Hotel

Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a characterful property with beautiful rooms and antique furniture. It is located in the heart of Sone Town from where you can easily go on a guided tour to explore the old town and discover Zanzibar's history and culture.

Papaya Beach Holiday

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Coconut Beach Holiday

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Emerson on Hurumzi

Stay at Emerson on Hurumzi and experience the rich culture of Zanzibar. The hotel is filled with antique furniture from the time of Zanzibar's sultans, while the rooftop restaurant serves a traditional Swahili feast accompanied by live taarab music.

Red Colobus Monkey Safari

11 days • 3 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$6,230 - US$8,490 per person

Emerson Spice

A converted merchants house, Emerson Spice is filled with charm and character. Walking through the doors you feel as if you have stepped back in time. The central location is ideal to explore the narrow streets and delve into Zanzibar's rich culture.

Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari

12 days • 5 locations KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

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Entamanu Ngorongoro

Entamanu has developed a very strong, sustainable relationship with the local community, provide genuine insights into Maasai life for guests whilst not degrading the traditional culture of Tanzania in favour of tourism.

Best camps & lodges for Cultural experiences in Zanzibar

Unguja Lodge

Unguja Lodge is only a short walk from the village of Kizimkazi, with many of the staff coming from the area. The lodge supports a number of community projects and guests are encouraged to go on a village walk to explore the area and meet the locals.

Jafferji House

Jafferji House is, in itself, somewhat of a cultural experience. Owned by the renowned photographer, publisher and gallery-owner Javed Jafferji, the hotel was his childhood home and is full of traditional character and historic charm.

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Tourism in Zanzibar: A Journey of growth, challenges, and resilience

By  Paul Owere

Mwananchi Communications Ltd

What you need to know:

The island's tourism industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decades, transforming it into a vital economic pillar and source of employment for hundreds of thousands.

Zanzibar has in the past two decades emerged as a mesmerizing tourist destination, enchanting travelers with its pristine beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Despite the drawbacks during the pandemic, the past few years has seen a complete turnaround, the island has seen a surge in tourism, with a record number of visitors arriving in 2022.

According to the Zanzibar Tourism Commission, the number of tourists visiting with official numbers showing that visitors had to the island had increased by 110.28 percent from 260,644 in 2020 to 548,503 in 2022.

Zanzibar: From tourist paradise to economic powerhouse

Zanzibar’s tourist arrivals surpass one-million mark

But these were mainly those who were from abroad and the number by rough estimates has hit above the 850,000 ceiling, that was set by the authorities in 2020.

Speaking to The Citizen, Zanzibar’ minister for tourism and heritage Simai Mohammed Said says the number of tourists has since hit beyond the one million mark.

“In the past the numbers that we have been capturing did not put into consideration the visitors that come from mainland on a daily basis for conferences and leisure of the weekends,” said Mr Said.

The growth in tourism has had a significant impact on the Zanzibari economy.

“In 2022, the tourism sector contributed 29.2 percent of the island's GDP, up from 16 percent in 2020. This growth has created jobs, boosted economic growth, and improved the quality of life for many Zanzibaris,’ he said.

In addition to the increase in the number of visitors, Zanzibar has also seen a growth in the number of hotels and guesthouses.

“In 2023, there were 709 hotels and guesthouses on the island, up from 620 in 2020. This growth has helped to meet the demand for accommodation from tourists in all the different classes,” he said.

The allure of Zanzibar

The allure of Zanzibar lies in its natural splendor, cultural heritage, and unique blend of influences. Its pristine beaches, fringed by swaying palms and turquoise waters, provide an idyllic escape for sunseekers and beach enthusiasts.

The island's rich history, evident in its ancient Stone Town, captivating spice plantations, and UNESCO-listed ruins, offers a glimpse into its fascinating past. Zanzibar's vibrant culture, infused with African, Arab, and Indian influences, manifests in its delectable cuisine, lively music, and captivating crafts.

Several key factors have contributed to Zanzibar's tourism boom. The island's proximity to Tanzania's mainland, with its renowned wildlife safaris and Serengeti National Park, makes it an attractive add-on to a classic safari itinerary.

The development of international airports and improved air connectivity has facilitated easier access for travelers worldwide. The growth of luxury accommodations, catering to discerning travelers, has further enhanced Zanzibar's appeal.

Five Star Hotels

The growth of tourism in Zanzibar has led to a boom in the construction of new hotels, including a number of five-star properties.

Between 2020 and 2023, eight new five-star hotels opened in Zanzibar. These hotels are located in a variety of locations around the island, including Nungwi, Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani, Kizimkazi, Michamvi, Pongwe, and the airport.

“The new five-star hotels offer a variety of amenities and services, including luxurious accommodations, world-class restaurants, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. These hotels are attracting tourists from all over the world, and they are helping to boost the economy of Zanzibar, said Mr Simai Mohamed.

The average length of stay for tourists in Zanzibar has also increased. In 2020, the average visitor stayed for 6 days whereas, in 2023, the average length of stay has  increased to 8 days.

This, according to him, suggests that tourists are spending more time on the island, which is benefiting the local economy.

Historical trajectory

Zanzibar's tourism journey has been marked by a series of milestones. In the early 1990s, the island began to attract a growing number of European travelers, drawn by its unspoiled beauty and authentic experiences.

The introduction of charter flights and the development of eco-tourism initiatives further stimulated tourism growth.

Later in the mid-1990s under Dr Salmin Amour’s administration, Zanzibar witnessed the introduction of its first direct scheduled international flight by Gulf Air, this proved to be a turning point.

The new millennium saw a surge in popularity, with Zanzibar becoming a sought-after destination for honeymooners, families, and adventure seekers.

The return of tourist airlines to Zanzibar is another factor that has been attributed as one of the key factors contributing to the growth of tourism in Zanzibar

“In 2020, there were only five major tourist airlines flying to Zanzibar. In 2023, there were 10 major tourist airlines flying to Zanzibar, including KLM, Air France, Global Airways, and Hifly,” he said.

He added: This increase in the number of airlines flying direct to Zanzibar has made it easier and more affordable for tourists to visit the island. It has also helped to open up new markets for Zanzibar, such as Portugal.

The return of major tourist airlines, according to him, is a sign of the growing popularity of Zanzibar as a tourist destination which is now well-positioned to continue to attract tourists in the years to come.

Challenges amidst growth

Despite its remarkable growth, Zanzibar's tourism industry faces certain challenges. The overdependence on tourism can pose risks during economic downturns or global crises.

The Zanzibar Tourism Commission Chairman (ZCT) Rahim Bhaloo says amidst the growth, one of the greatest milestone was for the Zanzibar community and its people to accept tourism due to the nature of business.

“The biggest challenges are the rightful understanding and approach of local Zanzibar and its migrant staff from Tanzania to accept and understand that tourism is very sensitive industry and it will only thrive further if we safeguard the interests of our visitors and their liking,” says Mr Bhaloo.

He adds: Beach pollution, beach harassment and overpriced products alongside many regulatory bodies overseeing the sector without rightful insight from the cross cutting sectors are challenges too.

Though Zanzibar did not close its doors to the world during the global pandemic, this over dependency was obvious as many countries that are the sources of origin for tourists shut down

The need for sustainable tourism practices is crucial to preserve the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The industry must also address social and environmental concerns, ensuring that tourism benefits local communities and contributes to their well-being.

Sustainability

Zanzibar's tourism industry stands poised for continued growth, with a focus on sustainability and resilience.

The island's potential for diversifying its tourism offerings, including cultural tourism, ecotourism, and wellness retreats, remains untapped.

Investments in infrastructure, education, and training can enhance the quality of services and create employment opportunities for locals.

It is with the view of such challenges that the government of Zanzibar is committed to ensuring that tourism is sustainable on the island.

In 2023, the government launched a new Sustainable Tourism Declaration, which outlines a set of principles and goals for sustainable tourism development in Zanzibar.

According to Mr Simai, the declaration recognizes the importance of protecting the island's natural environment, cultural heritage, and local communities.

“Improving the management of the Stone Town World Heritage Site is something that government is working to improve the infrastructure and services, while also protecting the site's cultural heritage. The government is working with tourism businesses and stakeholders to promote responsible tourism practices, such as reducing waste and promoting environmental conservation.”

Just like it is with the airlines, the tourism ministry says they are targeting cruise ships which have become  a growing source of tourism in Zanzibar.

The Zanzibar Tourism Commission says it has taken steps to attract cruise ships, including working with cruise lines, promoting Zanzibar as a cruise destination and providing infrastructure and amenities for cruise ships.

By embracing sustainability, Zanzibar can continue to enchant travelers with its unique charm while ensuring long-term prosperity for its people.

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