Where is Zanzibar located?
The tropical island of Zanzibar continues to fascinate many visitors each year. It is one of the most visited places in Africa and it’s easy to see why.
A destination so rich in culture, history, and beautiful beaches. The tropical weather and delicious cuisines attract thousands of tourists each year.
But where is Zanzibar located?
In the last few years, Zanzibar has enjoyed massive media popularity. Travelers showcasing their experiences, the turquoise blue waters and white sandy beaches online.
Knowing what country Zanzibar is in will help in getting your visas, and travel insurance, and packing the right clothes for your vacation.
Zanzibar is one of my favorite destinations in Africa. After multiple visits to the Island, I’m here to provide you with the answers you need.
Let’s get into it!
Where is Zanzibar located?
Zanzibar is located in the United Republic of Tanzania, commonly known as Tanzania.
The island of Zanzibar is also known as Unguja in Swahili. While in Tanzania it’s common to hear locals refer to the island as Unguja. Don’t get confused they are simply referring to Zanzibar.
Other names used to refer to the island include Spice Island since it’s popular for producing a wide array of spices.
Zanzibar Island is located on the Indian Ocean, 35 km (22 miles) off the Tanzanian mainland. Zanzibar is the largest among the many islands forming the Zanzibar archipelago. With a population of over 800,000 inhabitants, there is so much cultural diversity and history to learn.
Where is Zanzibar located in Africa?
Zanzibar is located in East Africa on the Indian Ocean 35 km off Tanzanian mainland.
On the world map, locate Africa then, East Africa which can be found on the right side of the African map. Once you have located the East African region spot Tanzania then look out for the big island east of Tanzania.
Since most maps online are small, you’ll have to zoom in to clearly spot Zanzibar as it’s not as huge as Madagascar which is easy to spot at a glance.
To get to Zanzibar one has to fly to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and then catch a ferry or flight to Zanzibar island.
If coming from Kenyan coastal towns such as Mombasa, you can travel to Dar es Salaam by bus and then catch a flight or ferry to Zanzibar.
Is Zanzibar a Country?
No, Zanzibar is not a country.
However, it’s important to note that Zanzibar is a partly self-governing state in Tanzania but not an independent country.
Zanzibar was once an independent Swahili town on the East African coast before the arrival of Europeans in East Africa in the late 15th century. With the arrival of Europeans came the appointment of European governors.
This was opposed by the locals who invited the Omanis to help them drive the Europeans out. This then led to the Omani rule in Zanzibar from the 16th to the early 19th century. Zanzibar then became a British protectorate from 1890 to 1963 when the United Kingdom terminated the protectorate.
Since Britain didn’t have sovereign rule over Zanzibar, the island wasn’t granted an independent country status. In 1964 Zanzibar merged with Mainland Tanganyika (Tanzania) as an autonomous state.
As a semi-autonomous state, Zanzibar has its own government and constitution that help govern the local islands. The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar works with the Union government on issues of foreign affairs, security, and maintaining the Tanzanian currency.
Is Zanzibar African or Indian?
Zanzibar is African as it’s part of Tanzania.
The island itself sits on the Indian Ocean 22 miles off the east African coastline. Zanzibar is not Indian and has never been Indian.
During the Indian Ocean trade, Indians among other traders from the east came to Zanzibar for trade.
A lot of Indians intermarried and settled in African countries and Islands such as Zanzibar. Today you will find locals of Indian descent who are descendants.
It’s important to note that Indians didn’t have any control over Zanzibar during the pre-modern era.
In summary, Zanzibar is African, not Indian.
Is Zanzibar in Kenya or Tanzania?
As mentioned above, Zanzibar is in Tanzania.
Tanzania borders Kenya to the south. Both countries share a lot of history, especially in the coastal towns. Kenya and Tanzania’s coastal towns were important in the Indian Ocean trade and served as trade entry points into Africa.
While traveling along the East African coastal towns, you’ll notice huge similarities in old towns’ architecture, Swahili language, Swahili cuisine, and some traditions.
Zanzibar is located southeast of Kenya and is easily accessible from Tanzania since it’s closer to Tanzania than it is to Kenya.
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
Now that we’ve established that Zanzibar is in Tanzania, you may be wondering whether you need a visa for Zanzibar or not.
To visit Zanzibar you’ll need a visa for Tanzania only. That’s if your country requires a visa to travel across the Republic of Tanzania.
Even though Zanzibar has its own government, the island still collaborates with the United Republic of Tanzania in foreign affairs such as tourism.
One thing you’ll notice however is that your passport gets stamped twice. First when you enter Tanzania and when you enter Zanzibar. Don’t worry this is just protocol since we’ve established Zanzibar has its own government.
In summary, you don’t need a visa specifically for Zanzibar. You’ll only get one visa for Tanzania and you can travel across the entire mainland and all the islands of Tanzania.
Where is Zanzibar located: FAQs
Zanzibar is located on the Indian Ocean (35 km) 22 miles off Tanzanian mainland.
Zanzibar is in the country of Tanzania which is found on the African continent. For more accuracy, Zanzibar is located on the East African part of the African continent.
Zanzibar is located in East Africa. The island sits 22 miles off the Tanzanian mainland.
Zanzibar is not located in South Africa, it is in Tanzania which is part of East Africa. South Africa is an independent country in the southern region of the African continent and the southern most country on the African map.
Zanzibar is located on the Indian Ocean 35 km east of the Tanzanian mainland.
No, Zanzibar is not a country by itself. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. The island does have its own government which collaborates with the main government of Tanzania for issues relating to security, foreign affairs, and currency among others.
No, Zanzibar is not part of the UK. Zanzibar was once a British protectorate in the 19th century but this status was abolished in 1963 by the United Kingdom. Zanzibar joined with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the now United Republic of Tanzania.
No, Zanzibar is not part of Kenya. Kenya has never owned Zanzibar as it has always remained part of Tanzania since 1964.
Zanzibar is not a country on its own it is part of Tanzania.
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous state with its own government but not a country. Zanzibar’s government collaborates with the main Tanzanian government in issues of national capacity such as security and foreign affairs.
Where is Zanzibar located: Conclusion
There you have it a complete guide to “Where is Zanzibar located“?
Zanzibar is an integral part of the United Republic of Tanzania, with its own government and an autonomous status.
Zanzibar is a breathtaking island where the past and present coexist in a harmonious blend of traditions and modernity.
If you are planning a trip to Zanzibar you now know which visa and medical insurance to get for a hassle-free trip. Wondering what to pack? Zanzibar enjoys tropical weather.
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