 The
annals of Zanzibar read like a chapter from The Thousand and
One Nights and doubtless evoke many exotic images in the
minds of travellers. Otherwise known as the Spice Island,
Zanzibar has lured travellers to its shores for centuries, some
in search of trade, some in search of plunder and still others
in search of an idyllic home. The Sumerians, Assyrians,
Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese,
Omani Arabs, Dutch and English have all been here at one time or
other. Some, notably the Shirazi Persians and the Omani Arabs,
stayed to settle and rule.
It was early in the
19th century under the Omani Arabs that the island enjoyed its
most recent heyday, following the introduction of the clove tree
in 1818. By the middle of the century, Zanzibar had become the
world's largest producer of cloves and the largest slaving
entrepôt on the east coast. Nearly 50,000 slaves, drawn from as
far away as Lake Tanganyika, passed through its market every
year.
The many centuries of
occupation and influence by various peoples has left its mark,
and the old Stone Town of Zanzibar is one of the most
fascinating places on the east coast. Much larger than Lamu or
the old town of Mombasa, it's a fascinating labyrinth of narrow,
winding streets lined with whitewashed, coral-rag houses, many
with overhanging balconies and magnificently carved
brass-studded doors. Regrettably, many of these doors have
disappeared in recent years.
There are endless
quaint little shops, bazaars, mosques, courtyards and squares, a
fortress, two former sultans' palaces, two huge cathedrals,
former colonial mansions and a Persian-style public bathhouse.
Outside town there are
more palace ruins, other Shirazi remains, the famous Persian
baths and that other perennial attraction - magnificent,
palm-fringed beaches with warm, clear water, ideal for swimming,
snorkelling and scuba diving.
Some 24 kilometers
southeast of Zanzibar town is the Jozani Forest, a nature
reserve for the rare red colobus monkey, blue monkeys, a
fine-spotted race of leopard, two antelope species and the
Zanzibar duiker and sunni.
Finlay, Hugh
and Crowther, Geoff East Africa -Lonely Planet Publications
copyright 1997 pp. 605-606; 622 |
In
the legendary Stone Town of Zanzibar, the island whose very name
evokes East Africa's exotic past, stands Zanzibar Serena Inn. It
has joined the ranks of the world's finest resorts as a member
of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 
This stunning
property is set in two historic seafront buildings that have
been masterfully restored to their previous grandeur, when
Zanzibar was a crossroads visited by travellers and merchants
from all corners of the globe.
An extensive selection of recreation and watersport
activities are available to guests. Visits to Stone Town's
historical landmarks and excursions to neighboring islands and
wildlife reserves are made daily.
cashier
The
guest rooms at Zanzibar Serena Inn are romantic, elegant,
exceptionally comfortable and welcoming. Each is appointed with
details, artwork and furnishings that reflects Zanzibar's
storied heritage. All rooms are air-conditioned and overlook the
azure waters of the Indian Ocean.
The
hotel's restaurant sits atop the sea wall and faces the Indian
Ocean with unobstructed views of mainland Tanzania. A team of
chefs creates sumptuous meals which are served in convivial
surroundings. 
Local seafood is a specialty, the variety matched
only by the imaginative use of Zanzibar's local herbs and spices
used in its preparation. The service is warm, personal, and
attentive.
Lounge
and Main Bar:
Stone
Town's architectural landmarks echo the Island's rich cultural
heritage. Excursions to neighboring islands and wildlife
reserves are made daily. The nearby Jozani Forest is the habitat
of several rare wildlife species, including the Red Colobus
monkey. At Zanzibar Serena Inn itself, guests have at their
disposal extensive watersports and recreational opportunities
including an outdoor swimming pool with ocean-facing sundeck,
round-the-island tours in native sailing dhows, scuba diving and
snorkeling trips.
Zanzibar
Serena's ambience makes it the natural choice for important
business meetings.
