Although Zanzibar is recognized internationally as a land of romance, the archipelago is also a premier cultural safari destination in East Africa.

Cultural safaris to Zanzibar cover important areas around this island including the streets of the Old Stone town, the House of Wonders, People’s Palace, Dr Livingstone’s House and the Arab Fort among others.

The archipelago and its people have their own unique history and culture, influenced by the traders and invaders over the centuries; from the Portuguese, Omani Arabs to English. The result of this fusion of different ethnic groups has resulted in interesting cultural events such as Sauti za Busara, Zanzibar International Film Festival and Mwaka Kogwa – the celebration of the Persian New Year.

Sauti za Busara, Swahili for sounds of wisdom, is  East Africa’s premier music and cultural festival showcasing the best Swahili speaking world has to offer. The event that is held every February in Stone Town’s Old Fort sees the historical town becoming a beehive of activity. Sauti za Busara hosts bongo flava (a popular music genre in East Africa) stars, ngoma dancers, taarab orchestras and drumming troupes. Read the rest of this entry »

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