The Zanzibar International Film Festival

The Zanzibar International Film Festival is one of the largest cultural annual events in East Africa this year it was held on 14^th of June 2014 at the Old Fort (Ngome kongwe) stone town Zanzibar with a theme “A common Destiny”. It was an 8 days event involving over 40 filmmakers & film directors from over 12 countries, accompanied by our dearly loved brothers and sisters from Zanzibar . ZIFF is a non-government organization founded in 1997 also well known as Festival of the Dhow Countries with several objectives including to actively encourage filming, art, and culture hence boosting the regional social and economic development.

Egypt Tanuri Dancer opening up the ZIFF function.

Rasta Inocent Nyanyangu performing on stage.

Woman attending the opening parade

Dhow preparing for a race

Sauti Za Busara 2014

Sauti Za Busara is one of Zanzibar annual event, normally held in February every year. “Sauti za busara” is a Swahili phrase meaning “sounds of wisdom”.  Is the mostly celebrated music festival on the island and is considered to be the friendliest festival in the world, as it provide a platform for local musicians to experience music from different parts of the world while introducing east African music to the visitors.

The project is operated by Sauti Za Busara NGO and sponsored by different organizations both private and government, with the objective of enhancing social and economic growth through building appreciation of the region music, develop skills and creating more opportunities for musician.

As part of Zanzibar community we are proud for our 2014 host as it gathered many beloved friends from different corners of the world. We take this wonderful opportunity to congratulate everyone who was involved during preparation and to everyone who attended this event. Karibuni sana Zanzibar!    

Mkota Spirit dancers Zanzibar

South African artist performing at Busara 

Night time audience

Utamaduni group performing at Busara night

Turtle Release Day

Is an annual event taking place at Mnarani marine turtle conservation pond,  this celebration mainly involve setting free of the sea turtles which have been conserved in the area for a certain period of time.

The project was initiated by an NGO based in stone town empowered by local villagers aiming at conserving the island’s turtle’s population especially the endangered green sea turtles which are mostly caught for several human practices. This year it was held on 20^th of February 2014 and the first vice president of Zanzibar,  Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad was the guest of honor accompanied by our beloved tourists who also took part during the event.

Cheering before release

Cheers!!

Sea turtles in a trap at mnarani natural aquarium awaiting to be released

Getting to the beach before boarding the boat 

A quick briefing at the beach

Awaiting for the boat to go 3 km offshore and release the turtles back to the sea

Getting on board

Time to set free over 100 sea turtles bye bye!

What to see in stone town, Zanzibar

Stone town is Zanzibar Capital and administrative city is also known as “Mji Mkongwe” in Swahili language meaning “The old city”. The name “stone town” has been given due to its largely coral stone buildings most of which were made by Persian in the 19^th century, this one of the fact that account for it being one of UNESCO world heritage sites,  is also world renowned for its significant role during slave trade era of Sultanate of Persian gulf which later became a British protectorate, rapidly growing spices from Indian traders and is now is a home of a unique mixed culture.

Basically there are many interesting things to see, lot of history to hear about; beyond ones interest the following are some of most common tourist attraction found in Stone town

 

Zanzibar Curved door (Indian door)

Entrance of the Zanzibar Market

Slaves statue at Anglican Cathedral Mkunazini 

Fresh Calamari at Zanzibar fish market 

Zanzibar Local Fruits and Vegetable market

Zanzibar Narrow street reflecting Asian architecture 

Baobab Trees in Zanzibar

Baobab tree in Zanzibar photo by Gustaaf

Baobab tree is a common name genus of trees (Adansonia) is widely distributed in Africa particularly in Zanzibar and is most famous for its high resistance to drought, wide diameter, long lifespan and its several uses.   Other common names includes “bottle tree” because of its huge truck of water, “upside down tress” for its branches look like its roots stacking up in the air, and “monkey bread tree”

Zanzibar baobab trees often bear leafs most time of the year they are greatly recognize for their importance as trees supply human and their livestock with food , medicine,  and shelter.

The baobab fruit bear seeds that are covered by the whitish powdery layer which is edible and full of vitamin C is commonly consumed by woman especially during pregnancy as it contain the acid flavor that reduce nauseated feeling. It also is prepared with spices like cinnamon, black pepper, and cinnamon  to add preferred flavor.

The Leafs are being used to treat headache, diarrhea, fever and etc, while it’s remain shell is often used for curving indoor decoration in most part of Zanzibar.  The trees are popularly inhabited by bush babies taking the advantage of the tree of life while it provides shadow to domestic animals.