Photo Essay: One Day in Zanzibar
On Zanzibar, you find an intriguing fusion of Portuguese, Arab, Indian, and East African customs, culture, and architecture. What draws most tourists, however, are the white-sand beaches and some of the best snorkeling in the world.
These pictures offer only a glimpse of the diversity that exists on the island but are representative of what a typical traveler might experience during a day on Zanzibar. Find more images on my website, www.gregorrohrig.com.
1. Traditional Arab vessels called “dhow” sail across the reef off the eastern coast of Zanzibar.
2. Herds of cattle come to drink from the salty ocean, as fresh water is a scarce commodity on the island.
3. Traditional dhow fishing boats are anchored along the shoreline.
4. The Azanzi Beach Resort is designed to blend into the natural environment, although the structure does remind me a little of the Sydney Opera House.
5. A shop in Stone Town (the old district of the island’s capital) selling old signs and decorated with pictures of former and current presidents and dictators. Obama is a popular icon in Zanzibar; his picture can be found everywhere in the city.
6. The meat market is a crowded place with a powerful smell. Taking pictures in this environment was difficult, and my camera was not always welcomed.
7. A variety of marine animals (including a moray eel) are auctioned off inside the fish market. Notice the variety of hats and caps worn.
8. The High Court of Zanzibar, a beautiful yet dilapidated building (as most here are), is still used for official proceedings.
9. Kids sitting in the doorway of the former residence of the infamous Arab trader known as Tipu Tip.
10. A group of kids help push a wagon stacked with sugarcane through the narrow alleyways of Stone Town.
11. Fishermen unpack their daily catch at Stone Town’s harbour.
12. Fresh fish are for sale at the harbour. Sting ray seems to be a popular alternative.
13. A woman, dressed according to local Muslim custom, sits in front of her home watching people pass by.
14. Slave trade memorial — from 1811 to 1873, a slave market existed in Stone Town. It was the hub of the slave trade for all of East Africa, and more than one million souls were bought and sold during that time.
15. You can see why the dhow is such an iconic feature of Zanzibar.
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For more images from Africa, check out Photo Essay: Ethiopia.
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15 Comments... join the discussion!
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Beautiful essay.
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Wow- thanks so much, Gregor. Your captions helped me learn something about Zanzibar (I knew nothing about the country) and the photos are so powerful. I hope you’ll share more of your work with us here on Matador.
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Spectacular. I want to go. Now!
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Gorgeous!
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Lovely compilation !
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Insightful – great pics!
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Beautiful images Gregor !
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Wow! Incredible. Such deep focus on shot 2. Thanks for sharing these here!
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wow, great images here and on your website much more.
I like image #4 is super, wish to visit that place.↵ -
Bravo! I know the tense issues you likely faced during the shoot and I high five you for getting it done in a remarkable fashion.. Bravo Bravo Bravo from one professional to another..
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Awesome pics! They tell a great story. I can see Zanzibar hooked you. Looks like a photographer’s paradise.
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Thanks GR for a great slideshow. Reminds me of my last trip to Zanzibar – it’s really a beautiful place.
@Julie: in fact, Zanzibar is part of Tanzania (the current name of which is actually shortened from the original, more cumbersome name – the “Tanzania and Zanzibar Independant Association” (Tan. Zan. I. A.))
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Zanzibar is one of my favourite places on Earth. Such a mix of cultures and a beautiful setting. Off to check out the pics on your website now!
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I love your pictures! You capture Zanzibar really well. I spent 4 days there in March 2008 and you bring back so many memories from my trip! Such a gorgeous island! I had to walk out of the fish market, I couldn’t stand the smell and almost dry reached, you are brave to spend enough time in there to take photos.
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