Locating Zanzibar: A Celestial Perspective

Flying above the oceanic Earth, homing transatlantic flights, sleek sat-navs, and cutting-edge GPS devices, where is Zanzibar on a world map? Firstly, Zanzibar isn’t a star in one of the spiral arms of our Milky Way galaxy. It’s an earthly haven perched in the tropics, and we’re here to pinpoint it in the geographical landscape of our blue planet.

The African Connection: Where is Zanzibar Geographically?

Zanzibar is located off the eastern coast of the continent of Africa. Specifically, it lies in the Indian Ocean, approximately 25–50 kilometers or 15–30 miles off the coastline of mainland Tanzania. To find Zanzibar on a map, look for the triangular-shaped continent at the bottom just below the equator, then locate the eastern coast. Zanzibar isn’t too hard to find once you’ve got Africa located.

An Archipelago in the Indian Ocean

Although we often refer to Zanzibar as if it’s singular, it’s really an archipelago made up of several islands. The two largest are Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar Island), and Pemba Island. Numerous smaller islands and islets complete the Zanzibar Archipelago.

A Close-Up Look at Zanzibar’s Position

Take a step closer on your map or globe, or zoom in if you’re using an online tool, and you’ll find Zanzibar situated just under the equator line. It’s nestled in the warm, inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. Longitude and latitude coordinates for Zanzibar are roughly 6.1659° S, 39.2026° E, which positions it south of the equator and right off the southeastern shores of mainland Tanzania.

Zanzibar Relative to Major Cities

When we interpret Zanzibar’s geographical context with notable cities, it gets even easier to pinpoint. Zanzibar City, the largest on the island, is about 3,320 kilometers (2,063 miles) south of Cairo, Egypt. It sits roughly 1,269 kilometers (788 miles) southeast from the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. Picture a line eastward from Nairobi across the Indian Ocean; Zanzibar is situated slightly south of that line.

From the Cosmos to Zanzibar

In the grand scheme of the cosmos, Zanzibar is a small spec nestled on the blue planet, located three planets from the gleaming Sun. Yet, with its ecological wonders and cultural treasures, it shines brightly on the map of the Earth.

Remember, even the seemingly remote corners of our Earth are teeming with phenomenal experiences. No place, regardless of how far-flung it may seem, is beyond the reach of discovery.

FAQ

What is the closest mainland country to Zanzibar?

The closest mainland country to Zanzibar is Tanzania, from which it’s only a short distance off of its eastern coast.

What ocean is Zanzibar located in?

Zanzibar resides in the Indian Ocean.

How can I find Zanzibar on a world map?

To find Zanzibar on a world map, locate the continent of Africa, then find the eastern coastline. Zanzibar is an archipelago situated in the Indian Ocean just off of mainland Tanzania, near the equator.

Article updated at Tuesday, October 8, 2024