Zanzibar's postal history

Early Period

British Indian Post Office

[1-10-1875 / 10-11-1995]

The first stamps used in Zanzibar were those from British East India. They are relatively rare since the cancellation mark is the only method to distinguish them from stamps used in British East India

Deutsch Ostafrika - Sanzibar

[27-09-1890 / 31-07-1891]

The Germans opened a post office in Zanzibar late 1890. It was closed on request of the British in the middle of the next year. German stamps were used. They are distinguishable by cancellation only. They are rare, because of the short German postal activity at Zanzibar

Zanzibar Bureaux Francais

[01-1889 / 31-7-1904]

The French post office was opened in January 1889. From 1895 onwards the British demanded its closure, but it remained open until mid 1904.