Zanzibar : The Spice Island

It is known as Spice Island, the beautiful island of Zanzibar on Africa’s east coast is bursting with culture and history.

Zanzibar is undoubtedly a fabulous place to explore as well as a dream to relax and unwind.

Zanzibar, swahili Zanzibar; Arabic : Zinjibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre is Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site.

What to do while in Zanzibar

Zanzibar Island is a window into the ancient cultures of the Omani Arabs and the Portuguese. Stone Town is the old quarter of Zanzibar City and is a major tourist destination. Stroll through the Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, the Portuguese fort and the historical Turkish baths, or take a step back in time and explore bazaars and streets unchanged over centuries, now dotted with cafés and bistros.

For romance, the Stone Town Dhow sunset cruises are terrific, whilst spice tours to working plantations offer visitors the chance to gain an insight into everyday life.

Zanzibar has some of the best beaches in Africa. In the north, the silky white sandy beaches are fabled by sunseekers, whilst the east coast is more dramatic with rich coral reefs and sandbars. Top spots include Nungwi Beach on the northern tip, famed for its luxury hotels and party vibe, whilst on the east coast Matemwe Beach offers a local experience. The calm, warm, clear waters of Pongwe Beach are a favourite with water-sport lovers. 

Eco-tourism is growing in Zanzibar and Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection zone, is one of the most popular with visitors. Other must-visit conservation areas include Chole Island Marine Park, Jozani Forest and, on the mainland, the Serengeti National Park, home to the largest herds and the highest concentrations of predators on the planet.