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Why go? Everyone has heard of Zanzibar, but few know where it is. It could almost be fictitious, one of those mythical names that conjure up exotic spices, tropical fruit and magnificent Sultans. Happily for us, it does exist, sitting just off the coast of Tanzania (Tanganyika) in east Africa. And so do the exotic spices and tropical fruit: bananas, pineapples, cloves, passion fruit, coconuts and palms are everywhere. The Sultans exist too - or they did until recently - trading these commodities, as well as slaves, with the Arab and Indian world. Which is how it came to be known as the spice islands. Zanzibar consists of two larger islands - Unguja (the main one) and Pemba - as well as a dozen smaller ones. Further south is the archipelago of Mafia. All of them are ringed by dazzlingly white beaches, turquoise waters and colourful corals. Put on a mask and flippers and you have a ready-made aquatic safari - easily combined with a terrestrial safari by taking a short flight across the Indian Ocean to some of Africa’s best game parks.  See our Tanzania safari guideThe Zanzibari people are friendly and colourful, their pace is unashamedly African, their seafood is top notch. The climate is hot and bright for 10 months of the year, and only a couple of time zones away from Europe. And there are some idyllic places to stay. Any downsides? It’s one of the poorest countries in the world, so don’t expect much infrastructure. Outside the capital, Stone Town, there’s little sightseeing. Its remoteness and high tourist levies make it quite expensive. It’s often humid, and distinctly wet in April and May. You'll need to take anti-malarial precautions. Gay travellers beware - gay sex is now illegal. As with all African countries, you may encounter creepy crawlies, stinging fish, stomach bugs and other troublesome creatures. And you should be aware of the implications of travelling in a Muslim country, albeit not a hardline one. Latest FCO adviceCurrent time/weather In Zanzibar:  |
Activities Diving and snorkelling: one of the most exciting dive areas in the world, with coral reefs and plunging walls, colourful shallow-water fish and large pelagics, including tuna, barracuda, rays, turtles, sharks and eels. You can book a full PADI course, or just paddle around with mask and fins. Sailing: explore remote islands and dive sites on a catamaran or yacht, or take a short cruise on a traditional wooden dhow - many hotels have their own. Spice tour: a fascinating half-day or day drive around the thickly wooded interior of Zanzibar island, showing you where spices come from and how they are picked. See our review for details. Shopping: the narrow alleys of Stone Town are lined with craft shops and souvenir stalls: colourful fabrics, wooden bao boards, leather sandals, handwoven baskets and jewellery are some of the things to take home. Beaches: Zanzibar has some of the longest, whitest, most idyllic beaches we’ve seen, with swaying coconut palms and warm, turquoise, tidal waters. The quieter beaches (e.g. on Pemba) are covered with wonderful shells – though, sadly, you are not allowed to take any home. Sightseeing: the scattered ruins of Sultan’s palaces (Maharubi), slave chambers (Stone Town / Mangapwani) and Persian baths (Kizimbani) are the best of the Arab remains in and around Stone Town, which itself has a decidedly faded grandeur. The evocative, ruined Shirazi capital of Mafia, Kua, can be visited by boat. Water-sports: Windsurfing, water-skiing and sea-kayaking are available at the larger resorts, but only when the tide is in. Fishing: Deep-sea fishing can be arranged at Mnemba island lodge and Fundu Lagoon, with marlin and tuna the big prizes. Wildlife: If you’re not gamed out from a mainland safari, you can spot red colobus monkeys in Jozani forest or swim with dolphins at Kizimkazi (both feasible as day trips from our hotels in the southeast of Zanzibar). There is excellent birdwatching everywhere – sunbirds, rollers, herons, egrets and flying foxes. |
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