Zanzibar An archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, the beautiful 'spice island' of Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, about 40 kms from the Tanzanian Coast.

An archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, the beautiful ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, about 40 kilometres from the Tanzanian Coast. Where soft white sand beaches melt into crystal clear turquoise coloured waters, the islands are rich with history and culture - evidence of its settlement by Arab and Persian traders. Home to some of the most tranquil and gorgeous beaches in the world with fantastic coral reefs waiting to be explored, there is plenty to do in Zanzibar when you’ve had enough of rest and relaxation.

The Arabic influence remains the strongest, particularly in the old part of Zanzibar City - Stone Town. Built by merchants who gained their wealth from the slave and spice trade, the old Arab town of Stone Town is a historically rich place where little has changed over the past 200 years. Made up of charming white-washed buildings, a fascinating labyrinth of alleyways and narrow streets, bustling bazaars, grand Arab houses and mosques, it is the heart of Zanzibar. Wander around the colourful and vibrant market-places and watch as the locals go about their daily activities. Visit the grand Old Dispensary; a carefully restored building that was used as a dispensary in colonial times. Standing proudly and majestically on the waterfront, it is now used as the Stone Town Cultural Centre.

Another landmark building is the House of Wonders. Built in 1883, it was built as the ceremonial palace for Sultan Barghash and was given that name by locals because it was the first building in Zanzibar to have electric lights and a lift. It is now home to the Museum of History and Culture. Next door is the Old Fort, the oldest building in Zanzibar built by the Omani Arabs in 1698 when they seized the island from the Portuguese. Today is used as an amphitheatre for the International Film Festival.

Take a boat trip out to Prison Island; a beautiful small island off the coast of Zanzibar with an unpleasant history. Once the location of detainment for slaves before they were shipped off to Europe and the Middle East, it was then used as a quarantine centre where people with deadly diseases were left. It is now a very pleasant nature reserve and home to a colony of giant tortoises.