Zanzibar

The islands which make up the archipelago of Zanzibar are surrounded by heavenly white sandy beaches, lapped by a shallow lagoon followed by coral reef. Beyond the reef are the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean. Add to this the coconut trees which frame the shores of Zanzibar's beaches and you are relaxing and basking in the sun on the beaches of your dreams. These beaches are a huge draw to the Zanzibar archipelago and visitors choosing this outstanding destination will soon understand why.

 Those who can bear to leave their paradise beaches can enjoy a visit to Stone Town (one of the names of the main settlement, also known as Zanzibar Town). Completed mainly in the 19th Century, although extending back over many more hundreds of years, it is characterised by buildings made mainly of coral 'stone' and bound with lime. Here you will see palaces, houses, mosques, shops, markets and a number of public buildings, which give a taste of everyday life in the town past and present. While there are a number of beautiful sights to be seen and enjoyed as a separate entity in Stone Town, they all add to a total ambience which shrouds the settlement and is a truly special feeling to experience. Forodhani Gardens are a great place to begin your Stone Town visit. These are an open space along the central waterfront, overlooking the busy harbour. This is an exciting place which comes alive in the evenings, with a mouth-watering open air food market. 

But it is also a lesson in a sad history the world would rather forget. It was here slaves would have arrived before being taken to the market for sale. One of the remains of this appalling trade in Zanzibar today is a monument marking the site of a slave market founded in 1811. 

The House of Wonders is the tallest and perhaps most impressive building throughout the Zanzibar Archipelago. It was designed to be 'out of this world' for the time when it was built, and is certainly worth a visit. Trips outside Stone Town offer the chance to wonder at wildlife, including red colobus monkeys in the Jozani Forest. The magical sight of dolphins can be savoured in the Menai Bay conservation area of Kizimkazi. Taking a spice tour is also a must.