Zanzibar Island, also known as Spice Island or Sultan Island, is a tropical paradise boasting over 30 pristine beaches with powdery white sand and deep blue waters. Cities like Stone Town transport visitors to a bygone era, evoking the charm of an old adventure film.

Located off the east coast of Africa, Zanzibar is an archipelago belonging to Tanzania and comprises several islands. The largest of these are Unguja, commonly referred to as Zanzibar, and Pemba.

In addition to Unguja and Pemba, the archipelago includes other islands and islets of extraordinary beauty, such as Mafia Island.

Unguja sits in the Indian Ocean, approximately 40 km east of Bagamoyo on the Tanzanian mainland. The island is hilly, stretching about 85 km long and varying between 20 and 30 km wide.

The majority of the island’s population is engaged in agriculture, particularly in the fertile northern and western regions. In contrast, the eastern part of the island is arid and covered with coral reefs. This area features stunning white sandy beaches surrounded by reefs, making it a perfect destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Exploring the island’s small villages reveals a rich blend of African, Asian, and tribal cultures. The idyllic beaches are dotted with palm, coconut, banana, and mango trees, as well as pepper and clove plantations.

Zanzibar Island is also renowned for the enchanting and historic capital, Stone Town. As the cultural heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town has preserved its character largely unchanged over the past 200 years.

In 2000, UNESCO designated Stone Town as a World Heritage Site due to its significance as a custodian of Swahili culture.

Exploring Stone Town is a captivating experience. Its winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques, and traditional Arab-style houses evoke the days of ancient explorers and sultans, enveloped in the aromas of exotic spices.

You can enjoy the charm of its bustling markets, where you’ll find intriguing items, fresh local fish, and vegetable stalls. The area features coral stone houses, mud huts, historic British clubs like the House of Africa—where you can enjoy a cocktail despite its age—wood-carved structures such as the City Hall, the old Portuguese fort built in 1700, and the House of Wonders. This spectacular four-story building with large verandas was constructed by Sultan Barghash in the late 19th century. The Natural History Museum is another highlight.

Stone Town’s exceptional architecture, coral stone houses, and narrow streets reflect a rich tapestry of cultural and traditional influences brought by its diverse inhabitants. Each building, with its intricately carved wooden doors and historic walls, tells a unique story.

Other notable sites include the Jamieve Gardens, which features a splendid open-air restaurant with live music, the Jozani Forest Reserve, home to monkeys discovered by Sir John Kirk, and the remains of the Kidichi and Kizimbani Baths, as well as the Royal Palaces of Marhubi and Mwinyi Mikuu.