Zanzibar, the legendary Spice Island, instantly conjures images of tropical beaches, exotic fruits and spices, ancient sultans, grand palaces, and tales straight from One Thousand and One Nights. Its fascinating history spans thousands of years as a vital trading hub for the Portuguese, Arabs, Egyptians, and Phoenicians. In the 17th century, the Omani Arabs took control and transformed Zanzibar and neighbouring Pemba into the world’s leading exporters of cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and other spices. The infamous slave trade further boosted the island’s importance. By the 1830s, the Sultan of Oman was so impressed by Zanzibar’s wealth and strategic location that he moved his entire court from Muscat to the island.During this golden era, famous explorers and missionaries stopped in Zanzibar to stock up on supplies, hire porters, and seek the Sultan’s permission to venture into the African interior. The most famous visitor, Dr David Livingstone, was less impressed with the locals. He famously nicknamed the island “Stinkibar” because of the poor sanitary conditions at the time. In 1964, a violent revolution overthrew the Sultan. That same year, Zanzibar united with mainland Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania, with the late Julius Nyerere (CCM party) as its first president. Today, Zanzibar has its own semi-autonomous parliament that governs the islands. In recent years there have been growing calls for a new structure with three separate parliaments (Zanzibar, Tanganyika, and the Union), though the CCM party remains in power despite strong opposition on the coast and islands.Stone Town
The heart of Zanzibar’s cultural heritage is the atmospheric old Arabic quarter of Stone Town. Wander through its labyrinth of narrow alleys lined with beautifully carved wooden doors, ancient mosques, and historic buildings that characterise Swahili coastal architecture. While fascinating, Stone Town is best enjoyed for a day or two. Once you’ve soaked up the history and visited the key sights, head north or east along the coast to discover your own slice of paradise.The Coast & Beaches
Zanzibar’s coastline offers kilometre after kilometre of dazzling white-sand beaches, gentle turquoise waves, traditional fishing villages, dolphin encounters, and vibrant coral reefs. A wide range of accommodation is available — from charming budget guesthouses to luxurious beach lodges. Most hotels organise snorkelling, diving, boat trips, and other water activities.

Best time to visit

The ideal period is from June to mid-March. The hottest months are January and February.Getting to Zanzibar

• By boat from Dar es Salaam: Fast ferry (approx. 1.5 hours)

• By air from Dar es Salaam: 25 minutes

• By air from Arusha: 1 hour

Popular Tours & Activities in Zanzibar

• Spice Tours
  Explore fragrant plantations where you can see and taste muscat, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, and many exotic fruits and spices that don’t even have English names.

• Slave Chambers
  Visit the underground slave chambers at Mangapwani, the centre of the illegal slave trade until as late as 1909.

• Persian Baths
  Built in 1850 by Sultan Sayyid Said on the highest point of the island (Kidichi), these beautifully preserved baths feature stunning Persian architecture — one for the Sultan and one for his wife.

• Prison Island
  Just 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town. Explore the ruins of the old prison built in 1893, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and meet the giant tortoises imported from the Seychelles over a century ago.

• Jozani Forest
  Zanzibar’s last remaining natural rainforest and home to the rare red colobus monkeys. The best time to visit is early morning when the monkeys are most active.

• Swimming with Dolphins
  In the south of the island. The boat ride is long and sightings are not guaranteed, but swimming alongside these graceful creatures is an unforgettable experience.

• Deep-Sea Fishing
  Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia are world-class destinations for sport fishing. Follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway and try your luck with sailfish, kingfish, mackerel, marlin, and more.

• Scuba Diving
  Pristine coral reefs, colourful tropical fish, and crystal-clear waters make Zanzibar a diver’s paradise. Beginner courses and PADI certification are available.

• Sailing & Water Sports
  Windsurfing, sailing, and other water sports can be arranged at many beach resorts.

• ZIFF – Zanzibar International Film Festival
  Established in 1997, this annual festival celebrates the arts and culture of the “Dhow Region” (Arabian Peninsula, Indian sub-continent, Asia, Africa, and the Indian Ocean islands).

Zanzibar offers the perfect blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and pure tropical relaxation — the ideal finale to any Tanzanian safari adventure.