Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s brilliant white beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean provide the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun and take a break from some busy sightseeing.

It may not have a particularly romantic name, but Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors -  there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork.  You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.

The beaches in Zanzibar are a paradise, interspersed with picturesque fishing villages, where the people live a simple way of life, unchanged over the years.  There are more than 25 fantastic beaches in Zanzibar and some are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean.

At the northern tip of the island is Nungwi, approached by road lined by banana palms, mangroves and coconut trees.  This is the Dhow building capital of Zanzibar island, so it’s a good place to see traditional craftsmen at work.

Zanzibar also boasts se3veral small offshore islands which are ideal for a day-trip. Prison (or Changu) island is the most popular with tourists because it’s only a short trip from Stone Town.  Other islets near Stone Town are Chapwani, Chumbe and Bawe.