Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a destination that earns its place on any Tanzania itinerary. The archipelago sits just 35 km (22 miles) off the mainland, and the largest island, officially named Unguja but universally known as Zanzibar, delivers something genuinely difficult to find anywhere else in the world.

The island’s history as one of the great trading hubs of the Indian Ocean left a remarkable cultural imprint. Arab, Indian, Persian, Portuguese, and African influences have layered over centuries into the Swahili culture and language that was born here. That same confluence of worlds produced one of Zanzibar’s most famous sons, Farrokh Bulsara – known to the rest of the world as Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen. His birthplace has been preserved as a museum. The oldest quarter of Zanzibar City, Stone Town, reflects all of this history in its narrow lanes and distinctive architecture – particularly the intricately hand-carved wooden doors for which the city is celebrated. UNESCO recognized Stone Town as a World Heritage Site.

Beyond the culture, Zanzibar’s beaches and waters rank among the finest in the world. The snorkeling and SCUBA diving are exceptional, and the reefs are easily accessible from shore or by short boat trip. Spice plantation tours offer a fascinating look at the island’s agricultural heritage, and Jozani Forest – a rare coral rag tropical forest – is home to the endemic red colobus monkey. And if you decide to skip all of it and simply spend your days at the beach, nobody here will argue with that choice.

We recommend a minimum of four days for Zanzibar, with additional days well worth it if your schedule allows.

For travelers in search of something even more remote, Pemba Island lies 50 km (31 miles) north of Unguja and is largely undiscovered. Where Zanzibar has over 150 tourist hotels, Pemba has three. The snorkeling and SCUBA diving here are world-class, the pace is unhurried, and the solitude is genuine.