I want to go to...

Zanzibar

Getty

About Zanzibar
Useful Links

Of the many exotic Indian Ocean islands to choose from, Zanzibar stands near the top of the list as one of the best options for a tropical holiday adventure that won’t break the bank. The island's eastern beaches, like Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani, and Kiwengwa, are pristinely white, with turquoise waters and few tourists and beachcombers.

The island’s historic centre, Stone Town, is packed with riveting historic sites leftover from the Arab slave trade and the days of British colonial rule. Take your time exploring places like the handsome Forodhani Gardens, The Old Customs House and the former slave market. Or absorb some local history at the Peace Memorial Museum, the Living House, or go celebrity hunting on the wildly popular Freddie Mercury Tour.

Water sports are major here, and tours of Menai Bay and other island inlets and coves are well worth your time and money. For memorable sunset meals, be sure to book a table at Tradewinds Restaurant and don’t leave Stone Town before visiting Darajani Bazaar to witness local fishmongers and peddlers wailing the price of their wares.

Note that the Zanzibar’s rainy season is March, April and May, so if you’re a sun worshiper plan your visit during the dry and hot months of January and February.

Travel Tips

A thorough exploration of the historic Stone Town is a must. The attractive cobbled streets, exotic smells and interesting market stalls will keep you strolling for hours. Of particular note are the Hamamni Persian Baths and Food Markets, both of which ought to be visited early in the morning before the searing sun is out in full force.
Check the weather before embarking on a Menai Bay Boat tour. Several tour operations shuttle people around the bay, but you might consider Safari Blue more seriously than others. The company provides a seafood lunch, drinks and fruit on the boat, as well as diving and snorkelling equipment.
Darajani Bazaar, in the centre of Stone Town, is well worth seeing. Although it may be mostly a rag tag food market in the centre of Stone Town, the fresh fish displayed on ice is beautiful, and there are a few good stalls selling clothes, hygienic staples and regional earthenware bowls and plates.
The Africa House hotel is probably the best place to drop anchor in Zanzibar, especially if you plan to stay longer than a weekend. More than a 150 years old, this colonial outpost has 15 simple and charming rooms, and superb in-house facilities like their famous Sunset Bar and water side Tradewinds Restaurant.
Zanzibar’s Jozani Forest National Park is a fabulous way to spend an early morning or afternoon with your family, exploring the nature trails and observing Colobus monkeys and other native animals swinging between fig trees and palms.