Situated 35km off the cost of mainland Tanzania, the Zanzibar archipelago is one of Africa's best-known and most enticing destinations, comprising the islands of Unguja and Pemba.
The image is not without justification of course but there's a whole lot more to Zanzibar than beaches and tropical lagoons, its history. If Zanzibar feels like a different country to mainland Tanzania, it's because it is – or at least it was. Zanzibar was a separate country until 1964 when it united with the mainland Tanganyika to form the present-day nation of Tanzania.
The archipelago's biggest and most important island is Unguja. 1651 km² of low-laying fossilized corals separated from the mainland by the Zanzibar channel.
Stonetown – on the west coast to Unguja is one of the world's most alluring cities, centered on an Arabian-style labyrinth of crocked narrow ways, all packed to the rafters with nineteenth-century mansions, palaces and bazaars: it is the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar.
The western side of Unguja is where most of the islands famous spice plantations are located. Other attractions including ruined Oman palaces, Persian baths and a number of uninhabited islands where surrounding coral reefs are ideal for snorkeling.
Joazi Forest – Zanzibar's largest track of indigenous evergreen forest, which shelters several endemic species of wildlife, including the endangered red colobus monkeys.
Kizimkazi – on the south cost in search of the resident dolphins, but Ungujas main attraction after stone town are its beaches. The most beautiful are on the East and North East costs.
Zanzibar's climate is typically tropical making for hot and humid weather most of the year.
There are two rain seasons. The long Masika rains run from March to May and are especially heavy from April onwards. The lighter short Mvuli rains fall between October and early December. The rest of the year is hot and dry.
Ramadhani is not the best time to visit as most of the restaurants are closed during the day and the atmosphere especially in Stonetown is not at its highest. The best visiting dates are between October and November.