The very name Zanzibar conjures up exotic and romantic images. The main town on Zanzibar Island, Stone town, with its intriguing, winding alleyways, old Arabian townhouses and heaving port, is steeped in history, full of atmosphere and immensely attractive.

Zanzibar's coastlines offer some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you're on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun.

Roads to the southeast coast take visitors through the Jozani Forest, home to Zanzibar's rare red colobus monkeys and a number of other primate and small antelope species.

Scuba diving and snorkelling are also both popuular in Zanzibar and its neighbouring island of Pemba. Many day dives are run from across the island and with warm temperatures and great visibility diving is often the highlight of a trip.