Zanzibar is a collective name for two islands off the East African coast in the Indian Ocean – the larger, southern island of Unguja and the northern island of Pemba, which is largely unspoilt by tourism.

Generally, however, the name ‘Zanzibar’ refers specifically to the island of Unguja, which is the more significant destination for tourists and is the focus of this guide.

If you’re longing to stroll along snow-white coral beaches and swim in a sea shimmering with a thousand shades of blue and green, look no further. In Zanzibar, you’ll find all this right at your fingertips.

For many years, the island belonged to the Sultanate of Oman, and its main export was spices. Another remnant of the sultanate is the magnificent sun-bleached buildings of the historic town of Stone Town, with their richly decorated doors made from precious tropical timber.

All these sensations appeal to the human senses – the scent of spices, the faded beauty of the buildings, the tropical humidity and the local hustle and bustle – and make you feel, even today, as if you were in a fairy tale from *One Thousand and One Nights*.

• Country: Tanzania
• Visa for Zanzibar: for most countries, available online or on arrival at 50 usd + local travel insurance is required 45 usd
• Currency: Tanzanian shilling (the US dollar is also widely used)