Today Zanzibar combines ancient Islamic ruins, noble Arabic houses with miles of white sandy palm fringed beaches and coves. The ocean offers warm clear blue waters, idyllic islands excellent reefs for snorkeling and diving, fantastic deep sea fishing, water sports and of course delicious fresh fish.

And if you thought that wasn't enough, visiting the Spice plantations (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom and others) or haggling for carvings in the Central Market is great fun too.

Over the centuries different cultures have blended together to create the Zanzibar of today.

Here, Africa meets Persia, Arabia, India and China with some Portuguese, Dutch and English thrown in just to confuse the outcome.

Restaurants & Bars
With Zanzibar known as the 'Spice Islands', it's little surprise that spices play an important role in the cuisine here. With African, Arab, Goan, Indian and Chinese influences, traditional food is truly a fusion experience.

Most restaurants feature spices in their menus although there are also Italian, Thai and other international establishments for those looking for something a little closer to home!

Bars can be found in Stone Town and in many of the hotels and restaurants around Zanzibar Island.