Zanzibar

Hear the word "Zanzibar" and think of some exotic spice island - off the coast of East Africa. Linger a moment and feel it drawing you in.

Maybe it is the historic Stone Town, rich with stories of sultans, slave trading and the great explorers. Or maybe the cultural interest of the Swahili people, a cornucopia of races, religions, identities and traditions. It could be the curious wildlife of giant tortoises, red colobus monkeys and bush babies, or the extensive catalogue of spice farms and plantations. And if that is not enough there are the relaxing, white-sand, palm-drenched beaches, gently lapped by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. An excellent base for searching out dolphins, untouched sandbanks, snorkelling and diving.

Zanzibar is served by fast ferries daily from Dar es Salaam and international flights via Nairobi, Johannesburg, Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam.