Zanzibar

Stone Town is the ancient, labyrinthine heart of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where centuries of African, Arab, Indian, and European influence have fused into a singular, intoxicating whole. Wander its narrow, winding alleyways—too narrow for cars—and you’ll discover a world of ornate carved wooden doors, bustling bazaars, mosques, and crumbling palaces. The air is thick with the scent of cloves, spices, and the sea. This was once a major hub of the East African slave trade and the spice route, and its history is palpable in sites like the Anglican Cathedral (built on the site of the old slave market) and the House of Wonders. It is a place of profound cultural depth, vibrant street food (try the Zanzibar Pizza at the Forodhani Gardens night market), and a timeless, slightly faded grandeur that captivates the senses.

The last indigenous forest on Zanzibar protects the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Boardwalks traverse a unique groundwater forest with tangled roots, while an elevated trail through a ‘lush mangrove swamp’ begins at a beach-side information center. ‘

This large, wooded granite outcrop is a sanctuary for Aldabra giant tortoises and features a ruinous prison building (now a hotel). Despite its dark history, it is now a historical curiosity featuring snorkeling among vibrant sea life and a long sand bar. ‘