Cast adrift just off the Tanzanian coast, the Zanzibar Archipelago is comprised of Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia, and a handful of many other small islands. A strategically located trading post, the islands are a cultural confluence of African, Asian, and European influences. Famous for white sand beaches, Swahili culture, and a spice trade history, Zanzibar is commonly included at the end of a Tanzania or Kenya safari for a relaxing end to an extraordinary journey. 

Zanzibar’s gentle coral beaches are calm with unpredictable tides, often allowing you to walk at low tide up to a quarter mile on the sand and sometimes all the way out to the reefs. The best beaches with less variations in the tide are on the west coast up to the northern tip of the island, while the best snorkeling and scuba diving is off the coast of Mnemba Island, located east of the northern tip of Zanzibar. 

Zanzibar’s world-renowned beaches are complemented by its rich cultural history. A confluence of Its oldest remaining building is a mosque at Kizimkazi that dates to 1107 and is worth a visit, if you can tear yourself away from the beach. The capital city of Stone Town is a UNESCO world heritage site and is fascinating for its culture, Sultan’s Palace, and mosque.

Naturally, Zanzibar offers a plethora of water-based activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kite surfing, fishing, kayaking, and sailing. When you need a break from the beach, you can take an interesting (albeit, kitschy) spice tour or visit the Colobus monkeys at the Jozani Forest.