We suggest that you start your adventure in Zanzibar in the capital - Stone Town - and make this your base. From here it is easy to access all parts of the island and it’s also the most built up town - making it ideal for supplies and restaurants. If you’re heading to Zanzibar after a safari in Kenya or zania - then you’ll find plenty of places to relax - we suggest doing a little island hopping to find your perfect slice of paradise, as there are so many rustic and almost untouched beaches...if only you look for them. Be sure to take part in at least one spice tour as not only is it fascinating - especially seeing one of the few places that saffron is farmed, but it also helps local producers. If the sun and sand begins to wear thin - you can always head into the forest - and if you’re a wildlife lover - then we really think you should if only to get a glimpse at the Red Colobus Monkeys or the striking Fischer’s Turaco bird which is green with deep red patches on its head, beak and eyes. Those who stay by the beach can go dolphin watching instead or don the scuba gear and explore Zanzibar’s beautiful barrier reef.
Zanzibar has an eclectic cultural calendar of festivals and music events but our favourite os the Zanzibar Cultural Festival, which takes place annually towards the end of July around Stone Town. The festival is marked with intriguing traditional customs, traditional dances, street carnivals, fairs and raditional taarab music. Other honourable mentions include the Sauti za Busara music festival and the Mwaka Kogwa Shirazi New Year festival, which is best witnessed on the south of Unguja (Zanzibar island).
