Zanzibar

The island of Zanzibar has a surface of 1581km² and can boast several deserted fine white sand beaches (so white it hurts your eyes), fringed with palmtrees.
There are gorgeous coral reefs before the coast.
The inland consists of spice gardens, tea-, sugar- and coffee plantations, spread out among the tropical vegetation and even a real nature reserve (Jozani Forest), where you can find the very rare colobus monkey. Pepper, cloves and cardamom can be found in the wild, together with henna, ginger, mandarins, cinnamon, lemon grass and vanilla. No wonder they call Zanzibar the spice island.

The friendly locals will always greet you with ‘jambo’. When you give the appropriate reply a chat will mostly follow, in English, though.

Then there’s the capital of Zanzibar: Stone Town. This magical place is packed with mosques and stately mansions, former Arab palaces, houses with Indian balconies en delicately designed and beautifully carved doors and offers a wonderful stroll. Between the labyrinth of alleys, squares and small streets, sometimes only a meter wide, you will find all sorts of shops and restaurants. Though time doesn’t stand still here either...

Let the scents and colours of the local market entice you: you immediately understand why Zanzibar is called ‘Spice Island’!

The most beautiful sunset (18h) can be enjoyed from the terrace of the Africa House Hotel. Also keep a look out for the dhows (primitive sailboats) from that gorgeous spot.

In the evening you can grab a delicious bite from one of the many stalls opposite the Old Fort and the House of Wonders in Forodhani Park. Everything is, of course, fresh and prepared right before your very eyes.