The tropical island paradise of Zanzibar , located just off the east African coast, is never more alluring than off-season in the UK. With its white sand beaches and clear blue waters, it’s the perfect place to kick back, relax and soak up some rays. Though the island’s long history – a colony of Oman, before it was taken over by the British, and eventually integrated into Tanzania in 1964 – also makes it a melting pot of competing influences that begs to be explored.
In the north, the winding old streets of Stone Town beckon; on the ocean, wooden sailing dhows still cross the horizon in search of fish and the island’s verdant centre is home to deadly mambas and rare monkeys alike. From its world-class snorkelling, to watching the sun go down with a cold Kilimanjaro beer in hand, Zanzibar rewards the intrepid traveller. Here’s how to make the most of a week-long trip there.
First thing’s first: no trip to Zanzibar is complete without a day or two spent wandering around its famous Stone Town. Built by the Omanis in the 18th century, Stone Town is a warren of tiny alleyways, tall buildings and small, shaded courtyards where locals sit, sell their wares and drink coffee together. Plus, of course, there’s Freddie Mercury ’s birthplace, an 1920s style building on the high street that today operates as a museum ( freddiemercurymuseum.
com ). Just wandering through the streets is a must — not least for the chance to spot Stone Town’s famous doors. These were con.
