Zanzibar is not just a solitary island but a true archipelago of islands located near the equator in the Indian Ocean. It consists of two main islands – Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar) and Pemba – as well as many smaller charming islets.

Welcome to the land of year-round hot summer! While there may be some rainfall during the transitional periods of March-May and November-December when the rainy season arrives, temperatures remain consistently warm even during these times.

Thousands of tourists from around the world flock to Zanzibar in search of sandy tropical beaches and turquoise crystal-clear waters. The main tourist destinations are located in the north and southeast of the island, offering a wide range of opportunities from blissful beach relaxation to active pursuits like kite-surfing, diving, and fishing expeditions.

You won’t find tourist behemoths in Zanzibar. Instead, you’ll find intimate and charming resorts and hotels. Clear skies, hot sun, white sand, and surprisingly warm ocean are the things that make for a refreshing morning view from your window.

The historical capital of the Sultanate of Zanzibar is Stone Town. Today, it is the oldest district of Zanzibar City, the current capital of the archipelago. Discover the rich history and oriental architecture of the city with Arab roots and strong influences from Persian, African, and European cultures. Strolling through the narrow streets of this old oriental town is a unique experience. In Stone Town, you will also find the house where the lead singer of the band Queen, Freddy Mercury was born.

Even though the island is not very large in terms of area, it is home to numerous tourist attractions. These include:

• Forest caves where you can experience underground bathing
• A Portuguese fort from colonial times
• An enormous coral reef surrounding the island
• Disappearing sandbanks
• A slave market from the time of the Sultanate
• Spice farms
• A mysterious mangrove forest on Uzi Island
• And many more.

The island is home to several endemic species, with the most well-known being the Red Colobus monkeys found in the Jozani Forest Reserve. Fortunately, the tropical nature of the island does not pose a significant risk of diseases commonly associated with exotic countries. Malaria is almost completely absent, and unlike mainland Africa, vaccinations are not required.