Zanzibar has a lot to offer the travel enthusiast. This collection of islands promises to be a dream for the beach lover. Pristine sands, gorgeous coral reefs, and a host of seaside activities. When you’re travelling to Zanzibar, you’re sure to enjoy the marine tourism on offer there. A trip in a traditional dhow is a must-do. There’s something about sailing on the waters in an old-fashioned vessel, that’s been around for so long, that’s bound to be enchanting. Apart from this, get into the water and spot some dolphins, lobsters, octopus, and eels. Swimming and snorkeling are popular sports, as is diving. There’s a lot you can do, thanks to the many, many miles of shoreline.

One of the biggest draws in Zanzibar is Stone Town. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will evoke the distant past as if it were just yesterday. Explore the labyrinths and the Persian baths, pay respects at the Makusurani graveyard and marvel at the House of Wonders. In Stone Town, visit the Peace Memorial Museum and learn more about the island’s fascinating history. Stone Town is also close to a lot of places, including Changu Island. So use it to hop, skip and jump to other places.

The night market is held each night in Stone Town’s Forodhani Gardens. If you want to know about a land and its people, this is a place you must visit and an experience you must have. Food, fun, music and people make the market a must-visit. While here, indulge in the country’s cuisine and drinks, including meat, seafood, fritters, sweets, cake, local beer and sugarcane juice.

Zanzibar is famous for its spices. In fact, it was one of the earliest trade posts for spices in the world and that can be seen in the island. Join a spice tour where you’ll get to see, smell and taste spices that have made the country famous. Nutmeg, cloves, coriander, pepper, there are many spices and fruit to eat and enjoy. You can take a cookery class and buy spices to carry back with you.

If you’re looking for wildlife, Zanzibar is no competition to its more flamboyant siblings. You won’t spot the Big 5 here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spot any! The Jozani Forest is a mangrove swamp and is home to the Zanzibar red colobus. There are only about 1500 of these today and their safety is vital to the country. Conservation efforts are in place and more help is always welcome. The Forest houses many birds and almost 50 types of butterflies.

If you make your way to Pemba, the other main island in Zanzibar, you can set your eyes on the endangered Pemba Flying Fox. The Kidike root site is where this creature can be found. Watch out for the Mozambique cobra and listen to the chatter of the vervet monkeys.

Zanzibar is also a food paradise. This is not just because of the abundance of spices, but also because of the unique multicultural mix that is this country. If you’re the kind of person who loves to experiment with food, then Zanzibar is sure to delight.