Zanzibar is one of East Africa’s most compelling destinations — a place where history, culture and natural beauty converge in a uniquely intoxicating way. Stone Town, the island’s ancient capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site — a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, Arab trading houses, carved wooden doorways and bustling markets that has barely changed in centuries. The old Spice Market, Forodhani Gardens night food market and the House of Wonders are among the highlights of a city that rewards wandering without a map. The beaches of Zanzibar are exceptional. Nungwi and Kendwa on the north coast offer calm, turquoise water ideal for swimming at all states of tide, with a lively beach bar scene and excellent snorkelling. Paje on the east coast is the island’s kitesurfing capital, where strong and reliable trade winds create ideal conditions from June to September. More secluded beaches — Michamvi, Bwejuu, Matemwe — line the eastern and north-eastern shores, each offering a quieter, more intimate experience. The waters around Zanzibar are rich in marine life — Mnemba Atoll off the north-east coast is one of East Africa’s premier dive sites, home to green turtles, reef fish, dolphins and occasional whale sharks. The island is also a departure point for dolphin swimming at Kizimkazi, a memorable experience especially at dawn when spinner dolphins are active in the shallows. Zanzibar cuisine is a spice-infused revelation: curries, pilau rice, urojo (the famous Zanzibar mix soup) and fresh seafood grilled at the Forodhani night market are must-try experiences. Most visitors combine Zanzibar with a mainland Tanzania safari for the classic ‘bush and beach’ holiday. The best time to visit is June to October or December to February.