AFRICA ZANZIBAR DESTINATIONS I
t’s best known as the second half of the safari-plus-beach
combo, and there’s no question over Zanzibar’s credentials on that front, with some of the most idyllic coastlines in the Indian Ocean. But that’s not all this little
archipelago off mainland Tanzania has going for it. Between sightseeing and shopping in Stone Town, or exploring the islands’ ancient slave market and aromatic spice farms, the beaches are just the beginning.
w SEE: STONY GROUND Stone Town, the old side of capital Zanzibar City, is the first port of call for sightseers. With its 19th century architecture and blend of Arab, Indian, Persian and European influences, a day meandering through its winding streets is well spent. In
fact, Rainbow Tours encourages clients to stay a night or two to get a feel for the city and access the excursions which depart here. The House of Wonders is
Stone Town’s largest building, constructed in 1883 as a sultan’s palace but now a museum devoted to Zanzibar’s history and culture, and worth visiting along with the Omani-built Old Fort next door. The Anglican Cathedral is another must-see, all the more poignant since it is built on the site of the former slave market – the altar bears a memorial to the ‘whipping post’ – where slaves were shipped from the mainland in horrific conditions until 1873. After some sobering moments,
lighten the mood with a stop at the elegant Old Dispensary – its curved balconies and stained- glass windows make it one of
Zanzibar boasts one of the most idyllic coastlines in the Indian Ocean, but offers so much more
Stone Town’s most impressive buildings – and a spot of haggling at the local market. There are plenty of guided
tours to choose from – most operators arrange these from around £60 – as a local guide will unlock the stories behind the monuments, but if clients are happy to go it alone in the city, there are plenty of other excursions to consider. Spice tours are a popular
choice, visiting the farms that grow cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, vanilla and pepper, earning Zanzibar its ‘spice island’ moniker. But if clients have done similar spice tours elsewhere, suggest seeing the colony of huge land tortoises which have taken up residence on the rather ominously-named Prison Island, or spotting red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest. Visions of Africa offers half-day trips to the former from £82 and the latter from £63. Perennially popular with
honeymooners, a dhow dinner cruise is another common addition to any Stone Town stay, munching on fresh seafood and champagne while watching the sunset.
w STAY: CHOOSE WISELY “The first decision is which island to stay on,” says 2by2 Holidays’ managing director Claire
10 December 2015
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