Zanzibar is situated 40 kilometres off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. It is known as the ?Spice Island? because of its trade in cloves and other valuable spices and because of this wealth and its strategic position has been occupied and run by

In ancient times it was the Sumerians, Assyrians and Egyptians. Later the Indians, Chinese and Persians all traded and lived on the Island, and in more recent times the Arabians and British vied for control. Each has left its mark on the island, a legacy in its architecture or population that makes it such a fascinating destination today. For many years it was central to the powerful Omani sultanate, even becoming its capital in 1840 displacing Muscat to ensure control of the lucrative slave trade. In 1964 it became part of the United Republic of Tanzania, under which it has grown and thrived.
,br> To the British it was the starting point for many of the early explorers heading off to the interior of the continent to discover its secrets. Burton, Livingstone and Speke all departed from here. These days Zanzibar?s visitors tend to arrive and stay. A Zanzibar holiday normally entails relaxing on its beautiful golden beaches, perhaps adding a safari at the start.

The oldest town on Zanzibar is called Stone Town, a maze of winding streets and Arabian architecture; it is famous for its beautifully carved doors, studded with brass work. Bazaars exist in much the same place and manner that they have done so for generations, selling coffee, jewellery and of course the spices that brought the island its wealth in the first place.

It is though the beaches that attract many to Zanzibar. Many of the best ones are situated on the east coast of the island, a drive of between 1 to 2 hours from Stone Town. Although more commercial that it was 10 years ago, there are still many small, intimate hotels on Zanzibar that offer the honeymooner or traveller a quiet and relaxing stay. Few rooms, remote locations, beautiful beaches and tropical sun. It?s a great combination, especially when added to a Tanzania safari and beach holiday. The excitement of one and the total relaxation of the other.