The Zanzibar archipelago is one of Africa’s most bewitching destinations, the name itself evoking palm-backed beaches, languid tropical waters and colourful coral reefs. But the islands are more than just the backdrop for dedicated beach bumming. Their history is a visitor’s book of peoples from around the Indian Ocean and even the Mediterranean, fortresses or citadels, or Zanzibar’s famous cuisine, or some very strange but enjoyable cultural events, including Pemba’s Portuguese-style bullfights, and Makunduchis raucous celebration of the Persian New Year.

Unguja is the archipelagos main island, and the one with the best beaches. The historical Stone Town, part of the capital Zanzibar Town, in an alluring Arabian-style labyrinth densely packed with mansions ,palaces and bazaars, most of them constructed on the back of the nineteenth –century slave trade, which Zanzibar controlled .Ungujas sister island of Pemba,48km to the north, is quite a contrast. With few beaches to write home about, tourist facilities are extremely limited, so the main reason for coming is for scuba diving. History buffs can poke around a host of medieval ruins dating from the height of the Swahili trading civilization, whilst nature lovers have Ngezi Forest, an incredibly dense tangle that’s home to unique birds, and the giant Pemba fruit bat.

Stone Town & Around

The greedy spider at the heart of East Africa’s slave trade was STONE TOWN, THE HISTORICAL PART OF Zanzibar’s capital, Zanzibar town. Known locally as Mji Mkongwe (“Old Town”), it resembles the medinas of North Africa and Arabia, with its maze of narrow twisting streets, bustling bazaars and grand Arabian and Indian mansions. In spite of its quasi-medieval appearance (ably helped along by a most inimical climate as far as wood, masonry and roofs are concerned), the town is relatively sprightly, mostly dating from the last 150 years. Wandering about aimlessly here is a pleasure in itself, but there are also specific places to aim for, including the harrowing cells of Africa’s last slave market, two cathedrals linked to the slave trades abolition, and –along the waterfront-two majestic palaces ( now museums) and a brooding Omani fortress.

Equally beguiling are several attractions within day-tripping distance, including Zanzibar’s famous spice tours, a handful of reef-fringed islands for often magical snorkeling, ruined palaces and baths, and a former Anglican mission whose botanical garden is a superb spot for birding.

Accommodation Zanzibar

There’s plenty of accommodation In and around Stone Town, but, as throughout Zanzibar, its almost impossible to find a double room for much under $40 .Haggling is only possible in sub-$80 places, and is easiest in April and May (long rains), and in October or November (short rains).At all times hotels can be extremely damp, so go fore rooms as high as possible to catch a breeze.

Accommodation at Hurumzi, Kiponda, Kokoni and Mchambawima on the northern part of the old town is the most picturesque, and the easiest to get lost in. Most of the following are at least five minutes from the nearest drivable road.

236 Hurumzi Hurumzi St.Set in Tharia Topans magnificent Hurumzi House, this is East Africa’s most atmospheric hotel .Effectively a reinterpretation of classic Zanzibar themes, it’s a self-indulgent foray into the world of the Arabian Nights .Each of the sixteen rooms ( accessed by steep staircases ) has its own quirks, from the “ Ballroom,” dominated by a giant chandelier ,and the “North” and “South” rooms with open-air bathtubs shielded from the street by wooden latticework screens, to the “keep “, “Pavilion” and “Tour “ suites ,which have open-sides ,turret-top gazebos fitted with day beds. Most rooms have unobtrusive a/c and fans. Restaurant on top. Closed Mid-April to end- May.BB (The “Kipembe” room) otherwise BB.

240 Hurumzi Hurumzi St, same entrance and contacts as 236 Hurumzi .Intended for self-caterers ,this has a fully equipped kitchen and dining room, and six bedrooms in similar style to 236 Hurumzi ,less extravagant but nonetheless oozing opulence, although none have any views worth speaking of BB.

Clove Hotel Hurumzi St,Hurumzi. A modernized Dutch-run hotel with eight unfussy but comfortable rooms, the front-facing ones with balconies .What’s special is the roof terrace, with fantastic views, comfy loungers, and drinks-including wine. Hearty breakfasts, free Wi-Fi .Closed May .BB.

Hotel Kiponda Nyumba ya Moto St, Kiponda.Quite and comfortable, with fifteen rooms, including singles and triples .The walls are thick, so the interior stays cool. Rooms vary in size and prices; most have box nets, all have ceiling fans. On top is a rooftop cafe and bar.BB.

Kikonis Hotel Kokoni.This lovely four-storey mansion towers over one side of a sweet little square .Its rooms have high ceilings; most contain nothing more than beds and box nets ,but a handful have TVs, and two have bathrooms.BB.

Riverman Hotel East of Tharia St, Mchambawima.Very good value if you don’t mind sharing bathrooms .All rooms have fans and box nets, and there’s a pleasant courtyard for meals.BB.

St Monica’s Guest House off New Mkunazini Rd by Anglican Cathedral ,Mkunazini .Run by the Anglican Church, this basic hostel smells bad in the rains, but is still good value, and cant be matched for chilling atmosphere: one of the two buildings sits astride the former slave markets, cells. All sixteen rooms have box nets and fans, and some share a wooden veranda. Plain but good restauarant.No alcohol or smoking .BB.

Safari Inn Lodge Dega St, Kiponda .Unexciting but clean, friendly, and well-equipped, with satellite TV. Also has a roof terrace with freshly cooked seafood.BB

The Swahili House South off Kiponda St.Mchabawima. A five –storey building with 22 swanky rooms around an internal courtyard: some have exterior balconies, others fancy stand-alone bathtubs, but the main attraction is the rooftop restaurant and bar, complete with Jacuzzi.BB

Zanzibar Coffee House Tharia St, Mchambawima.Just eight rooms above the café, each with its own character .The cheapest have external (but private) bathrooms. The staff is great, and the rooftops a delight: a cosy lounge with a wrap-around balcony. Closed May .BB

Zanzibar Palace Hotel Off Nyumba ya Moto St, Kiponda. A superbly renovated four-storey townhouse heavy on spangly fabrics, gilded furniture, fancy mirror frames and Persian rugs. To make the most of your stay, splash out on a “deluxe” room or, even better, on a (gigantic ) suite, all different ,all plush, all charming ( and all with a/c ,fans ,and TVs ). Some have balconies, others massive bathtubs and one of the suites has a private roof terrace with sun loungers and views .Also has a fine restaurant and bar downstairs.BB.

Accommodation Shangani, Baghani and Forodhani In Zanzibar

The west end of Stone Town is more touristy, with plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops and internet cafes. Hotels in this area, many occupying palatial town houses, are either on or just off one of three main thoroughfares- Shangani Street, Forodhani Street and Kenyatta Road-so are easy to find.

Abuso Inn Above Wings restaurant off Shangani St, Shangani.Unassuming and very calm (except Saturday night, when Starehe opposite has a disco) .Unusually for Stone Town, rooms are mostly large and well-ventilated, and many catch the evening sun. All have a/c, fans and box nets, but no TVs’ .BB

Africa House Hotel Suicide Alley, Shangani. A grand old grand colonial pile housing fourteen elegant rooms with a./c and cable TV ,including some with full-on sea views.The décor makes ample use of antiques ,Persian carpets, old photographs, gilded mirrors, and golden tassels and brocades .Facilities include two restaurants, and the famous Sunset Bar.BB

Beyt al Chai Kelele Square,Shangani.Occupying a gorgeous three-storey nineteenth-century building, on the ground floor of which is an excellent restaurant of the same name, this has just six wooden-floored rooms, stylishly decked out in draperies and comfy antiques ,with the more expensive “ Sultan” rooms having bathtubs in their bedrooms. All have a/c, and the two on top have sea views over Kelele square. Closed May.BB.

Chavda Hotel Baghani St, Baghani.Several conjoined former mansions enclosing an airy courtyard, all adorned with imported Indian fittings, reproduction furniture, and China vases. The sixteen rooms, on three floors, come with all mod cons. The more expensive twin-bed rooms have balconies, and there’s a good rooftop restaurant.BB.

Dhow Palace Hotel Kenyatta Rd, Shangani. A beautiful and tranquil 1870s mansion, preserving much as its Arabian flair. Service is smart and efficient, and the 28 spacious rooms are good value, featuring a/c, cable TV, box nets, a smattering of antiques, and blue –tiled sunken baths. Some have balconies: on the inside, these open on the swimming pool. There’s also an attractive rooftop restaurant .Closed April & May.BB.

Karibu Inn Off Forodhani St, Forodhan.Partly renovated but a little shabby ,this is still a decent choice, its en-suite rooms scattered over four half-storey’s, some on the ground floor. There are also three dorms, each with a/c and bathroom.BB.

Shangani Hotel Kenyatta Rd, Shangani. Hidden behind a reception resembling a gentlemen’s club, complete with billiard table, is a rather charmless modern hotel, although its decent enough for the price, especially for a room higher up. All have bathrooms; fans, a/c and cable TV, and those at the back have sea views.BB

Tembo House Hotel Shangani St, Shangani.Built as the American Embassy in the 1830s, this is now a busy package-tour hotel, thankfully not overshadowed by its uninspiring modern wing. Whilst not as stylish as other sea-front options and with variable standards, the beachfront location and its swimming pool are undeniable draws. Get a room with an ocean view or, better yet, an ocean-facing balcony. The hotels Bahari Restaurant is right by the beach. Sunbathers have a rooftop terrace. No alcohol, but the Livingstone is next door.BB.

Zanzibar Serena Inn Kelele Square, Shangani. In tune with other properties in the Aga Khans Serena chain, service here is faultless, standards solidly five-star, and the rooms-all sea –facing –come with all mod-cons. There are several bars and restaurants, and large shoreline swimming pool.BB.

Accommodation Southern Stone Town & Vuga

The southern part of the old town contains a number of budget hotels easily reached from Vuga Road.Vuga is the broad, leafy district just south of here, whose handful of hotels should benefit from better ventilation.

Beit-al- Amaan Victoria St, Vuga .This “House of Peace” occupies a two-storey town house, and is the business for comfort and (authentic) Zanzibar style. The six large rooms and its common areas are decorated with colourful Swahili artwork, seashells, Persian carpets and all sorts of antiques. All but the huge downstairs room has private bathrooms, and there’s a kitchen on top.BB

Flamingo Guest House Mkunazini St, Kibokoni. Cheapest of the lot, and not at all bad so long as the drains aren’t blocked. All six rooms have box nets and fans: gets you to a private bathroom.BB

Florida Guest House Vuga Rd, Kibokoni. A reliable budget option, whose eight rooms, all with spotless bathrooms (and hot showers) come with cable TV, box nets and a/c .BB

Jambo Guest House off Mkunazini St, Sokomuhogo. Popular with backpackers, with friendly staff. The eight rooms, six with a/c, share bathrooms, and are large and clean if bare.BB

Manch Lodge Between Vuga Rd and Sokomuhogo St, Kibokoni.Large and basic but quite acceptable, and with a small garden, too. There are twenty rooms, three with bathrooms, a handful with TVs, and all with (round) nets and fans.BB.

Accommodation Malindi & Funguni Zanzibar

Malindi district is outside the old town, and not the most atmospheric area but well placed if you’re arriving by ferry .Bounding it is Malawi Road, good for cheap eats.

Bandari Lodge Kisangani St.Especially cheap for singles ,the nine high-ceilinged rooms here, all but one en suite ,are relatively fresh and clean, with big beds and box nets.Theres also a kitchen , and a cable TV on top floor .BB

Bwawani Hotel Bwawani Rd, Funguni. A 1972 hulk on the edge of mudflats, this – assuming the lift is still working – is the cheapest option for physically disabled travelers. The common areas are gloomy, but the are friendly, and the 108 huge bedrooms are really quite decent, the best one with glimpses of the ocean.Theres a basic restaurant and bar inside, also an outdoor bar, a nearby disco, and a (usually dry) swimming pool.BB

Malindi Guest House OFF Mizingani St.Wonderful décor throughout, and well –kept rooms with nets and fans, and most with bathrooms .Two niggles: some beds are a bit short, and its definitely not safe to walk here at night. Good harbour views from the rooftop .BB

Hotel Marine Mizingani Rd/ Malawi Rd .With over twenty rooms arranged around an airy atrium,this is perfectly placed for ferries , and –so long as the price doesn’t shoot up after renovation and the installation of a/c –should still be very good value.

Princess Salme Inn Just off Muzingani St.Friendliest of the lot in this area, with twelve clean rooms, not all with bathrooms ( but good showers though) .The second –floor rooms ,arranged around a sunny courtyard, are the best ,if a little cramped. In really hot weather you’ll appreciate one of the rooms with a/c .BB

Zanzibar is one of the most tourists’ attractions in the world within East Africa region it is in Tanzania. Tourists who want to burst on the beach and like scuba diving, diving & snorkeling as their farourite activities then Zanzibar is where to be on your holiday safaris. Accommodation comprises of budget, luxury, and en suites, superior and standard rooms. We have scheduled passenger flights and private air charter flights operating within Tanzania and from Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and globally operating into and out of Zanzibar dropping and picking tourists.

Anthony Mmeri is the Editor and Tours Director at Wings Over Africa Safaris Limited. <br><a href='http://www.wingsoverafrica-aviation.com’> This is a Safari Holiday Expert Company that specializes on Scheduled Passenger Flights| Private Air Charter Flights | Hotel Accommodation & Booking Zanzibar| Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Safaris Zanzibar Tanzania. </a> The website has guided thousands of travelers to achieve their dream holiday. For more information and guidance, visit the site at http://www.wingsoverafrica-aviation.com/index.php/safaris-east-africa/tanzania-tour-packages.html</a>