Think of Zanzibar and images of romantic dhows with curved white sails, veiled women of mystery, ancient ruins and exotic spices appear before your eyes. Zanzibar is known throughout the world as the jewel of the Indian Ocean and has a romantic, colourful history of seafarers and explorers, of riches and tragedy and the dark stain of slavery. Once the trading centre of the whole of East Africa, Zanzibar attracted Sumerians, Assyrians, Phoenicians, Arabs, Chinese and Malays.

Zanzibar and Pemba are the main islands and are surrounded by about 50 smaller ones. A walk through the narrow, twisting streets of Zanzibar Stone Town plunges you into the past. The houses here are over 150 years old and are constructed from the island coral stone. The east coast of Zanzibar island is ideal for those who wish to get away from it all. Picturesque villages fringe white beaches and crystal water.

The main island of the Zanzibar archipelago (Unguja) is 85km long and between 30-35km wide, surrounded by a coral reef and sandy beaches lined with palm trees and tropical forests. The temperatures range from 22C to 32C and the island may be visited virtually all year round.

We recommend a minimum of two days to explore the Stone Town, and do some sight-seeing including a spice tour, a trip to Chumbe Island Marine Park or a city tour before heading to the coast to unwind and relax on the beach. For the more active person we offer cycling tours, diving, swimming with dolphins, or an array of cultural and historical sightseeing excursions. It is the perfect location for a honeymoon, or even the wedding itself! We can arrage the full wedding ceremony in the most idyllic location on earth!

Wild Frontiers has been taking guests to Zanzibar and neighbouring islands Pemba and Mafia, plus the Kenya & Tanzania coasts, for almost 14 years. Our staff offer first hand advice on a large selection of hotels and lodges - from the small, secluded beach hideaways to the larger resort hotels with loads of amenities - over 50 in total - so we will have something to suit you!

Chapwani Private Island - From the west coast of Zanzibar looking out over the Indian Ocean towards continental Africa, the eye falls on a group of islands. One of these is known as Chapwani, a natural paradise, 16 acres covered with massive ancient baobab trees, coconut palms, passion fruit and giant cacti. The rich tropical vegetation harbours abundant wildlife including a herd of miniature antelope and many species of tropical birds. The island is surrounded by small coves, sandy bays and crystal blue waters and is perfect for snorkelling, windsurfing and diving at the many interesting locations near the island. With a maximum of 20 guests, it is highly secluded and tranquil, yet is only 15 minutes with our boat from bustling Stonetown. Chapwani is a perfect base for discovering the whole of Zanzibar and spice tours and excursions can be arranged from the island.

East Coast - Zanzibar's coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you're on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones.

Mafia Island - Mafia is - in the true sense - an island retreat for adventure divers, game fishermen or simple feet-up relaxation. Only 70 miles south east of Dar es Salaam, the island was a regular stop for Arab and Persian dhows plying the coastal waters from Kilwa and Mozambique from the 12th Century.

Chole Bay, Mafia's protected deep-water anchorage, is part of a marine park. Its natural horseshoe shape is studded with lovely beaches. The diving here is amongst the most spectacular in the world and includes colourful coral gardens, walls at various levels and many shelves and coral heads. Smaller islands and reefs are within easy reach for drift diving, excellent snorkelling and sightseeing. The warm, clear, protected waters of the bay are ideal for swimming, sailboarding and lasers.

Maruhubi Beach Villas - Just ten minutes drive north of Stone Town, situated on the seafront between the famous Maruhubi Palace Grounds and the lush, tropical gardens of Mtoni Marine Centre. Maruhubi is ideally located for exploring Stone Town whilst still having the peace and beauty of a beach location.

Nungwi - Nungwi, the northernmost point of the island famed for its diving, white sand beaches and tranquility.

Pemba Island - One of East Africa's best diving regions 35 km off the East African coast in the Indian Ocean lies Zanzibar, an archipelago consisting of the islands Zanzibar, Pemba and 50 smaller islands. It is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, but has its own government that decides on issues concerning Zanzibar. Pemba is 70 km long and 24 km wide and is 50 km NE of Zanzibar Island. It is an unspoilt island, with very little infrastructure. Locals derive income from cloves and fishing. There are about 3.5 million clove trees on Pemba alone. Local people are very friendly and English is spoken widely.

The Diving: The ocean floor goes as deep as 800 m relatively close to shore. Offshore waters are rich in large game fish like marlin, barracuda and shark. It is on the whale migration route at the end of August/September and whale sharks can be seen from December to April.

On the West Coast of Pemba there are a variety of dive sites for the novice and more advanced diver. Coral formations are bountiful and giant Napoleon wrasse, sailfish, dolphins, tuna and especially mantas can be seen in places like Mesali Island, Fundu Gap, Blue Bay, Njao Gap and Manta Point. The Pemba wreck is located in the south in 15 meters of water. The east coast is strictly for advanced divers with very fast drive dives. Tiger, mako and hammerhead sharks are in abundance.

Stonetown - Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, grew out of Zanzibar's historical trades, a metropolis built to harbour secrets in its labyrinthine alleyways. Emblems of a rich and tumultuous history survive today, depicted through Arabian Nights palaces, mournful Slave Markets, aromatic spice bazaars, ornate cathedrals and an historic fort that was the scene of the worlds' shortest war, survive today. A walk through the narrow alleyways, past ornately carved doors and serene courtyards, is a journey along the paths of past existences.