Hakuna matata is Swahili for "no worries", and this is exactly the spirit that fills the atmosphere of Zanzibar, the Spice Island of Tanzania. A heavenly world sprinkled with charming colonial buildings, white sandy beaches, colourful markets, and flavours of exotic cuisines from all over the world.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous group of islands off the coast of Tanzania. Most of the inhabitants live on Zanzibar Island and Pemba Island, but there are also dozens of other small islands that make up this magical place. An African island paradise with a thoroughly Muslim culture, Zanzibar is often described as where Africa and Arabia meet in the Indian Ocean.

Wherever you go in Zanzibar you will find white sandy beaches with the consistency of castor sugar, served by international resorts. The beaches are ideal for diving, snorkelling, kitesurfing, and all-night beach parties. If you turn your eyes inland, you’ll find a series of fascinating caves to explore, and fantastic hiking in the Jozani Forest.

But the heart of Zanzibar is historic Stone Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking the streets, you can feel the Moorish, Middle Eastern, Indian, and African traditions blending in both the architecture and the food. Important sites include the Arab Fort, the House of Wonders (the first house in Zanzibar to have electricity and running water), and the markets, which are among the most vibrant to be found anywhere in the world.

Zanzibar weather forecast