Tanzania's archipelago of coastal spice islands includes the island of Zanzibar. Long renowned as an exotic and mysterious destination, Zanzibar still resonates with travellers today, beckoning lovers of history and those who are drawn to its remote beauty.
Of all the attractions in Zanzibar, the World Heritage site of Stone Town is the most evocative. Its streets and winding alleyways can draw visitors into hours of exploration, while its palaces and museums hold keys to Zanzibar's past as a center of trade and culture. One of the top sites to visit is the Palace of Wonders, a sultan's home converted into a museum celebrating Zanzibar's culture and language.
Visitors will also enjoy the must see Old Fort next to the Palace of Wonders, a four hundred-year-old structure that now hosts daily exhibitions of dance in addition to housing a range of artisan shops and venues show the skill of Zanzibar's craftspeople to best advantage. The map of Zanzibar is also dotted with tours, preserves, and activities that focus on the ecological wonders of the island. Visitors can spend time with elephants, tour a butterfly preserve, or wander on guided trails through some of Zanzibar's lush jungle.
Quite a few Zanzibar activities center around the beach, where those who love water sports will enjoy the excellent scuba diving in offshore reefs. Dolphin lovers will delight in excursions that follow these playful creatures as they frolic in the sea. There are also Zanzibar tours in traditional dhow boats that show off the island.
When planning things to do in Zanzibar, you can turn to Expedia.com to find all the latest information on the top tourist places to visit, hotel accommodations, and even local hot spots. Expedia even has information on Zanzibar excursions that highlight lesser-known islands in the archipelago, if you plan on enjoying a day trip to one of the other islands. With Expedia.com you can rest assured your trip will be personalized with the things important to you so you can maximize your time on this enchanting and beautiful island.
