 Zanzibar Island is the most well known of the islands, but the archipelago also consists of lush Pemba to the north and numerous smaller islands and islets poised in luxuriously turquoise seas. The beauty of this area has tempted travellers, traders, slave-traders and colonists for centuries, but there are still many areas on these islands that remain unexplored, pristine, untouched.
Zanzibar is famous for once being the commercial centre of East Africa and has been known as "the Spice Island" because of its many spice plantations and spice tours. It combines ancient Islamic ruins, noble Arabic houses with miles of white sandy palm fringed beaches and coves. The ocean offers warm clear blue waters, excellent reefs for snorkelling and diving, fantastic deep sea fishing, water sports and delicious fresh fish. The activities available on Zanzibar include: spice tours, dhow trips, diving, deep sea fishing, sailing, walking safaris, ballooning, bird watching, dolphin-watching, and visiting a number of interesting sites such as Jozani Forest, Chumbe Islands, or the historical ruins of Mbweni Palace.
Diving and snorkelling can be extrordinary in this part of the world. The seas around Zanzibar, Mafia, Chole Bay and the Pemba Channel are considered among the best waters for diving in the Indian Ocean. Chole Bay is part of a protected marine park, with an unbroken reef running the length of Mafia Island. The diving here is spectacular and includes colourful coral gardens, walls at various levels and many shelves and coral heads. The coral keeps many colourful fish, including hawksbill and sea turtles. Mafia is a perfect destination for divers seeking adventure and beauty, or for those who just want to relax in this most idyllic tropical setting.
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