The spice island of Zanzibar and its sister islands of Pemba and Mafia are renowned island retreats, offering unspoiled, palm-fringed beaches and the warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

There is a huge range of accommodation to choose from on Zanzibar, from charming guesthouses tucked away within the narrow streets of old Stone Town to small boutique hotels scattered along the island's many beautiful beaches. The surrounding islands of Mnemba, Chumbe and Changuu Island offer fabulous private retreats, perfect for honeymooners and for those wanting a relaxing beach holiday as an end to a safari on the mainland.

Zanzibar provides for more than just post-safari beach holidays, however; it is also a superb marine wildlife destination. Indeed, the snorkelling and diving are among the best in the world, with stunning coral reefs to the north of Zanzibar and just off Pemba. Changuu, in particular, is famous for its huge tortoises, some of them hundreds of years old.

We highly recommend a night or two in old Stone Town, the cultural heart of Zanzibar, to explore its rich history, colourful markets and its many shops bursting with intricate carvings, paintings and jewellery. The lively night market is the place to try the day’s catch of kingfish, lobster and other local delicacies.

ZANZIBAR TRAVEL ADVICE

• A beach break on Zanzibar combines perfectly with a safari in Tanzania or Kenya.

• Zanzibar is generally best-visited during the dry season months of Dec-Feb and Jun-Oct. Jun-Oct experiences marginally cooler temperatures, though Zanzibar is hot all-year-round.

• Mar-May and Nov bring rain, though travel during these months is still viable, with rainfall typically following the tropical pattern of short-but-sharp afternoon downpours.

• Zanzibar is becoming ever-busier, and many now look to Mafia and Pemba as alternatives, though it's still possible to find peace and quiet on Zanzibar if you choose the right lodge or travel out of season.

• The western coast of Zanzibar, immediately north of Stone Town, has impressive beaches and is less affected by the tides, but it also has the largest and noisiest resorts. Hence the north-east, around Nungwi and Matemwe, is usually preferred.