Zanzibar and Pemba Holidays
The correct name for Zanzibar is actually Unguja. Situated in the Indian Ocean, off the Tanzanian coast, it is the largest of three islands, Pemba Island being slightly to the north.

The main trade for many years for this island was spices, including cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon – spices which are still used freshly in most Zanzibar cuisine today.

Its fascinating capital Stone Town, is a maze of narrow streets and its interesting history captivates visitors. Around the island deserted beaches lay waiting to be discovered and the reef protected waters make the ideal place to spend endless days relaxing.

Weather
Although temperatures remain high all year round, rarely dipping below the mid-20s, the island benefits from cooling sea breezes, making the climate almost perfect for holidaymakers. The highest temperatures are normally experienced in December and June with longer periods of rain typically occurring in March April and May. These usually fall as heavy sporadic showers in the afternoon. The long dry season usually occurs from June to October.By Day
As with any tropical island, the various watersport and diving centres located around Zanzibar and Pemba Island ensure that the days are best spent exploring the beautiful blue waters of the Indian Ocean – whether on top of it or beneath the waves!

However, for those not interested in aquatic activity, there are plenty of historic sights and monuments situated around both Zanzibar and Pemba, detailing the islands’ history of spice trading, slavery and bloody politicsBy Night
Although low key, evening entertainment around the islands is nonetheless energetic! Hotels and resorts usually provide traditional forms of entertainment including African dancing, acrobatics and live music. There are, however, a small number of bars and clubs around the island and visitors are quite likely to find beach parties and barbeques being held somewhere!

The evening also presents a multitude of opportunities for those looking to engage in romantic adventures, sunset cruises and private beach dining always being very popular.Top Attractions
• Zanzibar National Museum – providing a wealth of information about the island’s history and culture
• Old Fort, Zanzibar – dating back to the 1600s, now a centre for artists and entertainers
• Central Market, Zanzibar – over 100 years old, selling clothes, fruit, seafood and spices
• Fortified Palace, Pemba – dating back to the fifteenth century, once the seat of Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman
• Ras Mkumbuu, Pemba – site of a Swahili settlement dating back to the eleventh century
Events
Zanzibar Cultural Festival (July), Sauti Za Busara Music Festival (February), Zanzibar International Film Festival (July)Local Flavours
Due to its history of trading, spices obviously reign supreme in this region, with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and pepper featuring heavily in most traditional dishes. They even feature in tea and coffee! Delicious fresh coconut is also used as a base ingredient for most meals. Spicy meat stews using chilli and fresh seafood are very popular, as are the Indian-influenced dishes, such as numerous types of curries, chapattis and pilau rice.

Desserts tend not to be too heavy, chefs instead maximising the produce grown naturally and locally, relying instead on puddings based on fresh, juicy fruit including mango, papaya and pineapple, found all over the islands. Nothing could be more pleasant on a typically hot, humid day.History
In the eighth century, both Zanzibar and Pemba were known for being major trading posts in spices for Arab merchants. After being dominated principally by the Portuguese in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, they became synonymous with slave trading, principally led by the then Sultan of Oman – Pemba playing a larger part in this trading than Zanzibar.

In 1890, Zanzibar came under the rule of the British Empire, which still employed the governance of a Sultan, before being granted its independence in 1963. Shortly after the island was integrated to form The United Republic of Tanzania.Size & Location
Zanzibar is situated around 20 miles off the coast of Tanzania and covers an area of around 637 square miles. Pemba lies around 31 miles to the north of Zanzibar and covers around 378 square miles.