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The rare colobus monkey

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Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is the collective name for the islands of Pemba to the north and Unguja to the south which lie off the northern coastline of Tanzania. Unguja is known internationally as Zanzibar and this is the more popular and developed of the two islands and the ideal place for a fantastic beach holiday.

Crystal waters lapping white sand beaches

Zanzibar is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide and is a real tropical island paradise of white sand beaches interspersed with little fishing villages, warm crystal clear lagoons sheltered by coral reefs and millions of coconut palms swaying in the Indian Ocean breeze. There are actually more than 25 beaches in Zanzibar and many of them are virtually deserted offering true peace and tranquillity.

Whilst it is the perfect place to relax on the beach at the end of a safari, there is also plenty of exploring to be done. The coral reefs provide superb conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving with a year round water temperature of 27°C coupled with good visibility and then there is much to see on dry land.

In the far north of the island is the fishing village of Ras Nungwi, the dhow building capital of Zanzibar, and here you can watch these boats being built in the traditional way. Around the island you can enjoy a highly aromatic experience at the spice plantations which are central to Zanzibar's history and grow cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other exotic spices.

In the central east region of the island is the Jozani Natural Forest Reserve. Whilst there are no large animals here, there are Skye's monkeys, small buck bush pigs and the rare red colobus monkey which is endemic to Zanzibar.

The main town of the archipelago is Zanzibar Town and here you will find Stone Town, the old city and the cultural heart of Zanzibar. Little changed in the last two centuries, Stone Town is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled lanes weaving through bustling bazaars and past old Arabic buildings constructed from coral blocks. It is possible to spend hours just wandering through the squares and lanes soaking up the culture and history.

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