ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar ...the beautiful exotic island just off the coast of Tanzania. Even the name speaks romance and adventure. Once the center of the slave trade, it is an island with many cultural influences. With ancient Islamic ruins, noble Arabic houses and traditional African markets, Zanzibar has much to offer. The pristine, white sand beaches and magnificent coral reefs offer divers and snorkelers an experience of a lifetime, while life on the island is never dull but always relaxed.

One strolls by the former homes of the famed explorers Livingstone, Speake and Burton and a visit to the baths of the former Sultan evokes a life of luxury not known today.

Stone Town, the island's capitol, is a muddle of tiny streets, intricately carved woodwork, huge brass studded doors and overhanging balconies. There is a vibrant and colorful market that dominates the center of town. As the trading center for the island's spice plantations, the market is a chaotic and exciting blend of scents, sounds and sights. Nighttime along the shorefront is the perfect opportunity to experience true Zanzibar cuisine. Locals gather with their grills and prepare fresh fish, lobster, and seafood with local spices and juice freshly chopped sugar cane using age old techniques. It is a delicious and traditional experience that is available nowhere else.

A visit to Zanzibar is not complete without a tour of the famed spice plantations. The astounding array of spices is a product of the monsoon wind routes that fused African, Indian and Malagasy spices into a combination found nowhere else on Earth. Hibiscus and jasmine, cloves and cardamom, cinnamon and pepper scent the groves of lychee, mango, jackfruit and coconut. There is nothing like witnessing the vanilla orchid bloom or smelling fresh cinnamon bark.

THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT ZANZIBAR IS JULY when the rains have stopped and the weather is temperate and calm. The spice plantations are fun to visit at this time of year because many of the seed pods and fruit trees are blooming, showing off their colors and fragrant scents.

THE HIDDEN GEM of Zanzibar is the Breezes Resort, a luxury hotel that reflects the wonderful sense of mysticism and culture that is Zanzibar. Set on a spectacular white sand beach, it is the perfect place to awaken the mind, body and soul.

A GOOD VALUE is the Mbweni Ruins Hotel, a nice and simple hotel located just outside of Stone Town next to the beautiful ruins of a church that was dedicated to Dr. Livingstone.