From the traditionally garbed Maasai striding across the beach and Swahili and Indian traders in their own striking traditional dress, the blend of cultures here is enchanting.

On the western side of the island, Stone Town was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000 and once you lay eyes on its faded grandeur, you’ll understand why. The visible lines and layers of the many cultures and centuries are etched into the profile of this port town, once the Indian Ocean’s most important trading post. The heady scent of spices in its bustling labyrinth of streets make it an incredibly intoxicating place.

Located 80km to the North East of Zanzibar Island, Pemba Island, offers you unspoiled nature, dense forests, green valleys and white sandy beaches. Beautiful corals and rich marine life make for excellent scuba diving along mangrove-knotted shores. It’s also the world’s main exporter of cloves.

Lying just south of Zanzibar, the beach and ocean wonderland of Mafia Island is an adventurous destination. It boasts stunning beaches, sublime marine wildlife and the exclusive feeling of complete seclusion. The island is surrounded by a barrier reef teeming with sea life and almost half of its coastline has been designated as protected marine park.

With its palm-fringed beaches and brilliant blue waters, Fanjove Island is home to incredible wildlife both on land and in the water. Look out for dolphins, humpback whales and green turtles. While away the days soaking up the sun on the beach, or do a spot birdwatching, when you’re not out on the water.