Situated on the western coast of Zanzibar Island, off the mainland of Tanzania, Stone Town is a historic port town and the cultural heart of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is renowned for its labyrinth of narrow streets, intricately carved wooden doors and centuries-old buildings that reflect African, Arab, Indian and European influences. Visitors can explore bustling markets, visit historic palaces and local museums, and discover the town's rich trading and maritime history within a vibrant urban setting. The waterfront is particularly atmospheric in the late afternoon, when locals gather at Forodhani Gardens, and traditional dhows sail across the Indian Ocean. Stone Town also serves as the gateway to Zanzibar's beaches, spice farms and marine excursions, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the island.
Mafia Island forms part of the famous Tanzanian Spice Islands, situated in the Indian Ocean. This wonderful landmass features mangrove thickets, coastal moorlands, and lowland forest. The Mafia Archipelago’s coral reefs, sandbars, lagoons, and beaches form part of the Mafia Island Marine Park - Tanzania’s first national marine park. This spectacular, unspoiled area offers visitors rich, colourful reefs with over 50 hard and soft corals, over 460 species of fish, and a variety of marine life, making this area excellent for diving. Visitors can spot whale sharks and sea turtles in the clear waters, watch hippos wallowing in the reed-lined lakes of the interior and discover the many rustic fishing villages scattered around the island.
