Unguja, the best-known and most popular island within the Zanzibar archipelago, encompasses everything you imagine when you think of this collection of islands. This little land mass covers an area of just 1,658 square kilometres, but it packs an almighty punch as a vacation destination, quite literally offering something for everyone. From travelers seeking cultural insights, historical meanderings, and getting lost in alleyways dotted with local market stalls, to couples more interested in romance and relaxation, to thrillseekers enticed by the prospect of all sorts of different watersports – snorkelling, incredible diving, deep sea fishing – Unguja has it all. And I haven’t even got started on the endless white powdery beaches and sparkling oceans with the kind of color you genuinely believed were reserved for photoshopped postcards.
Also, Zanzibar works wonderfully in conjunction with safari time in East Africa – logistically it makes perfect sense, and all types of traveler can find accommodation to suit, whether you’re after a small boutique-style property, an all-inclusive resort, or something in between.