Zanzibar is the island that almost everyone puts on their bucket list and almost everyone says exceeded expectations once they arrive. Located about 35 kilometres off the Tanzanian coast, this semi-autonomous archipelago combines some of the most beautiful beaches in the world with a history so layered and fascinating that it demands more than just a beach holiday. Stone Town, the old capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a maze of narrow streets, Omani palaces, carved wooden doors, and markets that have barely changed in centuries. The island was a major centre of the Indian Ocean spice trade, and you can still take spice farm tours where vanilla, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg grow in tropical abundance. The beaches are the other draw. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north are the most popular, with calm turquoise water, white sand, and reliable sunshine. Paje on the east coast is the hub for kitesurfing, where consistent winds make it one of the best spots in East Africa. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park in the centre of the island is home to the rare red colobus monkey. The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October and December to February. The long rains in April and May and short rains in November can affect beach conditions and visibility for diving. Water temperatures are warm yearround, and the coral reefs around the island are home to sea turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, and exceptional reef fish. Flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar International Airport take about two hours. Zanzibar combines brilliantly with a Tanzania safari or as a standalone beach 9 escape.