Zanzibar, also known as “the spice islands” has long conjured up a romantic image that has been a lure for American travelers. Located along the Indian Ocean, off the coast of mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar was named one of “24 Destinations of 2007” by the New York Times in its Sunday Travel Section.

Zanzibar, which is an autonomous state within The United Republic of Tanzania, consists of Unguja (also known as Zanzibar Island), Pemba and some 50 smaller surrounding islands and islets. Stone Town, the historic port city of Zanzibar Island, is a World Heritage Site and a major cultural attraction. Already popular for its beaches, water sports, scuba diving (using environmentally-friendly equipment), underwater photography, reef watching, dolphin watching and snorkeling, Zanzibar is now focusing on promoting its many year-round- festivals showcasing the diverse cultures and history of Tanzania’s Kiswahili coastal islands.