Zanzibar is a port of call on East Africa and Indian Ocean itineraries concentrated from November through April, with Emerald Yachts, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Atlas Ocean Voyages among the lines calling there.
Zanzibar rises from the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania, its main island of Unguja long celebrated as one of the world's great spice-producing regions. Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper still grow across its interior, a legacy of centuries of trade that drew merchants from Arabia, Persia, and beyond. That layered history is visible in Stone Town, the archipelago's historic heart and a UNESCO World Heritage site, where narrow lanes wind between coral-hewn buildings, carved wooden doors, and busy market squares.
Stone Town sits within easy walking distance of the pier, its compact old quarter rewarding those who wander without a fixed route. Beyond the town, the island's coastline gives way to white-sand beaches and turquoise water, while inland spice farms offer a glimpse into the trade that shaped Zanzibar's identity. Few destinations along the East African coast combine maritime history and natural beauty so seamlessly.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Zanzibar.
Tour a Spice Farm
Walk through plantations inland from town to see and smell cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla growing as they have for centuries; most visits run two to three hours and include tastings.
Explore the Old Fort and Palace Museums
Step into the House of Wonders and the Old Fort along Stone Town's waterfront, remnants of Omani sultanate rule that anchor the old quarter's coral-stone architecture. Both sit within a short walk of the harbor.
Visit the Former Slave Market Site
The Anglican cathedral built atop Zanzibar's historic slave-trading site preserves underground holding chambers and a somber memorial, offering essential context to the island's layered past.
