Zanzibar Archipelago

An icon of Stone Town, the House of Wonders rises in impressive tiers of slender steel pillars and balconies overlooking the waterfront. Its enormous carved doors are said to be the largest in East Africa, fronted by two bronze cannon with Portuguese inscriptions dating them to the 16th century. Inside, the National Museum of History & Culture has exhibits on Swahili civilisation and the peoples of the Indian Ocean.

Zanzibar's main market is a hive of activity, with everything – from spices, fresh fish, slabs of meat and huge baskets full of live chickens to sandals, plastic buckets and mobile phones – all set out in a series of covered halls and overflowing into the surrounding streets. If you're buying food, come in the morning when stuff is fresh, although it's much busier then. For a slightly less crowded and chaotic experience come in the afternoon.

Safari Blue is a tour company that organises just one main activity: day trips on beautiful traditional dhows around Menai Bay. Each dhow carries about 20 people, and each trip includes swimming, snorkelling (equipment provided), seafood lunch on a remote island beach and time to relax on a sandbank. It's a great activity for families (kids under six years go free).

The uninhabited island of Chumbe, about 12km south of Zanzibar Town, has an exceptional shallow-water coral reef along its western shore that abounds with life. The island and reef are protected as Chumbe Island Coral Park, a privately managed nature reserve and ecotourism project.

The reef is in such good condition mainly because it was part of a military zone, off-limits to locals and visitors, until becoming Chumbe Island Coral Park in the 1990s. There are nearly 200 species of coral and about 370 species of fish. The island is also a haven for hawksbill turtles, and dolphins are often seen. Meanwhile, more than 50 species of birds have been recorded here, including the endangered roseate tern.

Large, long-standing, efficient: Amaan (pronounced amaani by locals) has over 100 rooms, ranging from small garden rooms to medium rooms around the pool and villas with air-con and balcony overlooking the sea. There's also a restaurant on a deck above the beach, a sports bar and a more relaxed bar, plus spa, dive centre and tour office.

Jozani Forest is the largest area of indigenous forest on Zanzibar Island. Situated south of Chwaka Bay on low-lying land, the area is prone to flooding, which nurtures a lush swamplike environment of moisture-loving trees and ferns. The whole area is protected as Jozani-Chwaka National Park, and is famously home to populations of Zanzibar red colobus monkey (an endangered species found only on Zanzibar) as well as other monkey species, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of birds.

Friendly and professional outfit offering IKO-accredited courses and private tuition for beginners to would-be instructors. Equipment sales and rental. Full-moon and sundowner trips (followed by a beach party) and downwinders are also available. Guests can stay in the associated Airborne Kite & Surf Village.

Located at Gecko Nature Lodge and run by the same friendly team, this five-star PADI Dive Centre offers dives for all levels at various sites off the Kigomasha Peninsula. Check the website for combined dive and accommodation deals.

In a quiet spot on a small island off the coast of Pemba this lodge epitomises the word 'remote'. Overlooking the empty beach and ocean beyond are just five rooms in bungalows raised on wooden decks. There's also a restaurant-lounge where friendly staff serve meals, including seafood brought by local fishermen. Activities include kayaking, snorkelling and walks to the village.