The tropical island of Zanzibar rightfully conjures up images of gracefully sailing dhows, palm-fringed white-sand tropical beaches, beautiful lagoons and coral reefs, aromatic spice plantations, seaside resorts, and historic Stone Town. The name Zanzibar means "Land of the Blacks" and originates from the Arabic words "Zinj" meaning black and "barr" meaning land.

Zanzibar lies in the Indian Ocean 25 miles off the coast of Africa. The island is approximately 53 miles long and 12 miles wide.

The Island of Zanzibar consists of two main islands, Pemba and Unguja with some 50 smaller islands surrounding the archipelago. Unguja is the main and most developed island. Many people refer to it as Zanzibar.

The population of Zanzibar is about 800,000 people, of which 150,000 are found on Pemba. The majority of people inhabit Stone Town (which is the "capital" of Zanzibar)Stone Town is the only town on the island. A walking tour through the narrow winding alleys of its old section is fascinating.

Many of the rural people prefer the fertile Northern section of the island, whilst the East Coast has coral rag, and provides the most spectacular beaches and holiday destinations.

Zanzibar has a number of beach resorts. By far the best is the Mnemba Island Resort. This is one of the world's foremost conversation piece resorts. It's on its own small, secluded tropical islands barely off Zanzibar's eastern coast. This exclusive,  resort has just 10 casual, thatched huts, Everyone - guest and staff  - goes barefoot. This adds to the marooned Robinson Crusoe ambiance.

These areas are so sparse that at the right time of the year, you may even have a whole stretch of beach to yourself.