Port guide: Zanzibar, Tanzania
A handful of travel destinations have legendary names that evoke adventure, and this colourful, lively and historic port is one of them.
Who goes there
Zanzibar isn't the busiest of cruise ports, but African and Indian Ocean itineraries are gaining popularity. Azamara, Crystal, Emerald, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, Oceania, Regent and Viking are among cruise lines that call in, either on world cruises, East African cruises, Indian Ocean cruises (which usually take in Madagascar and the Seychelles) or repositioning itineraries that link Africa to India.
Sail on in
Unguja Island's landscape is flat and Zanzibar low rise, so you won't get much by way of scenic drama. However, the colour of the tropical water is wonderful, and your ship has to manoeuvre around sand islands jaunty with coconut palms and fringed by white beaches. Who wouldn't be seduced by the romance of sailing into Zanzibar?
Berth rites
Zanzibar's cruise docks are at various locations on Kivukoni waterfront or piers in Zanzibar town. Facilities are basic, but you can walk into Stone Town in about 15 minutes – although given the heat and humidity you might want to consider a taxi. Be sure to agree a fare beforehand.
Going ashore
Stone Town is an old trading port with Arab, African, Indian and European influences in its architecture. Plunge into its narrow streets to admire ornate mansions, Persian bathhouses, the interesting Old Dispensary, mosques, Hindu temples and the Palace Museum, which is full of royal knick-knacks from Zanzibar's days as a sultanate. The sultans' tombs lie outside. The House of Wonders has fine architecture guarded by brass cannons. The disturbing Slave Museum at Christ Church Cathedral is one of those sobering must-sees before you cheer yourself up in the markets and along the waterfront, where kids leap and splash.
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