Zanzibar (1,464 sq. km), the main island of Unguja, lies about 35 kilometers off the coast of Tanzania. The island of Pemba (868 sq. km.), located about 50 km north of Unguja is famed for its deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, and some smaller islands. The city in Zanzibar is an example of the 19th-century architectural styles of the Arabic and Indian merchants and is also the only functioning historical city in East Africa. The tropical spice island set like a jewel in the Indian Ocean just off the coast of Tanzania has evoked the magic of "A Thousand and One Nights" for over two centuries combines mesmeric beauty with the outstanding hospitality of its local people. The generally laid-back development of this island has ensured the prominence of its rich tradition of spice trading, the historic structures including the ancient ruins and crumbling palaces of the past Sultans. Kiswahili is the dominant language with more than 90 percent of the population being Muslim. Dressing modestly in public places is highly advised to the visitors.

The island has a warm climate almost all year round with heavy rains from March to May and comparatively lesser rains during October and November. The hottest month happens to be February, averaging a maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature average of 21-degree celsius happens to be in August.

The city of Zanzibar is divided into two distinct areas - Stone Town (also known as Mji Mkongwe) and Ngambo. The Stone Town with its narrow, twisting streets of stone and ornate use of sun-warmed woodworks and coral stones in some 150-year-old traditional houses offer a window to the towns past. The tantalizing scents of spices wreathe doorways and dark corners of the houses.