• Zanzibar is nicknamed the Spice Islands for its clove and spice trade
• Freddie Mercury of Queen was born in Stone Town
• Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site
• The 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar War lasted under 40 minutes — history shortest
• Zanzibar is semi-autonomous within Tanzania
• Its carved wooden doors are famous works of craftsmanship
• The Mnemba atoll is a renowned diving and snorkelling reserve
• Giant Aldabra tortoises live on nearby Prison Island
• Swahili is one of Africa most widely spoken languages
• Tides here are dramatic, reshaping the beaches twice a day