Zanzibar is actually a semi-autonomous territory of Tanzania.  It has a rich and harsh history.  Vasco da Gama dropped-in here in 1498.  Since then the 'Spice Islands' transferred from the Portuguese, to the Omanis, to the British, and finally gained independence in 1963.  Sadly, Stonetown (capital) was the Swahili Coast's main port for slave trade in the mid-19th century, as many as 50,000 slaves per year passed through here.  In Stonetown, we had breakfast on the beach each morning then a great time wandering the narrow streets and alleys.  We took a very packed bus out to a farm and got to see the spices the island is famous for - pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.  We also spent a very hands-on evening cooking in a traditional farmhouse meal.

 

From Stonetown we drove the 90km to a beautiful secluded beach resort at Pingwe.  Magic beaches, with crystal clear water, and great snorkeling.  Also had and monkeys and tortoises hanging around.