Zanzibar is an island 25–50 km (15–30 mi) off the east coast of Tanzania; it consists of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island known as Zanzibar), and Pemba. Zanzibar was once a separate country with a long trading history within the Arab world; it united (not without bloodshed) with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964, and still enjoys a high degree of autonomy within the union. The capital of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City and its old quarter, known as Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site. Today the islands enjoy a strong tourism industry and the natives–of Arab, Indian and Africa descent–go about their business as usual.

This gallery features a spice tour (photos 24 to 42) and a visit to the former slave market in Stone Town (photos 62 to 67) and walks through the markets of Stone Town.