Visit the film location: Zanzibar

The magical combination of ruined palaces, coral caves and remote beaches awaits the visitor to the collection of islands that make up Zanzibar - an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, which boasts so many cultural influences due to its prime position on the old spice route, that if the nation were a person, we'd be talking major multiple personality disorder.

Luckily, Zanzibar has long since embraced the sheer scale of multiculturalism, which has seen the islands fall under the influence of the Assyrians, Egyptians, Phoenecians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, Omani Arabs, Dutch and British, all of whom have laid claim to the Tanzanian outpost at some point over the past few hundred years.

As fascinating as its most flamboyant son, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, Zanzibar has long flirted with appearing on the world's ‘Best destination' lists, while at the same time retaining its character and not becoming just another spot on the well-trodden tourist trail. It's the larger island of Unguja - to which references about Zanzibar usually pertain - where you'll find the capital Zanzibar City, home to a fascinating mix of architectural styles, as well as the World Heritage Site, Stone Town. Dating back to the 1830s, Stone Town's commerce centred on the thriving spice trade and comprises a fascinating maze of narrow alleyways, just perfect for whiling away an afternoon getting well and truly lost in. Stumble across tucked away bazaars, stores and mosques as you traverse the criss-crossing lanes, as the city's cultural influences come to life amid the bustling byways with their intricately carved doorways and impressive stonework. And here you'll find Darajani Market, Zanzibar's main bazaar that's well worth a visit for the selection of exotic fruits on offer, as well as everything and anything you'd expect from an East African market. A word of warning though: watch out for pickpockets!

With most lanes eventually leading you to the seafront, there you can marvel at the little slices of history that brighten your every step. Visit David Livingstone's house (we presume!) - a small palace built for Sultan Majid bin Said, where the British explorer prepared for his final expedition to the interior of Tanganyika - as well as the marvellously named House of Wonders, which counts among its architectural achievements being the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and the first in the whole of Africa to boast a lift. 

Into the forests

For an adventurous trek out of your comfort zone and into a whole new world, Zanzibar is home to numerous forest reserves. Head to the Jozani Reserve where, if you're very lucky, you might spot a rare Red Colobus Monkey, as well as be thrilled by the mangrove swamps and butterflies and birds who call the forest home. Up your rarity quotient at Ngezi Forest Reserve in the south of nearby Pemba island, where you'll brush past trees you've never seen before, and catch flying foxes swooping between branches. Elsewhere, the Kiwengwa-Pongwe Forest is a short step off the beach, for those who want to experience surf and turf in the same afternoon, and is a must for nature-lovers who crave something truly otherworldy from a vacation. 

How to ruin your trip

If you head off on your own mini tour, you're sure to come across one of the magnificent ruins that litter the islands, making for a fascinating journey back through the ages. Be sure to check out the Maruhubi Palace ruins, whose surrounding green lawns make it the perfect place for a picnic, as you marvel at the still-standing stone pillars and the years of history they've witnessed. Dating back to the 15th century, the Dunga ruins, as well as Sultan Said bin Suit's former palace of Mtoni from the early 1800s, are further must-visits, while the ancient and impressive mosque at Kizimikazi, dates back to the 12th century.

And when it comes to beaches, Zanzibar can hold its head high among the other great beach retreats of the world such as the Seychelles and Maldives, with around 25 sandy options to choose from. Connected by quaint fishing villages and lined with banana palms swaying in the gentle breeze, Mangapwani, Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani and Kiwengwa are all picture-perfect and uncrowded options. Or find more remote beaches up north at the Nungwi Peninsular, which has many coral lagoons perfect for diving and snorkelling. 

Filmed there

The Ghost and the Darkness, Congo, Blood Diamond, Tears of the Sun 

Fly there 

Emirates fly to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, from where you can catch a ferry across to Zanzibar. Visit emirates.com for flights.

Trip notes

Sauti Za Busara
The "friendliest festival on the planet" runs from February 8-12 next year and boasts over 400 musicians taking part in an event which involves live performances in Stone Town, a street carnival, music documentary screenings and plenty of off-shoot fringe events.
Visit busaramusic.org 

Zanzibar International Film Festival
Running from July 7-15 in 2012, the festival celebrates its 15th year next year and boasts a mix of screenings and community events, as well as street DJs and live music events.
Visit ziff.or.tz 

Zanzibar Cultural Festival
This annual summer event sees different cultural groups from across Africa descend on the island, bringing arts and crafts, performing traditional dances and hosting a bull fight in Pemba.

Stay here

Budget: Bahari View Lodge
The Bahari View Lodge on the east coast is an intimate budget option, with just 14 individual bungalows on the resort. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the lodge boasts a large pool, but the ocean is right on your doorstep in this seafront location. And with a restaurant and beach bar on-site, it's the perfect place for a few days relaxing, where you can expect to pay from around Dh240 a night.
Visit bahari-view-lodge.de

Mid-range: The Swahili House
Slap-bang in the middle of Stone Town, Swahili House is perfectly placed for visitors wishing to immerse themselves in city life. Featuring 22 rooms arranged over four floors, with suites available with balconies, the jewel in its crown is the gorgeous rooftop terrace, which boasts a bar and restaurant - serving up fresh seafood and Mediterranean tapas - and a jacuzzi, with sweeping views across Stone Town and the Indian Ocean.
Visit theswahilihouse.com

Luxury: Fundu Lagoon
Accessible only by boat, this remote resort in south west Pemba has long been a favourite bolthole of the rich and famous. A place to go barefoot, with wooden walkways and sandy paths connecting the rooms and suites - which all have views of the Indian Ocean - there's also the options of diving into the infinity pool and choosing between the resort's three bars. Enjoy Arabic, Indian and Swahili-influenced cuisine in the restaurant, as well as a selection of treatments at the world-class spa.
Visit fundulagoon.com