For an all-in view of Zanzibar, a "Spice Tour" is recommended. This will include ruins of palaces and ancient mosques', a Sultans harem, Mangapwani slave caves and of course spice plantations after which Zanzibar takes its trade name. Nature lovers may also want to take in Jozani Forest located 35 km from city. This area of thick forest is one of few remaining sanctuaries of red colobus monkey.

Zanzibar is after all an island and usual delights of a beach destination are available. Break your sight seeing by relaxing at brilliant white beaches and soak in warm waters of Indian Ocean. The choice for Zanzibar hotels and resorts is wide ranging. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing and watersports. Pemba Island has its own unique attractions and snorkeling and scuba diving are particularly good here. The Pemba channel across from main island is reputed to have some of best game fishing anywhere in world.

Mnemba Island, off north coast of main island is very exclusive. Condé Nast Traveller has picked it as one of three most romantic ocean destinations in world. That super model Naomi Campbell and her beautiful friends have been here is proof enough for me. I also think earlier Sultan's would be much pleased to know that Sultan of Software, Bill Gates has been on holiday in this very island.

To further enhance your experience in this part of world consider making Zanzibar your base to partake of a Tanzania safari or scale mighty Kilimanjaro. You will be following in footsteps of David Livingstone and earlier explorers who used Zanzibar as their base for expeditions to African mainland.

Zanzibar has two main festivals of interest to visitors: Zanzibar Cultural Festival and The Zanzibar International Film Festival. The cultural festival is held in July-August period and is marked with taarab traditional music and dance and display of arts and crafts. It also includes street carnivals, canoe races, bull fighting and fairs. Participants come from as far away as Germany and China though most are from Zanzibar itself and nearby countries.

The film festival celebrates culture of "Dhow Countries" and is staged in first week of July. I can inform curious that countries enjoined here include those on eastern seaboard of African continent, India, Pakistan, Gulf states, Iran and Indian Ocean. Participants come from world over. The heart of event is screening of competition and non-competition events. Other activities associated with festival are dance and music performance, workshops and exhibitions on culture of Dhow countries. Zanzibar is a hot and humid place, tempered only by sea breezes. The wettest period is April and May with a shorter and lighter wet season in November. The mean minimum and maximum temperatures are between 30 and 33 degrees centigrade. December to March is hot and dry while June to October is period when it is coolest and driest.

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Regardless of route you pick, all Kili climbs start at Marangu Gate. This is where you get your permit and pay entry fees. On typical Marangu route climb, you spend four nights up mountain. The route is clearly marked right to summit. You start by trekking through forest zone to Mandara Hut (9,000 ft) for first night. Onward through moorland, you halt for a second night at Horombo Hut (12,450 ft). Then through alpine desert, your third night finds you at Kibo Hut (15,450 ft). But you really do not sleep there as you go for summit just after midnight. You then descend back to Horombo Hut for your last night after an overall trek of about 77 kilometres. If you want to spend more time up high to acclimatise, you can overnight twice at Horombo Hut.

On Machame route, you spend one night more on mountain. You overnight at Machame Hut, Shira Hut and Barranco Hut. You connect to Mweka route and continue to Barafu Hut. After tackling summit, you descend for your last night at Mweka Hut. On next day, you rejoin other mortals at base of mountain. You are advised to pick route that best fits your experience. Most aspire to reach Uhuru Peak - highest point on Kibo -and indeed all Kili. Others are satisfied with Gillman's Point, slightly lower peak on Kibo. But Mawenzi, actually lower than Kibo peaks, is more jagged and requires mountaineering experience. Many climbers find scaling Kili, whatever height they reach, a very satisfying experience.

But do not be too disappointed if you do not reach summit. Different estimates indicate that only 15-30% of climbers get to top. Climbing Kilimanjaro is for those who are physically fit and mentally prepared. It is your ability to muster that extra dose of determination that will count when going gets tough. In terms of physical preparation, start by taking hikes uphill with a pack strapped on your back. This rehearses climb, minus altitude of course. Think also of putting in some aerobic training at gym and by jogging. If you are having heart or lung problems, better not risk climb. In all cases, it is a good idea to talk to your personal physician to ensure that you do not bite more than you can chew.

It is best you buy a Kilimanjaro climbing tour package to take advantage of those with local knowledge. The typical package will bundle together: return transfers - Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate, park and rescue fees, services of guides, porters and cooks, accommodation in mountain huts and all meals on mountain. In addition, you need to hire locally or bring along equipment and sleeping bags. Some useful stuff to gather include - waterproof hiking boots, rain suit, flashlights, sunglasses, prophylactics for high-altitude sickness, hand gloves and night shoes. You need a daypack to carry a few essentials, as porters carrying your equipment will usually hike their own way. Some items to carry on your back include bottled water, extra clothes, camera and sunscreen.

You can climb Kili, any time throughout year. But it is obviously less fun during March to June period when it rains most. The second and lighter rains come from late October to early December. The best time is when it is warm and dry - January, February and September. July, August, November and December also good, though cooler. Due to variation of conditions along route- from tropic to arctic - it is convenient to dress in layers you can either shed or add on. Generally, in northern Tanzania region, you can expect temperatures to average from 15°C in May to August and 22°C over December to March. At mountain, temperatures drop by roughly 1 degree Celsius for every 650 feet ascended.

Many climbing enthusiasts want Christmas and New Year to find them up mountain, and unless you book early, it is difficult to get a slot. The best way to relax after trek is by taking a Tanzania safari in unrivalled wildlife sanctuaries in north of country or by heading for beaches of Zanzibar. I have also written short features on these attractions.

Kilimanjaro is 475 km to northwest of Dar es Salaam. The base for climbing Kili are northern Tanzania towns of Moshi or Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport services region. But it is usually cheaper to disembark at Nairobi in Kenya and then to take a shuttle bus to Arusha.

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