Wooden fishing boats at Kendwa village, Zanzibar, Tanzania

© Lubos Paukeje/Alam

The Spice Island escape. Kendwa village, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Off the coast of East Africa in the archipelago of Zanzibar—a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania—is the village of Kendwa. Historically, this serene village played a modest role in the island's fishing industry, with traditional wooden boats, known as dhows, etching patterns across the waters.

The local dhow builders offer a glimpse into an artisanal craft that has sailed through generations. The boats, shaped by skilled hands using age-old techniques, represent the enduring spirit of the village. Venture deeper into the local areas and you'll find lush spice farms where the air tingles with the scent of nutmeg and black pepper. Here, traditional Swahili dishes, including Nyama Choma, a roasted meat dish, and Samaki Wa Kaupaka, fish with coconut sauce, blend spices with the bounty of the sea and land. As the sun sets, bonfires flicker into life and the island pulses with Taarab, a blend of African, Arabic and Indian music. With so much to see, Zanzibar proves that variety really is the spice of life.