If you're looking for debauchery, don't go. Zanzibar is a traditional Islamic land, and social norms are conservative. Many restaurants don't serve liquor, and drinking in front of strangers is a faux pas. Local women leave only portions of their faces uncovered, and female tourists who wish to avoid harassment should consider following suit. Our skirts reached our ankles, but we still felt naked.
Street love is highly offensive.
Most of Zanzibar's travelers trickle in after a Kilimanjaro trek, a Kenyan safari, or both. Almost all are headed for the resorts and the many glistening white sand beaches lapped by turquoise water. The wise ones schedule a few days in Stone Town beforehand. After strong coffee and pungent melon, we wander off to the market to haggle over ebony chess sets, combs and salad tongs. At the endless textile booths we finger vibrant bolts of cloth.