Enroll in an afternoon class at the Dhow Countries Music Academy and learn how to play taarab music—a blend of Swahili poetry and Egyptian, Indian, Indonesian, and Western sounds. The instruments played include the violin, cello, oud, qanun (similar to the zither), ney flute, and tabla drums. Or simply watch professional musicians perform.

Old Customs House, Mizingani Road, 255/7774-16529 or 255/2422-34050, zanzibarmusic.org. Photo courtesy of Lebrecht Music and Arts Photo Library/Alamy. This appeared in the May/June 2011 issue.