Eau de Parfum
Created in 2021

Zanzibar Olfactum

Unisex
Eau de Parfum
Year: 2021
Strong
Sillage
Very Good
Longevity
Fall
Best Season
Evening
Best For

Fragrance Story

Zanzibar by Olfactum is a Oriental fragrance for women and men. Zanzibar was launched in 2021. The nose behind this fragrance is Barry Southers.

Composition Profile

amber 100%
warm spicy 85%
vanilla 70%
balsamic 60%
cinnamon 50%
woody 40%
sweet 35%
honey 30%

About the Perfumer

Painting That Reflects Zanzibar Olfactum

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel, 1890

This evocative painting captures the complex, mysterious aura of the fragrance. The rich textures and contemplative mood mirror the fragrance's depth and striking presence, while the bold use of color reflects its distinctive character.

Classic Song That Matches Zanzibar Olfactum

Song album cover

"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin, 1924

Like Zanzibar Olfactum, Gershwin's masterpiece seamlessly blends contrasting elements into a harmonious whole. The composition's elegant transitions between dynamic and serene passages mirror the fragrance's evolution on skin. Just as this scent brings together traditional and modern elements, "Rhapsody in Blue" merges classical structure with jazz improvisation, creating something sophisticated yet accessible—an auditory parallel to this fragrance's olfactory journey.

Fragrance Notes

All Notes

The complete scent profile

Labdanum
Cinnamon
Benzoin
Honey
Incense
Tonka Bean
Vanilla
Black Pepper
Bushman Candle
Cardamom
Cumin
Ginger
Guaiac Wood
Orange Blossom
Patchouli
Saffron
Rose
Unique Character

Zanzibar Olfactum by Olfactum offers a distinctive olfactory experience that stands out from other fragrances in its category.

Artisanal Creation

Crafted with the finest ingredients and a blend of traditional and modern perfumery techniques, this fragrance represents the pinnacle of the perfumer's art.

Signature Style

Zanzibar Olfactum embodies the distinctive style of Olfactum while adding a unique chapter to their fragrance portfolio.

Character Profile

Zanzibar Olfactum is Ideal For

The Zanzibar Olfactum Enthusiast: A Portrait of the Explorer Archetype

The Essence of the Fragrance and the Archetype

Zanzibar Olfactum is a fragrance of contrasts—spicy yet smooth, exotic yet familiar, warm yet elusive. It evokes the spirit of distant lands, the thrill of discovery, and the quiet confidence of one who has wandered far but knows the value of return. The person who chooses this scent is not merely a traveler but an Explorer, an archetype defined by insatiable curiosity, a hunger for the unknown, and a deep-seated need for autonomy.

Like Odysseus or Marco Polo, this individual is drawn to the edges of the map, both literally and metaphorically. They are not content with the well-trodden path; they seek the spice-laden winds, the hidden alleyways, the unspoken truths. Yet beneath their restless exterior lies a paradox—a longing for both freedom and meaning, a desire to roam yet also to belong.

The Explorer’s Worldview and Philosophy

To the Explorer, life is an unfolding narrative, a series of encounters with the unfamiliar. They reject dogma and convention, preferring to assemble their own philosophy from fragments of cultures, philosophies, and experiences. They might quote Rumi one moment and Nietzsche the next, not out of pretension, but because they have lived the words, tested them against the world.

They believe in self-creation—the idea that identity is not fixed but forged through movement, challenge, and reinvention. Routine is their enemy; stagnation, their greatest fear. Yet this very aversion can make them wary of deep roots, mistaking permanence for imprisonment.

Style and Aesthetic: A Nomad’s Elegance

Their wardrobe is a curated mosaic—a handwoven Moroccan jacket, a well-worn leather satchel, a single piece of jewelry from a Kyoto artisan. They favor textures that tell stories: linen that has weathered sun and salt, boots that have crossed deserts. Their style is effortless but deliberate, a visual manifesto of their journey.

In their home, one finds relics of passage—a Balinese mask, a Turkish coffee set, books in languages they half-remember. Their space is not minimalist but intentionally layered, each object a node in their personal mythology.

Relationships: Intimacy Without Possession

The Explorer loves deeply but fleetingly. They are drawn to kindred spirits—artists, wanderers, thinkers—but struggle with the weight of expectation. Their relationships thrive on spontaneity; they are the lover who whisks you away for an unplanned weekend, the friend who sends postcards from unexpected places.

Yet their shadow looms here: a reluctance to commit, a fear of being anchored. They may leave before they are left, mistaking depth for dependency. Their partners often feel like waystations rather than destinations. Still, those who understand them cherish their presence, knowing their love is fierce, if transient.

The Shadow: The Restless Ghost

The Explorer’s greatest strength—their boundless curiosity—can become their undoing. When unchecked, their hunger for novelty devolves into dissatisfaction, an inability to appreciate what is present. They may grow impatient with stability, mistaking comfort for complacency.

There is also the risk of cultural dilettantism—skimming the surface of traditions without true understanding. They collect experiences like souvenirs, sometimes forgetting that depth requires stillness. In darker moments, they may feel rootless, adrift in their own life, haunted by the question: If I am always seeking, when do I arrive?

The Path of Integration

The mature Explorer learns that true discovery is not just external but internal. They begin to see that the most uncharted territory is the self. They balance movement with reflection, understanding that wisdom comes not only from crossing borders but from knowing when to pause.

They may still wander, but now with purpose—not to escape, but to return richer, wiser. They realize that freedom is not the absence of ties but the ability to choose them consciously. And in this balance, they find what they were always seeking: not just new horizons, but a home within themselves.

Zanzibar Olfactum, then, is more than a scent—it is the olfactory embodiment of a life lived in pursuit of the extraordinary. And for the Explorer, that pursuit is the only way to breathe.

Pros

  • Exceptional longevity that lasts throughout the day
  • Complex evolution offers a rewarding sensory journey
  • Versatile enough for various occasions and seasons
  • Unique composition stands out from mainstream fragrances
  • High-quality ingredients ensure a premium experience

Cons

  • May be too intense for casual everyday wear
  • Higher price point reflects premium positioning
  • Bold projection might be overwhelming in close quarters
  • Certain notes may polarize some noses
  • Not ideal for those who prefer subtle, skin-close scents

Fictional Characters Who Would Wear This

👔

Harvey Specter

from "Suits"

Confident, polished, and always in control – this scent matches his sophisticated persona.

🕶️

James Bond

from "007 Series"

Elegant yet dangerous, with a complex character that unfolds over time, just like the fragrance.

👑

Daenerys Targaryen

from "Game of Thrones"

Commands attention with a powerful presence that balances fiery intensity and regal grace.

🧠

Sherlock Holmes

from "Sherlock Holmes"

Appreciates complexity and nuance, with a distinctive signature that's easily recognized.

💼

Miranda Priestly

from "The Devil Wears Prada"

Exudes authority and refined taste, with an unapologetic boldness that demands respect.