Zanzibar by Van Cleef & Arpels
Men 2001
Main accords
Description
Zanzibar by Van Cleef & Arpels is a woody-spicy fragrance for men. Launched in 2001, this composition was created by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and Alberto Morillas. The top notes unfold with cardamom, citrus, and coriander; the heart reveals ginger, pepper, and cloves; while the base notes settle on vetiver, sandalwood, and ambrette musk.
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The olfactory pyramid
A guide to the opening, heart and lasting trail of the fragrance.
The community speaks
Compare the results and tap an answer to add your vote.
In the collection
Leading answer I want it
860 votes
What do you think?
Leading answer Love it
266 votes
Season
Choose severalLeading answer Spring
202 votes
Time of day
Choose severalLeading answer Day
130 votes
Each question has its own vote count. You can choose several seasons.
Fragrance profile
About Zanzibar
Zanzibar by Van Cleef & Arpels is a woody-spicy fragrance for men. Launched in 2001, this composition was created by Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and Alberto Morillas. The top notes unfold with cardamom, citrus, and coriander; the heart reveals ginger, pepper, and cloves; while the base notes settle on vetiver, sandalwood, and ambrette musk.
Spices Green, herbal and fougère Woods and mosses Musk, amber and animalic
It may remind you of
Ranked by what the community voted.
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How it wears
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Longevity
Leading answer Moderate
109 votes
Sillage
Leading answer Moderate
124 votes
Character
Tied for the lead Leans masculine / Traditionally masculine
38 votes
Value perception
Leading answer Fair price
29 votes
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Community reviews
8 reviews
Share what you noticed: opening, drydown, sillage and the moments when it works for you.
Bought a tester and at first thought it was a cheap cologne, far from the crazy prices on eBay. But it surprised me: people have complimented it both times I wore it. It has a special aura and evolves over time, starting fresh and spicy to finish warm and spicy. It’s been a pleasant surprise, but not worth paying a fortune.
Bought a tester and it caught me off guard: far from the crazy prices on eBay, it smells great and has earned compliments. Starts fresh and spicy, then warms up with spicy notes. A pleasant surprise that doesn’t justify paying a fortune.
Spectacular and exotic aroma. What a shame it’s no longer available.
Zanzibar is fresh and invigorating: citrus at the start, creamy and woody afterward. It’s an honest and comforting proposal, though a bit light and fleeting for my taste. Not worth the abusive prices online since it smells similar to other fragrances. If you’re looking for longevity and power, look elsewhere. Best to try it before spending.
On a pleasant day, I tried Zanzibar, which I bought without knowing much at a big store. Sometimes I pay just to see, and this was one of those times. It’s a much-sought-after scent by collectors and users. Although described as woody and spicy, its opening is fresh, citrusy, and pristine, like a sweet lime (lime-ginger accord). It then slowly evolves into a dry, transparent amber with vetiver, cardamom, and a touch of white sandalwood. It’s clean, minimal, cheerful, and confident. Perfect for three seasons, daytime, relaxed settings, or the office. It’s safe and shares similarities with Voyage by Hermès or Declaration by Cartier, but stands out thanks to its dry, transparent amber, making it unique. It generates well-being through its complex simplicity. Excellent performance with medium-low projection, but with magical bursts of sweet amber that create an immediate warm aura. Still smells on skin after 14 hours. Zanzibar by Van Cleef & Arpels.
In cool weather, Zanzibar shines on its own. I bought it without knowing anything, just to see, and it was one of those purchases worth it. This classic by V&A is a myth for collectors and users. It’s a spicy woody scent that starts with a pristine citrus opening, like a sweet lime at its peak, a lime-ginger accord that awakens the nose. Then it settles into a dry, transparent amber with vetiver, cardamom, and a hint of white sandalwood. It’s clean, minimal, cheerful, and safe, ideal for daytime or the office. It resembles Voyage by Hermès or Declaration by Cartier, but its dry amber makes it unique and honors its heritage. It creates ethereal well-being; performance is excellent with medium projection, but with magical bursts that create a warm aura. Still smells on skin after 14 hours: a well-deserved love for this little-known gem.
I managed to get this miracle gem, 50ml sealed in box and cellophane. Upon opening, the scent sounded familiar; a few minutes later, I understood why: Terre d’Hermès and Guerlain Boisée, launched years later, seem like inspired copies of this masterpiece by Cavallier and Morillas. It surely didn’t move many units because it’s by Van Cleef, so it probably cost a euro. Longevity and projection are typical of 15 years ago, ideal if you love spicy and woody scents. The hard part is finding it.
I managed to get this miracle gem, 50ml sealed in box and cellophane. Within minutes, I knew what it smelled like: Terre d’Hermès and Guerlain Boisée, launched years later, seem like copies of this masterpiece by Cavallier and Morillas. It surely didn’t sell much because it’s by Van Cleef and cost a euro, with longevity fitting for its era from 15 years ago. If you’re dying for spicy and woody scents, you’ll love it, but finding it is almost impossible.