Jambo Jambo Zanzibar

The ‘been-there-done-that mantra does not apply to this tropical paradise. If you thought going to Zanzibar is like going to Mozambique, it is time to get rid of your old sunnies. The azure blue sea and sky will have you doubt the quality of your RayBans polarising lenses.

This becomes evident as soon as the airplane swoop down over the edge of the island, to land at Zanzibar’ quaint airport. Off the east coast of Africa, the deepest blues of the Indian ocean give way to the turquoise water and white beaches of Zanzibar.

The attraction of the beaches will keep you mesmerised. The island is a photographer’ paradise, with spectacular sunsets and the colorful fashion of the local female population. A word of advice, the locals, especially the females are camera shy and don’t like being photographed.  It is advisable to respect their traditions and denial to being photographed as the population is traditionally Islamic.

We ventured north and made our base in Nungwi. The village is known for its touristic shops and busy beaches. It is also the base for countless scuba dive operations and if diving is your priority you will find at least seven professional operations within a three-kilometre amble along the beach. Best is to take along a snorkel set including fins. The tranquil and clear blue water is an underwater photographers dream. With dive sites around Manemba Atol and the lush coral mounds off Tumbatu Island, divers have countless options to dive and explore to their heart's content.

After a full day of exploring the underwater world, you will have a healthy appetite. Zanzibar is known for its abundance of spices and seafood available. All the more reason to take yourself on a taste and sensory tour by savoring the local cuisine. The rich bounty of freshly caught seafood such as kingfish, tuna, prawns and octopus to name but a few can be savored by enjoying the various seafood curry dishes on offer. Traditional breakfast is substituted with fresh cut, succulent tropical fruits. From the everyday bananas, tropical pineapples to the exotic jackfruits and carambola or more commonly known star fruit. Be adventurous, find the locals favorite food hangout and ask for a Zanzibar pizza. This uniquely Zanzibari snack makes for a filling breakfast or a quick dinner.

Most important to remember, stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is essential. But who can deny a long cold cocktail at the end of a hot day on the beach? Find a rooftop bar, that overlooks the wide-open ocean and watch the sunset while sipping on your favorite long island drinks or ice cold beer.

The spice island offers much more than idyllic beaches and excellent cuisine. Explore the vibrant cultures and history of Zanzibar up close when you wander the narrow streets of Stonetown. The maze of alleys and narrow streets seem to have no specific order and one can go around in circles. With an abundance of hip cafes and coffee shops, you will find yourself admiring the rare carved ancient doors and vibrant daily life. From the local artist exhibiting his creations outside his doorstep to the, more trendy, galleries of crafted jewelers, fashion designers and curio shops, one is bound to find a gift for friend and family back home.

 

If you like the hustle and bustle of shopping take the time to walk through the world renown Darajani Market. Taste the sticky dates and chetti then take a break and have a heart meal at Lukmaan restaurant around the Boabab tree. Once you had your fill of sights and sounds in Stonetown head to one of the various spice farms along the road between Nungwi and the capital city. Witness, first-hand the harvesting of spices such as cloves, cinnamon bark, star aniseed, and vanilla pods when in season.

The allure of Zanzibar is its mix of idyllic beaches, flavorsome food, vibrant culture, and rich history. Add to this the rush of adventure when doing island hopping from Zanzibar to Mafia and Pemba Island by making use of the local airlines. The booking for your inter-island flights can be done online and in general, is slightly cheaper than doing it when on the ground in Stonetown or Nungwi.

Using your Visa or Mastercard here will incur excess fees and these payments are loaded with a 4 – 6% surcharge or handling fee. Take into account that you will also have to fork out the banking and exchange fees when using your plastic to pay for food services and or gift. ATM services are available in Stonetown.