Salaam Alaykum! We arrived in Zanzibar last week and experienced something completely different from all the other African countries we had been to. Zanzibar, on the East African coast, was heavily influenced by the Arab world and was a major trading port for African goods (including slaves) to the East.
We stayed a total of 5 nights in Zanzibar and its surrounding islands. We spent 3 nights in Stone Town on Zanzibar Island, exploring the old city’s labyrinthine alleyways, savouring the “fresh” seafood at the local markets and visiting museums (House of Wonders) and historical sites like a cathedral that was once a slave market and the old Persian baths. We also took in a spice tour of the island’s famous spices, which took us through the spice farms on the island.
After visiting the Eastern beaches at Paje and Bwejuu on our third day, we took an overnight ferry to Pemba, where we spent 2 nights at Kervan Saray. We went diving here in a truly idyllic setting…turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, 40m underwater visibility and beautiful coral reefs….just perfect! Due to the remoteness of the island and our time constraints, we didn’t have much of a choice than to take a flight back to Tanzania’s mainland and continue our journey North to Kenya.
Dhow
The alleyways of Stone Town
Breakfast on the rooftop
View from the top of Bottom’s Up
Zanzibari beds
We did a Spice Tour of the island’s famous spices…seeing, smelling and tasting Zanzibar’s spices
Cocoa
Dala-dalas, our favourite form of transport on the island.
Local Spanish-speaking children in Bwejuu (Eastern coast of Zanzibar Island)
We took a dip in the water after a fishy lunch
Pemba Island. The view from Kervan Saray, where we spent 2 days diving at the picture perfect location.
We caught a 13-seater Cessna plane back to the mainland.
The 13th seat was literally the co-pilot’s!
Welcome to Tanga
Doors of Zanzibar
