Shake off the Safari Dust in the Amazing Island of Zanzibar

It’s been an amazing week. Unforgettable. Your memory cards are full of the animals of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater or the view from the top of Africa’s highest peak – Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania has taken your breath away and you’re contentedly tired. But you’re not ready to go home just yet.

Here, the culturally rich and astoundingly beautiful island of Zanzibar steps in. It’s the perfect hop over the Indian Ocean from Tanzania and the balmy turquoise waters are ever ready to welcome those feet that have been cooped up in boots for the past week or two.

But first you have to fuel up on a touch of history in Stone Town. At 200 years, it’s the cultural heart of the island. Walking the cobblestoned streets and marveling at the intricately carved wooden doors, you’ll learn of the island in the 19th century when it was the base for the great explorers such as John Hanning Speke, Richard Burton and David Livingstone and when this was one of the world’s major hubs for spice trade – hence the charming nickname, Spice Island.

Learn of the slave trade that dominated the era as you admire the grand Arab mansions and strike a bargain at colourful bazaars. From here, it’s only a skip and a jump to the East Coast and your base for spending the next few days in nothing but your bikini.

During August, September, December and January you’re bound to end up kite surfing, whether you’re a pro or keen to try it for the first time. It’s the ideal way to get up close and personal with the crystal shaded Indian Ocean waves cascading around you, the sun warm on your back and the cool air lashing through your hair.

If you prefer meeting the exotic fish and creatures below the ocean’s surface, then a diving stint is the way to go. Or perhaps you’d rather ditch the group and go out in search of the perfect wave to surf.

But maybe you’re still too tired for all of this. You simply don’t feel like exerting yourself any more than what is absolutely necessary. After all, you’re at one of the world’s most beautiful exotic destinations.

A stand up paddling excursion through the mangrove swamps in Michamvi may suit your mood, or maybe you’re still not honest enough with yourself and you’d really simply curl up in the shade somewhere with a book. For this, the endless beaches will welcome you. Find yourself a palm tree, roll out your towel and disappear in the quiet.

The day is drawing to a close and you’re keen to meet up with your friends and family again to tell them of the adventures you had. Do it in style on a sunset cruise on board a dhow – the traditional fishing boat used on the island. The cruise departs from Michamvi Bay, a beach barely touched by development, and takes you on a three-hour journey of the coral coves and prolific birdlife of this coastline.

Now, after a few days of salt, sunscreen and swimming, you’re finally ready for the long haul flight back home. Some of the hundreds of pictures of elephants on your memory card may have been compromised, but at least you can say that you ended your African adventure in the best way possible – on the island of spice.

Stay here

The tricky part of any holiday is finding the type of accommodation that suits your style, budget and family (if you have one). Luckily there are a myriad of options on the East Coast to choose from. We’ll share our favorites.

The first is for those who are young at heart, not too bothered with a fancy bed and more focused on meeting great people and spending less time out of the room than in. You should book yourself into Crazy Mzungo’s (Crazy White Man). The beach bar will keep you filled up on deliciously exotic cocktails without you missing out on anything.

If you’d rather spend a little bit more and curl up in luxury’s lap, then Saffron Beach Villa and Vanilla Arches are what you’re looking at booking. Both these villas cater for families or for a romantic holiday for two. You’ll find them in the charming village of Bwejuu, only 45 minutes from Stone Town.

The best part of these villas is that you can book the Safari Blue Tour and head out for a day to snorkel and enjoy lunch at a sandbar, surrounded by turquoise waters.

 

All photos are copy right of Shayne Thomas and Tribal Tourist.