Zanzibar….the name immediately conjures up images of the exotic, turquoise sea, powder white sand, warm water, a spice island with tall waving palm trees. It is exactly that and more, certainly living up to its other name, the Spice Island as many of our everyday spices are locally grown here.
I spent a week in Tanzania, exploring this magical island and its many resorts, as well as some magnificent lodges, is the Serengeti.
Flying into Dar es Salaam, one is struck by the vastness of this bustling city, only a quick plane change and some welcome heat after wintery Cape Town and I was on a small charter for the short 30-minute hop to Zanzibar. A fancy new Airport is being built but for now, it is a typical fairly old, rustic building where you even have to carry your own bags.
The archipelago is located off the coast of East Afric, on its main island, Unguja, familiarly called Zanzibar, is Stone Town, a historic trade centre with Swahili and Islamic influences. The island is a semi-autonomous, partly self-governing state and has its own President.
Stone Town is a World Heritage site and many buildings are being restored to their former glory, including the House of Wonders, a 19th Century former Sultan’s Palace and a reminder of the shortest war in history which was fought here, all of 38 minutes! Locals are extremely friendly and welcoming, with greetings of “Jambo” or hello in Swahili wherever you go. I lost myself in small winding alleyways, staring in awe at the beautifully carved doors it is so famous for, watching locals go about their daily life at a leisurely pace.
They certainly do live by their catchphrase “Hakuna Matata” or no worries. I rested my weary feet at Harbour House Restaurant, having lunch on the terrace with sea views and dhows sailing past. The most incredible red snapper ceviche I’ve ever tasted, along with a brightly coloured and succulent mango, avocado, tomato and feta salad with fresh lime juice.
We spent the evening exploring the area around Forodhani Gardens which is transformed into a bustling night market after sunset. Chefs set up their stalls, cooking delicious kebabs, seafood skewers, coconut bread and crepes dripping with chocolate syrup. Your meal can be washed down with freshly made sugar cane juice or fresh coconut water. Cats wait eagerly for any scraps you may happen to drop. Famous Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury, was born in Stone Town and so we had to have a drink at Mercury’s Restaurant in his honour, overlooking the harbour.
During our week, we explored many excellent resorts, walking up to 12 km’s a day, keeping my fit bit very happy! Just 3 of my favourites, amongst the 7 we visited were :
Zuri Zanzibar, a newly opened Design Hotels property, located on the west side of the island, in Kendwa. A large baobab greets you at this magnificent eco style retreat set in palm-shaded gardens, with a private 300 m stretch of beach (not affected by tides), ultra comfortable bungalows each with their own outdoor shower and swinging hammock on the terrace. Fabulous food & drinks are served in the exotically named restaurants Upenda, Maisha and Dhow Bar. A yoga pavilion, spa, library & spice garden complete all that you could wish for on a tropical holiday.
Melia Zanzibar, an all-inclusive resort, set amongst acres of lush tropical gardens, on the north-east coast in Kiwengwa. Elegant rooms, private villas and the exclusive Gabi private beach club, reached by regular golf carts with restaurant, bar & even a resident DJ. Excellent service with very attentive staff. Jetty bar in the ocean with unforgettable sunsets. We had the most memorable meal at Aqua, their fine dining restaurant, feasting on prawns, crayfish (smaller & darker than our West Coast ones), fish and succulent sirloin, exceptional cuisine & service.
The Residence, a high-end resort located on 32 hectares of tropical greenery on the quieter south-west of the island. 66 private villas, each with their bicycles to explore at your leisure. The private beach is tidal but as each villa has it’s own swimming pool & there is a main swimming pool, options for swimming are endless. The village of Kizimkazi, famous for its dolphin safaris, is close by (20 minutes by car).
During your stay be sure to do the Spice Tour, a fascinating look into the growing of local spices. Learn many interesting facts – did you know that the Cinnamon Tree has 3 different smells? Watch a local scale up a coconut tree with great speed and savour local tropical fruit.
Zanzibar truly is a tropical paradise, the perfect destination for an incentive or leisure group. I have never seen such blue sea or white sands in all of my travels. I can’t wait to go back for my own holiday.
Written by: Charlotte Smith