| | Dec 19, 2005 - Zanzibar - History and White Sand Beaches | (click to enlarge)
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 | | show all 20 | | Views of Stonetown, Zanzibar | | Ornate doors of Zanzibar | | Metemwe Beach | | |
| Zanzibar - Historic Stone Town & White Sand Beaches
Leaving mainland Tanzania for the island of Zanzibar was tough. Not only were we leaving what had been the highlight of the trip so far with our safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorogoro Crater, but we also had to do two little flights from Manyara Air Strip to Arusha and then Arusha to Stone Town Zanzibar. Typically small flights don't bother me, but I had either drank or eaten something recently that was just not meant be consumed and I was beyond the help of my good friend Imodium. Added to my splitting headache, nausea, and too familiar cramping with dashes to the lou, was Eric's immense fear of flying. He was none too relaxed when our petite plane arrived in Manyara without any passengers on board and left with only Eric, myself and the pilot as we bounced into the air off from the cliff top gravel air strip and flew off into the middle of a rainstorm.
Despite my sickness and Eric's flying paranoia we arrived in Stone Town without any problem where we spent our first two nights exploring the historic city that was once a huge trading port in the Indian Ocean. The predominantly Muslim city used to be a hub for the spice, slave and ivory trade and today retains a feel that is much more like an Arab city than an African one. During our time here I made a full recovery and after our second night we ventured off to Metemwe Beach Resort on the East Coast of the island for a beach holiday and to meet up with Nick and Lara we had befriended during our safaris in Tanzania.
The stunning white sand beach where our basic resort was situated stretched as far as the eye could see with the next closest resort being about a twenty minute walk away. In the distance Mneba Island sat in the glistening tourquoise waters putting on a show of perfection demonstrating the draw it has as a vacation playground for the rich and famous such as Madonna, Bono and other Hollywood stars who have come to enjoy this flawless sand island. Rumour had it while we were there that Brad Pitt and Angelina Joli were in Dar es Salaam and might be the next visitors to arrive. For us, the closest we got was about 100 metres off shore while we snorkelled with the brilliantly coloured tropical fish and corals and strained our eyes, without any success, to find someone famous relaxing amongst the palms and white sand.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt the highlight of our stay at Metemwe Beach were the people we met. Upon our arrival we met up with Lara we knew from safari in Tanzania. Nick was out diving and it took her no time at all to burst with excitement telling us that since we had seen them last about 5 days ago that Nick had proposed and they were now engaged after eight years of dating.
Our group of friends quickly grew as we also met Mark and Kelly from South Africa and Leslie and Sinclair currently living in the UK but originally from the US and Australia. We shared good laughs, listened to virtually unbelievable stories from Lara (don't worry Lara...we won't post them here!) and swapped travel stories and experiences from around the world over many a bottle of beer and champagne. The group of people we met here was a reminder how the joy of travelling is a whole lot more than just experiencing the place you visit. It is also all about the interesting people you meet from around the world and experiences you get to share with them and memories you make to last a lifetime.
From engagement celebrations and birthday celebrations to days lazing under the palm trees in a hammock, sweating in the intense Zanzibar sun (and heat of the shade!) or taking in the views beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean - no matter what portion you look at, our time in Zanzibar was a great relaxing break to the busy safari agenda. From here we ventured off to Uganda to experience yet another African country and an anticipated highlight - gorilla trekking with the rare mountain gorillas!
Ten Travel Tips for Zanzibar
1. Remember Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island so dress conservatively anytime you are off the beach.
2. Many of the beaches on the east coast of Zanzibar have a lot of seaweed - in fact it is harvested by the locals. Swimming is still possible but mostly just at high tide. The sand beaches are gorgeous though and stretch on for miles and miles.
3. Stone Town has a great boutique hotel called Emerson and Green with every room looking different and many with incredible views and their own private roof top patios.
4. Zanzibar is in a malaria zone and make sure you take your medications while there. We experienced virtually no mosquitoes on our visit though which was very pleasant!
5. Zanzibar is a great stopover destination after a busy safari in Kenya or Tanzania. For honeymooners that have just had the hustle and bustle of a big wedding perhaps they might enjoy to start in Zanzibar for 5 - 7 days and then do a safari for the end of their honeymoon.
6. Be prepared for hot weather! Situated so close to the equator we experienced sweltering temperatures with an ocean so warm that it hardly cooled you off. If you are not a fan of the heat, this may not be a destination for you.
7. Stone Town has a lot of history and culture to explore but can be covered pretty easily in a day or two before or after you head off to one of many beaches they have to offer.
8. For a great sunset view while in Stone Town visit Africa House hotel and take in the sight from their patio bar overlooking the ocean.
9. Renting a car is possible if you would like to explore the island however be very polite and friendly with the local police if you are pulled over or when driving through the many routine check points along the way. It is not uncommon for a bit of money to exchange hands to allow you to continue along the way so be prepared.
10. Stone Town is getting safer however you should still be cautious if going out at night and stick to the main roads and well lit streets walking only where you need to go.
www.carlhenderson.ca
www.imagestoframe.com
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