Many people have the desire to travel to Africa at least once in a lifetime and I’m not different. I have never touched the ground of this elegant continent but it is definitely on my bucket list – with too many other items. Africa has a wide choice of regions and countries that attract visitors such as Madagascar, Tanzania including Serengeti and the Kilimanjaro, Rwanda. Mozambique, South Africa, Morocco, Mauritius, and so on just to name a few.
I’m very much fascinated by Zanzibar, a small island located off Tanzania, where natural beauty meets history. Apparently, Stone Town is the only functioning ancient town in East Africa and it is surrounded by magical sandy beaches and coral reefs – looks like just paradise. No wonder it is the home of top class watersports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, deep sea fishing, waterskiing and dhow sailing. Dhow is a traditional Arab sailing vessel with one or two masts and lateen rigging used in the Indian Ocean. They originated in the Ancient Near East in the time of the Babylonian and Middle Assyrian Empire. Just looking at them makes you feel you are back in old times, so as their Swahili trading town.
Stone town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 200 years old ancient city and cultural center of Zanzibar with many narrow alleys, bazaars, mosques and houses built by Arabic architectures with elements from other cultures of Africa, India and Europe. We also need to mention their carved, wooden doors, which was made by very precise handiwork and there are more than 500 different styles. Anyway, who would not want to wander around in these tiny crooked streets getting lost in the of shops selling various paintings, dresses, jewelry, handicrafts including carpets, wooden souvenirs, and food such as spices, and African local fruits.
Building that must be seen are the Old Fort, Old Dispensery, St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, Malindi Bamnara Mosque, Royal Cemetery and Hamamni and other Persian baths. For nature lovers Nakupenda Beach, with its turquoise clean water and the Prison Island with its giant tortoises should not be missed, while you also have to visit the Tangawizi Spice Farm, which offers demonstration of many local fruits and tastes of all these delicacies. Forodhani night food market is for food lovers here you can find all the mouthwatering local specialties. For an eco-friendly accommodation stay in Chumbe Island Coral Park, Manta Resort on Pemba Island or the Mangrove Lodge.
P.S. – Want to go on a custom designed eco-friendly and sustainable tour anywhere in the world? I’m happy to book your full or partial trip! I’ll be offering you to my favorite hotels or resorts, restaurants, attractions, bars, and natural wonders you won’t find in any guidebook. If you’re interested, subscribe to my newsletter for updates or contact me now.
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