Zanzibar 2017 - Tropical Paradise

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Last year's March holiday to Portugal was not warm and sunny enough for us; so we decided to go further south this time: A good flight offer from Urlaubspiraten brought us to Zanzibar. And as a sweet surprise we got a free last-minute upgrade to business class for the first leg of the flight...

After the first temperature shock - almost 30°C and humidity over 90% at 5 AM in the morning - we got our visa on arrival (50$ each, credit card only) at the tiny airport, took an estimated amount of cash for ten days (there are only ATMs at the airport and in Stonetown) and found our transfer.

First stop was Nungwi, in the North of Zanzibar. Due to low season it was pretty quiet, especially where we stayed. We even had the beach for us alone on the first day :) In the evening we realized already that our sunscreen was not strong enough. So close to the equator you might want to bring something higher than 30SPF.

We spent the next days relaxing at the beach, one day scuba diving (great visibility and intact reef at Mnemba Atoll) and walked a lot alongside the beach during the low tide. One highlight was snorkeling with dolphins during the diving trip. While the sellers - Massai or Zanzibaris - at the beach are very insisting and can be annoying if they don't leave you alone, you can use it as an opportunity to try your Swahili vocabulary on them - always greatly appreciated by any local. Among others, here is a selection of useful words
  • Jambo - hi, hey
  • Hujambo - how are you?
  • Sijambo - I am good.
  • Asante (sana) - Thank you (very much)
  • Hakuna matata - no worries
  • Polle polle / poa poa - slowly slowly / cool-all good
On Zanzibar there are beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise water everywhere, it is only up to you to pick where you go. While the North is less affected by the tides, the East seems to have nicer beaches with palm trees. While the hotels are at the water front or at least second row, behind that you will find the poor villages - the contrast couldn't be any bigger... 

Some impressions from the beaches in Nungwi:
 

You will find fresh seafood anywhere, for reasonable prices. Be cautious when you pick a restaurant, there are a few black sheep and you don't want to end up with stomach aches or diarrhea while on holidays. Recommended and usually available beers are Safari and Kilimanjaro.


Our second stop was Jambiani, on the East coast of Zanzibar. Even less people, in Paje just 5km away you can meet lots of tourists and the usual backpacker crowd to party with at the beach. There is a different party place every day of the week. We went to Old Teddys Place on a Wednesday night and Jambo on Friday, danced on the beach till early morning.

Scuba diving here was fun and quite a lot to see:

 
 
Our accommodation in Jambiani was a bit higher class; we didn't want to stay as basic as in Nungwi again. But accomodation in Zanzibar seems to be rather expensive - while standards are basic you are still likely to pay European like prices around 40$ and more for a double room per night. In Jambiani we even payed 70$.


Second big expense on Zanzibar are transfers. If you decide to go with the local buses or dala dalas, it will be reasonable but you might take a lot longer due to (more than one) change of transportation. As a comfort we took private transfers, and it seems it is every locals dream to have their own car for that purpose - they make a lot of money with tourists like us.

Here are a few costs and some advise (prices are always given in US-$ and local Tanzanian Shilling THS)
  • Water 1$ / 2000 Ths
  • Beer 1.5-2$ / 3000-5000
  • Seafood meal (with fries, rice and veggies) 5$ and up Basic Hotel (double room w/ breakfast) 40$ up, better standard (i.e., A/C, warm water) 60$ onwards
  • Transfers: Airport to Nungwi 30$, Nungwi to Jambiani 40$, Jambiani to Stonetown 30$, Stonetown to Airport around 7-10$) 
  • Tours (Prison Island 15$, Spice tour 15$, sunset cruise <10$, snorkeling 15-20$, Stonetown 15$, blue safari 35-90$) 
In general prices for tours and transfer can vary widely, book as close as possible to where the tour takes place and/or negotiate hard! 

Even though we got ripped of for the Prison Island tour, seeing and watching the giant land turtles was also a big highlight for me; especially the part where two of them were hooking up ;)


Last stop before flying home was Stonetown, worth to spend a day and check out the local markets, former slave market and its history, the mix of its architecture styles and crowded streets. Have a beer or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants at sunset ;)

In the end, we had a relaxing and amazing stay at a tropical paradise island. It is definitely not the cheapest destination, plus not much to do aside of beach life and activities. But since we were looking for a exactly that, it was the perfect location. 

Hakuna matata and hope to see you soon 😉


For more photos and stories check out my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebschraven/
Location: Sansibar, Tansania

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