Skins, Ivory, Gold and Spices

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East Africa is one of the great travel destinations, drawing upon a centuries old tradition of trading with the outside world, and still having a culture that is so unique, and so African. Here in Tanzania there are the beaming smiles, the Swahili zest, the passion for life ... all thrown in the mix to form the true essence of Africa. From malaria bearing mosquitoes, to oh so persistent flies, ubiquitous geckos climbing the walls, and a vast array of strange looking insects, this indeed is tropical Africa in all her glory.

The island of Zanzibar, dear reader, is sure to add some exotic spice to your life as the journal continues. We left off in Casablanca with no movie roles on offer unfortunately, but nevertheless here’s looking at you kid! I boarded an Air Egypt flight from Casablanca airport that landed back in Cairo for a stopover, and then continued south down to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. I'm pleased to say I've finally arrived in East Africa, a part of the world that has intrigued me for several years. The flight arrived around 5:00am in the morning, and visas are organised on arrival for fifty dollars. From the airport I organised a taxi to the ferry terminal, arriving well before the 7:00am fast ferry to Zanzibar. It was still dark at the docks, but the taxi driver and the office staff for the ferry went out of their way to ensure my safety, prior to the ferry waiting room opening for the day after thirty minutes or so. I also had two sisters from Nairobi take a shine to me while waiting at the terminal, buttering me up with compliments about how good looking they apparently found me. This was despite the fact I hadn’t slept all night, and had been either on a plane or hanging around at airports for the past 24 hours. They wanted to carry my bags and all and I was happy to chat to pass the time, however I parted company with my new friends as soon as the boat arrived for immigration formalities on Zanzibar Island.

Zanzibar port is on the edge of historic Stone Town, which is the beating heart of the island. The town features hundreds of stone walls and wooden doors, and a maze of streets all buzzing with activity. The locals ply their trade in a tradition that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. However, after spending a month in North Africa I was keen to get out to my resort to enjoy the tropical island life, and Mr Thomas has been treated like royalty by the staff at the Maruhubi Beach Villar for the past four nights. My beach villa is only four kilometres out of Stone Town on the main road heading north, but is a million miles from care. I've been lazing by the pool and sampling nearly the entire menu over lunch and dinner as the perfect tonic during my great African adventure, while providing an excellent introduction to island life in tropical East Africa. The seafood has been superb as you would expect in this part of the world.

Tanzania as a country is relatively new having been formed in the 1960's, combining the mainland with the Spice Islands to create a predominantly Swahili nation. The people are wonderful, and welcome tourists to experience all their country has to offer. Of course the lure of world famous safari adventures is a massive drawing card for the people of this young nation, and due to it’s popularity tourists need to be aware that prices can be unrealistic if you’re not constantly keeping tab of your finances. This is an inevitable part of travelling in the world’s great travel destinations and unfortunately can't be avoided, but I’m acutely aware Tanzania has been the most expensive country I’ve visited on this African trip.

I organised a day tour through my beach villa with a local taxi driver, where we experienced some of the superb beaches on the north coast of this magnificent island. Most of the resorts we drove past are exclusive five star resorts for wealthy European clientele, but there was nothing to stop a budget Aussie tourist getting to experience their pristine white sand beaches and brilliant blue waters during the low season, where you can expect daily rain in the tropics for the next couple of months. I was privileged to enjoy an unforgettable day in one of the world’s premier island destinations, and it’s great to have the opportunity to see the island in all her natural beauty.

Zanzibar is one of those destinations that travellers dream about, and I’m pleased to have the experience to spice up my life! There's a wild and vibrant diversity of culture in this exotic island that forms a gateway to the region. The abundance of tradition and heritage in this special part of the world provides a great introduction to the joys of East Africa. As a matter of fact it's got me to thinking, basically all of you should be here now!

No wonder nobody goes there, it's too crowded." British sitcom

As I continue my travels, until next time it's signing off for now

Tom

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Photos

Kiwengwa Beach
On the north coast of Zanzibar

Nungwi Beach
White sand beach and home to gorgeous resorts.

Maruhubi Beach Villar
The resort is only four kilometres out of Stone Town.

Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

Looks like a great place
Very nice photos.

[Beata and Tomek]

Amazing place
Always wanted to go there ;-)