Blogs from Nungwi, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa - page 6

Last full day in Zanzibar we decided to spend it on our private beach in front of our bungalows. I had got quite badly sunburnt the day before (wetsuit tan, it looked like I was wearing thigh high red leather boots) so had to try to cover my lower legs which proved to be quite difficult. Nick as usual was able to stay out in the sun all day. The water was so clear and warm it was great. The other guys got back from diving so it was round two of teaching Jamie how to swim. We got the snorkelling gear out and Nick decided to collect hermit crabs and put them on the side of a boat. More drinks on the balcony then out for dinner, Nick wasn't feeling very well so had ... read more

After the best nights sleep since arriving in Africa (because we upgraded to a 4*bungalow over the sea pictures later) we got up early to go diving. We were joined by Michelle, Deb and Bernie and we set off for our first dive site Leven banks. The sea was a bit rough and when we got in the current was really strong. We were meant to drop down a 30mtr wall but could not make it to the edge because the current was so strong. The next dive site was closer to the shore but it took a while to get there and Michelle was sea sick!!! While trying to avoid being sick Rebecca laid at the front of the boat but we hit a big wave and she got soaked. We saw loads of stuff ... read more

From Malawi it was time for the last two legs of our African trip: into the Tanzanian Highlands and via Dar es Salam to Zanzibar, the Spice Island. After a long drive through a valley filled with the magnificent baobab trees (which look like they have been stuck in the ground upside down) we arrived in Iringa were the drop in temperature was noticeable- we even considered digging out the woolly hats again. The campground was great - guarded by Masai warriors who appeared silently out of the night and scared the crap out of everyone. Everyone was tired after an early start and bumpy ride and after a hot chocolate with Amarula in the fantastic bar which was heated by coal-filled terracotta pots, we opted for our tent at 20.30 in the knowledge that our ... read more

"Out of touch in Africa was where I wanted to be." That's what Paul Theroux writes in his book 'Dark Star Safari'. "The wish to disappear sends many travellers away. If you are thoroughly sick of being kept waiting at home or at work, travel is perfect: let other people wait for a change ..." Well, neither of these statements really fits my situation, I suppose, although I like the idea. In contrast to Theroux I obviously do not desire to be unobtainable. As promised I am trying to keep in touch by means of this blog. And (!) I do not really want to keep you waiting for too long. (You also did not make me wait and sent lots of messages. Keep them coming! I love hearing from all of you.) But let me ... read more

We've got about another hour left on Zanzibar before we return to Dar Es Salaam, and I think we all could have easily stayed on for a few more days at least. Zanzibar is gorgeous - the water is incredibly blue and clear, and the weather has been fantastic since we arrived. We did a really good tour of the old Stone Town on the day we arrived, and went to someone's house for a traditional Zanzibar meal - it was great. Afterwards we went to a spice plantation, and it was surprisingly interesting, and really interactive (particularly when we got to sample things!) Stone Town is amazing, and we all wish we'd been able to spend longer exploring - the Arabic influence is very distinct and completely different from anything we've seen in Africa to ... read more