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Published: July 18th 2007
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Zanzibar Island Zanzibar is a small island off the coast of Tanzania and of note because of its beaches and rich culture. The island has always served as an important shipping destination throughout time and has African, Arab and European architectural and cultural influences................ makes for an interesting mix.
We left the mainland and took the 2 hour ferry ride to Zanzibar, upon arrival oddly enough we had to go through customs again even though the island is part of Tanzania. Later we would find out from the locals that they operate somewhat different from the mainland and actually want independence as they feel underserved by the mainland government..... later as we traveled the island I could see some of what they were talking about as the roads to major income producing areas of the island were almost impassable and the general condition of roads outside of Zanzibar town werent so hot in general......
Stonetown Stonetown is an old quarter of Zanzibar town and has alot of history and old buildings complete w/pre-automotive narrow streets and alleys..... life around town was relaxed and everyone seemed not too busy not doing too much.... funny how island dwellers live
that way...... everything gets done in due time. We enjoyed two nights here before pushing on to Nugwi to the North and these famed beaches/water I had heard about. My initial impression from the water in Stonetown wasnt so hot..... a lil clearer than the good'ol Pacific............. but nothing to write home about.
Nungwi Nungwi was our first beach stop and definitely did not disappoint on the nice water-o-meter scale. The weather was a bit uncooperative at first so we checked into our hotel and had lunch at a beachside restaurant out of the rain and took in the water while staying dry. From our vantage point the water was AMAZING and the mix of sun and cloud cover made the ocean almost glow in areas depending on the sunshine...... which was intense and showed the waters clarity. As a side note, Zanzibar is nicknamed the spice island and the food is extra flavorful................... I'm not sure what the heck they put in their burgers there but they have the best burgers I have ever had hands down.
We did a few days in Nungwi before pushing on the Kendwa.... which was actually nicer and had more people.
Kendwa Kendwa had lovely water similar to Nungwi except the beach was much longer and unbroken by rocks/cliffs. There were also alot more people there and it made for more of a beachside sitting out having a drink and a bite to eat environment. There is a local Rasta crowd and everyone was beyond laid back here........ we literally just woke up and ate and hung around the beach all day....... I've never enjoyed accomplishing so little in my life lolololol.
All and all Zanzibar was great.................. and it your in Tanzania you gotta do it..... although I assume mostly everyone does, just dont be in a rush and bring your sense of humor. The locals are awesome and it has a definite chill out island vibe to it.... no worries... no hastle and no hurry.
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Keyvan
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Hi George Very nice pics you got from the tour. We are back home, we managed to visit Kendwa at our last day. Very nice. So Heading up to norway or what ;) Say hi to V. from me. Take Care K1