24 Hours in Zanzibar
Mambo! I was in Dar es Salaam for two weeks on business and I
thought what better way to spend my weekend than to jet off to the island of
Zanzibar. This was the first island I visited by plane and I was terribly
disappointed. From the air, this looked a large piece of land – not at all like
the little island paradise that I imagined in my head.
Once I got to my hotel though, I forgot all about the
business trip I was on back in Tanzania. The air was beautifully warm and humid
– even in winter. The beach calm and blue and the sand just beckoned me to
spend my day lazing on it. But with only 24 hours in Zanzibar, I had to get a
move on.
1. Savour the taste
of Zanzibar
I loved the food of Zanzibar. Lunch was a chicken curry chapatti
wrap. This is so different from the Indian foods on offer in Dar es Salaam. I
can only describe Zanzibari food as mildly-spiced Durban Indian style food.
2. Tour Stone Town
I am fascinated by the history of all cities and countries. I
dream the stories of long ago to life and I am amazed to see how that the past has
shaped the current state of the land. I definitely recommend a tour of Stone
Town, the town that was built from stones by the Omani settlers. It is one of
the oldest surviving ancient towns in Africa and as I walked through the town with
the original buildings, roads and markets, our tour guide explains how Zanzibar
became such a cosmopolitan city with European, Indian, African and Arab roots.
It is truly the only country in the world where everyone’s facial and bodily features
are unique – no one looks like the race they descended from anymore – they have
all been mixed together to create what are the current inhabitants of Zanzibar.
3. Shop at the Stone Town
markets
The markets in Stone Town are really for the locals. People
come there every day to buy fresh fish, meat and vegetables. There are also
market stalls with clothing like kangas, burkas, kurtas, scarves and shawls. Just
about everything is for sale – and I much rather prefer shopping on the streets
to my usual shopping in a mall. Prices are negotiable so you could come away
with a good bargain – much cheaper than the shops at the hotel. I left there
with spices that are much cheaper than what you would find in South Africa.
From the late afternoon, the food market situated on the
waterfront comes alive. I was greeted with the sight of all kinds of fishing
boats getting ready for another catch. There was seafood cooking on grills –
ready to be served. Prawns, crabs, fish just calling you to taste them. There
were also vegetables, samosas, drinks... It’s like a culinary paradise.
5. Appreciate the
African and Arabian influences
I loved the architectural style of the Arabian arches and
intricate details that were on display in most the hotels and older homes. It
was also quite refreshing to know that you are in still Africa with animal
statuettes as décor or the flowers and leaf-woven baskets that adorned most
places.
6. Watch the sun set
It is an island so leaving without feeling the Indian ocean
on your skin, watching the sun set and just relaxing in the warm late afternoon
would be a huge injustice. I can’t wait to go back for a proper beach holiday
here.
Being Indian, I am no stranger to spices. Most times, I can’t
even remember the correct English name for it but I sure know how to use them,
grind them, mix them together and cook delicious meals with them. What I didn’t
know was how they are grown and harvested and transformed into some of the
products we buy at the store. I toured the land where fruits, herbs and spices
are grown and got to taste, smell and see exactly where the spices I use every day
originate from.
There is so much to do in Zanzibar. I cannot wait to go back
with more time to take in all the wonders the island has to offer…and to relax
on white sands against crystal blue beaches.
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