Sun and Beaches Plus Relaxation on Zanzibar
The airport at Zanzibar
Its multicultural past makes Zanzibar an archipelago that is vibrating with life. But while Zanzibar is the star of the show, there are smaller islands that welcome beach-addict tourists with fine white sand, coconut trees and impossibly clear, blue waters.
Discovering Zanzibar
If you really want to get to know Zanzibar, there’s no better place to visit than Stone Town. Its jumble of cobblestone alleys is perfect for the traveler who aims to “get lost” in a new city. Stone Town is friendly to tourists. You can wander around the narrow streets and discover how the locals live, take photos of beautiful old mansions and children playing in the street without worrying too much about safety. You can also spend a quiet afternoon sipping coffee from roadside vendors who still dispense coffee from a pot fastened over hot coals, the same way they did long ago.
Going deeper into Stone Town you will find remnants of Zanzibar’s rich cultural blend: houses and mosques with distinct Arabic architecture and monoliths with intricate latticework and gorgeous balconies inspired by Indian art. Everything about Stone Town is historical, beautifully maintained and easy on the eyes – perfect for a traveler who simply wants to get away from city life.
Another card that Zanzibar plays well is its rich array of beaches. The calm, inviting sea and the delicate white sand draws tourists in like bees to honey. Many of Zanzibar’s coastlines have already been developed so it’s not difficult to find a resort or an inn. Zanzibar boasts of 25 majestic beaches, all of which have delicate white sand and clear water. Whichever you choose, you will be treated like royalty in this paradise city.
On the west coast of Zanzibar, the most popular beach is Mangapwani beach. Matemwe, Kiwenga and Jambiani beaches on the east coast are especially tourist-friendly and you will see plenty of visitors trying to catch some sun on the beautiful white sand.
If you really want to get away from it all, Zanzibar has many small islands you can visit on a day trip. Changu Island is the nearest to Stone Town and perhaps the most historical. It was first used by Arabs to keep slaves. When the British took over, they built a prison on the island but it was never used. Today, you can explore the old prison site or see ancient Aldabra tortoises in their natural habitat. Chapwani, Chumbe and Bawe islets are also ideal for short trips.
Zanzibar is a place best discovered slowly and thoughtfully. Go to a few beaches, eat the local, freshly caught and prepared food and simply soak up the sun. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Ali – A New Friend in Zanzibar
Here are a few enlarged pictures for your enjoyment
We went to Zanzibar and had a great time. We met a new friend, Ali
Ali and Ken
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