Beautiful Places #5: Zanzibar
Without doubt Zanzibar is one of those evocative place names full of romance, the very mention of which creates images of an exotic island, paradise beaches and the dreamy blue of the Indian Ocean. The reality doesn’t disappoint: Zanzibar is indeed an idyllic destination.
We split our time on the island between the capital Stone Town and Nungwi on the north coast, and the two places proved to be very different experiences. Stone Town, aka Zanzibar Town, is a bustling town in an unmistakably colonial style with grand old buildings and ornate gardens standing shoulder to shoulder with cramped townships. If you want anything in Stone Town, from excursions to taxis to advice to restaurant bookings, you head to the “Big Tree”, a giant banyan under which every transaction in town takes place.
Excursions were plentiful, we ventured out to Paje on the east coast, and took thought provoking trips to some of the many disturbing memorials to Zanzibar’s unfortunate slave trading history dotted throughout the island. Stone Town also boasts the most chaotic bus station we’ve ever used, cafeteria style cafes with utterly delicious food, and seafront bars which like to remind you that the town is Freddie Mercury’s birthplace.
Nungwi meanwhile fits the “paradise beach” description, though the self contained resorts are closely guarded at night and you are strongly advised to stay put after dark. During the sun filled days, wandering along miles of beautiful sand, taking boat trips, sipping beer in beach bars, detouring through the villages filled with friendly smiling families, it’s hard to believe that such protection is necessary.
Zanzibar is certainly a camera friendly island…….
20 Comments
Steven M Berger
Every time I read your blog I just keep thinking “So many places to see”. Zanzibar looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Phil & Michaela
There are indeed – so many places and we’re all killing time….!
leightontravels
Gorgeous photos guys, we would love to make it to Zanzibar one day.
Phil & Michaela
Thank you, it is well worth a visit when you can
wetanddustyroads
Wow, what beautiful beaches you’ve captured here 😲. Zanzibar (and Tanzania) was on our list for this year … maybe then next year … it’s so close to us, but yet so far ☺️.
I think I’ve managed to follow your blog (eventually) with the assistance of WordPress – can’t wait to read (and comment) on all your posts!
Phil & Michaela
Yes, you have followed us, it worked 😁 Thank you so much! We do hope you get to Tanzania & Zanzibar, we had such a fabulous time there, we are sure you would love it.
normareadtalktalknet
OMG so fabulous … send me 2nd photo .. would love to paint it 😍
Phil & Michaela
It was fabulous, photo is on its way to you, enjoy painting it 😍
Marie
All gorgeous – we were there in 2006 – wish I were there right now!!!
Phil & Michaela
Thank you, it really is a beautiful place
Monkey's Tale
We loved Zanzibar too, both the history of Stone Town and the beaches. Your pictures really take me back.
Phil & Michaela
Thank you. It does have a very interesting history, we loved it
Linda K
Looks like a wonderful place to visit. Those beaches are beyond beautiful!
Phil & Michaela
Hi Linda, yes it was beautiful 😊
Gilda Baxter
Beautiful place and photos, I would love to visit. Sounds like you had an amazing time.
Phil & Michaela
It was really lovely, and a little unpredictable too.. there’s definitely some quirky elements to Zanzibar. We definitely recommend it!
Jyothi
Woowow….gorgeous beaches!!
Phil & Michaela
They were really fabulous, as good as they look. The only deceptive bit is that the water is very shallow for a great distance out from the beach, and is full of coral debris, so it’s not as good for swimming as you would imagine.
Jyothi
Oh… but look stunning, loved the color!
Phil & Michaela
Oh yes they were definitely stunningly beautiful. We definitely recommend!