Read about the start of our honeymoon and safari in Kenya here. And we flew to Zanzibar.
After five days of safari in Kenya and four national parks, I wanted to wash off all the dust of Kenyan roads and plunge into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Having bought a ticket from a Kenyan airline with the proud name of 540, we, as it were, to put it mildly, were a little worried. A rich imagination painted the already dilapidated 14-seater airplanes in which they issue cotton wool so that their ears do not block. But after Nepal and our flight to Lukla on the way to Everest base camp, it is already hard to surprise us. But 540 exceeded all expectations - decent aircraft, without delay and with a short landing in Mombasa, brought us to Zanzibar paradise.
To be honest, we did not expect to see a dream come true in Zanzibar from pictures of a glossy magazine and perfect beaches. But, I admit, the color of the water and the white sand really struck.
We spent five days in the north of the island, on the Nungwi beach, this time decided not to drive all over Zanzibar, but just to relax. Although a beach holiday is not about us at all, Nungwi is an ideal choice. Here practically no ebbs are felt, from which almost all the other beaches of the island go. And the ebbs in Zanzibar - it’s not just the water that left twenty-thirty meters. This means that after nine in the morning and until five in the evening there is simply no water at all, even on the horizon, only sea urchins and algae adorn the bottom. For many, by the way, this news is a surprise and, therefore, not everyone on this island leaves pleasant emotions. But the beaches of Nungwi and neighboring Kendwa are a pleasant exception. On Kendve, the ebbs are not felt at all, but Nungwi is still more colorful and picturesque for me personally.
The only negative is the very dense coastline development. Umbrellas, sunbeds, restaurants, hotels spoil the picture of paradise a little. But here for this color of water - and he really is, without Photoshop, you can forgive a lot. Although for me personally the title of an ideal beach still undoubtedly belongs to the Mexican Tulum. (Tulum, in search of paradise)
At low tide, you can take a walk from Nungwi to Kendwa - the road along the beach is very picturesque.
Tanzania's favorite drug is ginger lemonade. How to live without him further - I can’t imagine.
After five days on the beach, we decided to live a couple of days in the island's capital, Stone Town.
And then such architecture and such color. Narrow streets, crazy-looking wooden doors, carved balconies and delicious Zanzibar coffee. At last. I already have almost love with this city from the first steps.
And now I will eat the most delicious mangoes in my life. Yes, here they are sold in craft packages.
Stone Town has over 200 carved doors. And they, kinda, are also a tourist attraction. Books are written about them; postcards and calendars are sold with them. Yes, and they lit up almost every second photograph from this city. I now have some inconceivable number on my phone too.
These are the doors with spikes that hit Zanzibar thanks to craftsmen from India. In India, thorns were used to protect homes from elephants, while in Zanzibar they have a more decorative function.
The bookstores and cafes with him are my favorite place to take a breath when you walk through an unfamiliar city and you have a million plans in mind. And on the street plus 35.
In Nepal, for example, all books in stores are dedicated to the Himalayas and ascents. Safari, the history of Zanzibar, albums with African interiors are everywhere. You can hang on the clock, in general. So many interesting things.
I love hotels with history and soul. When old furniture, creaky floors, interior elements are preserved. We have a bachelorette party in India, for example, hotels in Rajasthan - in former haveli, with old frescoes on the walls, mosaics and crazy interiors. And in Stone Town, our Zanzibar Hotel is located in a 19th-century building and was the first hotel to appear on the island. Well, the legend goes on their site, at least.
Many historical buildings in Zanzibar now have either hotels or restaurants. I don’t know whether this is good or bad, but we have access to a piece of history and inspiration. This, for example, is a very atmospheric restaurant in the former home of Livingston - a missionary, explorer of Africa, who spent a lot of time in Stone Town between his travels.
Narrow streets, shops, labyrinths, houses of the 19th century, coffee, fish with coconut sauce, ginger lemonade, a bustling port, carved balconies, crazy-looking doors. Africa - I want to remember you just like that and will definitely be back.