By Candis Poley
Day 1:
An
early start…waking up at 03:30 am was not cool…I arrived at the airport all
syced and over the moon as I’ve never been to Zanzibar before.
We
finally boarded the plane at around 07:00 am and this is when I started getting
nervous as the thought of a third World African country put visions of panic in
my mind. After a 4 hour flight we
arrived in Zanzibar – what a contrast from
freezing Johannesburg South Africa to hot and humid Zanzibar…I was amazed at the Airport; how can an Airport of this size contain so
many people. I was impressed by the way
their systems ran. Customs and immigrations ran smoothly even though Zanzibar Airport is not equipped with World class
technology like O.R Tambo.
Our
ground handler Exotic Tours who met us at the Airport were excellent!!!! I always envisioned a slow laid back (never
on time feel) - I was so wrong Exotic
tours were right on time; super
professional and ultra friendly.
We
arrived in Stone Town – I felt like I was in a totally
different era – ancient yet filled with mysterious magic. Almost felt like I was trapped in the
animation of Aladdin in the middle of Africa (Zanzibar).
The sights left an impression of a little town steeped in ancient
history of Arabic influence.
We
did two hotel inspections in Stonetown namely the Serena
Inn and Dhow Palace. Serena
Inn has a Westernized influence while Dhow Palace
is more Authentic.
We
then went to the famous Mercury’s Restaurant and Bar – one of the must do’s in
Stonetown. Typical pub feel near the
harbour in Zanzibar
with wooden bar furniture and a very chilled laid back atmosphere – the pizza’s
here are delicious! This is where I
learned that the Kili (Kilimanjaro) beer is almost equivalent to our proudly
South African Castle – a must try for the beer lovers.
We
ended the day at Karafuu located on the South East coast
– an absolutely breathtaking sunset topped with exceptional service. On this evening I learned about the flavour
filled drink called Tangawizi – only to discover that it’s Stoney (Ginger beer)
apparently this is a local favorite.
I
must admit that going to bed I was a bit weary as I’ve heard many scary
mosquito tales. I was worried for
nothing I was not bitten once.
Day 2:
What
a glorious morning this was – I had breakfast overlooking the pool and Ocean –
Couldn’t help but think “this is la good life; I sure can get use to
this”. After breakfast we headed out to Dongwe Ocean View. Two words “Gorgeous”
and “Beautiful” I couldn’t get enough of
this small yet exclusive looking place.
The beaches are breathtaking – picture perfect to be exact. I never wanted to leave but the show had to
continue. Back on the bus with exotic
tours in the sweltering heat – but alas we never felt it as the vehicle had air
conditioning and Exotic prepared cooler boxes for us with soft drinks and
water. We had a series of hotel
inspections that all ran smoothly. My
highlight on this day was Ngalawa
Beach Village.
As
we approached Ngalawa Beach Village
I was slightly put off by the entrance as it looked like a bumpy little road
with nothing but trees and stones. When
we approached the hotel itself I was very impressed. But a lovely building can impress anybody.
The one thing that stood out was the personalized, friendly and highly
professional service received from staff and management.
We
had a “5 star” 3 course lunch at Ngalawa Beach and having the
owners wife being a chef by profession sure showed in the level and standard of
food. Our plates offered an intense
fusion of pleasant smells and tastes that left your taste buds wanting more.
We
ended the day at BlueBay. With
pre-dinner cocktails and lively entertainment by local Masai Warriors – man
those guys can jump!
Lets
just say this day was filled with food….food glorious food as the food at
BlueBay was beyond expectations.
We
greeted the end of the evening with drinks at the bar in BlueBay and
interesting conversation….
Day 3:
Paradise…
I
woke up totally excited as we had a spice tour scheduled as well as snorkeling
at Azanzi which is on the North coast.
Lush vegetation and exotic spices was the order that morning. Not only was the scenery aw-inspiring but we
learned a lot too. The highlight was the
lipstick tree … amazing how a seed can be turned into lipstick in an
instant.
On
the Spice Farm we also had the opportunity to try fruits native to the Island like the Jack fruit and Custard Apple.
Today
we head North – the beaches here bring images of “Paradise”
at it’s purest. Powdery white sands and
Azure Blue waters. All geared and ready for snorkeling at Azanzi
but mother nature had other plans…unfortunately the weather was against us; non
the less I ended the day with a chilled sundowner viewing a magnificent Sunset
from the bar which over looks the Ocean…STUNNING!
Day 4:
Exclusivity
meets solitary….Double Tree by Hilton.
Here we were met by the chanting of Masai Warriors and the coolness and
serenity of a World class 5 star hotel.
Finally
we had some leisure time…Spent the afternoon shopping in Stonetown. “My feet are killing me but the show must go
on!” were my thoughts at this stage of the trip.
This
is where my bargaining skills were put to the test. The local shop owners are really helpful and
eager to make “that sale”. I was very
chaffed with my purchases.
When
we arrived back at the hotel (Royal Zanzibar) it was time to transform into a
pirate.
“ARR
me maties!” was the name of the game that evening. All our agents were dressed ready to
sail! We had an evening filled with
entertainment. Great conversation and
memorable laughs.
Myself
and Lucrezia (Esteemed colleague) felt incredibly brave all in the role
of our “Pirate” name sake; decided to go for a midnight swim in the infinity
pool at Royal Zanzibar. The water was
cold but it never stopped us we still had the swim under the starlit skies of Zanzibar.
A
surprise awaited us back in our hotel room.
A huge leech hung from the cupboard.
Lucrezia and I were suddenly wide away and no longer feeling
sleepy….Eventually we decided to just go to bed. At least we know that Zanzibar also has creatures great and small
alike.
Day 5:
Goodbyes
are never easy…
The
smell of pancakes at Royal Zanzibar left an inviting scent to the breakfast
table that morning. After breakfast we
had a brief sight inspection of the property and it finally hit me. We have to leave this beautiful piece of
paradise.
As
always Exotic tours were right on time to pick us up for our transfer to the
Airport. We arrived at the Airport on
time. I was a bit panic stricken as I
thought we never going to make it through the boarding gates as the queue for
check in looked like an endless human train… but alas Exotic tours came to the
rescue gathered all our passports and assisted us with a group check in. We were through the gates in no time to board
1Time and well on our way to Johannesburg South Africa.
Just
when I thought that’s the end of all the breathtaking scenery. I noticed how beautiful the Island
looked from the plane window. I cannot
find the words to explain the awesome wonder;
picture an aerial view of powder white beaches meeting blue azure waters with lush green
forests to complete it all.
Zanzibar – Friendly warm and
welcoming. Beautiful sights and
sounds; where the ancient magic of Stone Town
meets solitary beaches.
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