Here, it’s not just about sipping mojitos on exquisite beaches and dining on jumbo prawns as dhow sailboats float across the horizon. If that’s all you do, you’ll miss everything else that makes Zanzibar the stirring place that it is.
Don’t get me wrong: apart from a number of mosquito bites too many to count, everything about this tropical utopia left me utterly spellbound.
But just as alluring as the postcard-perfect scenery are the everyday interactions that take place between the fishermen and their buyers, parents and their children, Maasai shopkeepers and tourists. Or the hypnotic, lyrical call to prayer that echoes across the sands against the lull of swaying palm trees and the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean.
While I can’t reproduce the sounds, I can share my favourite images of the natural beauty and the moments that remind me why I continue to travel. (A separate, photo-rich post about Stone Town can be found here.)
All of these images were taken in Kiwengwa (in the southeast) and Nungwi (in the north).
Kiwengwa
Every afternoon, I watched children walk home across the beach.
Not sure what they were burning here, but it was quite the sight.
A fisherman sells his catch as he returns to shore.
A boy hones his acrobatic skills.
Explorations of an abandoned building.
Break time for the Masai shopkeepers.
After a successful morning of spear-fishing, a man carrying four squid in his shirt is gleefully greeted by his two daughters as he returns to shore.
Together, they happily made their way home, each with a squid in hand, a blessing for the family. It was a moment of pure joy and gratitude.
Nungwi
Dhows, traditional wooden sailing vessels, were used by Arab traders over centuries as they travelled across the Indian Ocean to East Africa’s Swahili Coast.
The beach at Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel.
Mnemba Atoll – one of Zanzibar’s top snorkelling destinations – is easily accessible from Nungwi.
Tropical fish swim under a boat near Mnemba Atoll.
Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll.
On the way back to Nungwi, I had company: a whole pod of humpback dolphins! I managed to catch this one in mid-air.
Nungwi beach.
Sunset on Nungwi Beach.
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Have you been to Zanzibar? What was your favourite moment?
Your photos are gorgeous! And bring back fond memories of our visit to Zanzibar last year… The pics of the children walking home from school on the beach and other beach photos remind us of the colorfully-dressed women we saw harvesting seaweed off Bwejuu Beach.
Thank you, Janice and George! I can’t tell you how difficult it was to select just a few photos for this post. I’m glad I was able to take you down memory lane – or, I should say, beaches 😉
I’ve never been to Zanzibar, albeit it’s been on my list for a very long time. Your photos are spectacular and made me wish even more to go and explore what looks like a avery interesting place!
Thanks, Simon. It’s a fascinating place. I loved it so much more than I thought I would.
Incredible photos! I was inspired to visit Zanzibar when I saw it on Anthony Bourdain’s show a few weeks back and this just reinforces it. What an amazing place.
Gah! I was told that episode aired while I was there. I HAVE to watch it!
I’ve never considered going to Zanzibar but your pictures are so enticing that I may have to seriously consider it as future destination.
There’s just something magical about Zanzibar. I hope you get to experience it for yourself soon.
These photos are absolutely gorgeous! Zanzibar has always intrigued me but I have too many other places on my list to visit first. I’ll get there one day!
Thanks for the compliment, Ashlea 🙂
Where did you stay?????
In Kiwengwa, I stayed at Simba Beach Zanzibar Eco Resort. In Nungwi, I stayed at Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel, which I wrote about (https://notwithoutmypassport.com/ras-nungwi-beach-hotel-zanzibar/).
Hi Helen,
I’m planning on going to Zanzibar as a solo traveller in August 2017. I’m also from Toronto – so what airline took you to Zanzibar? I know that they have an international airport there and it’s such a long journey! Also, how many days in Stone Town would you recommend? I’m planning on an 8- or 9-night trip. Just not sure how to divide it between Stone Town and north/south beaches. Planning on maybe 2 or 3 nights in Kiwengwa and 2 nights in Jambiani and 4 nights Stone Town. Do-able?
Hi Jen! I travelled to Tanzania from Rwanda so it wasn’t a long flight for me. From Dar es Salaam, I flew with Precision Air to Zanzibar Airport – not a great experience. Expect delays. How long you should spend in Stone Town really depends on what you like. I love a good beach but I prefer not to have too much of it so, if I were you, I’d split my time between Stone Town and the coast equally. I’m not familiar with Jambiani so I can’t comment on that. Let me know if you have any other questions.