Zanzibar: Island living in Africa

Allie and Nelson enjoying the sunset on Thanksgiving Day.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous island off the coast of Tanzania. Even though it is a part of Tanzania, it felt a world away at times. Zanzibar is known for its white soft sand beaches and beautiful weather. We experienced so much more than a relaxing island visit. We truly felt like we were living with locals, trying new foods, 'embracing' the slow life, and the 'simplicity' of living on a somewhat under developed island. When we arrived in Stone Town, the island's capital city, we were greeted with a very touristy feel. However, after leaving the town and heading to Jambiani, a beach with a very local feel, we felt like we had made a great choice for a stay.  We were forced to slow down. Pole! Pole! As they say in Swahili. To give an idea of how 'remote' our paradise was, let's just say most businesses did not accept credit cards, and the nearest ATMs were 1.5 hrs away in Stone Town! The electricity and water worked when it wanted to, along with the wifi as well. These minor inconveniences were appreciated as we gained perspective.

We learned that the island depended on the tides. Jambiani's economy revolves around fishing and seaweed harvesting. With the tide changing drastically throughout the day, it truly dictated life on the island. Many fishermen would depart at different times daily from right in front of our guesthouse. Naturally Nelson ventured out fishing with them one day. He also obtained his PADI license for scuba diving. We explored local life, interacting with them and asking questions. From their stories we tried to understand the social and economic challenges and balances needed in a location that is up and coming in the tourism world.

Lastly, we met incredible people in Zanzibar! Tourists and locals alike. We felt like when we left, we had made new friends from around the world! Likeminded travelers (many from Germany!) but we got to know much of the staff from our guesthouse. We stayed at Mango Beach Guest House in Jambiani. A 4 room ocean facing guesthouse with tranquility and also the local feel. We would recommend a trip to Zanzibar to anyone! Enjoy the pictures!

Nelson helping to ready the sea craft.

Bon Voyage boys!

Nelson out with the local fishermen to catch some fish for dinner.

Of course our good friend Paul we met on Safari joined him. 

Under water selfie with Paul

Nelson exploring the world under water.

Beautiful fish and corals.

Sea worm.

Living corals

Sea urchins. watch your feet!

A low tide walk out into the water with our host Kiddo.

Enjoying the warm waters far away from shore.

Fun with the go pro.

View of the dhow boats from our room.

Took a ride to the west coast of the island for a sunset.

Our guesthouse beach entrance.

View from the veranda of our room.

Is this real?

Locals on the beach at dusk.

A boat abandoned until the next day.

Beautiful sunrise

Nelson's morning run.

Tropical fruits for breakfast.

Our lovely beach bungalow.

The guest house had beautiful details.

Sea shell fence

Nelson playing fútbol with the locals.

Our guesthouse garden overlooking the beach.

Muesli with toasted cashews, raisins, and mango, papaya, and pineapple.

One with Paul before he leaves.

We shared a ride with this young woman, Aiysha and learned her fascinating story. She was married off at age 20 in an arranged marriage. She told us how she had 2 beautiful children with her husband but wanted more of her life. In Zanzibar most women are not allowed to have jobs of their own, or even to leave the house as their duties are at home. She was very discouraged to pursue her own dreams. She pushed through many social, religious, and financial barriers to file for divorce. When she was finally granted the divorce, she did not stop there. She went on to study for months and became a licensed tour guide in Zanzibar. She was the first woman to be a licensed tour guide on the island. She is now married to a man who supports her career and her happiness and she is expecting her third child. Her story is very rare in her culture and her home island and she is constantly sharing it in hopes of encouraging other women. If you are looking for a tour guide in Zanzibar, check her out, she is extremely knowledgable and has a lovely personality. Aiysha Tour Guide Zanzibar

Local children playing.

The guesthouse had a Swiss Family Robinson feel to it. 

Beautiful sunset in Stone Town on Thanksgiving.

Our host took us to a deserted beach. The beach had been purchased by an oil company and they began building a resort on a very secluded beach at the Southern tip of Zanzibar. For whatever reason, the project fell through. A few local men keep watch over the land now for the company, but it was almost eerie to see the place so empty with many of the buildings falling apart. We enjoyed exploring the deserted beach and its surroundings for an afternoon.

Kristina and Allie

Why did the chicken cross the beach?

Nelson and some cows.

Deserted bungalows. 

Crab

This local climbed up a tree to fetch these coconuts for us and with a machete broke into them for a delicious afternoon treat. 

Nelson taking a hack at it.

Coconut chicken?

The deserted beach.

Locals harvesting seaweed.

Paradise.

Many beautiful shells. 

Local fishermen.

Allie, Hans, and Kristina - We had a great time getting to know them both.

Us with Kristina

We had a great time at this guest house. By the time we left Nelson had nicknames for almost all the staff and they had nick names for him too. They were very accommodating and made us feel so welcome not only to their guest house but to their home island as well.