motto from the trip

“I always knew I was a star. And now, the rest of the world seems to agree with me.”

fREDDIE mERCURY

2022

#5 ZANZIBAR | How is the happines measured in Zanzibar

THE ULTIMATE SNORKEL ADVENTURE

Mnemba Island – the land of sun, sand and snorkeling adventures! If you’re looking for an underwater experience that’s more Finding Nemo than Jaws, this is the place for you. Let’s talk about snorkeling first. It’s like swimming in a giant aquarium, but with better scenery and more colorful characters. You’ll see schools of fish of all shapes and sizes, from the shy clownfish to the showy angelfish (they always seem to know when you’re taking a picture). And if you’re really lucky, you might spot a few sea turtles – they’re like the cool kids of the ocean, with their laid-back attitude and effortless style.

But wait, it gets better (or wetter, depending on how you look at it). Mnemba Island is surrounded by a coral reef, meaning you can discover a whole new world of underwater wonder. It’s like being in a giant kaleidoscope, with the coral formations and sea creatures creating a colorful and mesmerizing display. Be careful not to touch anything – some of the coral can be sharp and some fish can be a bit grumpy if you disturb their personal space. Overall, Mnemba Island and snorkeling is a fun and memorable experience that will make you feel like a mermaid (or merman, we don’t judge). So grab your snorkel, put on some sunscreen and get ready to dive into an underwater adventure you’ll never forget.

SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS… I MEAN DOLPHINS

The dolphins of Zanzibar – the social butterflies of the ocean! These playful creatures are like the class clowns of the sea, always up for a good time.

They love to show off their acrobatic skills, leaping out of the water like they’re auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. And if you’re lucky, they might even come say hello and give you a high-five (or high-fin, as it were).

But beware – dolphins are notorious pranksters. They love to swim circles around snorkelers, giggling at our feeble attempts to keep up. And don’t be surprised if they steal your snorkel and swim away with it – they’re like magpies with shiny objects.

One thing’s for sure, though – watching dolphins in their natural habitat is an experience you won’t forget. It’s like watching a live action version of Flipper (but with less cheesy music).

So if you want to hang out with some of the coolest creatures in the ocean, head to Zanzibar and book a dolphin tour. Just be prepared to laugh, splash, and maybe even get a little wet.

WATCH FULL MOVIE HERE

STONE TOWN VIBES

Stone Town is like a maze designed by a prankster architect who wanted to see how many tourists he could trap in its winding alleys. You’ll start out on one street, thinking you know where you’re going, only to end up lost in a labyrinth of narrow passages that all look the same.

But don’t worry – getting lost in Stone Town is all part of the fun. It’s like a real-life version of the game “Where’s Waldo?”, except instead of searching for a bespectacled man in a red and white striped shirt, you’re trying to find your way back to your hotel.

And the sights you’ll see while you’re lost are worth it. Stone Town is like a living museum, with centuries-old buildings that have stories to tell. You might stumble upon a market where vendors are haggling over the price of spices, or a mosque where the call to prayer echoes through the streets.

Just be prepared for the sensory overload – the smells of street food mixing with the salty sea air, the sounds of people haggling and shouting, and the sights of colorful fabrics and intricate wood carvings. Stone Town is like a carnival for your senses, and getting lost is all part of the ride.

good to know before you will go crazy

Some informations which will help you survive

Money on the island is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get. It’s always good to have some local currency (Tanzanian shillings) on hand, but most places also accept US dollars or credit cards. Just be prepared for the occasional power outage at the ATM – it’s like a game of Russian roulette with your cash.

As for the internet, let’s just say it’s like a fickle lover. Some places have lightning-fast Wi-Fi, while others barely have a dial-up connection. And if you’re unlucky, you might end up with no internet at all – which is like being stranded on a desert island (but with more coconuts).

Transportation on the island is like a choose-your-own-adventure book. You can hop on a dala-dala (a local minibus) for a cheap and authentic experience, or hire a private taxi for a more luxurious ride. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a scooter or bicycle and explore the island at your own pace – just watch out for the occasional rogue chicken crossing the road.

And let’s talk about the rainy season – it’s like a game of roulette with Mother Nature. Yes, March and April are technically the rainy seasons in Zanzibar, but that doesn’t mean it’s a complete washout. Sometimes the rain is like a refreshing shower on a hot day, and the island is like a lush, green paradise. Just be prepared for the occasional downpour – it’s like a wet T-shirt contest, but with more umbrellas.

the neighbourhood
of uroa

Uroa is like a giant food court designed by a culinary mad scientist who wanted to experiment with the taste buds of unsuspecting tourists. Everywhere you turn, there are local shops and restaurants vying for your attention, each with its own unique spin on Zanzibari cuisine. The street food vendors are like master chefs who have perfected the art of grilling meats and frying snacks to crispy perfection. They’ll entice you with the aromas of succulent grilled seafood and crispy samosas, tempting you to ditch your diet and indulge in their delicious treats. And the local restaurants in Uroa? Well, they’re like a culinary laboratory, where chefs mix and match flavors and spices to create dishes that are out of this world. You might try a curry that’s so spicy, it’ll make your eyes water, or a dish so sweet, you’ll feel like you’re eating dessert for dinner. But the best part about Uroa’s food scene is that you don’t have to choose just one place to eat. You can bounce from shop to shop, sampling everything from grilled fish to sweet coconut candy. It’s like a foodie adventure, with surprises around every corner. So, if you’re feeling adventurous (and hungry), head to Uroa and let the local shops and restaurants take you on a wild ride for your taste buds.

the rock restaurant
the journey for your senses

The Rock Restaurant in Zanzibar – where dining meets adventure! This quirky little spot is like the lovechild of a lighthouse and a treehouse, perched on a giant rock in the middle of the ocean. To get there, you’ll have to navigate the choppy waters in a tiny boat – but don’t worry, the restaurant staff are like the James Bonds of boat driving, expertly maneuvering through the waves like it’s no big deal. Once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world – or at least on top of the rock. And the views! It’s like the restaurant was built on the edge of a postcard. But let’s talk about the food – it’s like a symphony for your taste buds. From the fresh seafood to the delicious pastas, every dish is like a work of art. And the cocktails? Let’s just say they’re like a vacation in a glass. And don’t worry about dress code – at The Rock, anything goes. You could show up in a ballgown or a banana suit, and no one would bat an eye (although they might ask for a selfie). Overall, The Rock Restaurant is a must-visit spot in Zanzibar. It’s like dining in a fairytale – with a side of adventure and a whole lot of laughs.

Wooden doors in Zanzibar are like the stubborn, yet endearing, old grandparents of the architectural world. They’re sturdy and reliable, just like how grandparents can be, but also have a certain rustic charm that is hard to ignore. Walking through the narrow streets of Stone Town, you’ll come across these wooden doors that seem to have a life of their own. Some are painted in bright colors, like they’re trying to make up for the lack of sunshine on the island. Others are weathered and worn, like they’ve been around since the days of the sultans. But no matter how they look, these wooden doors have stories to tell. Maybe they’ve witnessed secret rendezvous between lovers, or maybe they’ve heard the whispers of revolutionaries planning a rebellion. Who knows what secrets they hold? So, in short, wooden doors in Zanzibar are like the wise old sages of architecture – they may look unassuming, but they have plenty of tales to share if you’re willing to listen.

what are we doing here?!

“Zanzibar 2022” made by us on the beach – it was like a message from the future, delivered by a bunch of goofy tourists playing in the sand.

When we scribbled those letters on the beach, we weren’t just spelling out the name of a beautiful island – we were making a bold prediction. You see, in the year 2022, Zanzibar is going to be THE hottest vacation destination on the planet. Everyone will be flocking to the beaches, sipping on coconuts and soaking up the sun.

Of course, some people passing by might have been a little confused by our sand writing. “Zanzibar 2022? Is that a new type of sunscreen?” they might have wondered. But little did they know, we were actually time travelers, sending a message to the future that said, “Hey, 2022 – get ready for Zanzibar!”

So there you have it – the word “Zanzibar 2022” on the beach was like a wacky, whimsical glimpse into the future, brought to you by a bunch of beach bums with too much time on their hands.

Kuza Cave – the hidden gem of Zanzibar that’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for adventure and a chance to test your courage, then this is the place for you. First of all, the entrance to the cave is like something out of an Indiana Jones movie – you have to crawl through a narrow tunnel to get in. If you’re claustrophobic, you might want to skip this one (or invest in some really good knee pads). Once you’re inside, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret hideout of a pirate captain. The cave is dark, damp, and filled with mysterious symbols and carvings on the walls. It’s like being in a live-action version of the Da Vinci Code, minus Tom Hanks (sorry, ladies). But wait, it gets better (or worse, depending on how you look at it). There’s a pool of water in the middle of the cave, and if you’re feeling brave, you can jump in and swim around. Just watch out for the bats – they like to hang out (literally) in the cave, and they’re not always friendly.

10 tips for you!

Read before it will be too late

1. You will need a passport – sorry, a Hawaiian shirt and a lei won’t cut it this time.

2. Zanzibar is hot – like, “did I just walk into an oven?” hot. So bring plenty of sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses.

3. The people are friendly – but don’t take it personally if they call you “mzungu” (which means “white person” in Swahili). It’s just a term of endearment, we promise.

4. The food is amazing – from the spicy seafood to the fruity desserts, you’ll want to try everything. Just don’t blame us if you develop a serious addiction to Zanzibar pizza (yes, that’s a thing).

5. The beaches are gorgeous – but watch out for the seaweed. It’s like stepping on a giant patch of slimy spaghetti (yum).

6. Stone Town is a must-visit – it’s like a time machine that takes you back to the 19th century. Just be prepared for some serious haggling at the markets (pro tip: always offer half of what they’re asking).

7. The monkeys are everywhere – and they’re not shy. If you leave your hotel room door open, you might find one rifling through your luggage (hey, they’re just looking for snacks).

8. The sunsets are unreal – like a painting come to life. Make sure to bring a camera (or at least a phone with a good camera) to capture the magic.

9. The language is Swahili – but don’t worry, most people speak English too. Just be prepared for some hilarious miscommunications (like asking for a “pineapple” but getting handed a “pine cone”).

10. You will fall in love with Zanzibar – with its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality, you’ll never want to leave. Just make sure to pack an extra suitcase for all the souvenirs you’ll want to bring back home.