motto from the trip
Freddie Mercury
2022
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Pros
1. Beautiful Beaches
Zanzibar is known for its breathtaking beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters. Beaches such as Nungwi, Kendwa and Paje are among the most beautiful in the world and offer perfect conditions for relaxation, swimming and water sports such as kite surfing.
2. Rich Culture and History
Zanzibar has a fascinating mix of African, Arabic, Persian and European influences. This diverse cultural background is especially visible in Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar, where you can wander through narrow streets full of history and admire beautiful old buildings.
3. Unique Culinary Experiences
Known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar offers a unique culinary experience. The island has a rich history in the spice trade, and this is reflected in the local dishes. You can join spice tours to discover the origins of these flavors.
Cons
1. Seasonal Rainfall
Zanzibar has two rainy seasons: April to May and a shorter season in November. During these periods, heavy rainfall can limit some activities and humidity can be uncomfortably high, making it less than ideal for visitors.
2. Health Risks
Travelers to Zanzibar should be aware of certain health risks, such as malaria. It is important to take precautions, such as using insect repellent and possibly anti-malaria medication. In addition, vaccinations against diseases such as yellow fever are recommended.
3. Tourist Crowds
During peak seasons, from June to October and December to February, Zanzibar can become quite busy with tourists. This can result in higher prices, overcrowded beaches, and less tranquility in popular locations.