Zanzibar Tales – Delicious Food, Beautiful Beaches, and Hakuna Matata :)

We flew to Zanzibar in early September, a time when the tourist season is a bit quieter – read: not too crowded. The weather was fantastic, with daily temperatures hovering around 28 degrees Celsius. We rented an apartment in a two-story bungalow with a stunning terrace right by the ocean. The resort was located near Paje on the east coast, which was perfect for me, a sunrise enthusiast.

During our two-week stay, we explored:

1. Jozani Park: A small jungle oasis nestled in the heart of Zanzibar, where we also visited a butterfly farm within the park.
2. Prison Island: Home to Giant Tortoises and just a short boat ride from Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar.
3. Blue Lagoon: We embarked on a boat trip to this breathtaking spot for snorkeling and witnessed the mesmerizing turquoise hues of the Indian Ocean.
4. Mtende Beach: An unconventional beach with a beautiful cliff, adding a unique touch to our beach experience.

Now, onto the food – it was delicious everywhere we went. We dined at our hotel’s restaurant, which boasted masterful cuisine. While there, we even had the chance to cook Zanzibar’s famous Urojo soup with the head chef (check out my Instagram for a sneak peek of that event). We also indulged in some beautifully prepared Red Snapper (Restaurant @zanzibargembungalows).

Of course, we couldn’t resist trying street food – we love exploring different flavors. We also sampled dishes from local restaurants, and everywhere we went, we encountered fresh and exquisite dishes. And let’s not forget about the fruits – we bought the best papayas in the world from local stalls. 😉

People – always smiling and content 🙂 Life on Zanzibar revolves around the principle of HAKUNA MATATA – which means don’t worry, no problem, and POLE POLE – which means slowly, slowly 🙂 You won’t get to know the locals if you spend your time within the resort walls – you need to venture out into the city 😉

Here are a few interesting facts about Zanzibar for you:

1. Lack of Refrigerators: It’s unusual to find refrigerators in many households on Zanzibar. The locals believe they don’t need them because they eat fresh food every day.
2. Limited Television: Similarly, not many people own televisions. Instead, they gather to watch sports events or other entertainment on a communal TV placed outdoors.
3. JUMBO Greetings: You’ll encounter happy, barefoot children everywhere, and they often shout “JUMBO” as a friendly greeting, which is their way of saying hello.
4. Pole Pole Lifestyle: As you mentioned earlier, the “Pole Pole” way of life is prevalent, emphasizing a slow and relaxed approach to daily living.
5. Fresh Cuisine: Zanzibar’s cuisine is known for its freshness, with an abundance of seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
6. Laid-Back Atmosphere: The island’s atmosphere is characterized by a carefree and laid-back attitude, which contributes to the overall sense of contentment and relaxation among the locals.

Zanzibar truly seems like a place where the simple joys of life take center stage! 😊

The last three days of our stay were dedicated to an incredible adventure on the Tanzanian mainland – a safari! But I’ll save that story for another post because it’s definitely worth sharing!

Stay tuned for more adventures in the next post! 😉