**Zanzibar Adventure: March 6 – March 8**
After bidding farewell to Safsri, we caught a late-night flight from Arusha to the enchanting island of Zanzibar.
Pro tip: The exchange rate for dollars to shillings here is slightly lower, so dollars are your best bet for transactions.
Don’t forget—island entry requires mandatory insurance at $44 per person. Airport taxis have fixed rates, but a little friendly haggling never hurts!
**Day 1: Exploring Stone Town’s Charms**
We kicked off our adventure with a leisurely stroll through Stone Town’s labyrinthine streets. Vendors eagerly offered 2-hour guided tours, but we opted for spontaneity, letting curiosity guide our steps. Every mention of a nearby attraction sent us checking our map and wandering off to discover it ourselves.
The narrow alleys felt like stepping into a hidden village—peaceful, with fewer hustlers and more charm. Each turn revealed stunning doorways, each with its own unique character.
The bustling market was a sensory delight, filled with aromatic spices and coffee beans. However, the uniform packaging hinted at wholesale origins, leaving us longing for a standout artisan stall.
A visit to the historic slave market ($5 entry) offered a sobering glimpse into the past, with its church and dungeon—though history buffs might appreciate it more than we did.
We couldn’t resist peeking into Tanzanite shops, mesmerized by the dazzling blue gems (my favorite color!). But alas, our wallets weren’t as enchanted [facepalm].
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we hopped into a taxi to Nungwi, successfully negotiating the fare down to 65k shillings.
**Day 2: Nungwi Beach Bliss**
Nungwi Beach stole our hearts with its surreal, jellyfish-hued waters—shifting from turquoise to deep blue as far as the eye could see. We parked ourselves at a beachside stall for hours, sipping drinks and soaking in the view.
Later, we waded into the gentle waves, savoring the soft sand and crystal-clear water.
Local shell collectors dotted the shore, adding to the serene atmosphere.
Since swimming wasn’t our forte, we opted for a sunset dhow cruise ($20 for two)—an absolute steal! Two magical hours on the water, complete with fresh fruit and water, left us in awe. The boat’s stability made for perfect upper-deck photo ops, though the sun demanded relentless sunscreen vigilance (mild sunburns included).
The ocean’s beauty even outshone the sunset!
Nightfall brought high tides, forcing us to navigate shadowy village paths back to our stay—a slightly spooky but thrilling end to the day.
**Day 3: Kendwa Beach & Sun-Kissed Fun**
A quick 10k-shilling tuk-tuk ride whisked us to Kendwa Beach, where the vibe was livelier and the waters deeper—and even more breathtaking.
This time, we dove into the salty waves, laughing and splashing like kids. The fun came at a cost: our backs turned lobster-red [lol].
By noon, the scorching sun sent us retreating to Nungwi for lunch. Insider tip: Venture beyond the beachfront for restaurants with fresher flavors and better prices—like the mouthwatering 3k-shilling fresh juices!
Zanzibar left us sunburned, salty, and utterly spellbound—a paradise we’ll never forget.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we hopped into a 60,000-shilling taxi for our final evening in Stone Town. With our flight departing at the crack of dawn (7 AM sharp!), we’d wisely arranged a 5:30 AM pickup after some intense bargaining the previous night—scoring the ride for just $12. Let’s be honest, transportation costs here can really make your wallet wince!
While we didn’t pack our Zanzibar itinerary with endless activities, those blissful days of going wherever the breeze took us turned out to be absolute perfection. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones where you simply unwind and let the island rhythm guide you.
I didn’t realize the dollar-to-shilling exchange was more favorable—it’s good to know these practical tips. The mandatory insurance fee seems steep, but safety first, right? I’m curious about the island tours mentioned; any recommendations on which ones to prioritize?
Absolutely! The exchange rate can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check beforehand. Mandatory insurance is indeed an investment for peace of mind, especially in remote areas. For island tours, I highly recommend Stone Town and Jozani Forest for their unique cultural and wildlife experiences. Enjoy your trip!
I didn’t realize the dollar-to-shilling exchange was more favorable—it’s good to know these practical tips. The mandatory insurance fee seems steep, but safety first, right? I’m curious about the island tours mentioned; any specific ones you’d recommend?