Africa with Aisha: Discovering Zanizbar

Last summer I found myself hooked on travelling to the southwestern region of Italy to live out an Italian summer, covering Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. However, after endlessly searching for accommodation, it appeared that there wasn’t much availability, unless I had a spare £12,000 laying about for just a few nights. As the summer days continued to unfold in London, I still hoped to find an escape to round off the summer, which had, for the most part, been enjoyable, although my weekdays were spent mainly working at a law firm in the city. While deciding on potential travel destinations, a memory resurfaced involving a colleague of mine, an avid traveller, who had shared a video with me of her feeding turtles. This recollection marked the beginning of my journey to East Africa.

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an island situated in the Indian ocean, off the coast of east Africa. In 1964 Zanzibar and Pemba island Joined on the mainland to form part of Tanzania after the January 1964 revolt by leftists overthrew the sultanate and established a republic. The revolution marked the overthrow of the island’s long-established Arab ruling class by the Africans, who were the majority of the population. Today Zanzibar is an bustling African island namely known for its white sandy beaches and it breath-taking clear blue waters. With each part of the island from North, east, south and west offering different experiences. The main language spoken is Swahili with the majority of the population being Muslim. The island boasts not only beauty but displays an wealth of heritage. Stone Town which is the capital of Zanzibar, was inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage in 2000, details the fusion of Asian, Arab and Portuguese influences resulting from various commercial trading activities such as the spice trade and slave trade.

Getting there

Our journey began in September as we boarded the Emirates A380 at London Heathrow, bound for Dubai. After a lengthy yet enjoyable flight filled with binge watching Bridget Jones Diary we touched down in Dubai around 2 am due to our 5-hour stopover. The airport was eerily quiet upon our arrival, and we managed to find a somewhat uncomfortable spot to rest until our next leg, a 6-hour flight that would ultimately transport us to the shores of Zanzibar.

Before my journey to Zanzibar, my only experience on African soil had been in Nigeria, which lies in the western region of Africa. Nigeria, a vast and densely populated country, had offered a unique perspective of African life. However, as I arrived in Zanzibar, what immediately stood out to me was the island's unhurried pace. Although I could spot similarities, between the two countries, the contrast was striking, with Zanzibar exuding a distinct sense of calmness which was quite different to the bustling energy of Nigeria. This set the scene of an unforgettable trip to come.

Discovering Zanzibar: Some highlights

Once we had settled in, the following day, we headed out in the afternoon to visit the natural turtle aquarium in Nungwi, which was approximately a 10-minute drive from our hotel. The Baraka Natural Aquarium provided an opportunity for visitors to enter the salt pool, to swim alongside, and feed the sea turtles. It was a lovely experience, albeit odd, having the turtles swim around and under you. In my experience, the sea turtles were gentle, although I do know that they can also nip, so I suppose I was lucky in that regard…

Later in the week, our tour guide also arranged for us to go on the dolphin tour and also explore the sandbanks of Memba Island. Dolphin spotting is a very popular tourist activity in Zanzibar and you’ll often find people setting out very early to catch the dolphins. Being able to cruise across the water on our boat was really enjoyable, and we did manage to spot the dolphins, up close, which was amazing. As someone with a love for water and beaches, the boat tour left me pretty speechless. I was left in awe by the crystal clear blue waters, the pristine white sand and marine life that the island showcased. After we had finished dolphin spotting, we made our way to explore the sandbank and appreciate the scenery before the tide swept in. As time passed, the water levels gradually rose and before we knew it, the water was up to our knees reclaiming the sandbanks.

Amongst our various experiences during our visit to Zanzibar, another memory that I hold dear was our exploration of Stone Town. As I mentioned earlier, Stone Town serves as the de facto capital of Zanzibar and earned its well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000. It possesses a distinct ambiance, in stark contrast to the tranquillity of Nungwi. Stone Town is a true gem, it allows tourists to escape the more “touristy” aspects of the island and experience the island’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. Our visit to Stone Town was also supplemented by a boat ride to Prison Island – which was nothing short of amazing.

We were introduced to a local tour guide, who took us on a walking tour of the city centre. As we meandered through narrow, streets lined with centuries-old buildings, our tour guide showed us popular landmarks and shared historical insights of the area. Stone Town boasts and has a lot of noteworthy architectural variety, which is a seamless blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences.

Our trip to Prison Island, just a 20-minute boat ride from Stone Town, was remarkable. Despite its historical association with the slave trade, Prison Island stands out as one of the most breathtaking places I've ever had the privilege of visiting. The island is also home to a sizable population of enormous resident tortoises, which visitors are able to visit and you also get to feed them some lettuce. Every aspect of Prison Island was worth capturing; the beauty and serenity of it all transcended the shadows of its past, but at the same time leaves you feeling connected with its history.

We also did many other things during our time in Zanzibar, such as a trip to mainland Tanzania for a day safari. There are also many other areas of the island available to explore, that will offer a different experience, which I will be doing in the near future.

Some reflections:

Looking back, my trip to Zanzibar was special. It was a potent reminder of the continents beauty and motivated me to continue to explore what Africa has to offer. I think it is far too easy to overlook the natural beauty that Africa holds, as it is often overshadowed by the prevailing negative narratives that dominate its media portrayal. However, there are so many African countries that are graced with amazing landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.

As an African, I am continuously inspired to encourage others, particularly those from the African diaspora, to explore and connect with their roots by visiting African nations. Beyond the negative stereotypes that often cloud our perceptions, Africa is a continent with so many untold stories, beauty, and cultural exchanges. My journey to Zanzibar has reaffirmed my commitment to spreading the message that Africa is a land of unparalleled beauty and endless opportunities for exploration.