Travel Agent Windhoek

In the early hours of 28 March we boarded flight 1T921 to Zanzibar. 1Time is operating twice a week between Johannesburg and Zanzibar and it is the only airline to operate direct flights. I was very excited as I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve heard so many different opinions about Zanzibar – some good, some bad. So this was the time and opportunity for me, to explore this island myself.

We arrived on Unguja Island –the main Island of Zanzibar -at 12h15. This is a great time to arrive, as half the day is still left. The heat was intense and humid and the airport is something else! Jambo Zanzibar!

At the airport in Zanzibar we were welcomed by Galleria Tours with coconut milk and cold towels to refresh ourselves, which was exactly what we needed. Shortly after that, we got on our shuttle bus and visited our first hotel - “The Dream of Zanzibar”, which is situated on the east of the island. Although this hotel is only due to open at the beginning of July, we got a good impression of what it’s going to look like once it is finished.

The transfers between the airport and the hotels in the east and north take approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

We stayed at 3 different hotels during our stay in Zanzibar. We started off at the Mapenzi Beach Resort, which is a good choice for someone looking for 3 Star accommodation. The rooms are all being refurbished between April and July 2009, but we got to see one of rooms that has already been finished, it is lovely! I felt that the staff really went out of their way to make you feel at home.

For our second night on the island we stayed at the Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa, an absolutely beautiful 4 Star Superior resort with the most stunning gardens, great pool areas and the Spa – a must! Both hotels are located on the east side of Unguja. For our third and last night on the island we stayed at the famous 5 Star La Gemma Dell Est Resort which is located in the north of the island, this hotel is the biggest resort in Zanzibar and its location offers stunning white beaches and clear turquoise blue waters. Next door to La Gemma you will find shops on the beach, if you are not tired of shopping yet!

On our second day we visited Stone Town, a World Heritage Site, with narrow streets. It is exotic, buzzing with locals selling their wares, packed with history and a funky place to explore. Even though it rained most of the time we were in Stone Town, I still loved it. We walked around Stone Town for several hours, under our umbrellas, admiring the beautiful old carved wooden doors all over the town. We visited some historic slave caves and the National Museum which has the best view over Stone Town and the Darajani market. The powerful smell of the fish and meat section in the market is not for delicate noses though! Just before lunch we enjoyed a nice cup of coffee on the balcony of the “Africa Hotel”, which is also the perfect place to stay in town. The hotel is a popular place for sundowners as it offers beautiful sea views, we were very fortunate to spot some dolphins during our short stay. From there we went for lunch at the Serena Inn, which is also a lovely 5 Star hotel on the seaside. Of course, there was also time for shopping, either in the market or in one of the intriguing little shops. The most popular souvenirs were Kikoy’s, the Bao Game and leather sandals.

After lunch we were taken to a spice plantation to start our spice tour. Our guide pointed out the variety of spices that grow there. Picking, cutting and crushing, as we walked along, we got to smell and touch everything from Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla, Lemongrass and many more...

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for a ‘Traditional Dhow Cruise’ or a ‘swim with the dolphins’. But one thing is for sure: I will be back!!