Za
r a b nzi INSIDER
Mambo from Zanzibar, following our ethos of independent living, we have tapped into our network to unlock our insider narrative for a destination that has the easiest tropical vibe that anyone could come across. A small Island of friendly locals, all basking in the happy glow of 365 days of hot weather, juicy fruits, the whitest beaches, bluest ocean and a town built on the foundation of rich history. The Spice Island is the epitome of "Good things comes in small packages". Through cultured connections and unique experiences, this is how we roam through Zanzibar. Immersing you deeper into a destination, and letting you get the most exclusive all access pass, from where to we eat, sleep, play and who or what to discover.
YOUR WORLD. YOUR WAY.
78 Hours in Zanzibar WITH MAYSOON MATTHYSEN PARTNERSHIP & DIGITAL CURATOR @ AH TRAVEL CLUB Definitely not my first time in Zanzibar, but coming back to this hot and humid tropical setting felt new as ever. This time even more excited, as I had old friends to reconnect with and new experiences to tick off my Zanzi-bucket list. February is the buzzing month of Sauti Za Busara, one of East Africa’s biggest music festivals. I was going to taste the different flavours of African musicians and meet global African music lovers whom flock to the Island for a special weekend.
24 Arriving during the hottest month of the year, I rushed to my air-conditioned taxi, without really realising that the sweaty chic look was something completely unavoidable. I was transferred to my hotel in Stone Town, Jafferji House and Spa, a sensory experience bringing all the wonders of the East African coastline, combined with strong Arab influences. The hotel is owned by a major East African Photographer, so the interiors are an archival collection of amazing images from destination, cultural, historical and fashion editorial. My room was beautifully themed in Arab-Swahili artefacts and styles, the scent of Oud was glorious, my typical Zanzibari elevated bed was majestic and my outdoor shower was ready for immediate use.
24 Refreshed and ready, I made sure to get all my shopping done before I really got involved in my trip. Zanzibar is so slow paced that it becomes easy to forget time even exists. Before I was pulled into that frame of mind, I made my way to Darajani Market for all my shopping finds. Don't expect glamour and dont expect a selection of luxury high-end products. The richness of Zanzibari products lay in the hands that craft the goods and the history it channels.
My shopping hunt was simple, woven baskets, Batik pieces and the glorious Kanga fabrics. Making my last stop at the Kanga store, I stumbled upon an almost auction like scene of delicate chaos. The owner was a savvy Indian business man treating every woman like a queen, despite them shouting at him to snatch their favourite choices. I had heard that there was a skin care store around Stone Town that everyone was talking about, to mu luck I stumbled upon Nuya's Essence on my way back to the hotel. I bagged myself some Mango infused soap and bath salts made with cocoa bean and lemongrass. Intrigued by their amazing collection of products, I had to know the brains behind this operation. Luckily the owner herself was there, Hellen Dausen and beautiful young woman who I immediately made an awesome connection with. Determined to see this woman again, Helen invited me to come check out her workshop, something I would be doing two days later.
24 During my last trip to Zanzibar, I met a killer dynamic-duo Safia & Noah, whom had spent a lot of 2016 arranging awesome catamaran parties for some of Zanzibar’s socialites. I really wanted to experience something different, so I asked Safia and Noah to pull together a great group of Zanzibari’s and do what they do best. By lunch time I had arrived at the pick-up spot. Hard to miss I could see the catamaran on the horizon, a DJ blasting sick summer tunes and a group of already very Lite people. Welcomed by Mojito cocktails, Nobel cooking up a storm in the kitchen and Safia making all the wonderful introductions, I knew I was set for a great day, The engine started and we were on our way to the Sandbank. It was like we had our own private Island, with exclusive access, and unbothered by roaming tourists. With the water being even bluer and clearer, it was a great opportunity for snorkelling. The rest of the afternoon was spent in my bikini, dancing, drinking, connecting with vibrant locals and soaking up the sun.
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24 Arriving back in Stone Town after the sunset, the plan was to go back to the hotel, get ready and meet up with everyone at the Old Fort for the Sauti Za Busara music festival. Locals and travellers from all over the world gather in the Old Fort grounds for 4 magical nights, for epic line-ups of the continents best musicians. The night was unforgettable and I fell in love with Moroccan roots-reggae superstars Bob Maghreb, with their amazing performance of reinterpret Bob Marley classics with fresh North African flavours. You have to go
48 The next morning was definitely a difficult one but there's nothing that some fresh fruits and spiced coffee couldn't fix. Using Skylink Tanzania, our trusted transfer company, I was hooked up with the wonderful Mr Mbarak, taking me to my next stop. I was headed for the North-East coast, and normally anywhere outside of Stone Town is about an hours drive. Mr Mbarak was my encyclopaedia for all things Zanzi. Luckily my new friend had something up his sleeve and he wasn't telling me anything about it until we arrived, so we spent the drive talking about his home, the cultures and the in’s and out’s of the Island.
Finally we arrived somewhere in the middle of nowhere, parked the car and walked down a short dirt road to find three Spice farmers. Shaded under coconut trees, was a small outdoor kitchen, rows and rows of different spices drying under the sun, and three special humans. Mr Mbarak introduced me to Babu (male elder) Chidi, Saleh and Bibi (female elder) Shamza. I was among a generational legacy of Spice farmers, the farm belonged to Babu Chidi's family for almost 200 years, from the time of when the spice trade routes were in full force. Wrapped in beautiful Kanga fabric was Bibi Shamza, Mr Mbarak informed me that she would be teaching me how to cook Swahili food using the riches from their farm. And finally Saleh who was there to help his father and mother continue the legacy of their family.
48 In the traditional sense this was not a farm but more of a lush forrest growing everything from cloves, ginger, cumin, cardamom, saffron, vanilla, cinnamon, turmeric and an unmentionable selection of tropical fruits. Saleh took over the forrest as he climbed trees for fruits and coconuts, Babu Chidi cut the fruits and spices with artisan techniques, and Mr Mbarak was the ultimate translator. Finished with my botanical experience, I joined Bibi Shamza in the kitchen to cook a simple Swahili meal, using the spices, fruits and veggies from the farm. We (more like she) cooked up a storm, serving the table Pilau rice, a coconut veggie curry, Mchicha (spiced spinach), Kachumbari (tomato and onion salad) and to wash it all down, fresh Mango juice. I was enriched by heritage, culture, gastronomy and epic human interactions, this was an experience that allowed me to connect in essence and the backbone of Zanzibar’s history
48 Just as the sun was setting, I arrived at Tulia beach Resort. The vibe was completely uplighting and the grounds of the property were meticulous. Welcomed by even more fruits I was taken to my room right on the cliff edge of the property. Hammock hanging and a bath setup with an ocean view, I was so ready to unwind and take is easy for just a couple of hours. After a well-deserved nap, I was invited to have dinner with Lukas the GM, who was a vibrant young man, eager to tell me all the wonders that made Tulia great. We were joined by some of his friends from Stone Town and the night was set for fine dining and a great selection of South African wines.
72 The new day came with an epic Indian Ocean view, the ocean was home to every shade of Pantone blue. Feeling inspired from all that was around me, I decided to catch the tide as it was going out by grabbing a paddle board and squeezing in some exercise (mind you this is something I never do).
Ideally located on the East coast I wanted to visit the water-sports hub of Paje, and to my luck I had a friend coming to pick me up with two keys to two vespas. Arriving further South in the so called mecca of an epic kite surfing culture, the packed beach was for everyone, from off white dread-locked beach hippies, Masai salesmen, beach boys, groups of small children playing in the sand and a whole lot of young travellers. What I loved about this beach was that it was for any and everyone. We had lunch at B4, a simple but delicious beach bar/restaurant with a selection of only 4 burgers and 4 cocktails. We laid back, indulged in juicy tropical burgers, rum infused cocktails, accompanied by the perfect atmospheric coastal deep house tunes.
72 I said my farewells to my friend and was headed straight back to Stone Town as I had my date with Hellen Dausen from Nuya’s Essence. I arrived at her workshop which was also her home. Immediately in her drive-way was a mat covered in Coconut shavings, of course this fabulous woman makes her own coconut oil, how could I expect anything less. I had the opportunity of experiencing how the magic happens and at the same time was able to learn how a young woman like herself started her business. Hellen and I sat in her garden, sipping on coconut water while she told me her story, as well as handy tips to keep my skin glowing, making sure my black dont crack on an extra level. Born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Hellen was popularly known as the former Miss Universe Tanzania in 2010. After studying the science behind skin care in Malaysia, Helen returned to Tanzania to found her company and officially open her line of skin care products in Zanzibar. She loves to reap the benefits from the botanical sources from the Island, and there is something about using natural ingredients that connects her to her roots as a Tanzanian. She is extremely passionate about what she does and I totally got a sense that her creations bring her a meditated piece of mind. The essence of young entrepreneurship in this country is developing quickly but as a women, recognition is extremely rare. Hellen's positive and never-quitting attitude has been extremely influential to many women in Tanzania. Her lifestyle promotes a health conscious, pure and therapeutic sense of living. The virtue of her character is mimicked in the purity of her products.
72 I made my way back to Stone Town, where I stayed at Emerson on Hurumzi, deep in the heart of the historical town. The building is kept so similarly to its original setting, so I spent the rest of my afternoon capturing this gem that was ever-so Instagram-friendly. My last night was enchanted by a dinner held on the rooftop of the hotel, or more like the rooftop of Stone Town. Cushions scattered on the ground, live Tarrab music, unworldly views and the kind of hospitality that only Sheiks experience, I can happily say that my short time in Zanzibar ended on the highest note, literally.
Number One Tip for Zanzibar: The key is, know somebody, have a local connection or simply make a close friend anywhere. It wont take long for you to bump into the same faces, it's not a difficult task to connect with likeminded people. The obscure location and tiny size is an absolute treasure trove for a multi-sensory and multi-cultural experience.
72 As a consciously connected traveller, it is essential that I’m able to give back to a destination or country that I can take experiences from. During my last trip to Zanzibar I met a Documentary photographer at Stone Town Cafe (great place for all day breakfast btw), Muna Ally, whom at that time was embarking on a philanthropic journey to give back to her country. The Zanzibari native was raising funds for a charity initiative that celebrated women with gifts of Kanga in the villages of Zanzibar. As I am hugely fascinated by the Kanga fabrics it was a no-brainer for me when I found out about the Kanga Project. Her aim is to spread love to the Mama's of Africa, and at the moment she has already raised enough funds to gift 2000 women. In Tanzania, the Kanga is considered to be a deeply valued entity. Combined with beautiful designs and a message fit for a variety of occassions, the Kanga is the perfect gift for woman all across Tanzania. Having met Muna, a young woman whom captures the pure essence of people in her photographs, I really got to understand the struggle of poor maternal health care and the attitude against women specifically in Zanzibar. The Kanga is in-expensive but the value of the fabric pieces is weighed by the tales behind it.
YOUR WORLD. YOURÂ WAY.
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