JAHAZI issue 11 - Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries, AZAM Marine

Private paradise

Why Thanda Island is the Mafia archipelago’s ultimate luxury escape

Permaculture power couple

Building a sustainable Zanzibar

The Coastal Circuit Swahili ports, safaris and sandy beaches

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Jahazi is the official magazine of Azam Marine and Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries

Opposite St Joseph Cathedral Sokoine Drive, PO Box 2517 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tel: +255 22 212 3324

Email: info@azammarine.com Web: azammarine.com

Jahazi is published by:

Land & Marine Publications (Tanzania) Ltd. 4th floor, Josam House Block A, along Coca Cola Road Mikocheni Area, Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 686 118 816 www.landmarine.com

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Editor: Mark Edwards markedwards@landmarine.com

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Land & Marine Publications Ltd.

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Jahazi is printed by: Jamana Printers Ltd, Dar es Salaam

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions. ©2023 Land & Marine Publications Ltd.

3 Welcome Safari njema

7 Turtles

Issue 11

Welcome Karibu

Safari njema

It is my pleasure to welcome you onboard your ferry crossing with Azam Marine and Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries, the number one ferry company in East Africa.

We started out with just one vessel, the Mv Muungano, but now have a fleet of air-conditioned catamarans that provide the best possible services for Tanzanians with our latest addition to the fleet, the Kilimanjaro VIII, now ready to go (see pages 8 and 9 for details on the ferry’s official launch). Our passengers are very dear to us and we have made great efforts to ensure your experience with us is a positive one all the way from booking your tickets to the moment you arrive at your destination.

Our online ticket purchasing system is a quick and easy way to plan and pay for your journey in advance. Boarding is similarly hassle free thanks to the design of our vessels and our carefully organised boarding protocols. Once we are under way, passengers can sit back and enjoy the journey with in-cabin features such as personal entertainment systems and a range of available refreshments competing for your attention with the spectacular Indian Ocean views from the cabin windows. Our ferry crossings are safe and speedy and deliver you right into the heart of Stone Town or Dar es Salaam for your business or leisure engagements.

Another bonus to travelling with us is getting to sit back and enjoy the latest edition of our onboard magazine, Jahazi! Once again, we have brought together the people and places that make the Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar so special.

You can now keep up with the latest Azam Marine and KFF news as well as some amazing images of our fleet in action on our new Instagram page @azam_marine

‘Your Safety is our Priority’.

Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries www.azammarine.com

Latest News

From the Azam group of companies

How to cope with seasickness

Azam Marine’s state-of-theart fleet of fast ferries are designed to minimise the swell and roll of the ocean. However, a very small minority of passengers may experience a short-lived bout of seasickness. Here’s our guide to minimising any discomfort.

What is seasickness?

The human balance mechanism resides in the inner ear. On rough crossings the swell of the sea causes the inner ear to send different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages can cause nausea. For most people these sensations don’t last long and soon subside when you get used to the new sensation. But if you do feel unwell, here are some steps to follow.

Do Reduce the motion by sitting towards the bow of the vessel

Look straight ahead at a fixed point, such as the horizon

Go to one of the outside decks to breathe fresh air if possible

Close your eyes and breathe slowly while focusing on your breathing

Distract yourself by talking to friends or listening to music

Chew on some ginger or drink a ginger tea as it can settle your stomach

Don’t

Do not read, watch films or use electronic devices. (Obviously, this article is OK!)

Do not look at moving objects, such as the rolling waves

Do not eat heavy meals, spicy foods or drink alcohol shortly before or during travel

Bookings

We are here to help

Now you can book your Azam Marine ticket online and pay by phone or by credit card. Visit azammarine.com

Follow us: @azammarine kilimanjaro fastferries officialazammarine

With four trips a day (launch times are 7am, 9.30am, 12.30pm and 4pm) there’s no more convenient or comfortable way to travel between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar Island. Call 0800 785555 to book a spot.

Zanzibar is known for its abundant sea life and that includes turtles. Here, Inzozi reveals the numbers behind these rare reptiles.

5

Five species of marine turtles occur in Tanzania’s waters –hawksbill, loggerhead, green, olive ridley and leatherback.

110 million

The number of years you’d have to go back to find the earliest species of turtle. This means that they coexisted with dinosaurs for around 45 million years yet are still around today.

31%+

The temperature range of sand that will produce 100% female sea turtles. When a female turtle lays her eggs deep in the sand, the eggs are fertilized, but the sex of each embryo has yet to be decided. Generally, eggs that incubate at temperatures above 31ºC will produce 100% female sea turtles, whereas temperatures below 27.5º result in 100% male turtles.

1 in

1,000

Life for a turtle is fraught with danger with birds, crabs and even domestic dogs among the predators for hatchlings while fishing nets, large fish and sharks are among the adult perils. While turtles can live to 100 years old, the chances of getting to such a ripe old age are slim.

Turtles by numbers

20,557 metres

This is the longest tracked migration distance of a leatherback turtle. Sea turtles navigate such immense distances by sensing the strength and direction of the sun and Earth’s magnetic field.

30 years

The time it takes the average green turtle to become an adult (reach sexual maturity).

1,000s of km

Efforts to protect the nesting beach habitats of sea turtles across the Zanzibar archipelago are crucial because the reptiles always return to the place they were hatched to lay their own eggs. Again, they use the Earth’s magnetic field as their natural satnav to get there. Each coastline has its unique magnetic signatures that allows the turtles to remember and use as an internal compass in the future. The turtle will then be able to navigate thousands of kilometres back to the same beach (or nearby beach) to lay its eggs.

Richard Ashby

HOW I FOUND FREEDOM AND LAUNCHED A PROPERTY EMPIRE IN ZANZIBAR

Richard Ashby escaped locked-down London for Zanzibar at the start of the Covid pandemic. Three years on, he still loves his new island home and has launched a multi-million dollar property empire of luxury beach-side villas. Here he reveals to Jahazi how Zanzibar inspired him to think bigger and better.

In early 2020 Brit Richard Ashby was working as a freelance real estate broker in London, selling million-dollar homes in affluent neighbourhoods Westminster and Chelsea to ultra-rich clients. Life was good. The commissions from his sales brought him a six-figure salary, a luxury Thames-side apartment and a lavish lifestyle that made the most of the UK capital’s thriving cultural scene.

Then the pandemic hit and with it the first lockdown. The bustling city turned into a ghost town and Richard not only felt the financial hit as work dried up, but also his beloved nights out were now outlawed. “It felt like a personal attack,” he tells me. “I’d spent my working life building a business and a lifestyle only to see it taken away. London changed completely. Social distancing and everyone wearing masks was the greyest, most terrifying sight.”

Richard initially left for Antibes in the south of France, but he found even exclusive Mediterranean beauty spots get locked down. So, when a former girlfriend called to tell him what a great time she was having on the beautiful – and lockdown-free – Zanzibar Island, he flew out to join her.

Arrival

There was a period of adjustment on arrival. Zanzibar was one of the first places in the world to open its borders to tourists in June 2020, but the global uncertainty meant few visitors were making the trip. While the archipelago’s main island, Unguja, had minimal social distancing laws in place, Richard found on reaching the north coast resort of Nungwi that there was still little chance of him being within two metres of anyone as, aside from his ex and an Italian singer, he appeared to be the only tourist

“It was the perfect fortunate partnership,” Richard says. “Ravi has every skill I don’t have. While I take care of the investment, marketing and acquisitions, he has over 10 years’ building experience on major projects in Tanzania.”

there. Still, as he says, the beaches were “off the charts beautiful” and he cherished the return of his freedom.

Wanting to extend his stay in this paradise, Richard launched a shortlived career as a crypto trader. “I had some digital currency and thought I could live on the beach trading,” he says. “Turns out I wasn’t very good. I was just guessing.”

Instead, he returned to what he knew, drawing on his 17 years selling luxury homes to see the potential for his own property empire, Shivo Tanzania, among the kilometres of idyllic beachside plots on the island. The idea took shape after a business meeting in Dar es Salaam with Raveendran ‘Ravi’ Jayaram, the head of Tanzanian construction company Floton

Africa. Together they began working on four tropical village villa holiday complexes on the island.

“It was the perfect fortunate partnership,” Richard says. “Ravi has every skill I don’t have. While I take care of the investment, marketing and acquisitions, he has over 10 years’ building experience on major projects in Tanzania.”

Partnership

The pair worked together on designs for the two- and three-bedroom villas. All feature open-plan living, en-suite bedrooms, their own private pool, floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the eye-popping views and are landscaped with tropical gardens. Located beach-side or moments from the coast in Nungwi and the

south-eastern resort of Paje and with prices starting at US$ 220,000, the villas are getting snapped up fast. The first development in Paje, known as ‘Emerald One’, is almost complete with all 20 villas sold. Richard says he has “hit the sweet spot” with the Paje sites and ‘Emerald Two and Three’ are already taking reservations with 46 villas sold in total and buyers coming in from all over the world.

Richard may have left behind a comfortable living in London, but it pales in comparison to the business he has created in Zanzibar with projected sales across the four sites amounting to US$ 47 million.

Hitting the sweet spot

“There are a lot of people coming here with dreams of investing,” he says. “But you can get it wrong. With the Paje Emerald site we have struck gold with the right lot, the right place and the right design. There is a more diverse range of clients here than anywhere else. We have had buyers from Oman, Dubai, Zambia, South Africa and four from both the UK and America, including two from the Tanzanian diaspora over there.”

Early buyers were hooked with just CGI images of the villa designs, but now they can see the finished physical product with ‘Emerald One’. The site is near completion with work now focused on the villas’ luxurious interior fittings procured from around the world. “We’re buying from seven countries, which is something new here. We get our windows from Turkey, our furniture from Africa and recently we’ve been shipping pebbles from the Far East for our bath surrounds.”

Despite these exacting standards, work has moved fast with building work on all 20 Emerald One villas completed in under a year. “There have been so many unknowns,”

Richard says. “Can we really import this quality? Can we build in this timeframe? Can we get a local workforce? But it has been incredible. Every stage has been ‘can we do this? Wow, we can.’

Ravi has shipped a team here from Dar and they have worked day and night to get this done.”

Island investment

The team has found that its work has come on the front end of major investment by the Zanzibar government as it looks to tourism to boost the islands’ economy. This has only made the villas more attractive to buyers with access improved by hundreds of millions of dollars being spent on a new road network and plans to build a new international airport at Nungwi. Richard is hoping to hitch a ride on such central investment with future ventures so Zanzibar will be his home for years to come. “I’m not going anywhere,” he says. “I love the experience of life here.”

Right now, home is a rented hilltop house with sea views just outside Stone Town. The location gives him easy access to the “business environment” of the capital, Zanzibar City. “Here I can keep things

moving, meet lawyers and chase paperwork. It is good to be seen networking – it’s a trust business.”

There are plenty of opportunities to see Richard out and about as he now walks 18km every day, whether exercising the six dogs he has bought since arriving on the island or conducting meetings on the move over the phone. This daily step count has, along with a new diet of the delicious whole foods readily available on the island, left Richard in the shape of his life.

He says: “I love my daily routine. I quit drinking last year. I love the local food – loads of delicious seafood and barbecue and barely any sugar. I’m always out integrating in daily life and I feel very balanced.”

London may have returned to ‘normal’ now, but Richard has no plans to return. “I love the freedom in Zanzibar. Nobody is telling me what to do. Everyone is just out on the street getting on with it. My life feels real now.”

For more information on the villas, visit byshivo.com and to keep up with Richard’s adventures in Zanzibar go to @shivo_tanzania on Instagram

Expat entrepreneur Richard Ashby

SWAHILI PORTS, SAFARIS AND SANDY BEACHES

One of the great attractions of Tanzania is its amazing 800km coastline that offers not just unspoilt white sand beaches and dream diving opportunities, but also historic Swahili trading towns and even wildlife wonders.

Going from north to south, we begin with Azam M=arine destination Tanga. The port city has been a sought-after Indian Ocean trading post since the 16th century with first the Portuguese and then Oman occupying the region before, in the early 19th century, Germany intended it to become the capital of German East Africa. It may soon return to its trading heyday with a large port scheduled for construction and the city to become the terminus of the forthcoming East African Crude Oil Pipeline, but for now it has a sleepy seaside charm. Bicycles outnumber other vehicles on its streets – Tanga remains the only Tanzanian town where bicycle taxis operate – and

the easy pace gives visitors the opportunity to explore at leisure. Directly off-shore from the city is the mangrove-ringed with the ruins of a mosque dating back to at least the 17th century while the country’s largest and possibly most significant Swahili site is found in Tongoni, 20 km south of the city, with its extensive remains of a 15th century mosque and 40 tombs. Also worth a visit is the Amboni Caves on the outskirts of town. This network of limestone tunnels was formed about 150 million years ago and has spiritual significance to locals with its largest chambers used as shrines to a fertility god.Tanga’s coastline also provides excellent diving opportunities with 100 km of protected waters in the Pemba Channel that contain some of the rarest marine life on earth, including the once-thought-extinct ‘living fossil’ the coelacanth. For beaches, most Tanga locals head to Raskazone, which is fringed by coconut palms and mangroves, but for the region’s

best it’s worth taking an hour’s drive south to former dhow port Pangani for some gorgeous beaches and resorts as well as a step back into Swahili history.

Safari and sand

Continue south and you’ll find one of Tanzania’s newest and most unusual national parks. Saadani National Park distinguishes itself as the only coastal wildlife sanctuary of its kind on Africa’s east coast. There

Explore the historic Swahili coast

are options for boat safaris on the Wami River with plenty of hippos and crocs to spot while savannah plains are home to buffalo, elephant, leopards and lions with the big cats even known to venture onto the beach.

Saadani can be combined with time in Bagamoyo, just 44km south. Once one of the most important trading ports along the East African coast, it has – like Zanzibar Island – its own Stone Town of narrow streets and crumbling German colonial buildings. Perfect to explore on foot. Now the town is best known for its central role in preserving Tanzanian traditional arts and culture with Zawose

Saadani National Park

Music Village the place to hear Wagogo music passed on through generations and played on unique handmade instruments.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant, welcoming city that fizzes with creative energy. It is a hotbed of ideas in food, fashion and music showcased at plenty of bars, restaurants and independent stores as well as regular events such as Swahili Fashion Week.

City beaches

It’s easy to escape Dar’s bustle for the breeze and blue seas of a beach break. Even here the city is developing fast with the popular,

but scruffy sandy strip of Coco Beach now revamped with a string of excellent restaurants and night clubs that attract Dar’s cool crowd.

You can, of course, get a regular ferry service to beach-blessed island of Zanzibar (the crossing takes around 90 minutes), but just a few kilometres from the city, but a world away in atmosphere are the serene Bahari and Jangwani beaches to the north and Kipepo and Amani beach to the south. Amani means ‘peace’ in Kiswahili and that is just what you’ll find in these often-deserted paradises.

Not many visitors venture further south along the coast from Dar during their stay, but they are

rewarded with one of Tanzania’s most iridescent hidden gems. The Mtwara region has vast empty beaches such as at Mikindani Bay and some of the best snorkelling and scuba opportunities amid the pristine reefs of the Mnazi Bay Marine Park. Culture vultures will also appreciate the chance to see the world-famous woodcraft of the Makonde tribe with artisans creating dramatic masks and sculptures out of ebony wood. There are also fantastic safari options this far south with the Ruvuma River, which forms the boundary between Tanzania and Mozambique and is full of crocodiles and hippos.

Wildlife adventures

Image courtesy of Msafiri

Zawose.

PhotoPeter Bennett

IN A WORLD OF YOUR OWN

The Zanzibar archipelago is made up of more than 50 islands. The tiny, teardrop-shaped Thanda Island may well be the most beautiful of all of them. It is certainly the most exclusive with just one, admittedly huge, villa for a singlekey beach break of a lifetime situated within its own protected marine park. Jahazi gets a sneak peek at this private paradise.

Thanda Island is a teardrop of lush vegetation hemmed by castor sugar sands and cupped between Mafia and the Tanzania mainland in the tropical turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. At just 200 metres by 250 metres, the small-but-perfectly-formed island can be circumnavigated on foot in 20 minutes. If you are a guest here, every grain of sand is all yours and the glorious seclusion continues for a kilometre out to sea on all sides thanks to the protected reef of the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve that no outside vessel or diver can encroach on.

Accommodation is a sprawling luxury villa with five air-conditioned suites that open directly onto the untouched 1,100-metre private beach with additional beds available

for children. There are also two African-style ‘banda’ thatchedroof chalets on the other side of the island. Plenty of space for a once-in-a-lifetime get-together with friends.

Luxury getaway

This unique luxury getaway has been created for adventure, relaxation and total privacy and there is a dedicated hospitality team to ensure guests’ every needs are met. Like the look of the oysters growing on the rocks just out to shore? Step forward a master picker to open them for you to enjoy right there with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of the finest champagne. Fancy fine dining by candlelight on the beach, on an Arab dhow or in the wrap-around dining area with its 180-degree view of the ocean?

The head chef and his team can oblige. Want to go scuba diving, head out deep-sea fishing or go for a sunset cruise on a yacht? Toys at your disposal include the 12-metre adventure yacht Sazi, 28-foot reef runner, deep-sea fishing cat Real Magic and 10-metre Cobalt motor cruiser Island Princess, each with their own highly experienced captain and crew.

The protected waters surrounding the property are teeming with marine life and Thanda also works well as a launch point for neighbouring Mafia’s renowned diving spots from the sheltered reefs of Chole Bay –where the island has an accredited 5-star dive partner – to the deeper channels that bring opportunities to swim with the largest fish in the world, the gentle, human-friendly

Local cuisine freshly made when you want it

whale shark, that cruises here in numbers from October to February. The waters here are also home to five species of marine turtle and Thanda’s sands remain a popular breeding ground. The island’s owners, Swedish entrepreneurs and philanthropists Dan and Christin Olofsson, are committed to conservation and partner with the Tanzanian Marine Parks and Reserves Unit to preserve a healthy aquatic ecosystem here.

Sustainable stay

In 2006, the couple, who are grandparents, initially intended to buy the island – then known as Shungu Mbili – as an idyllic family getaway, but, in tandem with the Zanzibar government, began

Accommodation is a luxury villa with five air-conditioned suites – plenty of space for a once-in-a-lifetime get-together with friends

developments to promote luxury tourism and preserve marine life. The private family house became a sumptuous villa and in August 2016 the renamed Thanda – which means ‘love’ in the Zulu language –received its first paying guests. The island has gone on to become synonymous with ultimate luxury and has repeatedly been voted by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island. It has also been true to its environmentally friendly remit. Thanda is collaborating on research and conservation programmes involving sea turtles, whale sharks, and coral reefs with Tanzania Marine Parks and NGO Sea Sense. On land, all the island’s buildings have been made from

natural materials and constructed in such a way that they can be disassembled and removed off the island with no traces left behind. All electricity is generated by solar energy and there is a desalinisation plant for drinking water.

And what price, paradise? Well, a night on Thanda Island will set you back around US$ 10,000. But, that is for 10 adults and nine under-16s and includes everything you would ever want. If you are craving getting away from it all, it could be worth going all out for an unforgettable experience.

For more information, visit thandaisland.com

One of the thatched roof bandas offering beachside living

How to make your holiday unforgettable

Holidays are also known as ‘breaks’ for a reason. The best examples are a chance to break free from the normal routine and stretch your horizons. Backyard Soirée, a Tanzanian travel company, aligns its events and retreats with a mission to spark creativity and foster personal growth for every traveller. Here, founder Natalie Mgonja shares some of the elements that make a Backyard Soirée holiday truly unforgettable.

Location, location, location

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”

– Marcel Proust

At Backyard Soirée, we believe that true inspiration comes from embracing the unknown and exploring extraordinary places. We like to uncover the hidden gems of Tanzania, such as the magnificent Mkomazi National Park – a wilderness where half of its 1,500 species of flora can be found nowhere else. Venturing into new territories not only keeps you learning but also provides an invigorating energy boost.

“Do one thing every day that scares you” - Eleanor Roosevelt Take a leap into the unknown and dare to do something that gives you butterflies. We encourage you Holiday experiences

Explore a new culture through its food and music

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sameness is no fun. Try something new every day to expand your horizons and knowledge. We’re

all about turning your holiday into a real sensory treat. Our themed events are mini-trips that whisk you away to different places. Picture this: dancing to Cuban music at our Havana Nights or getting hands-on in our cooking experiences in the wild, bringing the flavours of a destination to your plate. It’s not just about the food and tunes; it’s about feeling the vibe of a place.

Adventure

to step out of your comfort zone because, let’s be honest, that’s where the real magic happens. It’s not just about facing fears; it’s also about discovering a whole new side of yourself. We firmly believe that embracing the challenge not only proves your capabilities but also brings a satisfying rush and personal growth that stays with you. So, whether it’s conquering a fear of heights or trying an activity you never thought you’d do, our adventures are tailored to make you realize the thrill and rewards of being truly adventurous.

Learn a new skill

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you” – B.B. King

You can’t beat having fun and learning new skills in beautiful surroundings. Picture this: paint and sip events where your artistic side flourishes with a canvas in one hand and a glass of your favourite beverage in the other, cookery classes that transform you into a culinary maestro, hands-on clay sculpting sessions, and

Backyard Soiree founder Natalie Mgonja

Getting handson at a Backyard Soiree cooking experience

mixology lessons that turn you into a cocktail (or mocktail) crafting pro. Whether it is learning some traditional crafts or trying salsa dancing, our retreats offer excellent opportunities to develop your skill-set free of the work-life pressures of your normal routine. These classes also provide us with the perfect self-made keepsake or a wonderful gift for someone special or to always connect you with your special holiday.

Community

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself, but a shared adventure is double the joy” – E. A. Bucchianeri

Whether you’re adventuring with loved ones or going solo, our events and retreats at Backyard Soirée are designed to be a welcoming space for everyone. Join a community of like-minded travellers and create memories and connections that will stick with you for a lifetime. Our retreats celebrate the joy of holidaying with friends and family, ensuring you make memories together. And if you’re on your own, fear not – our trips offer the perfect chance to meet new friends and build camaraderie. It’s all about fostering curiosity, togetherness, and forming connections that go beyond your usual circle.

Embrace, engage and travel with gratitude

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they

were the big things” – Robert Brault Holidays are special so make the most of them. Live in the moment and take everything in as you will never get to relive the day over. Appreciate the beauty of the world around you and the people you are lucky enough to share these moments with. Practicing gratitude in our lives makes us healthier and happier, and having these positive moments will in turn help foster positive memories once it is all over.

Slow down and feel deeply

“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you” –Deepak Chopra

Amid our busy lives, holidays offer a chance to hit the brakes, tune into our surroundings, engage with the locals, and discover hidden gems that often elude us. We take this idea to heart by taking you to remote and tranquil spots through our retreats. It’s not just about the destination but also the journey within. Our activities, from yoga and meditation to mindful crafting like paint and pottery serve as gateways to calm contemplation and mindful art therapy. These are experiences that leave a lasting effect, fostering tranquillity and introspection long after you’ve returned home from your holiday.

Give back

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the

We believe that true inspiration comes from embracing the unknown and exploring extraordinary places

world.”

- Gustave Flaubert

At Backyard Soirée, we believe in travel that leaves a lasting impact. Beyond exploration, our events are a direct contribution to Tanzania’s vibrant creative, travel and wellness community. We prioritize sustainability by partnering with like-minded companies, sourcing art supplies from local artists and supporting communities through thoughtful event locations.

When you join our events, you become a vital part of uplifting local entrepreneurs. It’s more than an experience; it’s a conscious choice to contribute to the livelihoods of those who make our community flourish. By journeying with us, you’re not just choosing a holiday experience; you’re aligning with a movement that turns every journey into a catalyst for positive change, leaving a meaningful impact on the places we visit.

More information

To book or find out more about upcoming Backyard Soirée trips and events, head to the Instagram page @backyard.Soirée or WhatsApp us +255 762 800 193.

Any other tips for a memorable trip? Let us know by emailing publishing@landmarine.com

Backyard Soiree trips and events are learning experiences

BEST ROOFTOP BARS IN DAR

Dar es Salaam’s long sultry days are made for open-air get-togethers and there’s no better place to spend them than the city’s wealth of rooftop bars. Here’s our favourites places to imbibe the commercial capital’s creative culture – and a delicious cocktail or two.

High Spirit lounge bar

Located 11 storeys up on the top floor of the IT Mall building in the heart of the city centre, it is hard to beat High Spirit for panoramic views. Suggesting this modern rooftop bar and restaurant is going to offer you serious cool points on a date night or office party. It has an excellent restaurant serving light bites and main meals with a Mediterranean flavour and the bar menu is full of nightof-your-life drinks from an assortment of premium champagne to classy cocktails, including a ginger mojito given some extra fizz from a splash of spicy Tangawizi, a ginger beer popular throughout East Africa. Weekends here put the focus on the large rooftop dance floor with DJ sets and music to the early hours, all while the city’s nighttime illuminations cascade around you.

Opening hours: 4pm until late.

SkyBar

Onomo is the largest African hotel group with 22 hotels across 13 countries on the continent. Its Dar outlet is a towering building smack bang in the middle of the city’s skyscraper-stuffed financial district and at its top is the Skybar. From its rooftop vantage point, it affords fantastic views across the city and out to the Indian Ocean. It is a wonderful spot for a sundowner after a long day in this bustling city.

Opening hours: Tuesday 4pm to 8.30pm; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 4pm to 10.30pm; Saturday 2pm to 8.30pm; Sunday 2pm to 10pm; closed Monday.

Holiday Inn Rooftop Bar and Restaurant

This bar feels like a garden in the sky with guests surrounded by lush plants. It is a little oasis 11 storeys up above the city centre. The restaurant here is open for dinner with guests getting to see the city at its most romantic with the city centre at its sparkling best with its constellation of nighttime illuminations. A special place in a special city.

Opening hours: 5pm to 1am every day.

Level 8

The five-star Hyatt Regency Kilimanjaro Dar es Salaam with its waterfront location is one of the city’s swankiest hotels and that glitz continues all the way up to the eighth floor where you’ll find Level 8, its elegant rooftop bar. It is a popular meeting point offering 360-degree views of the harbour and the city skyline. Guests can take in those sumptuous views while enjoying exotic cocktails and cool tunes. There is a live DJ on Wednesday to Sunday evenings (no cover charge) while live music acts are also brought in throughout the week.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 5pm to 1am; Sunday 4pm to 1am.

Rhapsody’s Masaki

This popular restaurant and bar is part of the top tier of the Oyster Pearl Galleria in the leafy coastal suburb of Masaki. With uninterrupted views out across to the ocean, this is one of the prime sundowner spots in the city with a delicious breeze and a happy hour so good it lasts from 5pm to 7pm to perfect the moment. The food here is also excellent with some great homemade seafood dishes as well as plenty of pizza and mishkaki. DJs get the party going over the weekend and there are also special events during the week such as salsa dancing evenings.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday noon to 11.30pm. Weekends later

DESIGNER IS A FORCE IN THE FASHION WORLD

Frivola Force is a Tanzanian fashion designer. She was named Designer of the Year at the recent Lady in Red catwalk show and here she explains to Ingrid Kim how the colourful creations of her Vola Attire brand combine her twin passions of art and fashion.

Swahili Fashion Week has had a hold over Frivola Force since she was a child. Attending as a guest she would gaze in wonder at the colourful creations paraded on the catwalk. This November she was there again, but this time as one of the competitors for the Emerging Designer award, showcasing the outfits of her own brand, Vola Attire. “I’ve been watching Swahili Week since I was 10 years old because I just love it” she says.

“I think it is a very good fashion platform in East Africa with a wide audience. I am so excited to be able to participate this year.”

Frivola launched Vola Attire in October last year and her designs are already turning heads. She was named Designer of the Year at the Lady in Red fashion show in February. The award-winning collection, she says, was inspired by the “colours and patterns” of US abstract painter Mark Rothko. “He was an artist who combined colours and patterns. love simplicity and nutritious colours like red, blue, green and yellow.”

Fashion dream

Art and fashion are Frivola’s twin loves. Though she graduated from Dar es Salaam’s Institute of Finance and Management with a degree in banking and finance, she forwent the business world to begin her working career at the city’s Rangi Gallery, which showcases work from emerging artists across Africa. Here, collaborating with the likeminded creatives, she was inspired to pursue her fashion dream. “I studied finance, but inside of me was a desire to be part of the fashion industry. At Rangi gallery I created some stuff for visual artists, which went down well. It really fuelled my ambitions. I said to myself: ‘I can do this’. I watched how artists doing their work and

I decided to start doing my own fashion brand.”

The clothes of Vola Attire –“people always find it very difficult to pronounce my name, so I came up with Vola, which is what my friends call me,” Frivola make use of traditional African fabrics, which are often upcycled from vintage garments.

“I love to use kitenge and kanga generally,” she says. “It really represents Africa. I also use batik – any patterns that speaks to my region. I don’t like disposable fashion. I upcycle a lot, modifying old cloth and making it beautiful.”

Frivola’s love of simplicity and elegance echoes that of her fashion

I said to myself: ‘I can do this’. I watched how artists doing their work and I decided to start doing my own fashion brand.

icon, Coco Chanel. “My clothes can be worn by women of any age as they are elegant and stylish. They don’t shout their style, but are simple, comfortable and fashionable and can be worn anywhere,” she says.

Frivola sees this twist on traditional African clothing increasing its influence on the fashion world.

“African fashion is growing so fast right now some of these big global fashion brands are coming here to look for inspiration. I can see African fashion dominating the world in five years or so.”

Vola Attire has taken off since its recent launch and Frivola already has plans in place to expand the

brand. “I also produce hair accessories and products such as hair bands and scrunchies,” she says.

“I also have a vision of designing shoes in future.”

Frivola is now looking to market the Vola Attire range at pop-up events beyond Tanzania’s borders.

“I’m going to participate in Nigeria Fashion Week, and I would like to sell my clothes in fashion stores over there as well as Kenya.”

As for the upcoming Swahili Fashion Week show, Frivola was not giving much away before the event, but promised something special.

“It’s a secret, but it will be very beautiful and very different.

Vola Attire on the catwalk at Swahili Fashion Week

10 ways to ease stress

Competition

A chance to win A VIP return trip from Dar to Zanzibar

How to enter

To be in with a chance of winning this prize, answer the three questions below (they are all based on features in the magazine where you’ll find the answers). Email the answers, along with a photograph of you holding Issue 9 of Jahazi on your KFF journey to competition@landmarine.org by the closing date: 9 February 2023.

Answer these three questions

In which city is Swahili Fashion Week held?

How many species of turtle are found in Zanzibar’s waters?

What is the name of the protected marine reserve that surrounds Thanda Island?

Competition terms and conditions: Prizes dependent on availability. One entry per person. Entrants must be 18 years or over. The decision of the organisers will be final. The competition is not open to employees and their relatives of Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries, Azam Marine or Land & Marine Publications Ltd. The prize does not include travel to and from destinations.

How do you like the idea of traveling between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar in VIP style and all for free? Well, that’s exactly what’s on offer in Jahazi’s prize competition this issue. Thanks to Azam Marine and KFF, one lucky winner will win a VIP return ticket from Dar ferry terminal to Stone Town port on Zanzibar Island. The journey across the Zanzibar Channel will be experienced in comfort and luxury in the catamaran’s VIP Lounge. They can relax in the

Last issue’s winner

Congratulations to Herieth Olomia. who wins a VIP return ticket from Dar to Zanzibar in comfort and luxury aboard one of KFF catamaran’s VIP Lounges

airplane-style leather seats and enjoy the great views and plenty of natural light from the surrounding floor-to ceiling windows. The winner will also enjoy free wi-fi, their own personal entertainment console with a library of films and TV programmes, complimentary drinks and snacks and – surely best of all – the latest issue of Jahazi to read at their leisure.

10 REASONS TO EXPLORE TANZANIA

Looking for your next holiday destination? Here are 10 compelling reasons why it should be Tanzania.

1Mix of the old and the new Tanzania is a fast-moving country that is fixed on an exciting future for its young population. Investment here has rocketed with 58 projects worth US$ 931.60 million approved in August this year. The commercial capital Dar es Salaam has been transformed into a sleek megalopolis with major projects such as the Tanzanite Bridge and the soon-to-be-completed Bus Rapid Transit system helping commuters navigate the city quickly and safely. Zanzibar is also undergoing an infrastructure overhaul with recordbreaking buildings in the pipeline such as Burj Zanzibar, a sustainable project set to be the world’s

tallest timber tower, and Zanzibar

Domino, a huge hotel, marina and entertainment complex to be built on a man-made island just off the north coast of Unguja (Zanzibar Island). With fast-paced growth in tech and telecommunications, Tanzania is a model of modern Africa, but it still preserves its traditions from the unchanged ways of its ancient tribes, its historic Swahili trading towns that bead the Indian Ocean coast and even all the way back to the first beginnings of the ‘Mother Continent’ at Olduvai Gorge. In its mix of the old and the new, Tanzania gives visitors an insight into the real Africa.

2

Festivals

The Tanzanian calendar is filled with celebratory events. Some are ingrained within the country’s history such as the Wanyambo Festival in January that showcases the arts and crafts of Dar es Salaam and the four-day Mwaka Kogwa festival in July and August in which Zanzibari men beat each other with banana stalks as a symbolic resolution of conflicts while the women seemingly have far more fun dressing up and singing. There are also plenty of more modern festivals that embody the country’s achievements in cinema, The Zanzibar Film Festival (ZIFF) in June; music, Sauti za Busara in February; fashion, Swahili

Fashion Week in December; and sport, The Kilimanjaro Marathon in October.

3

The leading lion destination

Not to brag, but Tanzania is home to the world’s biggest population of lions in the wild. The Serengeti has the lion’s share (sorry) with more than 3,000 but there are around 12,000 more of the big cats across the country. There are so many of them that some lions appear to adopted quirks to stand out, such as the prides of Saadani National Park who have been known to wander onto the beach and then there’s the tree-climbing lions in northern

Tanzania offers modern cities, rolling mountains, and wonderful wildlife on land and sea

Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.

4

Ecotourism

Tanzania’s dedication to conservation of its natural riches is well-known and well-established. It gazetted its first national park, the Serengeti, in 1951 and now there are 22 parks covering close to 30 per cent of the country’s land. In addition, a string of marine reserves protects the fragile coral reefs and diverse underwater life of Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago. Visitors here have plenty of opportunities to ensure their stay leaves a feather-light footprint on the delicate Tanzania ecosystem they

have come to experience. There is a large choice of safari lodges and beachside resorts that are powered by renewable energy, adhere to the country’s nationwide plastics ban, offer local, sustainable food and involve and educate the local community in ecotourism. By paying national park fees and choosing accommodation that is committed to a sustainable future through community outreach and conservation programmes, tourists can give back while travelling.

5

Find your thrills

Tanzania’s diverse terrain of valleys, plateaus, plains, mountains and beaches is there to be explored in all manner

of exciting ways. The Usambara Mountains have a cool climate that is ideal for hikes or for more of a challenge take on the steep ascent to the crater rim of active volcano Ol Doinyo Longo. Cycling options range from city tours of Dar es Salaam to mountain biking in the foothills of Kilimanjaro or through the forests of Pemba. For more off-road adventures Zanzibar has quad bikes to hire while the island’s breezy south-east coast resort Paje is the place for kite-surfing with water sports options such as kayaking, swimming with dolphins and paddle boarding are available across the archipelago. Inland water adventures include white-water rafting along the fast-flowing Rufiji river or Nile perch fishing in Lake Victoria.

6

…and chills

If you prefer a holiday that puts on pause the pressures of a busy life, Tanzania has plenty of tranquil escapes to get

away from it all. If you want to soak up some Swahili culture, but avoid the crowds of Stone Town, head to deserted beaches of Pangani in the north or Mikindani in the south. Alternatively, head to Pemba for a select group of beachside resorts cloistered in forest and only accessible by boat for some real Robinson Crusoe feels.

7

The coast is a way of life

When you’ve had your fill of swimming in the azure waters in between sunning yourself on the vanilla white sands of Tanzania’s coastal resorts, don’t forget that our coastline is a way of life to many Tanzanians and exploring will be a fascinating insight into the country. On the northern coast of Zanzibar Island, be sure to check out the boatbuilders handcrafting – not a nail is used – the wooden fishing dhows that speckle the shimmering waters. As the tide goes out also be on the

lookout for the kanga-clad women seaweed farmers wading out in the shallows to tend their crop. It’s a huge part of the blue economy here and you’ll find the aquatic superfood as a prime ingredient in a host of local beauty products sold on the islands. Fish markets are an excellent place to start the day in Tanzania. You’ll not only get to see the variety of the catch of the day, but you’ll get a feel for everyday life here amid the bustle.

8

The best tour guides –including the President!

Whether you are getting a new perspective on Tanzania’s wild landscape on a nature walk with a Maasai guide, learning the architectural heritage behind the winding streets of Stone Town from a university student or sharing the birding knowledge of a safari guide in Tarangire National Park, you’ll know the irreplaceable quality of having a local guide.

Tanzania has a vibrant tapestry of attractions

Open wide and take in Tanzania’s wildlife adventures

We like to think we have some of the best and we can now add our esteemed President Samia Suluhu Hassan to that list. In 2022 Mama Samia revealed some of her favourite places in her homeland to US journalist Peter Greenberg in the global hit television programme The Royal Tour. Her highlights included the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park as well as the school she attended while growing up in Zanzibar.

9

Kilimanjaro

In a country of superlatives, could this be the ultimate?

In Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world. Climbing to its 5,895-metre peak is an unforgettable achievement. Tanzanians have been hitting the headlines recently for some audacious ascents – including Tanga-born athlete reaching the

top in a record-breaking eight hours and 36 minutes (it takes most people between five and nine days) and Dar’s DJ Joozey, who was the first to play a gig on the top – but for most people just reaching the summit is enough. With teams of experienced local guides and plenty of prime accommodation in the mountain’s foothills to offer preand post-climb comfort, getting to the ‘Roof of Africa’ is unforgettable, but very achievable.

10

It’s a foodies’ heaven

Dishes here are an aromatic delight, infused with cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper from the ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar. You can also follow your nose to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in cafés and on most street corners. The beans – prized the world over – will be sourced from plantations in Kilimanjaro and the

Southern Highlands, which coffee connoisseurs can visit on organised tours. These fertile foothills also produce the country’s bountiful fruit and vegetables. Eating fresh and healthy food here is easy whether it’s grabbing a fresh coconut from a street seller, who will slice the top off the hirsute fruit, allowing you to drink the electrolyte-rich contents, or plates of traditional Tanzanian food piled high with vitamin-rich cassava leaves.

The permaculture power couple cultivating a sustainable future in Zanzibar

With their sustainable urban planning company, Permaculture Design, Bernadette Kirsch and her husband, Franko Goehse, are setting out to ensure Zanzibar’s rapid development progresses in harmony with nature. Permaculture

For Bernadette Kirsch the key to sustainable town-planning is a lot like maintaining a healthy romantic relationship. “Whether in love life or married life or in building a town the principles are the same: observe and interact,” she says.

The Philippines-born entomologist is living proof of this unlikely synchronicity. It was a broken heart that brought her to Tanzania, but the ensuing decade on the mainland and the Zanzibar archipelago has seen her get married and set

up sustainable urban planning company, Permaculture Design, with her husband, Franko Goehse.

The eco-couple collaborate on designs that protect, support and beautify urban developments in harmony with nature. Their work began in 2016 landscaping Fumba Town, a role model for modern affordable living designed for 20,000 residents on the southwest of Zanzibar Island, and has progressed to projects across the archipelago, such as transforming the grounds of luxury

resorts Aqua Beach Lodge, Kizikula Boutique Hotel and The Soul as well as public spaces such as the Meya Magomeni Permaculture Community Garden.

The work is guided by the principles of permaculture, which look to ‘observe’ and ‘interact’ with nature’s model of efficiency to create a framework for sustainable living. Bernadette says: “In designing living spaces we look to see how human settlements can work in harmony with nature. We fine tune how nature works to ensure maximum benefit.”

That means every plant has a place and a purpose, in fact Bernadette says each should have at least three uses that warrant its inclusion in the design. As an example of this horticultural trifecta, Bernadette brings up the pilipili doria, a tree indigenous to Zanzibar and used in many of her designs. “These trees provide shade and produce small orange berries that birds like to eat and also attract the islands’ stingless bees that are major pollinators and produce great tasting, medicinal honey.”

The husband-and-wife team’s

permaculture journey began in 2013 in Moshi, where Bernadette started working at the More Than A Drop Hospitality School for disadvantaged girls. When she had the idea to add a permaculture garden at the school, Franko, who was working as a chef at a

nearby safari lodge at the time but who Bernadette describes as “a permaculturist at heart”, turned up to help with its creation and install composting toilets.

Fumba Town

Three years later Franko was offered work at Fumba Town and Bernadette accompanied him to Zanzibar. The development’s chief executive, Sebastian Dietzold, was determined that it would be a permaculture city from the start with measures introduced such as composting and recycling almost all of its household waste and packing the plot with high-yield fruit trees.

Wanting to spread the word on the efficacy of these low-tech but effective measures to local farmers and teachers, Bernadette set up the Practical Permaculture Institute of Zanzibar, which she ran for a year before she was offered the role of landscaping manager at Fumba Town.

She also showed how permaculture can grow the community

Permaculture Design’s work at Zanzibar residential facility The Soul

The brand now also includes a beachside restaurant, Kwetu Kwenu Chill, which offers regular music and movie nights as well as a kids’ playground

as well as food with the launch of her Kwetu Kwenu (‘mine is yours’ in Swahili) farmers’ markets in Fumba Town. The markets were first introduced during the Covid pandemic to support local farmers and showcase the abundance of the islands. In three years, the weekly events have grown to involve 157 vendors with around 80 to 90 of them to be seen every Saturday.

The brand now also includes a beachside restaurant, Kwetu Kwenu Chill, which offers regular music and movie nights as well as a kids’ playground, Kwetu Kwenu Play, neighboured by a food kiosk with a cooker fired by a biodigester that runs on wastewater and plant cuttings from the site.

Fumba

Town came in at the front end of massive urban development across Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja. With Permaculture Design, Bernadette and Franko are looking to future proof these projects and the island itself by incorporating natural, sustainable spaces that harness natural resources such as water, sunlight and composting fuel.

Permaculture makeover

While development has been rampant in the past couple of years, Bernadette says most investors are aware of their environmental accountability and are keen to collaborate. “Places are going up like mushrooms,” she says, “but to my surprise more and more responsible

investors want our services.”

Some of Zanzibar’s most iconic sites are getting a permaculture makeover with Bernadette revealing a recent renovation of The Rock, the Instagram-favourite restaurant perched on top of an offshore rock on the island’s east coast.

“We turned a garbage-strewn area that was being used by diners at The Rock for parking into a tropical paradise. We just finished implementing it a month ago, planting fruit trees, spices, tamarind, avocado, limes and papayas.”

These are all endemic plants. As an expat, Bernadette says she has undergone a “steep learning curve” to familiarise herself with a new ecosystem here. She is always keen to learn more and is open to locals connecting with her to share any interesting information about endemic species.

In the meantime, Bernadette is keen to share her skills with plans to start vocational courses in schools to train a new breed of landscapers. There will also be more design projects in the future, she says, that target lower middleclass families in Dar es Salaam.

“We want to produce sustainable housing for Tanzanians who will be occupying the city in the next 10 to 20 years.”

SWEET SIXTEEN FOR SWAHILI FASHION WEEK

One of Africa’s premier fashion show returned in December, showcasing the talents of established and emerging designers on the Dar es Salaam catwalk. Sal Arsene reveals some of the new faces spreading the word on their stylish creations.

Swahili Fashion Week celebrated its sixteenth anniversary in December. The week of high fashion events, held this time at the Bravo Beach Resort in Coco Beach, Dar es Salaam, is the largest of its kind in East and Central Africa. It was founded by renowned Tanzanian fashion designer and doctor Mustafa Hassanali, who has become a leading figure in the country’s growing fashion sector.

The busy week kicks off with several seminars and lectures led by a variety of seasoned speakers. These forums aim to promote the future of East African fashion, apparel and textiles with the hope its unique craftmanship will be taken to another level by industrialization. It also gives members of the local fashion industry the important opportunity to network with potential international clientele.

The last three evenings culminate with an impressive gala of runway

shows featuring collections from designers near and far. The event is an international draw on many fronts. Runway models from Zambia, Rwanda, South Sudan and Kenya will represent other African

countries while others will come from as far as China and Russia.

Many designers are seasoned and well known in Tanzania while others are first time designers to the event. Originally from Botswana, Ugele Kimaro, of Black Cherry Designs, returned to SFW for her second appearance to showcase her new collection. “Lots of people come to this show. And because of the magnitude of the platform it helps me get recognition. Most of the customers I got were from people who had seen my collection in the last show. And this boosted my sales,” she says.

Emerging talent

But it is first time designers to the show that have the most to gain from the exposure. Jael Naliaka, chief executive of Asili By Naliaka, was born in Kenya but has lived in Tanzania for many years. “To be honest it started off as a hobby. I had just moved to Tanzania

(Top left and below) Asili By Naliaka and (above and top right) Black Cherry Designs

and I’ve always had an eye for clothes,” she says. “I bought a sewing machine and started to create sample pieces for myself. I didn’t plan on it becoming a full-time job.”

She has found the potential in Tanzania to expand and says the quality of materials and production here are impressive. She says: “I have an advantage because my brand ‘Asili’ means heritage and culture. So, my designs are made from everything available locally. My Raffia bags are made from reeds I get in central Tanzania. My dresses and kimonos are made from kanga I purchase in Zanzibar. So there would be a difference if I’d done this in Kenya because I wouldn’t be able to source those materials.”

International exposure

This may be her first time showing her collection at SFW but she is no newcomer to the business. “I’ve been designing for about four years, but I decided to push myself more professionally about two years ago. And my collections have been seen on the runway three times.” She is also well aware of the exposure SFW will give her as it attracts not only the Tanzanian market but also international clients. “I personally know a designer who started in SFW and now she is very successful! So yes, I’m very excited about what lays ahead for me.”

Sixteen years ago when SFW launched its first show the fashion business in Tanzania was in its infancy, but times have changed and Tanzania is showing the way in Africa in a fast developing industry.

Swahili Fashion Week is an international draw on many fronts with runway models from Zambia,

Rwanda, South Sudan

and Kenya

(Right) Black Cherry Designs returned to SFW this year

The Deep Seemingly Shallow Waters: Embracing Decision-Making with Confidence

Published author and the founder of positive self-talk platform Power of Sentence Jackline Chris knows how fear can hold us backi from achieving our goals. Here she encourages us to embrace the trepidation and make brave decisions with confidence to move on in our lives.

Life presents us with moments where decisions need to be made, often appearing deceptively challenging on the surface much like the imagined depths of a pool to a novice swimmer. However, upon closer examination, we discover that these seemingly deep waters can be shallower than expected, holding promising opportunities that only require our boldness. It is during these times that we must approach decision-making with confidence, overcoming our fears and diving into the depths to navigate the waters of life.

Recently, I received an invitation from friends to swim at their apartment, which boasted a captivating view of the sea and an ocean-facing pool. I’m not much of a swimmer – my skills extend to just avoiding drowning – so I nervously took in the architectural structure of the pool, assuming that the depth of the water would increase from a shallow to a deep end. I figured that if I was going to get in the water, I would remain in the shallow part. Out of curiosity, I kept wondering how deep the water would be on the other side, and so started making my way to the deep end, holding firmly to the pool’s wall for safety. Halfway along I noticed the pool depth had not changed, I could still feel the tiles beneath my feet and this sparked my curiosity even more. “It’s not that deep here still” I thought as I continued to venture forward. Lo and behold, the pool was the same depth throughout despite my initial fears.

While I was there to have fun with my friends, I couldn’t help thinking that my trepidation about the pool extended to how I approach other things in life – for example, how I usually get frightened just before starting a certain project at

every time only to find relief when things go as planned. This eye-opening incident prompted me to share with you the valuable insights on how to navigate anxiety when embracing new opportunities:

Recognise the illusion of fear

As with the illusion of a deep and shallow pool, fear often distorts our perception of challenges, making them appear more daunting than they truly are. Acknowledging this illusion is the first step toward regaining control over our anxieties. You have got to realise fear often magnifies the difficulties we anticipate and challenge its influence on your thoughts and decision-making.

Strive to always embrace curiosity.

Curiosity played a pivotal role in my exploration of the pool’s depth. Likewise, embracing curiosity can help us approach new opportunities with a sense of wonder and openness. Instead of allowing fear to hold us back, we can channel our energy into exploring the unknown, viewing it as an exciting journey of self-discovery and growth.

Strive

to practice mindful courage.

As I cautiously approached the deep end of the pool, holding onto the wall for safety, I demonstrated a form of mindful courage. Similarly, when facing new projects or endeavours, it is essential to acknowledge our fears while consciously moving forward. Embrace a mindset that allows for calculated risks, acknowledging that growth often lies just beyond our comfort zones.

Learn from misconceptions.

The realisation that the pool’s depth remained consistent throughout taught me a valuable lesson about misconceptions. In life, we often anticipate challenges that turn out to be less daunting than we imagined. Reflect on past experiences where fear distorted your perception and learn from them. Embrace the understanding that fear may not always reflect reality and use these insights to approach future opportunities with greater confidence.

Cultivate resilience.

Acknowledging that fear often dissipates when things go as planned, it is crucial to cultivate resilience. Understand that setbacks and unexpected outcomes are part of any journey. Develop a resilient mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for growth, enabling you to adapt and find alternative paths when faced with unexpected obstacles.

Seeking support and guidance.

When navigating anxiety and taking on new opportunities, seeking support and guidance can be invaluable. Surround yourself with a network of trusted friends, mentors, or professionals who can provide encouragement, advice, and a fresh perspective. Sharing your fears and uncertainties with others can alleviate the weight of anxiety and provide valuable insights.

The pool experience served as a metaphor for the way fear can deceive us, distorting our perception of challenges. Remember, the depths of our potential can only be fully explored when we courageously step beyond the perceived safety of the shallow end.

THE BEST CALM TECH

Technology is often blamed for overstimulating us into a stressed and anxious state, but, if you use it right, it can also offer som,e effective ways to relax. Whether you want to fall asleep faster or master some meditation, here are some gadgets to help.

Moodo Air

Fragrances can have a powerful effect on altering our mood – for better or worse. Waking up to the sickly stench of last night’s takeaway is likely to make you feel like seizing your stomach rather than the day, but a room that resounds with a zesty citrus scent is sure to get you going. The Moodo Air is both a smart aroma diffuser and an air purifier so it should ensure your home’s scent inspires.

Scents come in a pack of four recyclable pods and you can load up the diffuser with all of them then tweak the scent to get the most fragrant fusion for you. Too heavy on the lavender, needs more citrus? Use the partner app to adjust the potency of each capsule – or add the Air to your smart home setup and have Alexa

Phillips Somneo Light

Getting into a habit of waking up in synch with the breaking day is a great way to reset your circadian rhythm and optimise your body’s daily sleep, activity and eating schedule. You could always do away with your curtains, but this will have you out of bed before five as the sun streams in and will bring an intimacy with your neighbours that neither of you want. The alternative? Use this bedside sunlight simulator. Set the time you want wake up and once it is reached the Somneo will begin to bathe your room in natural light. Colour shades gradually grow from soft orange to brighter white, gently telling your body it’s time to rise and shine. To maximise

the ambient awakening, you can also select a natural sound – options include spa-style music, to nature sounds and even Tibetan singing bowls – to ease you from your slumber. Connect to the SleepMapper app and you’ll find environment data from the Somneo’s integrated sensor, which keeps tabs on factors such as temperature and humidity to assess whether they are impacting a good night’s sleep.

US$ 232

Where to buy: phillips.co.uk

Image: www.philips.com

create a sweet-smelling mixture for you. Pods come in complementary families of scents – such as aromatherapy or spice bouquet – and through the app you can programme the diffusions timings, so your home gets a sweet smelling boost when it needs it. While many diffusers just mask offending smells – when that takeaway just won’t

go away – the Moodo’s integrated three-layer filter actively purifies the air as it scents it.

US$ 120 (plus one free capsule pack – sold separately at US$36)

Where to buy: uk.moodo.com

Image: www.fruugo.co.uk

Sensate 2

Stress activates our primal instincts. While for early man this was life-saving – I think we can all see the merit of the brain impulse: ‘see sabre-toothed tiger, hide’ – today that primitive alarm gets triggered by hundreds of innocuous irritants from traffic jams to work disagreements. Harmless on their own, these can build up to leave us feeling overpowered. What we need are some positive vibes to calm our caveman minds. Step forward The Sensate 2, an avocado-shaped vibrating stress relief device that creates a comforting hub that its website claims activates the body’s vagus nerve to calms our anxiety.

Place the Sensate 2 on your chest and these low-frequency emissions should reduce stress, promote calm and get you in a productive flow state while you lie back and relax. The accompanying app allows you to adjust the intensity of the vibrations.

US$ 366

Where to buy: getsensate.com

Image: www.biohackercenter.com

Dodow

Technology can be seen as both culprit and solution when it comes to sleep problems. Round-the-clock screentime means our minds are continuously becoming overstimulated, but wouldn’t you know it, there are gadgets to help. Sleep aid Dodow was designed by insomniacs – you have to wonder whether obsessing over the creation of something like this might be what’s keeping them awake – and comes with the claim that it can help you fall asleep in just eight minutes.

Place the small LED device on your bedside table and it projects a ring of blue light on to the ceiling that shrinks and expands. The effect is quite hypnotic. The science has it that breathing in when the light expands and out when it contracts slows the metabolism and the secretion of neurotransmitters. Basically, breathe in and chill out. You can set the length of the sessions to either eight or 20 minutes in length. Either way, Dodow will turn itself off once the time is up. Hopefully, by then you’ll be sleeping soundly.

US$ 60

Where to buy: mydodow.com

Image: www.mydodow.com

Eight Sleep Pod 3

Your body heat naturally drops in the evening to prepare itself for sleep. Around 16ºC to 18ºC is the sweet spot. However, Tanzania’s weather can play havoc with that. Sweltering evenings on the coast or chilly nights in the highlands can impact plans for a restful night. However, slip on the Eight Sleep Pod 3 to your mattress like a fitted sheet and you’ll be able to heat or cool the bed to the required temperature (with the option for different settings for either side of the bed if you and your partner run at different temperatures). The mattress also tracks your sleep without a wearable, measuring sleep stages, sleep time and heart rate. When it is time to wake up, the pod will start to quietly vibrate and warm the bed to rouse you in comfort. Each sleeper can view all their data on the accompanying app from their own phone.

US$ 2,690

Where to buy: eightsleep.com

Image: www.T3.com

Our fleet

Experience the finest, modern and swift ferry services in Tanzania

Our Catamarans

We have a fleet of eight vessels with a speed range of 25 knots up to 40 knots allowing passengers to be in Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam within 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Kilimanjaro VIII

Kilimanjaro VI

Kilimanjaro V

Kilimanjaro IV

Kilimanjaro VII

Scan the code or go to: https://qrs.ly/9pfeotd

Travel information

For further information and to book visit www.azammarine.com

Our services

Onboard hospitality services:

WiFi

Free Internet on board all our catamarans

Entertainment

Library of movies and TV shows to watch

Snacks

Enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or Juice

VIP Lounge

Luxurious Lounge Dedicated to VIP and Royal class passengers.

Need to know

Travel tips

All foreign passengers (not Tanzanian citizens) are required to carry their passports when traveling between the islands of Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. Foreign passengers are required to pay for their tickets in US$. We do however accept payments in UK Pound Sterling (GBP) and Euro (€). All other currencies are not acceptable.

Foreigners with resident permits or exemption certificates are allowed to pay for their fares in Tanzanian Shillings and will be charged the normal fares applicable for citizens. Tanzanian citizens are encouraged to carry some identification to prove their citizenship. We recommend all passengers to buy their tickets from our offices in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Pemba and from our approved travel agents throughout the country. Please do not buy tickets from people in the streets claiming to be our agents.

Ferry schedules

DAR - ZNZ

Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar 7 AM

AM

ZNZ - DAR Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam 7AM 9.30AM 12.30PM 4PM

ZNZ - PEM

Zanzibar to Pemba

7.30AM (WED, THU, SAT, SUN)

PEM - ZNZ

Pemba to Zanzibar

Permitted Luggage is 25 kgs per person. Any additional will be chargeable.

Consumption and carriage of alcoholic beverages is highly restricted.

No refund policy on missed travel date or time. In case of cancellation, office should be informed at least two hours prior to departure.

Online bookings are not considered confirmed until a payment has been made.

7.30 AM (THU, FRI, SUN) 9AM (TUE)

PEM - TAN

Pemba to Tanga

2.30PM (SUN)

TAN - PEM

Tanga to Pemba

11PM (MONDAY)

Our destinations

Let

us take you to Tanzania’s coastal cities and the islands of Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam

This fast-expanding city – population four million and counting – is Tanzania’s commercial and cultural hub. Traces of Dar’s beginnings as a Zaramo fishing village can be seen at the Kivukoni front where dhows dock at dawn laden with the night’s catch for the bustling fish market, but now gleaming skyscrapers dominate the skyline. This modern metropolis rocks around the clock with a vibrant music, food and art scene, but if you prefer to relax there are a string of serene beaches in easy reach as well as the nature escapes of Pugu Hills and Mikumi National Park.

Zanzibar

Unguja, the largest island of the Zanzibar archipelago, is a treasure trove for tourists. Those who snorkel, scuba or windsurf will love its reef-protected cerulean

waters while its vibrant and unique Swahili heritage will fascinate culture vultures and its famous spices perfume the air and flavour the food. Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries delivers you to one of the island’s greatest attractions, Stone Town, the capital’s ancient port. Here you can explore its maze of bazaars, cafés, mosques and mansions that are vestiges of the island’s pivotal role in trading along the East African coast.

Pemba

As its Arabic name, which translates as “the green island”, suggests, Pemba has a lush landscape, combining the cultivated and the wild. There are plantations of banana, coconut and cloves as well as expanses of mangrove forest. With far fewer hotels than its Zanzibar big brother Unguja, 80 km south, it provides an exclusive escape for the adventurous traveller with remote attractions including the dense canopy of monkey-magnet Ngezi Forest and the private paradises of isolated sandbanks. Its white sand beaches are ringed on all sides by coral reefs which offer some of east Africa’s best snorkelling and diving – with marine life including humpback whales in July and August.

Tanga

When its sisal farming was in full flight, Tanga was earmarked as the capital of Tanzania, but it now offers more low-key charms. It still has a busy port – the second largest in the country – with our ferries crossing to Pemba – and plenty of attractions for the visitor. Its history as an Arab trading post before the Germans and British vied for colonial control in its sisal

Dar es Salaam waterfront

Gideon Ikigai / Shutterstock.com

Pemba Island

heyday has left a town with some fascinatingly eclectic architecture, especially the gothic Bombo Hospital. The ocean offers great dhow sailing, there is a rich coral reef for diving enthusiasts and Tanga’s proximity to the Saadani National Park makes it the only city with a wildlife sanctuary incorporating a marine park in the region. Other nearby attractions include the Amboni Caves and the Swahili trading outpost of Pangani.

Azam Marine and Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries

Opposite St. Joseph Cathedral Sokoine Drive, PO Box 2517 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Email: info@azammarine.com www.azammarine.com

Tel: +255 22 212 3324

Tanga

Kids Corner

Join the dots to make the picture

Maze Challenge

Help the mouse find a way to get to the cheese

Which toy did the girl buy?

Caption???

Chumbe

Pemba Island

Stone Town

Tanga

Mkoani

Bagamoyo

Kibaha

Korogwe

Wete

Mkokotoni

Dar es Salaam

Pemba Island

Mkoani

Pemba Island

Zanzibar

Stone Town

Tanga

Mkoani

Bagamoyo

Kibaha

Korogwe Wete

Mkokotoni

Dar es Salaam