For a long time i have seen pictures of Zanzibar and it’s white sandy beaches and turqoise water so now was the time to go. It was ”on the way home from South Africa”-ish anyway. After the very hectic tourist agenda in South Africa it was fantastic to lay down in a sun chair reading a book and only movement was 10 meters to restaurant and a roll down the beach to the sea or swimmingpool. For me 4 days was enough to wind down and to feel relaxed and also enough to gain some extra kilos. But now some facts about Zanzibar!

There are 85% muslims, 4% christians and the rest being hindu and other smaller religions living on the island. There is also a small group of Masaii people from the mainland that manage hotel and restaurant security on the island as well as trading goods on the beach. Everyone live in peace and you can get married across religions - no problem. My driver was a muslim and he proudly told me he has 2 wifes and 6 kids! They can have up to 4 wifes if they want.

The main town is Zanzibar Town and Stone Town being part of Zanzibar Town and inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List.

Behind all the beautiful beaches, hotels, resort and rich marine life, Zanzibar and Stone Town has a dark history with slave trade during a period of 400 years. It started in 1600 and ended 1909. It was the Portuguese and Omanians that captured native people from East-Central Africa and brought them to Zanzibar - less risk for escapes. Children, women and men were traded but before they were sold, they were tested who was the strongest and were locked into small dungeons in darkness under the ground. People died of all sorts of diseases but those who survived and didn’t complain were sold at a high price.

In mid 19th century, England abolished slavery and they sent missionaries to Zanzibar to work for abolishing slavery. They managed and where the slave market used to take place they built a church which is used today and is part of the guided tour that I definitely recommend everyone to do when in Stone Town. It’s an incredibly cruel but interesting history that will make you walk away from the place touched to tears and with stomach pain.

This artwork is created by a Swedish artist called Clara Sörnäs and funded by several Swedish companies. It was placed to the site in the 90s.

The island has a very relaxed feeling and the downside for a person coming from a big city and used to fast pace environments - everything takes double or triple the time! It even feels as if people walk slower! But instead of getting stressed, try to get into the island mode and sit back and relax! People are friendly and helpful and on the beach you will be aproached by the beach boys and people selling goods! You will also feel that they fooled you when you negotiate prices but if it makes you feel better - you have supported a poor person who is most likely supporting a poor family!

Hakuna Matata!

Från
    Kom ihåg mig
URL

Säkerhetskod
     

Kommentar

    When you fly in to Barbados you spot the colourful houses and pristine white beaches along the west coast facing the Carribean sea. At the airport the locals meet you with steeldrum music and when you get into town it is the weed smoke smell...

   I travelled to South Africa with extremely high expectations but also with some worries over the high crime rate that everyone talks about and of course omikron. The trip wasn’t confirmed until i sat on the plane. Luckily nothing was cance...

I cannot imagine a life without any modern facilities. The masai people that are the natives in Kenya live a life the same as they have always lived. They are nomads and have cattle and goats. Some have adapted slightly to modern society and let thei...

Kenya is coffee, fast runners, safari and a country full of colours, from the red soil to masai culture. In my 4 days and 3 nights safari trip, Milton has been my private guide throughout and i now call him "Milton the Kenyan Wikipedia". I am always ...

The background of our animals are often heartbreaking and most of them have either been confiscated by the custom in the harbour or by the police and brought to Tasikoki Wildlfe Rescue Centre.   In Tasikoki we rehabilitate the animals with the ai...