Tanzanian Tales : Zanzibar

This weekend, Kelly and I took a 2.5 hour ferry to Zanzibar! We only had 1 and a half days there, which was not nearly enough for all the things there are to do and see. We are hoping to return to Zanzibar for another weekend in the near future!

We arrived on Saturday early afternoon and spent the rest of the day on the beach relaxing, taking dips in the Indian Ocean, and admiring the views. Zanzibar is amazingly beautifully with white sand beaches and clear, turquoise water. At night, after an amazing sunset, we walked down the beach to a neighboring hotel for a beach party. I have always wanted to go to a party on the beach!! It was complete with lanterns, music, dancers/dancing, and beverages.

Yes - that is the sun

At the beach party!

Bad picture but these were the dancers at the beach party

Sunday, we took a boat to Prison Island (Changuu Island) to visit the Aldabra Giant Tortoises that live there. These specific tortoises are not native to Tanzania but were originally given as a gift from a British governor. The tortoises range in age from newborn to almost 200 years! We were able to pet them and even hold one :) After our visit to Prison Island we spent a short time exploring Stone Town. All the buildings in Stone Town are made of stone, lime, and coral and the streets are often too narrow for vehicles except motorcycles. Such a cool part of Zanzibar that we will have to spend more time at when we visit again in a few weekends!