8 days in Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Zanzibar is a paradise on earth and now I will explain why. Here is my itinerary and many useful tips to better organize your holiday.

Budget: 1,200 euros (entrance fee excluded) Flight: Milan Malpensa - Zanzibar Kisauni (with a stopover in Kenya). Accommodation: Coral Reef Resort, located on the northeastern coast of the island. I had opted for full board, paying a total of 1,050 euros. The accommodation is quite low-budget with basic services, but there was still everything you need. I went to Zanzibar during the low season (August) and that is why the amount spent was quite low. Excursions: I bought the excursion package through the resort for the modest sum of 150 euros for 5 excursions. Each excursion includes round trip transportation from the resort and lunch. Each resort offers the excursion package.

To enter Zanzibar it is mandatory to pay 50 $ (preferably in cash) as well as another 50 $ to exit.

What to bring to Zanzibar: - sunscreen with high protection (the sun is very hot) - diving mask - coins for tips - I had brought colored pencils that I gave to the children when I went to explore the island's capital. - Medicine for those with a weak stomach (I happened to drink fresh coconut milk and then feel bad for a few hours, despite never having stomach problems)

Coral Reef Resort private beach

Excursions: 1) Tour of Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. The main attractions are the Palace of Wonders, the Arab Fort, the Anglican Church and the birthplace of Freddy Mercury. Also not to be missed is the Central Market, where you can buy handcrafted souvenirs as well as fine spices.

Central market

Homes in Stone Town

As children teach us, happiness is in the little things!

2) Spice Tour Zanzibar is renamed the spice island and this tour is really interesting to discover the culinary tradition of the island. We will visit small local farms and their plantations, including vanilla, pepper, nutmeg, cardamom and cinnamon. You will learn the beneficial properties of spices and how to use them in the kitchen. Also, on the tour you will come across a lot of villages and I couldn't resist having a laugh with these wonderful children.

I was trying to explain where Italy was compared to Zanzibar ... I don't think I succeeded!

3) Nakupenda beach and Prison Island My favorite excursion, absolutely unmissable. Nakupenda is a strip of sand that, depending on the tide, emerges from the ocean. The color of the water around the island is something indescribable in words. Lunch, based on freshly caught fish, is served on the island. The only drowback is the amount of people.

Prison Island is so named because rebel slaves were locked up here and is home to a huge colony of giant tortoises. The tour also includes a visit to the gardens of the island.

Docking point for boats on Prison Island

4) Blue Safari As the name suggests, this excursion is ideal for those who love snorkeling. The transport is a dhow, the typical Zanzibari boat. Although the seabed was at least 8 meters deep, the visibility was clear and there were tropical fish and rocks.

Dhow, typical Zanzibari boat

5) Sunset in Kendwa Kendwa is a huge beach located north of the island. From this beautiful place it is possible to admire a breathtaking sunset. I remember that, while snorkeling, I had also seen a tiny colony of starfish.

Fresh fruit basket kindly offered by the guide.

The Zanzibari reality is very different from what we are used to. The awareness of being born in the lucky part of the world is one of the many things that this journey has left me. As well as learning to appreciate the little things, be happy with little and always smile, even in the face of adversity that seems insurmountable. Seeing is believing!!

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