The next stop along the way to Zanzibarian paradise was Tanga, a city that sits on the Indian Ocean, near the border with Kenya. It is a relatively large city, but is extremely laid back with very few tourists to be seen (very few touts as a result - heavenly). Tanga was chosen in 1889 as a military post of German East Africa, and remnants of German and then British influence could be seen in the city's infrastructure and architecture. The city also had a very high Indian and bicycle population.
Jamie and I checked into a classic little Tanzanian-run hostel where we were spoiled with the world's best fried chicken and chips maiai. We toured the city and visited the Aboni Caves which are the most extensive limestone caves in East Africa and home to over 10,000 bats; one flew smack into my forehead on our way out of the cave! Our remaining days were filled with bicycling through the city, playing intense games of bao, eating fried chicken, and relaxing under the African sun.
Tight squeeze in the Aboni Caves
Zanzibar is where the real relaxation began. We enjoyed exploring the maze-like streets and fascinating history and culture of Stonetown, Zanzibar’s capital city. We also took a very interesting spice tour and visited slave caves on the island’s coast. It was my first experience in a Muslum society and it was all very interesting!
Jamie and I were growing impatient for the beach so headed to our Paje beach house. We were lying on deserted white beach sand 5 minutes later; it was heaven. Our time in Zanzibar was spent snorkelling in the coral reefs (breathtaking), wining and dining, sun burning, reading, eating, eating, eating, spice touring, and deep sea fishing (our first legitimate near-death experience!). Time has never flown so fast; however, I did manage to squeeze 2 days of food poisoning in there.
Before we knew it, it was back to reality and time to put the shoes back on and shake the sand off ourselves. From Zanzibar we made the journey back to Dar Es Salaam, where we checked ourselves into the YWCA (where we spent our very first nights in Tanzania back in May). This time around, we confidently ordered our food in swahili, and forgot about our old comfort zone. We laughed while reflecting on our first experience in Dar Es Salaam and were quite impressed with how far we had come.
Jamie and I checked into a classic little Tanzanian-run hostel where we were spoiled with the world's best fried chicken and chips maiai. We toured the city and visited the Aboni Caves which are the most extensive limestone caves in East Africa and home to over 10,000 bats; one flew smack into my forehead on our way out of the cave! Our remaining days were filled with bicycling through the city, playing intense games of bao, eating fried chicken, and relaxing under the African sun.
Tight squeeze in the Aboni Caves
Zanzibar is where the real relaxation began. We enjoyed exploring the maze-like streets and fascinating history and culture of Stonetown, Zanzibar’s capital city. We also took a very interesting spice tour and visited slave caves on the island’s coast. It was my first experience in a Muslum society and it was all very interesting!
Jamie and I were growing impatient for the beach so headed to our Paje beach house. We were lying on deserted white beach sand 5 minutes later; it was heaven. Our time in Zanzibar was spent snorkelling in the coral reefs (breathtaking), wining and dining, sun burning, reading, eating, eating, eating, spice touring, and deep sea fishing (our first legitimate near-death experience!). Time has never flown so fast; however, I did manage to squeeze 2 days of food poisoning in there.
Before we knew it, it was back to reality and time to put the shoes back on and shake the sand off ourselves. From Zanzibar we made the journey back to Dar Es Salaam, where we checked ourselves into the YWCA (where we spent our very first nights in Tanzania back in May). This time around, we confidently ordered our food in swahili, and forgot about our old comfort zone. We laughed while reflecting on our first experience in Dar Es Salaam and were quite impressed with how far we had come.
Wading along the coast of Prison Island, Zanzibar
Paje Beach
Sunset on the Indian Ocean; Coast of Stonetown, Zanzibar
Spotted a pod of dolphins during our big game fishing trip
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