My four relaxing days on Zanzibar passed quickly – made faster by the relaxed atmosphere and plenty of sleep.
The island’s historical core is Stone Town, a veritable maze of winding alleyways and narrow streets not navigable by car, though motorbikes still whip around blind corners at astonishing speed.
My first stop was the old fort, built by Omani Arabs after successfully forcing the Portuguese from the island. On the right is the so-called “House of Wonders,” which I explored a few days later.
That evening’s sunset, enjoyed over dinner and drinks, was fantastic.
I spent the next day underwater for some unspectacular diving. I’m told the best diving is on the north shore, just out of reach with my compact itinerary. The next two days I did nothing at all – a welcome break. Finally, I decided to get out and see the inside of Stone Town’s historical sites. The most impressive was the House of Wonders – built as a ceremonial palace for impressing guests. It was the first building on Zanzibar with an elevator and electricity. It’s atrium holds a museum of Zanzibari history, including a boat.
The view from the roof was fantastic – not sure if I was really allowed up there, but the door was open.
On the other side of town, the Anglican Cathedral was built atop the former slave market. It is currently being restored, but it has a memorial to the slaves who wasted through here.
Two of the holding cells are still visible, and you’re free to walk around them. This is the slightly larger women’s cell.
On a lighter note, the chapel door was picturesque.
The next day I boarded a ferry, beginning the journey that would leave the sea behind for the continent’so green interior.
