It’s been two years since I was in Africa — and I miss it.
The warm atmosphere, the infectious laughter in the streets, kids singing and dancing all throughout the day, the sweet taste of exotic fruits, the sun that gives you that healthy glow… I even miss the pungent smell of sweaty African armpits — or maybe not so much.
It’s a place I call home in some respects, it’s a place that makes me feel good and that lifts my spirits despite all the problems the continent is facing. Since I was feeling so nostalgic, I decided to share some photo’s of one of my favourite cities/town in Africa: Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Let’s take a stroll through the winding streets of the old town
You could consider the town a maze — of houses, boutiques, dive centres, mosques, restaurants, bazaars… The streets are narrow and the architecture is a unique blend of African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements that come together in a remarkable,  almost mystical way. I must add that most of the buildings are almost in ruins on the outside. I chose to consider it part of the charm.
I must have taken over a hundred photos of doors. The detailing is just awe-inspiring.
Should I ever design a house, I would have the door imported from Zanzibar.
And no — not just because that sounds cool!
Another wonderful sight in Stone Town — and across the island — is the people.
Kids running through the streets, playing, laughing, batting their long, lush eyelashes at you…
As for the adults?
They’re taking their time, doing their thing, living the island life…
“Endesha pole pole,†Swahili for go slowly.
A walk through town is never complete without a visit to the market.
Honestly, it’s my favourite place in any destination to roam about.
There are a couple of classic tourist attractions to visit — historical building and monuments — but it all felt a bit forced to me. I did have a quick look at some of them, but I soon realised that I’m just not that kind of tourist/traveler.
There was one monument however, that really spoke to me.
The slavery memorial, situated in the old slave market. Stone Town was one of the hot spots for spice and slave trade back in the day. The memorial doesn’t just remind us of these practices — it shows how enslaved people were sold: standing in a ditch, connected with heavy chains. It’s hard to believe that was ever reality.
Back to wondering the narrow streets… Luckily, Stone Town is relatively small, so even when you get lost, you’re never too far from where you need to be. You can always turn to a local for directions — chances are you’re no more than 15minutes away from your destination.
Or — and this is even better option — take a coffee break.
Coffee production and consumption is an ancient Zanzibari tradition. Try a cup of ‘Liberica’, a rich and spicy blend found only on this island.
I have to say, this was one of the best cups of coffee I’ve ever had! Not to be missed!
If you’re ever in Zanzibar and want to try the Liberica, this is a lovely place where you can have a few sips.
When the sun starts to set in Stone Town, it’s not time to go home yet. Sit on the beach to watch the sun go down, then keep walking until you reach the ‘ Forodhani Gardens’ — a lively food market/ open air restaurant that comes alive after dark. All sorts of skewered treats from the sea are presented to you, grilled on demand. Finish off with a glass of freshly made sugarcane juice with a squeeze of lemon. Pure bliss!
I spent four days is Stone Town — which is more than the average visitor — but I never got bored. I took things easy, walked a lot, ate and drank like a Swahili queen. The whole island has offcially made it onto my return-list.
Have you ever been to Zanzibar? Did you like Stone Town?
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