After climbing Kilimanjaro and exploring the Tanzanian safari’s, I was really looking forward to spending my last couple of days in Zanzibar. Unfortunately, Margeaux could not join me so I was going solo for the last leg of the trip. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, populated mostly by Swahilian and Islamic people. Historically, Zanzibar (specifically Stone Town) was known as the trade center during the 19th century, especially for spices and very regrettably, ivory and slaves as well.
Initially, Stone Town did not feel like a safe place to roam alone. The roads are extremely narrow, the buildings are deteriorating and there are exposed pipes and wiring overhead. Truthfully, Stone Town is charming. It was ignorant of me to assume but after my unfortunate incident in Rio de Janeiro, I tend to be overly cautious in new places. Intellectually, I understand that something could happen in my home city just as much as when I travel but it is important that solo women travelers stay alert and aware of their surroundings. For the record- the people of Stone Town were very welcoming and kind. Never judge a book by its cover 🙂
My first stop from the airport was my lodging at Ten to Ten Stone Town Zanzibar, a hostel with close proximity to all the things! I did book a private room that had a queen bed with AWESOME A/C. Really what else do you need? I wanted to keep my single night lodging in Stone Town as cheap as possible because I splurged on my Matemwe lodging. If I ever make my way back to Stone Town, I would look into the Zanzibar Coffee House and/or Emerson on Hurumzi.
Did you know that Freddie Mercury was born and raised in Stone Town, Zanzibar? RANDOM.
Walking the streets of Stone Town was a very colorful adventure. Shop after shop is filled with hand-made trinkets and souvenirs. The streets are lined with colorful spices, uniquely shaped pasta and freshly peeled oranges. Shopping became irresistible and once again, I had to buy another bag to safely transport all of my treasures back to Austin.
Ivory became a game changer in the trade world between Zanzibar, Europe and the United States. Ivory was used to make billiard balls and piano keys. It signified wealth and the US was the biggest consumer. With Zanzibar being the largest contributor of ivory, they took advantage of the current slave routes. Slaves were transported via boat between the countries and often did not make the trip. They would die below the decks from starvation, dehydration, small pox breakouts and/or other illnesses. It was expected that most consumers would lose 1/3 of their slavery purchase.
Each slave varied in worth and they were deeply examined when they reached the markets. Slave owners would poke women in the ribs, examine their mouths and finger their teeth before purchasing. Slaves that were very weak after the voyage across the Atlantic were worth almost nothing. It really was disgusting, cruel and inhumane. The slave chambers were so small and packed full that they couldn’t even stand or move. Often when it would rain, the chambers would flood and slaves would die. That is if they hadn’t already perished from starvation or suffocation.
Unfortunately, modern slavery does still exist within the world. Examples are child labor, forced marriage and descent-based slavery. It was very uncomfortable to explore the once thriving slave markets.
In the late 1800’s, Christ Church was built in place of the slave markets. Although I personally did not get a lot of information on the church, it is said that the church was built to celebrate the end of slavery.
My next stop was the Hamamni Persian Baths which are no longer in service but only cost a couple dollars to explore. The rich were the only ones to regularly partake in this service. My tour concluded with panoramic views of Stone Town from the rooftop. My guide even let me climb the cupola after discovering I had just conquered Kili, haha.
I finished the day exploring the Old Fort and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Of course I grew hungry and tried a vegetarian restaurant right next to my hostel called Krishna Food House. It was exactly what I needed after a long day of walking the town.
I got an early start to the day so I could investigate the rooftop deck at Zanzibar Coffee House. I was told by several people that the view is incredible. They weren’t lying. Practically all of Stone Town can be seen from the top. I decided to grab breakfast on the main level where I had avocado toast and BANANA COFFEE! Unique and tasty.
Sunshine Marine Lodge
Being the planner that I am, I booked my transportation services with “Zanzitaxi” before arriving to Tanzania. I was given a decent price that included transport to/from the airport and between my lodging on the island. It took over an hour to reach Matemwe so it was nice to not stress about it. I chose Sunshine Marine Lodge because I wanted a couple days of “me” time by the pool, eating and diving. Conveniently, Sunshine Marine Lodge also has their own PADI certified dive shop on site called Dive Point. I was able to complete my refresher in the pool and book a two tank dive the following day.
I couldn’t believe my room! It was the closest to the water with a breathtaking view of Mnemba island. Honeymoon suite for one, please! I really felt spoiled here with their in-room spa service, free yoga, infinity pool, bar and exquisite dinner menu.
My balcony
I believe I was the only solo traveler during my stay. I didn’t mind and I still managed to meet some really nice people. They also had two cats, Mooja and Mbilli, that hung out with me at the bar haha! Introvert animal whisperer.
The next morning, we took a small boat to the Mnemba Toll for a couple hours of diving. The early morning rain left the water slightly cloudy but it was still a great experience. I wish I had an extra day to dive again but my trip was unfortunately coming to an end. On my last day at Sunshine Marine Lodge, I enjoyed relaxing by the pool, snacking on their incredible food and soaking in the sunshine. I hated to leave that evening but home was calling.
