Little wooden plaque I picked up from on of the souvenier stores that pretty much sums up my time in Zanzibar. It sits at my work desk acting as a stress-buster
Hakuna Matata. I took a cab from the busy airport into the city, only to find myself stuck in traffic for what felt like hours (this is not uncommon in Tanzania). Frustrated, I asked the driver if there was another way to reach my little boutique resort faster. The local Tanzanian driver turned up the radio, rolled down the back window to let in the sea breeze, looked at me through the rearview mirror, and said calmly, “Hakuna Matata.” It was the first time I’d ever heard someone say those words outside of The Lion King, and maybe the first time I truly understood what they meant.
Whether it’s a street vendor or a luxury hotel owner, rich or poor, there’s a shared belief here: No worries, be happy, worry is pointless (Hakuna Matata)
Zanzibar, at its heart, is a beach town—offering all the usual coastal charms: a laid-back vibe, warm breezes, incredible seafood. Like every other beach town, and perhaps even more pronounced here, there’s a kind of effortless calm that everyone seems to carry.
Walking in the sea for food. While there are plenty of dining options in Zanzibar, one that truly stands out—literally—is The Rock. This unique restaurant is accessible only during low tide, when a narrow sandbar emerges, allowing visitors to walk to it. When the tide is high, however, the restaurant seems to float on the water and can only be reached by boat. I found this out the hard way: I arrived at 4 pm for dinner, expecting a leisurely walk, but by the time I finished, the sandbar was submerged, and I had to take a boat back. Timing your walk is key—you definitely don’t want to end up halfway there and need a boat for the rest of the journey
As for the food, it's absolutely worth the trip. The red or white snapper is a must-try, served with Swahili spices and a rich, coconut milk-based curry
The Rock after tide takes over, The Rock with me before the tide took over, and must try Ugali and Fish curry
Spice market picks and what not to take home. The spice market in Zanzibar offers a variety of spices to try and take home, with many shops also selling Swahili spice cookbooks featuring recipes using the spices they sell. These make for a great way to bring a part of Zanzibar back home and recreate the flavors of the city in your own kitchen
While you’re shopping for what to take back, you will inevitably come across something you aren’t allowed to take back!. It’s called ‘Durian,’ a type of custard apple with a strong and rather unpleasant odor. The fruit is banned on public transport, in hotels, and even on flights to Zanzibar, with signs featuring Durian and a big red cross plastered across many buildings and within aircraft security notices. Do not try to wing this
Spice Market
Prion island with gentle giants. Just a short trip from Zanzibar, Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, was originally used as a quarantine station for enslaved people but later became a sanctuary for the island’s famous residents—the Aldabra tortoises.
These gentle giants, some of which are over 100 years old, roam freely here. Visitors can get up close, pet them, and even feed them. I asked to hold a baby tortoise, but was told they can weigh around 120 kg on average—and so I concluded it's best to admire them from a distance. I took one of the Dhow boats to reach the island through the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean—very scenic
Stone Town, the town of Arab, African, European, and Indians. Shaped by its strategic location along the Indian Ocean, Stone Town in Zanzibar has long been a key hub for trade in spices, minerals like gold and ivory, and sadly, slaves. One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is The House of Wonders, where the Sultans once welcomed European dignitaries and exchanged goods—including slaves. The Anglican Cathedral now stands on the site of the former slave market, and a Slave Museum has been established to educate and remember. Its a fun stroll walking around Stone Town and stopping by the cathedral, the musuem and spice markets
Forodhani Gardens and Night Food Market. As the sun sets, the gardens come alive with a mix of locals and tourists strolling around. The food stalls offer a little bit of everything—juicy skewers of Zanzibar pizza (flatbread with different stuffings), fried fish, samosas, and seafood kebabs, all cooked right in front of you. You can grab a seat by the ocean and ‘dine in’ or take away for midnight munchies.
Slave Museum, and very special 'Zanzibar Pizza' from the night food market
Island hopping within the Island?. The island of Zanzibar can cater to four different types of needs, or a mix of all
The North and East parts of the island are known for their pristine beaches and luxury stays. The coastline is dotted with private resorts and upscale hotels like Baraza Resort & Spa, Melia Zanzibar, and Diamonds Star of the East (think honeymoon, romantic getaway)
The East Coast is famous for its vibrant full moon parties. Picture yourself on soft sand under a glowing moon, surrounded by palm trees with the beats of electronic dance music (EDM)? (think friendly group trips or solo trips)
The West Coast of the island is where Stone Town is located. History, bustling markets, narrow winding streets, and local cultural immersion is what you will get here (think me or any other history/cultural explorer)
The South is a quieter escape—escape to dolphin watching at Kizimkazi, or admire the coral reefs at Chumbe Island (think solace)
Closing reflection: A highly recommended stop if in Tanzania, or even Kenya on Safari- its a very refreshing change and has a mix of something for everyone, and also a spirit of Hakuna Matata you see come alive
