Zanny in Zanzibar

Hello from Zanzibar,

The train to Gombe National Park to see Tanzania’s famous chimps turns out to be very unreliable. We learned from several locals that it could take 40 hours (the official line) or 4 days. Break downs are very regular.

So with time ticking until the end of our trip, we decided at the last minute to cut Gombe from the itinerary (just to risky) and head to Zanzibar for a few more days than planned. And boy are we happy with our choice. The island has been amazing, although a little more expense compared to recent travels. We spent four nights in wonderful Stone Town – a collision of Arab, European and African culture. The city is a little like Venice. Lots of narrow, winding alleyways, and plenty of buildings in disrepair. We arrived the night before Ramadan, so it was a little quiet, but still nice. There are a few tourist restaurants open to feed us while the sun is up, but they often have shutters closed in respect for local religion. We spent time on a spice tour and visited a national park with tons of cute monkeys. The latter made Gillian very happy.

We are now treating ourselves to four days in Kendwa, a northern beach getaway. We’ve just chilled on a big beach and spent yesterday diving some incrediable reefs. Tons of great fish and turtles.

Next we head to Losotho for some hiking than Arusha.