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Where it's at
In northern Zanzibar, approximately 40 miles from Zanzibar
town, Nungwi is fast becoming a full resort set on
yet another perfect white sand beach. It's well worth the
hour to an hour and a half bus trip to get here, even if the
final approach road can be so bumpy at times, you'll cling
to anything that's firmly bolted down. Any tour operator in
Zanzibar Town can organise a minibus pick up from your hotel
to Nungwi, otherwise you can brave the overcrowded locals'
bus leaving from Darajani Market in Stone Town.
Climate
The region has two rainy seasons: the rains are
December to March, and are often accompanied by severe storms.
The short rains are November to January. The best time to
visit Zanzibar is between July and October.
Things to see and do
Swim and snorkel all day
At low tide, most Zanzibar beaches require a long hike just
for a paddle. That doesn't apply to Nungwi and neighbouring
Kendwa, though. You don't have to wear sandals or, heaven
forbid, flippers to avoid rupturing your feet on a sea urchin
en route to the water's edge. Boat captains and dive centres
will gladly arrange snorkelling and scuba trips to the technicolour
reefs around Kendwa, as well as the Pemba channel.
Get a new hairdo - or a hair don't
Even if braids are good enough for style icons like R. Kelly
and David Beckham, they're probably not going to change the
average tourist into a style icon. But that hasn't put off
the hapless western travellers on the beach getting "African
braids".
The Caribbean of Africa
They really should sell 'Zanzibar - no problem' T-shirts in
Nungwi. That's because you often hear Rasta barmen saying
"hukana mutata". The Swahili phrase for no problem
comes in handy when replying to your apologetic team mate
who's made a hash of their shot on the volleyball court.
Beach huts and bars
Eat, drink and party right on the beach. Stay in a thatched
roofed bungalows, eat the local catch at a restaurant or lounge
in a beach bar hammock. While reclining, thumb through western
fashion magazines placed thoughtfully at the bar. In the background,
funky tunes blare out from a speaker wedged in a palm tree.
Bring your own CDs as some barmen are so laid back, they might
play requests.
Dhow-builders and the turtle sanctuary
Dhow-builders, the fish market and the turtle sanctuary jolt
you back to reality, reminding you that you are still in Africa.
Granted, dhows are beautifully hand carved boats, but resist
the urge to just point and shoot with your camera. Please
ask dhow-builders if you intend to take a picture, although
further towards the lighthouse, the hawksbill turtles and
pufferfish won't mind at all if you snap away, but then you
have to pay for the privilege of entering the sanctuary. |
