Out of Africa, Part 3: Spice Island

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In my first two blog posts about my recent adventure in Tanzania, I described the country’s wildlife parks and safari lodges. But for an extra dose of sexiness, an African honeymoon in the savannah is best topped off with several relaxing days on the beaches of Zanzibar, located in the Indian Ocean 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast. Here’s where to dine, what to do and where to lay your head on this exotic isle.

STAY
Sweet Boutique The Matemwe Lodge & Retreat, located opposite the Mnemba Atoll, comprises 12 oceanfront bungalows and three villas built from local materials. Forget about TVs and Wi-Fi; here it’s all louvered windows, hammocks and sea breezes. A pair of Swedish sisters started the lodge in 1989, and it was mostly a backpacker hangout until Asilia Lodges & Camps recently bought it out and upped the luxe factor, adding gourmet food, massages, swimming pools and a funky bar.

Full-Service Resort Sleek and modern, the Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski Hotel is a grown-up’s playground, with an Anantara spa, three restaurants, an infinity-edge pool and a private beach club accessible by free shuttle. Garden rooms come with plush king beds, balconies, flat-screen TVs and even an outdoor shower.

Top: the white beach at Matemwe.
Middle: Metemwe’s bar, made of an old dhow boat, and a guest bed.
Bottom: My four-poster and balcony at Zamani.

PLAY
A visit to Stone Town, with its faraway blend of Arab, Indian and African cultures, is a must. Gallery Tours & Safaris’ guided walking tour takes you through its maze of streets, by centuries-old limestone houses, and past imposing Zanzibar doors — with brass studs to defend against charging elephants! Along the way, you’ll make an emotional stop at the site of the former slave trade and explore the House of Wonder, the first building to have an elevator in East Africa. There’s also time for shopping; hot items are leather sandals, beaded jewelry and woodcarvings. Gallery also offers visits to spice farms, hikes through the Jozani Forest (home of red colobus monkeys) and snorkeling with wild dolphins.

Top: Stone Town’s waterfront.
Middle: memorial at the site of the former slave trade; a studded Zanzibar door.
Bottom: scenes from Stone Town’s labyrinth-like streets.

EAT
The Swahili House offers 22 guest rooms and an open-air restaurant on the rooftop terrace. The menu combines Eastern and Western influences, lots of seafood and of course plenty of spices! Enjoy prawns masala (a local mixture of seasonings) with rice while gazing at the Swahili Coast, Indian Ocean and winding lanes of Stone Town. The building was originally an Indian merchant house in the 19th century, then was home to a Sultan family before becoming a hotel.

Me relaxing at the Swahili House just before lunch.

To plan a honeymoon that combines an exiting safari in the bush with a chill tropical escape, contact Africa Adventure Consultants.

Tags: Africa, Honeymoon Destinations