Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a tropical archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, known for its powder‑soft white‑sand beaches, turquoise Indian Ocean and rich Swahili culture. The main island, Unguja, blends idyllic coastline with the atmospheric, UNESCO‑listed Stone Town, where winding alleys, carved wooden doors and spice markets hint at centuries of African, Arab and Indian influence. Nearby Pemba Island offers a quieter, greener escape with superb diving and fewer crowds. Often called the “Spice Islands”, Zanzibar is perfect as a post‑safari beach stay or a standalone Indian Ocean escape, combining barefoot relaxation with character, history and flavour.

So this is where I found myself after ten days of unbelievable safari in Kenya with my daughter: exhausted, sleep‑deprived and in serious need of some R & R. As a single parent, I was briefly questioning my life choices. A ten‑day safari, moving every night and packing up at dawn, might not have been my most relaxing idea. It was incredible, but this dad desperately needed some downtime. Five days in paradise were prescribed, and Zanzibar absolutely delivered.

We stayed at Hotel La Gemma dell'Est, a truly stunning property on Nungwi’s beautiful north‑west tip of Zanzibar. The setting was idyllic, the service warm and attentive, and the food genuinely exceptional. On our first evening we watched our first Zanzibar sunset: clear water, traditional boats gliding across the horizon and a sky that shifted through every shade of gold and pink. It was one of those moments where you simply fall silent and drink it all in.

Our first full day was devoted to enjoying the hotel, pools and beach: swimming, lazing on sunloungers and simply being still for the first time in days. Bliss for dad. We had, of course, planned some activities, so there was only ever going to be one completely lazy day.

Day two took us inland on a spice farm tour. With Zanzibar’s “Spice Island” nickname, it felt only right to find out why. We wandered through lush plantations where cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and cardamom grow in abundance, guided by locals who peeled, crushed and sliced leaves and bark so we could smell and taste their secrets. Along the way we sampled exotic fruits straight from the trees and saw how everyday kitchen staples begin life in the rich, red soil. My daughter was amazed when one of our guides quite literally flew up a tree to pick fresh fruit for us. The aromas and flavours we experienced that day were incredible and a reminder of what fresh produce should really taste like.

Day three was another relaxed day at the hotel, but by day four we faced a tough choice: visit Stone Town or spend the day in the water snorkelling and trying scuba.

Stone Town is the atmospheric old quarter of Zanzibar City, a UNESCO World Heritage gem where centuries of African, Arab and Indian influence meet. A maze of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, vibrant markets and crumbling coral‑stone buildings, it feels like stepping into another time. The call to prayer drifts over rooftop terraces, spice scents linger in the air and history is woven into every courtyard and square, from the old fort and waterfront to the poignant former slave market. It sounded incredible to me and is an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the soul of Zanzibar beyond its beaches.

However, I am just Dad and, on this trip, only one vote really counted, and it certainly was not mine. The decision was made: water fun it was.

So we spent the day getting gloriously wet, exploring the clear Indian Ocean. The visibility was superb; we could see everything as we swam over vibrant coral gardens among shoals of colourful reef fish. It was a magical, shared experience that I know we will both remember for a very long time.

All too soon our short stay in paradise came to an end and it was time to pack up one last time and head home. I could happily have stayed forever: the warmth of the people, the food, and an island bursting with life and vibrancy had completely captured us. As we watched our final Indian Ocean sunset, I promised myself I would return one day and stay longer.

Zanzibar is a place that deserves to be on far more bucket lists. If this has inspired you to experience it for yourself, get in touch.