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July 22:
Around about 1:30PM we arrived in
Zanzibar and went through the
entry requirements. Even though Zanzibar is, technically, part of Tanzania
you still have to fill out an entry/departure form and have your passport
stamped. Fighting our way throuh dock workers, hawkers and
departing/arriving tourists we got a cab to our pre-booked accommodation
at the
Shangani Hotel.
This hotel is conveniently situated in
Stonetown, almost opposite the post office. Again, it's basic, but has hot
water, en suite and television. We paid US$65.00 per night, including bed
and breakfast. We were lucky to get a room as our arrival date coincided
with the end of the annual weeklong 'Festival of the Dow' - a film, music
and arts extravaganza. We had tried to book a room at the
Clove Hotel, run by a woman
from Holland, but it was booked out. From what we understand this is a
very nice, reasonably priced hotel.
Zanzibar was packed with tourists, but this in no way detracted from its
unique appeal. It really is a most amazing place, and a must to visit. We
spent our three days wandering around Stonetown as we had visited the
northern beaches and been on a 'spice tour' during previous visits. Trips
to these places can be arranged at, say, your hotel, as staff will always
have a brother, cousin, or son who does these tours!!
We dined at 'Mercury's Restaurant' (named after the singer, Freddie
Mercury, who was born in Zanzibar, Amore Mia, the Livingstone
Restaurant and 'La Fenice', all of which have views of the
harbour and serve great food.
Lots of unusual souvenirs are available, especially with an Indian theme.
We found the best shops to be 'Memories
of Zanzibar', and 'One Way' (for t-shirts) and, for scarves
and shawls, a stand run by women, situated on the harbour foreshores on
the way to Mercury's Restaurant. Markets can also be found in the small
alleyways for which Zanzibar is so well-known.
July 25: All too soon our holiday in
Zanzibar ended. Our driver (whom we had booked on our arrival)
picked us up from the hotel and took us to the wharf to catch the 7:00am
ferry back to the mainland.
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