Imagine the following: unspoilt soft white beaches, shady green palm trees, ice blue waters, grass huts and hammocks. That is the picture of the East Coast stretch of Jambiani Beach, a postcard setting which oozes romance and mystique.
With a scattered array of bungalows, lodges and hotels, you can easily make your pick of stay, with a choice between fancy flair and special simplicity which both meet efficiency standards. We chose the latter, and nestled at the Garden Lodge in a pretty little grass bungalow. Their rates suited our pockets, because they seem to be season bound, and we were able to negotiate our price according to the amount of days we were going to stay. A good deal which also included neat a breakfast of fruit, boiled egg, chapati ( thicker, more doughy form of a pancake) and marmalade, oh and let’s not forget great coffee!
We booked in for four nights, and couldn’t imagine a better way of spending our time than on this paradise island. Days usually started off with low tide, and then we’d walk in far distances to deeper waters, finding amazing sea creatures and different coloured sea grass in puddles along the way. Feeling softest sand between our toes and gazing at surroundings so astonishingly beautiful, we sometimes had to pinch one another to remind ourselves that this was not a dream!
The snorkelling opened up another world all together. Nemo fish (clown fish), eels and lion fish to name but a few. The water is lukewarm, with cooler patches which make swimming a pleasure, not to mention clear, so your feet and underwater inhabitants are visible at all times.
Late afternoons are left for strolls along the beach, as well as swimming when the tide comes in, which happens at around 2pm daily. And then you sip a sun downer and watch the sunset while waiting for good food cooked the way you like it.
Except for the mini shops outside, no markets or likewise is found, so one has to rely on restaurant food on these beaches. But fortunately a vast variety and price range is available, so the options are there and you can eat accordingly.
Once on the other side of the fence, you can take a stroll through the village and appreciate the friendly atmosphere and welcoming manner in which you are received by the residents.
It sounds too good to be true, but believe me when I tell you that this is exactly what it is and looks like. And from what we’ve heard, there are even better and more beautiful beaches on other locations of the island.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Zanzibar, and loved its beauty and culture. It has been our greatest location so far, and we surely hope to visit again someday.
From here we’re making a move on and plan to stop off at Moshi, which is at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Catching a glimpse this well known attraction will be greatly appreciated before saying bye to Tanzania and nearing the Kenyan Border.
Accommodation rates: 23 000 TSh per bungalow per night incl breakfast.
Cheers!
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