The island of Zanzibar is rich in culture and history. As rich as the smell of the spices on the air.

Our CEO (Chief Experience Officer) Kambi (Shoutout for awesomeness!) took us through a spice plantation, where we learned the use and diversity of all the different spice plants that grow there. We had the option to buy some Zanzibar tea, chocolates, or if we were feeling fancy, we could get the raw version of Chanelle #5.

Part of the plantation had Coconut trees, where we were each provided our refreshing beverage, and given our plant-jewelry adornments. Kombi climbed one of the trees alongside our plantation guides, singing along to Jumbo Bwana, and the whole experience was fascinating, educational and fun.

Once finished at the planation, we continued onto the coast were we stayed at Uroa Bay Beach Resort. The all inclusive resort provided a slice of paradise, with everything you could need to pamper yourself. You could get additional services like a mani-pedi, and a message… Me being my rough and tumble self normally, I decided to splurge and get my first pedicure and a few massages. Sitting on the beach with a drink, looking out at the water and outrigger sailboats, it was a lovely little vacation from reality.

The next day was the adventure of a lifetime. In one of the local sailing vessels, our group ventured off to reefs and islands just off the coast. Having grown up sailing, the prospect of trying to find one of these boats to go out for a sail was already high on my list of things I wanted to try. Luckly, as part of the snorkeling tour with GAdventures, WE GOT TO GO SNORKELING FROM THE SAILBOAT! I was ecstatic before we put foot on the deck. We were given some loaner snorkel gear (pro tip, I usually travel with my own mask and snorkel if Im planning on snorkel/SCUBA. If you dont have room in the bag, I recommend just bringing snorkel. Its a personal sanitary thing.) Once out at the island, we could dive right in and the clear water was a magical other world of sea creatures. From the boat we were given the option to be shuttled to an island for lunch, or we could swim into shore and walk across the sandbar to the island as the tide was low. A group of us start swimming our way in to the beach. The process took us a while longer to get to the lunch station than those who shuttled, but it was worth it! Once on the beach, we navigated the shoreline and across the shallows. The ecosystem that existed even in the shallowest of water was breathtaking. Different types of starfish and crabs, even a Spanish Dancer which captivated our attention for a while.

Coming off the sandbar we walked trough the forest of boab trees and mangroves. One significant Boab was easily the largest tree that I had ever seen, and had fallen over on its side. One of the branches had taken over and continued to grow, making it look otherworldly. Of course when given the option to climb the fallen trunk, I jumped at it. A buffet of seafood and small craft vendor booths awaited us as we came out of the trail from the beach. After a delicious lunch and a bit of shopping, we walked out on the low tide beach for a distance before climbing back into the sailboat. We had favourable winds the whole way back to the dock, and as I sat there looking out at the fleets of other sailing vessels that were making their way along the horizon, I had a moment of the most wonderful ‘I’m here’ feeling.

After a couple days at the resort our tour officially came to an end, and i made my way to Stonetown to await my flight two days later. Pulling away from the resort, about 5 minutes in, I discovered the worst feeling imaginable… I had left my camera at the resort. The shuttle with people from my tour, as well as a very accommodating shuttle driver, we return and they had my camera! Once back in shuttle, I realize that the lady staff member who saved my camera had taken a selfie, and i will forever be grateful!

With a full day as a solo female traveler, Thankfully I was able to meet up with a couple people from my tour and get lunch and dinner. There was a different feeling of the city after dark, and I made sure to be back to my hotel before then. During the day, I would wander the narrow allies of vendors and food, enjoying the scenes that could only be seen on this island city. Its architecture telling its stories, its atmosphere rich with spice and salt sea-breeze.

If you are ever interested in booking a tour or travel like mine, please reach out! This trip made me want to become a travel agent so I could help people have amazing experiences. You can contact me HERE.