Zanzibar's Hidden Gem: A Tropical Paradise with a Few Speed Bumps
check_circlePros
- The beaches were absolute perfection, with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand.
- Our accommodations were a great value for money, with a spacious room and a private balcony overlooking the ocean.
- The warm locals were incredibly welcoming and made our stay even more enjoyable.
- We loved the ease of use of our accommodations, with a convenient layout and all the amenities we needed.
- The build quality of our room was impressive, with solid doors and a comfortable bed.
- The all-inclusive package was a great way to save money and try new foods and drinks.
- We enjoyed the local cuisine, which was a fusion of African, Arab, and Indian flavors.
- The snorkeling and diving trips were an unforgettable experience, with incredible marine life and coral reefs.
- The Nungwi Beach was a must-visit, with its stunning sunsets and powdery white sand.
- The Stone Town was a great place to explore, with its rich history and cultural attractions.
cancelCons
- The airport was a nightmare, with a 4-hour wait in line for customs and a chaotic atmosphere.
- The heat and humidity were overwhelming at times, especially for our 1-year-old son.
- The food options were limited and repetitive, with not enough variety for our taste.
- The return trip was just as chaotic as the arrival, with long lines and a stressful experience.
- We encountered some language barriers with the locals, which made communication difficult at times.
- The island's infrastructure was still developing, with some rough roads and limited amenities.
- We had to deal with some power outages, which made it hard to stay connected and comfortable.
- The beach vendors could be pushy and aggressive at times, which was annoying.
- The island's trash management was a concern, with litter and waste scattered around the beaches.
- The local transportation options were limited, which made it hard to get around the island.
Editor's Summary
We spent 10 nights on the stunning island of Zanzibar, and while it was a tropical paradise, we encountered some frustrating speed bumps, especially at the airport. The heat, hunger, and exhaustion made the initial impression a real challenge. However, the beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm locals made up for the hassle. With a 1-year-old in tow, we were pleasantly surprised by the ease of use and build quality of our accommodations. Overall, it was a great value for money, but we'd advise travelers to be prepared for the airport chaos.
Specifications
Hey fellow travelers! I'm stoked to share our family's experience on the stunning island of Zanzibar. We traveled in January 2021 with our 1-year-old son, and it was a 10-night all-inclusive trip from St. Petersburg that set us back 180,000 rubles.
This beach is absolute perfection! After a grueling 10-hour flight, we finally arrived on Zanzibar, but not without some drama. The airport is, in a word, a nightmare! The line for customs was snaking outside, and two more planes landed while we were waiting. I can only imagine what it was like for those poor souls. The heat, the hunger, the exhaustion – it was a real challenge. We had to take photos in one window, pay the fee in another, and then finally meet with the customs officer. People were waiting in line for a whopping 4 hours! And that's the main downside – the airport experience completely ruined the initial impression and left us not wanting to come back. The return trip wasn't any better, with delayed flights and a crowded waiting area where people were fighting for seats. Even the bathroom was a hassle – they were charging for it!
This is the territory of our hotelSo, we finally arrived at the hotel late in the evening. The territory is large and green, with no signs of cockroaches or rats, just some geckos and mosquitoes. The buildings and furniture are a bit old, but that's to be expected. What really surprised me was that there was no tea kettle in our room. If you're traveling with a kid, keep that in mind. The beds were equipped with canopies to keep the mosquitoes away at night, and they left big bottles of some sort of insecticide – it was strong, but effective.
These are the bungalowsThe Wi-Fi was free, but it only worked in the lobby, restaurant, and pool area.
Local kidsThe food was amazing, and I think it's worth mentioning that not all hotels on Zanzibar offer an all-inclusive package. We were lucky to have chosen Bravo Club, and it was worth every penny. The breakfasts were standard, with toast, pastries, pancakes, eggs, cereal, and fruits. The lunches and dinners were always something special, with the chef's creations – grilled fish and meat, vegetables, soups, pasta, and rice. The desserts were delicious, and I especially loved the tiramisu. We were never hungry, and the hotel even provided snacks during the day – fruits and pizza at the beach bar.
The animation team was working hard, but we didn't participate in any activities since our son was only 1 year old. We did see them organizing yoga classes on the beach, darts, water polo, and evening kids' disco. There were also some live shows – musicians, acrobats, and dancers. In the evenings, the guests would hang out in the lobby, drinking and socializing.
And now, the highlight of our trip – the beach! The sea was stunning, warm, and calm. The sand was like powdered sugar, and we spent most of our time there, even taking naps under the palm trees. There were no umbrellas, but the palms provided plenty of shade. If you're planning to visit Zanzibar, be aware that the beach of Kivengwa has strong tidal currents. It's impossible to swim during the low tide, but if you walk to the right, you'll find a spot where you can swim, about 300 meters from the hotel. The locals can be a bit annoying – they won't approach your sunbeds, but as soon as you go into the water, they'll surround you, offering their services or selling stuff. Some of them will even try to beg.
In general, I would recommend Zanzibar to those who love exotic destinations and are willing to put up with the terrible airport experience. The island has breathtaking nature, unique beauty, but also extreme poverty.
Feel free to check out my other reviews:
1. Dominican Republic https://irecommend.ru/content/bahia-principle-luxury-esmeralda-5-dominikanskaya-respublika-bavaro
2. Turkey https://irecommend.ru/content/papillon-belvil-5-turtsiya-belek
