So I hope you've seen the movie Mufasa. I'm not sure what to do if you haven't heard Milele, but if you have, you'll remember the music. In Swahili, it means forever, but in the film, it refers to heaven.

The truth is that I live in Milele. I may be Indian, but my essence is Tanzanian. I grew up on the beaches of Dar Es Salaam, but every summer or holiday, I travelled to another city, the actual Milele. Zanzibar: culture, food, people, and everything.

Combining Greece, Seychelles, and the Maldives results in Zanzibar. I'll tell you about my visit to Zanzibar and explain why this undervalued island should be on your bucket list. Every visit made me cry because I did not want to leave.

Let's go on a two-night, 3-day journey.

Image Credit: Dmitry Limonov on Unsplash

Day 1

On Day 1, upon arriving in Tanzania, you’ll take a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. This journey takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the speed of the vessel; we’ll be taking the 7 a.m. ferry. While it is also possible to fly to Zanzibar, I prefer to experience it as a local.

Once we arrive in Zanzibar, the process of picking up your bags and leaving can be quite hectic. Visas are issued upon arrival.

Although you can book an all-inclusive hotel, our focus is on exploring Zanzibar, so we’ll stay in the city centre, known as Stone Town. We’ll drive to the Tembo Hotel, where you’ll check in and have a meal before heading to Prison Island. Just in front of the Tembo Hotel, you’ll find boats that operate like taxis to take you to Prison Island.

Enjoy the beautiful view, the clear water, and the sunny sky. As you approach Prison Island, be sure to look down into the water—don’t tumble off the boat! Take a moment to breathe in the scene; it feels heavenly.

Once you reach Prison Island, ascend the stairs and head to the ticket booth to enter and explore. The island houses a significant collection of Zanzibar's historical artefacts, including stories of its troubled past, from its ties to a German businessman to the convicts who were sentenced to death there. You’ll also see the residence of a British officer and have the chance to meet 250-year-old giant tortoises—perfect for photos and spending time with these gentle creatures. Additionally, look out for peacocks and young tortoises roaming around.

After you visit Prison Island, ask your boat driver to take you to Nakupenda Island, which is nearby. This place is ideal for snorkelling—it's a must-do while visiting Zanzibar. I’ve snorkelled here and seen an incredible variety of fish.

Enjoy this adventure and then return to the hotel to change and relax. In the evening, experience Zanzibar's vibrant nightlife! Avoid dining at the hotel and venture out to discover the numerous hidden restaurants and cafes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it!

Image Credit: Tasneem Abdullah on Unsplash

Take the Quiz: What stress-relieving hobby is best for you?

Most people have that one activity that brings them a sense of calm. Take this quiz if you haven't found yours yet.

Day 2

Don't freak out; make sure to reserve a taxi the night before and plan to leave at 4:30 a.m. for the dolphin trip. It takes a bit of time to get there, so you should arrive around 5:00 to 5:10 a.m. Once you arrive, get a boat, hop on, and just relax—it’s going to be an exciting adventure!

You will get to see and swim with the dolphins. The water will have a deep, dark blue hue due to its depth, so hold on tight to the boat, because it can be a rough ride. Don’t forget to bring a proper snorkelling set to swim with the dolphins; they are friendly and won’t hurt you, I promise.

Enjoy your time with them! After that, ask your boat driver to show you the best areas for snorkelling among the fish and reefs—it truly is a paradise.

Later, you can decide if you want to explore some of Zanzibar's historical sites. I recommend skipping the spice tour; it’s not worth the money. You can also engage in water activities, like meeting turtles and swimming with them in their caves.

If you're interested, you can go on a safari, but it's best to do that in the Lion King's homeland, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. In the evening, instead of staying at the hotel, venture out to explore local restaurants and cafes.

Day 3

On your final day, you will visit Stone Town, wander around, and do some shopping for keepsakes. If you are tempted to purchase the world's most famous semi-precious stone, Tanzanite, please refrain. You can get it at Dar Es Salaam's wholesale markets at a better price. Then you'll board the last ferry from Zanzibar back to Dar at 4 p.m., or whenever the next flight arrives.

Image Credit: Nichika Sakurai on Unsplash

History

The Arabs frequently traded slaves on Zanzibar. Arabs once dominated the eastern shores of African countries and profited from the trade of spices and slaves. Spices are highly real and contain very few chemicals.

We are aware of the slave trade that occurred between countries, and Zanzibar was a major centre for it. Many caverns and historical artefacts are devoted to the slaves. Zanzibar also had a Sultan, and his palace, although demolished, is another historical site to visit.

Zanzibar also has a well-known love story in which a princess fell in love with a commoner. Doesn't that seem really romantic? She fell in love with a German businessman and fled from Zanzibar, never returning. She is still remembered for her courage to this very day.

Alternative

I set you up on a tight schedule so you might experience Zanzibar's raw and authentic form. I am a local Tanzanian with a multicultural upbringing who understands all of the ways I was raised. If I ever travel, I would like to do so in this manner in order to learn the culture of the place and interact with the locals.

I mean, why not? However, I have also been at all-inclusive hotels in Zanzibar that are rated 4 or 5 stars and are quite good. Too good. Though implied by the name, the aesthetics, services, and overall element of bringing in nature are something I am willing to pay for.

They offer all of the finest water sports for you and will also set out your complete agenda.

Image Credit: Uzuri Safaris Tanzania on Unsplash

Costs

Let's talk about the prices of all these hotels, the ferry fare, and the amount you should spend on taxis. I'm not going to include flight tickets.

Hotels (2 adults, 1 child)

In Stone Town ( bed and breakfast)

• Tembo Hotel - $160 per night ( prefer this hotel if living in Stone town. Great deal)
• Park Hyatt -$5000 per night
• Maru Maru - $145 Per Night

All Inclusive Hotels out of Stone Town ( Bed and Breakfast)

• The Mora - $790 per night (One of the best hotels I have ever been to)
• The Nest Oasis Tropical Resort - $897.75 per Night
• Turkaz Beach Zanzibar - $121 per night
• Madinat Al Bahr - $268
• Le Mersenne - $310

Transport

Azam Ferry ( per person)

• Economy - $42
• Gold - $57
• Platinum - $95
• VIP Cabin ( 6 people)- $418

Taxi

Let's take the Mora and Tembo Hotel as an example. Trust me, these taxi people will hoax you.

Car Model - Alphard

• From Ferry to Tembo in a Taxi - TSH 15,000 - 20,000
• From Ferry to Mora - TSH 100,000

Tip

Please deal with a smile. When you do this, you will obtain fantastic deals. Tanzanians are really soft and emotional people; show them respect, and they will support you.

Image Credit: Crispin Jones on Unsplash

Conclusion

Zanzibar has been a wonderful part of my childhood. Tanzania is an underappreciated country with numerous layers and undiscovered beauty. Living in Tanzania is nothing short of perfection.

Our culture and people are really warm. So, if you have the opportunity, pack your bags and visit our country; we will welcome you with open arms and large smiles. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.