Zanzibar’s Charms: A day With Jozani Forest, Stone Town’s Delights and a Rooftop Dinner

Okay, so Zanzibar! Right, the “Spice Island,” that everyone raves about, with it’s unbelievable beaches and pretty interesting history. I recently took a day to explore some different spots – Jozani Forest, Stone Town, and ended things with a pretty great dinner on a rooftop. Here’s how it all went down, you know, with some, hopefully, useful tips if you’re thinking of heading there yourself, at the end of the day.

Jozani Forest: Getting Wild With Monkeys

Alright, so first up was Jozani Forest. It’s like a natural reserve, apparently known for its Red Colobus monkeys, which, frankly, I’d never even heard of ’til then. Anyway, these primates, I want to tell you, are endemic to Zanzibar, that are found nowhere else, that I understand. Now, getting there, in some respects, took a while. The drive from the northern beaches can be long; perhaps consider this to be a half day or full day type excursion when planning for your trip. I got there early, or what I considered early – around 9 in the morning – so it wasn’t too packed with tourists, it’s almost a more pleasant experience that way. I recommend it that way.

When you arrive, that there are usually local guides near that entrance, you know, that offer their services. Honestly, getting a guide that may be useful in a way, because they know their stuff – the cool paths to walk, the interesting stuff about the animals and plants. My guide, anyway, that was named Juma, showed me all over, filling me on the behaviors and, I want to tell you, lifestyle of these quirky monkeys.

And I’m not kidding – these Red Colobus monkeys, really, are something. They’re a bit bold, basically, and very cute. That, anyway, they weren’t fazed at all by us humans and that you can get relatively close, actually, which makes for very cool photos. One even like came right up to me, or more specifically my backpack, I guess, that was like searching for food (he did not find any). So, while you’re in the vicinity be very very careful that you have nothing with you in hand that they might snatch! Aside from the monkeys, you know, the forest itself is rather fascinating. Think thick greenery, tall trees, and that just this vibe that’s so lush. Juma also showed me this mangrove swamp nearby, actually, that you can see on a boardwalk. Mangroves, apparently, are pretty interesting that as they survive in like saltwater conditions, and it’s a different type of vibe from the forest’s main area.

So, yeah, I did the Jozani Forest, at the end of the day. Is it just a walk with the monkeys? It is indeed more. This, I believe, to be just that opportunity to actually experience Zanzibar’s natural habitat first hand and learn just a bit about local flora and fauna, something worth supporting and knowing. Anyway I wrapped up Jozani, which took around like two to three hours and I hit the road for Stone Town. This also made sure I avoided any midday heats!

Stone Town: A Trip Back In Time

Now, after the forest thing, in some respects, I headed to Stone Town. What a different atmosphere this is! This city, you see, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, basically that’s almost like a maze of narrow streets and has buildings, which are all historic, that you will remember. Think heavily carved doors, tiny shops, and the aromas of spices – seriously, they’re everywhere, and it’s rather incredible.

Rather, I just started by wandering, actually, with really no plan at all. That there is the best way to soak it all up, you know, the essence of Stone Town! That you stumble upon tiny squares, look at historic buildings, and that perhaps find shops you never thought existed. As a matter of fact, the architecture really grabbed my attention. You will notice an assorted mix, a bit, that has Arab, Persian, Indian, and that touches on the European styles, that gives Stone Town its distinct type feel. Keep your eyes peeled, you know, to the doors – those intricate carvings tell stories, too, it’s almost of the families who used to reside there. They may indicate profession, religion or their social status!

You can check the pretty popular spots! So you see that you could tour the Slave Market that exists. I did not want to miss this one for certain reasons. Sobering yes. This is an important place that allows you to connect in a meaningful way and have great historical insight.

Did you know that Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar? His former home which has had renovations may provide you with insight into the beginning of this prolific man. As you continue your excursion throughout the historic town you may be surprised at the diverse buildings. Be on the lookout!

Alright, so in the mood for shopping, you know? Think colorful fabrics, interesting jewelry, plus art. Seriously that I picked up a few souvenirs – I have to say you cannot bargain at all. Stone town for most might appear hectic, I noticed. A lot happening for most tourists’ preference, right, there in Stone Town.

After roaming, really, that I needed a drink. So, what, did I do? I found this little cafe to sip a chai spice that allows me to rest my feet. I ended up talking to this local gentleman at my table. He told me Zanzibar tales! So good.

Okay, then, in some respects, by late afternoon, the heat and humidity made my fatigue come to light. This city will make your body very very very tired! Anyway I found I needed to be rested a bit so I went to my hotel to chill a little and recharge to get ready for the night time meal!

Rooftop Dinner: Food With A View

Okay, so one of my personal favorite things to do when on trips, that it involves looking for pretty special places for eating, especially when those happen to come with views, right? I sought out one rooftop spot I discovered that, anyway, boasted unbelievable scenes across Stone Town. The particular joint had great reviews! It has, like local food. As I get to the spot that I made reservations for and saw how busy it was; it affirmed just how great that the establishment truly was.

It does offer more that I just came for. Anyhow it’s all regarding the atmosphere. Sipping wine and that view, that made for one unforgettable event. With its incredible ambiance.

When the dinner came. YUM. I chose a spiced fish curry (because, I wanted to try everything). My spice cravings? Done! After dinner that you just should walk around. To enjoy nightlife right!

Tips & Tricks

Here are some handy, basically, suggestions from my recent adventure. These will make sure it goes really quite smoothly.

• Wear comfy footwear: Okay so very quite critical! So just in case! So that roaming does not have your feet be angry.
• Hydrate Seriously though I will tell you seriously to stay drinking! Seriously for health! Zanzibar heat I noticed seriously does drain you! Do bring your water, anyway, bottle.
• Regard attire: I also seriously had to tell you so. When that city gets looked at you need clothing out of respect! Do just pack things to meet this thing!
• Haggle the expenses: Here too that the market folks may add a little more costs to visitors you know! If that makes sense. Be firm when offering prices seriously though.
• Consider timing: And as I am seriously suggesting about periods: visit in the morning before the temperatures are too crazy! Very seriously. Afternoon naps so are pretty refreshing also! As I seriously felt.
• Take it gently: At the end of the day be accepting of the chaos or anything or different ways as the place has serious history.

Is This Day Trip a Good Idea?

Alright, so seriously! Yes and yes! This allows you that a blend will occur; right of natural plus cultural vibes! Whether this regards meeting some wild life. To a better food dish! Or something, that makes your tour a memorable one I found! One that you would probably write of it just like I did here.

Remember now and take joy now from its diverse views of this awesome isle seriously.