Dear friends,

This will just be a short blog with scenes from Nungwi Beach at the far northern tip of Zanzibar and southwards down the west coast where we went for a day’s snorkelling. It was hot, there were blue skies and turquoise seas – your typical tropical paradise – much enjoyed although only for a mere two days.

After the visit to the Spice Farm, we continued our journey towards Nungwi enjoying a glimpse of the countryside, the small hamlets and the various modes of transport.

A traditional mudbrick and thatch house, with a newer concrete block house being constructed behind. 

Moving house, Zanzibar style.

We opted for a new hotel, Nungwi Dreams, just a few kilometres south of the main beach and township, and open since only five months. From the hotel’s rooftop bar, there were lovely views over the resort with its infinity pool and out to sea, and nearby was a charming little bar which also produced great food.

View over the resort from the rooftop bar. Lovely bright bougainvillaea growing up the walls of the rooms. 

And the view of Nungwi Dreams from the beach.

The first morning it was fresh and bright and the tide was out so perfect for a walk along the beach towards the long pier, passing fishermen and women, and enjoying a coffee on the pier.

Between the luxury hotels, there were plenty of offers for tours from beach touts and from their less than luxury offices.

Shades of grey, two fishermen making their way through the shallows out to the reef.

Plenty of shells and critters, like this well-camouflaged crab on the beach if you keep a sharp eye out. 

Looking along the length of the pier …

and my friend Yvonne enjoying a coffee at the charming little bar at the end of the pier.

With tide way out, the rocky shore is exposed and in the distance the Nungwi Lighthouse.

A closer view of the lighthouse …

 

… and the boats moored and left high and dry at low tide.  

Women walking through the shallow water and finding the right spots to catch some fish, or crabs or crustaceans. 

Sticks in hand to overturn rocks and why not carry your tin basin on your head?

A bright awning on this little boat makes a nice splash of colour between the blues of the sea and sky.

Likewise, a bright red shawl over a patterned skirt makes a beautiful contrast against the blue-green of the sea. 

Looking closely, think she’s found something interesting.

Further out, a graceful dhow sails by.

After the morning walk, a relaxed lunch and afternoon, then dinner at a local bar, Mabwe Roots, featuring Reggae music. 

A shell, a net, a rum bottle and bougainvillaea, perfect bar decoration. 

Our second and last day, we picked up a tour and joined many other tourists taking a slow boat ride to Mnemba Island, for some snorkelling, a beach walk and lunch.

The beach at Nungwi with a line of tourists wading out to one of the boats.

Other boats being readied as well.

Looking back to the shore, another view of the lighthouse.

Passing a fisherman in his canoe, the reef and hotels on the beach beyond.

Two of the crew relaxing, the anchor making a fine seatback to lean against.

Not much room for the fishermen once all the nets are on board.

After a couple of hours enjoying the boat ride and views, the island of Mnemba could be seen in the distance.

Some of the boats anchored along the sandbank of the end of the island, so their guests can snorkel on the coral reef below.

A small dhow with white sail billowing moves past the island, a perfect picture against the turquise sea.

The sea shimmering in the sun, the lone boat seemingly floating above the water, but storm clouds are gathering.

Late afternoon, we were dropped off on our beach and out boat ‘Kilomanjaro’ heads out to sea and back to Nungwi Beach.

So that’s it from out short visit to the beach in Zanzibar. For those of you in the northern hemisphere, let those blue skies and turquoise seas lift your spirits and announce that your summer days are not so far away.

My next blog will be from Madagascar where I will visit several National Parks and become acquainted with lemurs, tsingis, spiny forests, chameleons, dancing sifakas and more.