Zanzibar: Mnemba Island

This little day trip deserved its own post, mainly because of the number of photos I took. We wanted to do a bit of snorkelling, have a day out on the boat and possibly even see some dolphins. Mnemba island snorkelling tour seemed the best match and the boat picked you up from right in front of your hotel which was very convenient. The plan was to take a traditional dhow up to the reefs around Mnemba, then have lunch and a chill on on a beach on mainland and then maybe our way back for sunset.

Mnemba is a private island so you cant actually set foot on it unless you are staying in the very exclusive resort (think Bill Gates and Beyonce..), however the protected reef Mnemba Atoll around it is a divers favorite and thats where we were headed for a spot of snorkelling.

We headed off around 8am with 10 other people and it wasn't long until we bumped into some dolphins, my boyfriend is a huge fan and we were both quite excited about seeing this many! An incredible start to the day.

The water was just an unbelievable shade of blue, or more like a whole range of shades! I love the little fishing boats that are everywhere, the make the scenery even more beautiful and are of course responsible for all the lovely sea food I stuffed myself with.

I was a little bit disappointed by the snorkelling itself. There were lots of fish around but the reef wasn't very colourful. Maybe it's better for diving but both of agreed that we had seen better.

We got back on the boat and headed for lunch back to a stunning beach on the mainland. Lunch was a simple affair of tuna, rice and a cold beer.

We enjoyed a swim and taking some pictures, the water was very warm and the scenery breath taking.

Bikini Top: Calzedonia

Bikini Bottoms: New Look

Sunglasses: Rayban

We headed back happy and slightly sun burned napping on the dhow. We arrived just on time for sundown and sipped on frozen cocktails (me) and ice cold beers (him). What a perfect day! 

Zanzibar: Stone Town

I spent most of my childhood in Africa in Ethiopia and Tanzania. Africa will always have a special place in my heart and I absolutely love it there. My dad did a lot of work in Zanzibar and I have visited more times than I can remember, it never gets old and I will never get bored of it. I love the smell of cloves in the air, the beautiful, narrow streets of Stone Town, the stunning beaches and the turquoise waters, the amazingly fresh seafood and the slow pace of life.

My best friend still lives in Tanzania and she recently got married in the Ngorogoro crater. My boyfriend and I decided to make a holiday out of the wedding trip and spent 6 days in Zanzibar. We had such an amazing time so I thought I would share some of it with you. 

We spent our first night in Stone Town in a lovely hotel called Maru Maru in the center of town. The hotel had a stunning roof terrace with amazing views and it was the perfect spot for some sun downers.

Dress: Forever 21

Bag: Accessorize

Sunglasses: Rayban

Jewellery: Dubai Souk

We strolled around the streets and grabbed a bite to eat at the night market before heading over to an indian restaurant for dinner. Zanzibar is known as the spice island as they grow every spice imaginable, you are guaranteed an amazing curry!

The next day we did some exploring, a bit of shopping and general wondering around. 

Dress: Asos

Handbag: Michael Kors and Stone Town Boutique

Sunglasses: Rayban

Bracelet: URU Diamonds

We could have easily spent another day in Stone Town and it's definitely worth a visit if you are going to Zanzibar. Remember to stop off at the buzzing spice market to pick up the freshest spices for next to nothing! Stone town has gotten a lot more touristy since my last visit and in a way lost a little bit of its charm with it. Bargaining in shops is a must and you can generally get it for less than half of what they are initially asking. We said our good byes and headed up to Kendwa up on the North West coast, about an hour away from Stone Town.