Zanzibar is an island where less is more. When the water is so turquoise that it looks photoshopped, or you just can’t wipe that smile off your face every time you share a ‘Jambo!’ with a local, then you know you are closer to understanding the meaning of life.

[Jambo = ‘Hello’ in Swahili, the language spoken on Zanzibar island]

Here are some important tips for traveling to Zanzibar:

1. You can get your visa at a Tanzanian consulate prior to arriving, or receive it at any of the following border points:

• Dar es Salaam International Airport
• Zanzibar International Airport
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
• Namanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya boarder point)

You can find detailed visa information here. The visa fee depends on your nationality. 

Zanzibar | © 203Challenges.com

2. Consider the seasons before you plan your trip to Zanzibar:

• The dry season or ‘winter’ in Zanzibar is from June to October – the weather is sunny and dry, and the temperature hovers around 25ºC (77ºF)
• The peak rainy season (with long rain storms) – from March to May
• The lesser rainy season (with shorter rain storms) – from November to December or the beginning of January
• The short dry season or ‘summer’ in Zanzibar – January to March

3. What clothes to take to Zanzibar: Take light clothes, but remember to pack long sleeves and trousers/skirts. These are a good idea because Zanzibar is a Muslim state, and you should take care to dress modestly. Another option is to get a large shawl (or kanga as it’s called Zanzibar) to cover your shoulders or wrap around your waist.

4. Every hotel on the island offers more or less the same tours to the best attractions in Zanzibar. If you’re traveling in a group of more than three people (or if you can make friends with other people in your hotel), feel free to negotiate with your tour operator to get a cheaper price.

Zanzibar | © 203Challenges.com

5. Take the Safari Blue tour if you are into boats, snorkeling, swimming in lagoons, hugging huuuge baobabs, feasting on seafood on the beach or basking on a sand dune in the middle of the ocean. We haggled the price of this tour down to $60 per person, but later we heard that we could have got it for as little as 50$.

6. Visit the house where Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar City. Be warned though, that this is a place for true worshipers, as there is not much to see. The house has been turned into a hotel and there’s only a small sign and a few posters for decoration. After you’ve payed homage to the Queen vocalist, continue to the old part of Zanzibar’s capital, known as Stone Town. Sit down for a cup of coffee on a terrace with an ocean view and you’ll be rewarded with a memorable sunset.

Here’s the address of Freddie Mercury’s House in Zanzibar City:

7. The fish market in Zanzibar City is one of the main attractions on the island, but this is no place for the fainthearted. The stench is horrible and some of the sights are hard to swallow (we only recommend swallowing them after they’ve been cooked). If these lines make you cringe, you’d better head to the spice stalls and skip the fish area.

8. Speak with the locals. Those who work in the tourism industry speak English fluently and, more importantly, are very friendly and open-minded. It’s a good idea to take a few small souvenirs from your country and give them to locals you’ve befriended. This is something very few tourists do, and I can assure you it will bring a broad smile to the face of your new friends.

Zanzibar hammock life | © 203Challenges.com

9. What to eat in Zanzibar: Zanzibar is a foodie’s heaven, especially if you like fresh tropical fruit (mango, pineapple, coconuts, passion fruit, etc). Fish and seafood dishes grace menus everywhere and are always delicious, but you might struggle to find proper meals if you don’t eat fish. Local beers typically consist of drinkable lagers, while the wine is usually imported from South Africa and is suitably tasty. I can thoroughly recommend trying a cocktail made of Tanzanian vodka and fresh mango juice.

Zanzibar beers | © 203Challenges.com

10. A packing list for Zanzibar:

– water shoes

– antibacterial gel or wet wipes

– mosquito repellent (but double check if it’s specially formulated to ward off tropical mosquitoes)

– beach towels

– snorkeling mask and flippers

– sunscreen with the highest available factor

– sunglasses (according to research, this is one of the most common items for travelers to forget at home)

– enough money in cash, as ATMs are scarce on the island and, due to some sketchy technology, better avoided altogether

– yellow fever vaccine (although this is not obligatory for Zanzibar)

– malaria prevention medication (there are pills you can take in advance)

Fun fact:

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. Its name is composed of zengi (the name of the local people) and barr (meaning shore). Back in 1964, the states of Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form one country, Tanzania, whose name is a clipped compound of the two former states.

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If you have traveled to East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar) , there’s a good chance you’ve heard the catchy Jambo song, and an even greater possibility that you know the lyrics by heart… But do you know when and where it was created and what inspired the lyrics? Read on for the full story.

Jambo Bwana in brief

Year released: 1982 (but it was written two years earlier)

Singer: Them Mushrooms, a band from Kenya

Title translation: Jambo Bwana (“Hello, Mister”)

Song covers: The song has been covered by numerous local and international artists, including German pop band Boney-M.

How the song became popular

The song was created in 1979 when the band leader, Teddy Harrison, was performing in a hotel in Mombasa. At the time, the band was playing covers of European hits to entertain the tourists vacationing on the Kenyan coastline. One night, while taking a break between two songs, he heard tourists trying to learn to speak Swahili and practicing words like Jambo (“Hi”), Habari gani (“How are you?”), and Hakuna matata (“No problems”). That gave him the idea to write a song with simple phrases in Swahili, which would help visitors learn the language while dancing to the band’s music. Teddy explained the story in an interview with the BBC.

The song was such a huge success that the band had to play it 20 times per night, until eventually they were offered the opportunity to record it. It became widely popular in Kenya and Tanzania, reaching platinum status in just five years.

Today, “Jambo Bwana” is a song you will hear in hotels around Kenya and Tanzania, with “Kenya” often being substituted by the name of the country you are in.

Play the song and sing following the lyrics below:

Jambo Bwana lyrics and translation

Jambo – Hi

Jambo bwana – Hi sir!

Habari gani? – How are you?

Mzuri sana – Very fine

Wageni mwakaribishwa – Visitors are welcome

Kenya yetu – Our [country] Kenya

Hakuna matata – [There are] no worries

Kenya nchi nzuri – Kenya is a nice country

Nchi ya maajabu – A beautiful country

Nchi yenye amani – A peaceful country

Kenya yetu – Our [country] Kenya

Kenya wote – All Kenyans

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Know your water

Buying bottled water all the time will add a lot to the total cost of your trip to South Africa. And yet, ‘don’t drink tap water’ is one of the rules of thumb for travelers who visit various countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. It’s definitely one of the basic safety tips for visiting Egypt. However, South Africa is much safer in this regard, at least in heavily populated areas. Tap water in cities meets the WHO standards, but you should never drink from rivers, streams, or wells unless you are 100% sure in the latter. If you set out for a hike in the wild, be sure to stock up on water purifying pills.

Be advised that South Africa is one of the countries with a severe water shortage. Many places don’t have running water at all or have only a limited amount of available water. Therefore, you should always have a hand sanitizer on you. It’s also essential to use water very sparingly while you are in the country.

Only go for legit rides

If you need to get somewhere on a taxi, use an Uber or find a certified car with a meter in it. This isn’t as much of a safety concern because South African rides are considered low-risk compared to some other parts of the continent. However, without a meter, you are most likely to get ripped off. Note that the locals love to haggle. Therefore, if you are feeling bold, feel free to try and negotiate your taxi fare beforehand.

Prepare for emergencies

Being prepared can save you in a pinch, so you need to know how to act in an emergency before you board the plane to South Africa. Start with compiling a list of contacts for emergency services in the country:

Emergency – Ambulance (10177)
Emergency – Cell phone (112)
Emergency – National (10111)

Have them on speed dial during your trip.

You also need to research hospitals and hospital protocols the foreigners need to follow to receive help. Focus on the healthcare service providers in the area you will be staying. Do not forget that you need to make several inoculations before visiting South Africa. You also need to find the best way to send money to South Africa and teach your trusted contact at home about how to use it. This way, you will be able to get money fast in case of an emergency. Money transfers can be lengthy and banks take huge fees. Therefore, finding an alternative method is essential if you want to be able to get help from home immediately.

Keep an eye on your stuff

The majority of restaurants and shops in South Africa don’t accept cards. Therefore, as a tourist, you’ll have to stock up on cash. This makes you a pickpocket magnet. The situation is made worse by the fact that travelers are easy to pick out from the crowd. They also often carry expensive tech and jewelry. If you want your valuables and money to stay safe, you need to practice ‘constant vigilance’. It’s easier to keep your stuff safe when exploring cities because you can use specialized anti-theft bags. However, when you are on the beach, there is no other way but to watch your valuables.

Stay in during the nights

South Africa is amazing and welcoming, but it’s not a 100% safe destination. To reduce the risk of having an unpleasant incident ruining your trip, avoid walking the streets at night. If you want to enjoy the local nightlife, be sure to book a trustworthy taxi to get you directly to and from the club.

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Heaven for Recreation

What Zimbali offers is a combination of beautiful outdoors and accommodating indoor facilities. When you visit this resort, you’ll have a choice of enjoying the natural wonders of this region, but also a range of recreational sports. 

Zimbali estate is home to some of the most advanced squash courts in SA, a great outdoor tennis facility, golf courses that gaze over the coast as well as numerous biking and hiking trails. If you’re an active person following a set fitness schedule, your Zimbali bookings will make you feel at home. Of course, you can always go for a swim in the ocean and enjoy the wide blue waters of KwaZulu-Natal’s beautiful coastline from up-close. 

Extreme Sports

Sometimes going for a hike simply doesn’t cut it. When it’s the adrenaline rush that you’re after, Zimbali has you covered. You can take your friends or loved ones for a quad bike ride around the beautiful coastline. Explore the awesome scenery of Zimbali and the surrounding area, all while having fun learning how to navigate terrain on a quad. This activity is available to groups both large and small, so it’s perfect for those larger family outings. 

If you’re more interested in exploring KwaZulu-Natal from the skies, there’s a micro gliding adventure available near the Zimbali estate. Soaring the skies in a glider is a great way to get that adrenaline rush going, but also witness the majestic scenery of the nearby rocky beaches and woods that overlook the ocean.

Relaxation

After a fun day of outdoor activities, you’ll probably want to come back to the resort and relax. Zimbali estate is home to incredible spa facilities staffed with experienced professionals who know how to pamper their clients. If that’s not your style, perhaps you’d have a better time enjoying a yoga class held by master yogis. Don’t worry, the classes are beginner-friendly and designed for those who haven’t yet dabbled in this healthy art, but are interested to try.

Nightlife

Once the night goes down, the entire Zimbali estate and the surrounding area start crawling with nightlife. There are bars, cafés, and restaurants offering different types of local and international cuisine. You can enjoy some fine dining, or a busy bar atmosphere and have a good time.

Zimbali Has It All

The beauty of Zimbali is in its natural wonders but also its ability to meet just about everyone’s expectations. The resort is outfitted with all kinds of attractions and facilities that will make your stay in this wonderful place a truly incredible experience. We urge you to visit Zimbali but check the surrounding area as it is teeming with interesting attractions and natural wonders.

Plan your excursion now 🙂

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There are cities around the world that managed to become the biggest, the wealthiest, the best of the best in their own country, failing to achieve only one thing – to become a capital.

And as these cities are the best of the best, they are so famous, that people frequently confuse them for capitals. Have you fallen in this trap? Check your knowledge:

Is Rio de Janeiro the capital of Brazil?

Rio de Janeiro by Agustin Diaz

If you host the biggest carnival in the world, you can’t be anything less than a capital. It’s easy to get confused when the major tourist attractions in Brazil are in Rio, too.

The actual capital of Brazil is…  Brasilia. It was a planned city that replaced Rio as a capital in 1960. Nowadays, the most populated city is neither Rio nor Brasilia but Sao Paulo.

Is Sydney (or Melbourne) the capital of Australia?

Sydney by Alex Wong

Both Sydney and Melbourne vied for the honor to be the capital of Australia.

The actual capital of Australia is… As a result, in 1908 Canberra was given the role as a compromise. It’s a planned city, like Brasilia and Washington, DC, with its architect selected following an international contest.

Is Istanbul the capital of Turkey?

Istanbul

Yes, it was until 1922, when it was known as Constantinopole.

The actual capital of Turkey is… Ankara, chosen for its central position and to distance the secular government of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk from the former Ottoman rule. Today, Ankara has a population of 5 million people, while Istanbul has more than 14 million people.

Is Toronto (or Montreal or Vancouver) the capital of Canada?

Toronto by Scott Webb

Yes, Toronto was the capital of the united Province of Canada for two brief periods in 19th century (1849-1852 and 1856–1858). And yes, Montreal used to be the capital of the Province of Canada (1844-1849). Vancouver has never been a capital of Canada. 

The actual capital of Canada is… Ottawa with three times less inhabitnats than the biggest city Toronto.

Is Zurich (or Geneva) the capital of Switzerland?

Bern, Switzerland

You may have heard of many cities in Switzerland and still its capital may have never come your way.

The actual capital of Switzerland is… Switzerland is a decentralized, federal country that has neither a president nor prime minister. So Bern is the de facto capital referred to as a federal city in Switzerland.

Is Marrakesh (or Fez or Casablanca) the capital of Morocco?

Marrakesh

In fact, both Marrakesh and Fez used to be capitals of Morocco, exchanging roles several times. Since medieval times up to the beginning of 20th century Morocco was often referred to as the Kingdom of Marrakesh. Casablanca, on the other hand, is the biggest Moroccan city today.

The actual capital of Morocco is… Rabat. It was chosen as capital by the French who arrived here in 1912 and considered Marrakesh as quite a rebellious city. When Morocco gained its independence in 1956, king Mohammed V decided to keep Rabat as the capital.

Is Johannesburg the capital of South Africa?

Cape Town

Although Johannesburg is the largest city, it couldn’t make it to any of the three capital positions available in South Africa (executive, legislative, judicial). Instead, those to win the race were…

The actual capitals of South Africa are… Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative).

Is Yangon the capital of Myanmar?

Naypyidaw, Myanmar

It was until 2006. However, few people heard the news and the majority of travelers still believe Yangon is the capital of Myanmar. At least until they visit the country and discover that…

The actual capital of Myanmar is… Naypyidaw. But don’t worry, there are even people who still haven’t heard the news that Myanmar is the new name of the country formerly known as Burma.

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Don’t forget to read our interview with Maskarm Haile here.

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Cape Town is one of the most picturesque, fascinating cities I’ve ever been to. It has wonderful weather, trendy cafes and restaurants, interesting bookstores, vibrant art galleries, and friendly people. Cape Town is also a great hub for travelers to embark on day trips to famous South African wineries along the Cape Wine Route: Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for twenty-seven years, and Cape Agulhas, where the cold Atlantic Ocean and warm Indian Ocean meet.

Cape Town also has one of my favorite beaches – Boulder Beach, where I braved a swim in the cold Atlantic Ocean just because of the southern penguins. Of course, there is also the famous Table Mountain, which can be ascended either by taking a comfortable cable car or for the more adventurous, by hiking up it. Brian and I took our time to explore and enjoy once again the incredible natural beauty of Cape Town and its surroundings.

Before heading to the border of Namibia, we decided to stop at the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern point of the African continent. The stop at the Cape Point marked the official start of my Cape to Cairo journey. It was the last time I would absorb the breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains and ocean from the top of a mountain, and walk around the lighthouse. We took the famous cable train, “Flying Dutchman Funicular,” leisurely taking in the natural beauty.

But even that gorgeous day didn’t pass without a glitch. As we came down, we stopped at the souvenir shop to buy some cookies (my idea) to celebrate the official start of my Cape to

Cairo journey. But the excitement was very short-lived. As the wind was getting strong, Brian, being the gentleman he always is, decided to bring the car closer so I wouldn’t have to walk. I was left alone with the new bag of cookies I had just opened and my windbreaker I was trying to put on. Suddenly, I felt as if someone was looking at me. Unnerved, I slowly turned to look around. As I did so, my eyes locked with those of a fullgrown male baboon. Terrified, I continued to look around and noticed that he was not alone: there were others starting to circle me. I tried to cover the cookies with my windbreaker, but before I knew it, the big baboon had darted toward me, knowing I had something in my hand. Suddenly, the cookies and my windbreaker dropped from my hand, and he was briefly distracted. Instead of coming for me, he ran to the cookies before his friends could get to them. As I stood relieved, trying to catch my breath, I noticed a tourist with a big camera taking my picture. He was obviously more intent on getting a good photo than he was in coming to my assistance. When did taking pictures become more important than saving someone’s life, I wondered?

It was a beautiful, sunny, blue-sky day, and I was ready to leave South Africa. Our travels in South Africa had been enjoyable. For the most part, it was a place we revisited and reminisced about while we created new memories. We had met new people, visited some amazing places, and filled the car with everything we could imagine we might need for our long journey, including stocking our first-aid box.

We were both genuinely excited. The journey was starting to feel real. I said to myself that it would feel even more real when we crossed the first border, which wasn’t too far away at that point. This is it, I thought, there is no going back!

I whispered my gratitude to the universe for everything, including the car, since it was allowing us to see places that would have been difficult to get to by hitchhiking. I was also incredibly grateful that the car afforded me the little alone time I needed after my Ethiopia trip.

The further north we drove, the more the vegetation changed. We entered the warm, dry region, a territory we had never before explored, and we had no idea what to expect.

After driving for about two hours, our car suddenly stopped without warning. Luckily there was no traffic, and Brian managed to park the car at the side of the road. We didn’t think there could be anything seriously wrong with it. We had entered the town of Springbok and thought the car had overheated because of the long drive. We used all the water we had in the car to cool it off and waited for a while, hoping it would start. It didn’t.

Deep inside, I felt a little guilty, wondering if I had somehow jinxed the car and caused it to break down by not initially wanting it. We were in the middle of nowhere; we could see only a few farmhouses in the distance, and nothing else. We tried to call the company who sold the car to us, but there was no answer. It seemed that Friday afternoon wasn’t a good time to have a breakdown at the side of the road. There was nothing much that could be done until Monday.

We managed to “push-drive” the car to one of the farmhouses. Our knock/honk was answered by a bright young Afrikaans boy who seemed shocked to see two strangers standing outside his gate. Not only that, but the strangers were a black-and-white couple, something he probably didn’t see very often.

We introduced ourselves and explained how our car had stopped in the middle of the road. The curious young man, who must have been around fifteen years old, had no idea what we were saying, but he was quick to open the gate and to help push the car inside the compound where he lived. He later told us his name was Adonis. When his old grandfather came out and found us in the compound, he didn’t share the same enthusiasm his young grandson had. He offered us water to drink—we had poured all our bottles of water on the car, hoping it would cool the vehicle and it would start.

The young man brought out his tools and started checking the car, looking very confident and seeming to know what he was doing. In the meantime, we called the AA (Automobile Association of South Africa) and asked them to send a tow truck to make sure we would be able to reach town before the garage closed for the weekend.

Our new friend, Adonis, almost banged his head on the hood of the car as he announced with one word, “Dead!” And then signaled to Brian, showing him that the engine was dead.

Of course, we didn’t believe him, or was it that some part of me felt he was right, but didn’t want to accept it? Language was a barrier, but we showed Adonis a map of Canada where we came from and, using a map of Africa, showed him where we were heading. He was clearly sad for us, confirming and reconfirming there was no way the car was getting us anywhere.

All photos courtesy of Maskarm Haile. 

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