Steppes In Africa; A Disney-inspired Safari-B is for: Beautiful Animals, Resorts, and Restaurants (12/6)

[pkondz]

WHOA! I had no idea!!! Holy cow!

I was surprised too! I knew it could last a while, but... up to 40+ years?!?!?

I figured. I remember living in Thailand where natural materials make up a fair amount of the construction and we heard giant lizard wars (with literally screaming) every night. It was terrifying.

Yikes.
But the main vermin mentioned was... rats.

Fiji is still a bit higher on my list, but I'd definitely go to Hawaii given the chance.

Not sure if they do leis there?

For sure. And not in an altogether great way.

I guess not.

LOL!! Interesting you should mention that.... I have an entire chapter, or a lot of one on that exact subject, coming up at the end of this TR.

I think any opportunity for business is taken seriously there. Especially when it's not during high season.

Very good point. In a high poverty area, you'll jump at the chance to make a bit of coin.

OH, trust me. It was sooooo rich and spicy and flavorful.

Soooo close.

Darn!

Exactly! I want local and authentic.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Ever the intrepid traveler!! I love how brave you are! I won't even walk to the park down the street at night, and here you are traveling around and following (friendly) stranger/servers to closed dinner locations! Seriously though, look at that incredible meal you were rewarded with for your bravery! I am always so impressed.

This day sounds like it was a lovely reset before you hit the ground for more adventuring. I'm exciting to hear about what other kinds of animals are coming up next!

 

[Steppesister]

A is for: Adventuring Among the Fish
May 15, 2025​

After a wonderful day of luxurious rest, it was time to find some more adventurous activities to enjoy. I’d heard that the snorkeling is world-renowned and I wouldn’t have passed it up for anything! As you’ve probably noticed the water is about the clearest on the planet and the most sparkling blue you’ve ever seen.

(Sunrise and coffee!)​

After hours and hours of research, I found not one but two companies that run snorkel and dive tours; finding the right balance of good reviews, a reasonable price, and a good itinerary can be tough at times.

Scuba Blue Diving seemed to fit the bill and off I set to the little business location not too far away and got checked in. It was very early as tours and boat rides are dictated by the tide times. Getting up at 6:30 was a small price to pay for getting some time in nature. As with any company that takes you out, legal releases and agreements are signed. That didn’t take too long but while I was waiting for the truck to have the final equipment loaded, I made a new friend who was hanging out above me. To be sure, it was hugest Golden Orb Weaver I’ve ever seen- easily as big my hand. Honestly, the colors on her were splendid and brilliant.

​

Soon enough, the things were all loaded and the driver and I were off. On the way, we passed through small village and roadside stands selling colorful fruits and vegetables and he stopped at one to purchase my breakfast.

​

The beach where we’d launch from came into view, and was obviously one where hordes of tourists use to set out from. There were countless stalls selling over-priced knick-knacks, street foods, and clothes. My suitcase was already stuffed to bulging so didn’t purchase any. Instead, the guides who arrived 10 minutes after us and took the cooler and life vests out of the back of the truck, led me to one of the many small boats bobbing on the gentle water.

​

I climbed in and one of the 2 guides led the boat out to where it was deep enough to use the small engine. After 15 or so minutes they anchored off and I spent about 45 minutes paddling around seeing some of the most dazzling fish I’ve ever encountered. It was spectacular in the shallow reef waters and I saw dozens of varieties of tropical fish. Underwater photos are hard to get. And apparently, I didn’t bother to take any on this day’s adventure. So, instead I’m going to split up the photos from the next day’s adventure and put some here in this chapter as it was nearly identical in terms of fish.

(Powder Blue Tang)


(Moorfish Idols)


(Black-spotted Rubberlip)


(Teardrop Clams- they were enormous!)


(Red-hind Grouper)
​

But fish weren’t all that was below the surface! While I didn’t get any photos I did see some other super cool creatures. Probably the most amazing find was the Banded Sea Krait. Yes, they are deadly. No, I wasn’t scared. 1) They are not aggressive unless provoked, 2) Their teeth/fangs are very tiny and they don’t pierce human skin well and have to actually kind of “grind” to do damage, and 3) I didn’t linger too terribly long.

​

I also saw briefly a Stonefish and a Scorpion fish, also both deadly, but again, kind of boring as they just mostly sit around on the bottom.

​

What did get me though was an invisible jelly. It was not a deadly variety, like those I snorkeled amongst in Australia, but my hand did sting a bit for an hour or so afterwards.

Did I mention I bought my own new snorkel gear for this trip? Sadly, I've struggled with EVERY mask I've ever used with that spot. They either leak or bruise me.

​

Once I got out, a huge platter of fresh cut fruit was laid out on top of the cooler and I enjoyed some of it. But not bananas. Bananas are disgusting. Full stop.

​

Some local fishermen were fishing the shallow waters for barracuda, kingfish, and snapper.

​

The next part of the tour sadly, was just not fun. I guess either I hadn’t understood what the tour entailed or it wasn’t really advertised in a way that accurately gave me what happened. Apparently, there is a large sandbar just off of Mnemba Island, which is actually owned by a Bill Gates’ research entity and forbidden to go to, that is a huge tourist attraction. The guides headed that way, which was deceptively far away. The tide was VERY low and it took a long time for one of the guides to actually hand-tow our boat there (most of way, anyway). The bottom was littered with thousands of sea urchin (no exaggeration) and he had to gingerly navigate along the way. Stepping on one would be no joke.

​

We arrived at this sandbar where a fairly large crowd was walking around, but I also saw that there were a few Instagrammers doing what they do there as well. One lady in particular was absolutely disgusting. I mean, I honestly believe she and her male partner were filming chapter one of their upcoming p0rn movie. It was super gross with her no-shame posing and their totally excessive PDA. Like, folks, if you’re in a place where the culture expects a level of modesty, RESPECT THAT! Heck, I’m not really an over-the-top prude, but I wish there’d be a bit more in most places here too. Anyway, it was just super icky and after about 5 minutes I was more than ready to be headed back to shore. Had I known that this was going to be part of the tour, I’d have asked if we could just spend a bit more time out on the reef and I’d have taken another 20-minute paddle around with my tube.

​

The driver picked me back up and took me back to the Zanzibar Queen and dropped me off. With that, it was time for some more time laying by the pool. I’d had enough being in the water, so just enjoyed the nice area and relaxed. It was about 1:00 and time for lunch. A server was nearby so I ordered a Mule and a plate of samosas for a light meal. These were hands-down the best samosas I’ve ever had. They were full of delicious veggies, not just pea and potato like Indian samosa, and were nice and light. The sweet-chili dipping sauce was perfect with them! I may or may or may not have fallen asleep and dreamt of perfect samosas.

​

Around 5:30 I decided to get dressed and head down the beach to find a place for dinner. I had hoped to run across another local spot where I could get a catch of the day, but low-season means fewer options. About 15 minutes away from my own resort, though, I did find a place that was open and seemed to cater to tourists. Not exactly what I was looking for, but it fit the bill. It was built up onto a craggy outcropping and I had to follow a bit of an uneven pathway to find the entrance. It definitely had a beautiful setting and the sunset would be lovely from the open-air eating area up the stairs.

​

(Remember its name)

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While the waves gently broke on the white sand and the boats bobbed on the water below me, a server took my order and brought some bread. I chose a “drink of the day”, which was tasty, and an appetizer. Had I known it alone could have fed 3 people, I’d have foregone this. But it was very interesting! When in Rome…. right? I’d heard of, let alone had, a seafood pizza. This large masterpiece has scallops, crab, and shrimp atop an unknown, but tasty, sauce and cheese. I ate a couple of pieces while I sipped at my cocktail and listened to the somewhat noisy conversation of the group of Russians at the table to my side. To my right was a couple who were just finishing up and looked as though they might be staying at the resort that this restaurant was part of.

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Soon, my main dish came out. I really needn’t have ordered it, but how could I pass up fresh fish caught that day? I’d never heard of “Trevally” fish before, but that’s what I was told this was. It was out of this world! A simple recipe, but it didn’t need to be fancy, the fish spoke for itself.

​

I was on my way to down the beach around 8:00 stopping for pedestrians along the way.

​

I also took a few minutes to see if any night sky photos would turn out. Sadly, there was quite a bit of light pollution so they weren’t quite as good as I’d hoped. But the walk back was so nice. It was a warm, tropical evening with clear skies and gentle seas taking me back to rest. I’d only have 2 days left on this amazing trip; it was hard to believe it was all coming to and end.

​

 

[pkondz]

I’d heard that the snorkeling is world-renowned

I did not know that!

It was very early as tours and boat rides are dictated by the tide times.

Makes sense. I've never really given that much thought, but... duh!

Did you walk into her parlour? The prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy

On the way, we passed through small village and roadside stands selling colorful fruits and vegetables and he stopped at one to purchase my breakfast.

How cool is that.

There were countless stalls selling over-priced knick-knacks, street foods, and clothes.

Some things are just universal, I suppose.

(Powder Blue Tang)

Dang. Nice Tang.

(Moorfish Idols)

My favourite fish.

(Teardrop Clams- they were enormous!)

Cool!

Probably the most amazing find was the Banded Sea Krait.

That's really cool. Although I don't want to get bit by one.

Yes, they are deadly. No, I wasn’t scared. 1) They are not aggressive unless provoked, 2) Their teeth/fangs are very tiny and they don’t pierce human skin well and have to actually kind of “grind” to do damage

Um... they don't have to "grind"... they're highly venomous. One of the most venomous snakes in the world, actually. (10 times more toxic than a cobra, for instance.)
But... they rarely bite people. When they do it's often because they've accidentally been caught in fishing nets.

I also saw briefly a Stonefish and a Scorpion fish

Also venomous and also totally cool.

What did get me though was an invisible jelly. It was not a deadly variety, like those I snorkeled amongst in Australia, but my hand did sting a bit for an hour or so afterwards.

Ouch.

But not bananas. Bananas are disgusting. Full stop.

Yes, she had no bananas... she had no bananas, that day.

Apparently, there is a large sandbar just off of Mnemba Island, which is actually owned by a Bill Gates’ research entity and forbidden to go to, that is a huge tourist attraction.

I had to read that a few times... I was thinking "You can't go to it, but it's a huge tourist attraction... why?"
Then realized you meant the sandbar.

The tide was VERY low and it took a long time for one of the guides to actually hand-tow our boat there (most of way, anyway). The bottom was littered with thousands of sea urchin (no exaggeration) and he had to gingerly navigate along the way. Stepping on one would be no joke.

I also saw that there were a few Instagrammers doing what they do there as well.

Strike a pose. Vogue.

I mean, I honestly believe she and her male partner were filming chapter one of their upcoming p0rn movie.

Hopefully there weren't any kids there. Sheesh.

Cool shot.

it was time for some more time laying by the pool.

Vacationing at its finest.

a plate of samosas for a light meal.

mmmm... samosas...

These were hands-down the best samosas I’ve ever had.

Really!
Now I want some...

I may or may or may not have fallen asleep and dreamt of perfect samosas.

Like this shot.

Don't know if I'll remember Matemwe Rock Local (or maybe without the "Local") but I do like the "Now we are open" part... I sure hope on the flip side it says "And now we're not"

This large masterpiece has scallops, crab, and shrimp atop an unknown, but tasty, sauce and cheese.

Looks (and sounds) really good!

I’d never heard of “Trevally” fish before

I have.

I was on my way to down the beach around 8:00 stopping for pedestrians along the way.
[]
[/]

I hope there was a traffic light for it.

Maybe light pollution, but it's a really interesting contrast!

 

[zanzibar138]

As you’ve probably noticed the water is about the clearest on the planet and the most sparkling blue you’ve ever seen.

Haha, actually I hadn't noticed. Not a beach person.

finding the right balance of good reviews, a reasonable price, and a good itinerary can be tough at times.

I made a new friend who was hanging out above me. To be sure, it was hugest Golden Orb Weaver I’ve ever seen- easily as big my hand.

Ugh, no thank you.

The beach where we’d launch from came into view, and was obviously one where hordes of tourists use to set out from.

The weather still looks a little ominous in some of your beach photos, but obviously it cleared up.

It was spectacular in the shallow reef waters and I saw dozens of varieties of tropical fish.

Sounds like it was worth it then.

Probably the most amazing find was the Banded Sea Krait.

Yes, that looks very cool!

I also saw briefly a Stonefish and a Scorpion fish

I would have been scared of them.

What did get me though was an invisible jelly.

Ouch. Hence why I'm not a beach person.0

Once I got out, a huge platter of fresh cut fruit was laid out on top of the cooler and I enjoyed some of it.

Yum! Nothing like fresh fruit in the tropics.

The next part of the tour sadly, was just not fun.

Doesn't sound like much fun at all. Why is it such a big tourist attraction? Is there something particularly interesting about the sand bar?

One lady in particular was absolutely disgusting.

Along the same lines as not respecting privacy or safety instructions... I really wish the whole concept of 'influencers' was never invented.

A server was nearby so I ordered a Mule and a plate of samosas for a light meal.

Yum. Again, sounds like a perfect lunch in the tropics.

It definitely had a beautiful setting and the sunset would be lovely from the open-air eating area up the stairs.

Looks lovely.

I’d heard of, let alone had, a seafood pizza.

You've never heard of seafood pizza??? Pretty much every Italian restaurant in Australia that does pizza will have a seafood pizza on the menu. I don't eat it because I'm not big on seafood, but Dominos do a garlic prawn pizza that I enjoy.

It was a warm, tropical evening with clear skies and gentle seas taking me back to rest.

Sounds like the perfect end to the day.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I spent about 45 minutes paddling around seeing some of the most dazzling fish I’ve ever encountered. It was spectacular in the shallow reef waters and I saw dozens of varieties of tropical fish.

That must have been fascinating.

Did I mention I bought my own new snorkel gear for this trip? Sadly, I've struggled with EVERY mask I've ever used with that spot. They either leak or bruise me.
[][/]

I can never rent a mask that doesn't leak. It is very annoying.

Apparently, there is a large sandbar just off of Mnemba Island, which is actually owned by a Bill Gates’ research entity and forbidden to go to, that is a huge tourist attraction.

That sounds like it was a huge waste of time.

These were hands-down the best samosas I’ve ever had. They were full of delicious veggies, not just pea and potato like Indian samosa, and were nice and light.

I would much rather have veggie samosas than the standard Indian ones.

Soon, my main dish came out. I really needn’t have ordered it, but how could I pass up fresh fish caught that day? I’d never heard of “Trevally” fish before, but that’s what I was told this was. It was out of this world!

You must have been hungry when you ordered. The fish does look delicious.

 

[Steppesister]

I was surprised too! I knew it could last a while, but... up to 40+ years?!?!?

That's a LONG time!

Ever the intrepid traveler!! I love how brave you are! I won't even walk to the park down the street at night, and here you are traveling around and following (friendly) stranger/servers to closed dinner locations! Seriously though, look at that incredible meal you were rewarded with for your bravery! I am always so impressed.

It was a fun little adventure, even if a little sketchy. Folks are generally very friendly there, so wasn't too worried!

This day sounds like it was a lovely reset before you hit the ground for more adventuring. I'm exciting to hear about what other kinds of animals are coming up next!

OH it definitely was! It felt very luxurious!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I love all the snorkeling pictures and I am so glad you didn’t almost die this time!!
Lovely area, It looks like you picked a wonderful resort for your last couple days.

 

[Steppesister]

Makes sense. I've never really given that much thought, but... duh!

Did you walk into her parlour? The prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy

Hers was a lofty parlour.

Some things are just universal, I suppose.

$h!t shops everywhere!

My favourite fish.

So pretty!!

Um... they don't have to "grind"... they're highly venomous. One of the most venomous snakes in the world, actually. (10 times more toxic than a cobra, for instance.)
But... they rarely bite people. When they do it's often because they've accidentally been caught in fishing nets.

I guess I'd always heard that their fangs are very short. I did know that they are one of the most venomous of all snakes, but that your survival rate with swift first aid is 97%

Yes, she had no bananas... she had no bananas, that day.

bananas

Then realized you meant the sandbar.

Strike a pose. Vogue.

Hopefully there weren't any kids there. Sheesh.

Thankfully not.

Don't know if I'll remember Matemwe Rock Local (or maybe without the "Local") but I do like the "Now we are open" part... I sure hope on the flip side it says "And now we're not"

You'll see why in the next (or one after) update.

I hope there was a traffic light for it.

LOL!

Maybe light pollution, but it's a really interesting contrast!

Kind of a fun photo.

 

[Steppesister]

Haha, actually I hadn't noticed. Not a beach person.

I love walks on the beach. But don't love just laying out there without shade. Just depends on where I am.

The weather still looks a little ominous in some of your beach photos, but obviously it cleared up.

I noticed the clouds when I was editing my photos but hadn't while I was out there then. Glad it all stayed offshore.

Sounds like it was worth it then.

I think so! Lots of variety down there.

I would have been scared of them.

Nah, totally just blobs on the bottom and unless you step on one bare-footed their not gonna bother you.

Doesn't sound like much fun at all. Why is it such a big tourist attraction? Is there something particularly interesting about the sand bar?

I literally don't even know. It's a sandbar. I guess Instagrammers have declared it the cool place to be and now the locals there assume all tourists want to go stand around on some sand and take photos of themselves. I don't get it at all.

Along the same lines as not respecting privacy or safety instructions... I really wish the whole concept of 'influencers' was never invented.

The 1,000% agree with this button ---------->

Yum. Again, sounds like a perfect lunch in the tropics.

And cheap too!!!

You've never heard of seafood pizza??? Pretty much every Italian restaurant in Australia that does pizza will have a seafood pizza on the menu. I don't eat it because I'm not big on seafood, but Dominos do a garlic prawn pizza that I enjoy.

I haven't! Other than anchovy here in the States but no one orders that anymore.

 

[Steppesister]

That must have been fascinating.

I loved it!!! Better than the Caribbean I think.

I can never rent a mask that doesn't leak. It is very annoying.

Me neither. I like my new mask but just need to learn how to adjust it better.

That sounds like it was a huge waste of time.

YES!!! Wish they'd offered to just let me snorkel a bit more.

I would much rather have veggie samosas than the standard Indian ones.

Now I know!! Although I've got say... deep fried anything anymore is not my favorite. I burp greasy anything for days and it just never settles well.

You must have been hungry when you ordered. The fish does look delicious.

I was, but more than that I just wanted to try a couple of different local dishes. It wasn't expensive and now I can say I've tried 2 new to me things.

 

[pkondz]

I am so glad you didn’t almost die this time!!

Hers was a lofty parlour.

The way into her parlour is up a winding stair

In case you weren't aware, I am directly quoting the poem these last two posts.

$h!t shops everywhere!

Pass. I'll be happy to go out of my way a bit for genuine local crafts.
HOWEVER! I won't buy genuine either if it's a. Not appealing or b. Poorly made.

I guess I'd always heard that their fangs are very short. I did know that they are one of the most venomous of all snakes, but that your survival rate with swift first aid is 97%

Did not know that. Do know that if that first aid isn't swift... well... you're gonna die.

bananas

So bananas a personal fave?

 

[Skippy Rabbit]

As someone new to the Disboards, I’ve really enjoyed your travel stories and the way you’ve inspired others to embrace solo travel. That’s why I was surprised when I fact checked your Google reviews for the Zamani Village Restaurant and Scuba Blue Zanzibar that you mention you traveled with your partner. Could you clarify this?

For many of us who genuinely travel solo, we look to this kind of content for insight, clarity, and even safety guidance. Transparency really matters in that context.

 

[missjackiemcg]

What a beautiful day...sans beach porno. I love the pictures of the night sky especially. Even if they weren't exactly what you were hoping for, they're stunning!

 

[Steppesister]

Hey All,

Been a very busy couple of weeks with the Holiday stuff and buying a new car. Hopefully I can finally edit the photos for the next chapter and get that posted either tonight or the next day. Only 2 days left! Hope your Thanksgiving celebrations were fantastic and filled with family, friends, and yummy food- all things to be thankful for!

 

[pkondz]

Hey All,

Been a very busy couple of weeks with the Holiday stuff and buying a new car. Hopefully I can finally edit the photos for the next chapter and get that posted either tonight or the next day. Only 2 days left! Hope your Thanksgiving celebrations were fantastic and filled with family, friends, and yummy food- all things to be thankful for!

Congrats on the new wheels! Ferrari! Lamborghini?

And Thanksgiving was a long time ago. I didn’t think you’d been gone that long.

 

[Steppesister]

B is for: Beautiful Animals, Resorts, and Restaurants- Pt 1
May 16, 2025​

We’ve come to the last full day of this amazing, exotic trip to Tanzania. I’d made memories to last a lifetime and, yes, this goes on the list of places I would more than love to return to. Let’s explore a bit more of Zanzibar, this time heading southward on the East side of the island.

(See how dense this forest area is?!)​

I started off with some nature above the blue seas, in a deep green jungle where monkeys hop from treetop to treetop. The Jozani National Forest is home to the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey – the rarest monkeys of all of Africa. Remember the White Colobus Monkeys I had so hoped to see on the safari portion? While I only got within like several hundred yards of those, I got much, MUCH closer to these.

I made a wrong turn when I got close as the signage sucks there, but this ended up being a happy little accident. As I was making a U-turn some movement caught my eye so I pulled the car over. Sure enough a couple of Colobus were hopping around in the trees looking for breakfast. Those photos didn’t turn out very well, but it did give me hope that this morning’s journey would be a fruitful one for animal sightings.

(The wrong turn)​

Back on track I found the actual entrance to the official park headquarters and paid the nominal fee of about $8, used the potty, and was ready to take a leisurely stroll under the canopy. First, I read some of the faded, not well-maintained, informational signs to familiarize myself with the critters, knowing full well I’d not see most, or even any. Come join me on my leisurely stroll under the canopy with my appointed guide, “BCJ”- he laughed and said that stands for “Big Chief of Jozani”.

​

Before I even left, while using the less-than-spectacular facilities, I did see a couple of smaller creatures, and have to say that the little gecko reminded me SO much of the frogs in silhouette on top of the leaves in the Navi ride. Yes, those are more frog-like, but that’s what I thought of when I saw him there.

(He also kinda reminds me of Randall in Monsters, Inc)

​

We walked for quite a ways, maybe half an hour or so without seeing much and then Chief pointed out a Sykes Blue Monkey, which was so pretty.

​

Yes, I’d already seen Blue Monkeys in Arusha but the thrill of seeing wild animals truly in the wild never gets old. You can see how very different they are from the Red Colobus as after a bit more walking, we found a small troop of those too. While we walked and talked, I asked if any of these monkey species can or do cross-breed and he said that the 2 species do socialize and share the habitat very well, but that they do not mate in any way, although the young males will play and pretend, but then “BCJ” said something that shocked me and made me literally made me burst out laughing. His smile was infectious as he turned and said, “There is no bunga-bunga between the monkeys.” That is quite the word that I had no idea transcended languages and cultures!

​

Between the first Blue Monkey and the Colobus, Chief led me through several types of forest and explained the ecology as well as local uses for various plants and trees which was all super interesting. At one point, he also pointed out a small squirrel but it was far too fast to see more than a fleeting glimpse and was back hiding in the dense underbrush that covered the forest floor.

This mother and baby were absolutely patient with my camera and presence and kept busy eating the bark off of the tree they were sitting in. It was fascinating to watch and Chief let me spend about 10 minutes taking photos and just watching them go about their monkey business.

(See the gnawed bark in front of mommy's face?)

​

Such an exhilarating experience! …until a group of incredibly obnoxious tourists showed up talking loudly, obviously disturbing and bothering the monkeys. What is WRONG with people!!!? I can only conclude they are simply stupid- you go all that way to see nature and then do your very best to scare it away.

I had a ton more planned for the day, and I’d seen what I had set out to, so it was time to continue on with my sightseeing. I left the park right at 10:00 as I had another snorkeling trip at 10:45 and the drive was about a half hour away.

I pulled up to the Baraza Resort, which absolutely blew. my. mind. I mean, I know there are luxury resorts, but this was like nothing I had ever seen anything close to in my life. Everything about it, as I made my way to the meeting area for my guide, screamed big money. I googled it again today just for kicks and giggles to see what a room would cost, ballpark, and the cheapest I could find was $762/night.

(That is a HUGE tray of CLOVES- like this is 2 1/2 feet diameter!)


​

Every inch was dripping with class and exuded a romanticized version of Old Zanzibar’s Omani influence heavy on the spice trade (and tandem, but unspoken, Slave Trade, which I’ll get to when I write about the next day’s adventures). If I ever win the lottery (that I never play) maybe I’ll come and stay for a spell. LOL!

This trip’s guide was super, super nice. She was a work-abroad gal from S. Africa named Emily. She had been there for 6 months on a 2-year contract. What a sweet gig for a young adventurer! I was joined by another couple who were staying at the Baraza, who booked right as we were leaving and we all rode the dala-dala together to our launch point. Such a luxury ride! (Trust me, this was, compared to the many I’ve been on in Kazakhstan or Thailand!)

​

The walk down to the boat was very steep with quite a few stairs and I thought, hmm, this ain’t gonna be fun going back up after snorkeling for a while.

​

In the shallows near the boat:

​

 

[Steppesister]

B is for: Beautiful Animals, Resorts, and Restaurants- Pt 2
May 16, 2025​

The ride to the reef we’d be on wasn’t too far, and soon enough I was under the water enjoying some of the best snorkeling on the planet. Here are a few more that turned out during my hour under the surface. This trip wasn’t as easy as the day before. The current was a LOT stronger here and it started to change about half way through my swim. First I paddled out in a seemingly neutral current and then started to turn the other way and backtrack WITH the current. At some point, I looked up and realized I was a fair bit down current from the boat and that I’d better start fighting my way against it now or risk getting far enough away that I couldn’t make it back. Let’s just say I’m glad I did. (I did NOT want a repeat of Australia!)

​

No sooner had I climbed back aboard that the skies opened up with a driving rain that kept me soaked and cold. My towel was drenched and I admit I wasn’t comfortable at all. But I wasn’t upset really, and in fact, at one point I giggled at this adventure I was having. From my vantage point, I watched the others struggle somewhat as well to fight against the current to make it back only to also have to brace themselves against the sideways rain. The couple gave off a decidedly peeved vibe and whether it was the rain or that they’d specifically asked about the current direction during our briefing which ended up being wrong, I don’t know.

Just as the boat reached out disembarkation point, the rain let up and we all trudged back up the steep set of stairs and took the dala-dala back to the Baraza. As I drove out, I saw a nice specimen of Baobab tree and snapped a pic just for Kelly.

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I’d heard about a nice beach to find some photos of local culture called Jambiani, so made my way there to see what I could find. I parked my car on the dirt roadside along a building and took a really nice walk through the village waving to folks as I went. There was art set up to buy, street foods in little cases, and shops and people just going through life as they do.

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I was a little peckish so picked up a couple of finger foods that for the most part weren’t very good, but when in Rome…. I had hoped for a tasty, fresh samosa, but didn’t see one before I pulled the trigger.

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From there I walked down to the beach and realized I was probably too late for the photo opps of the women in their colorful dresses and scarves against the bright blues of the sea. Not all photo excursions will get you what you’re looking for. But I did find a young boy with his homemade sailboat enjoying simple things and making me wish more kids around here would be able to create and play simply without their faces in their phones.

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The last activity on my itinerary for this day was dinner at a place that consistently came up on “Things to do on Zanzibar” vlogs. A 15-minute drive north up the coast let me to:

(The better, more popular, REAL Rock Restaurant)​

... a wonderfully unique and understandably picture-worthy restaurant. I hoped the food would be as outstanding as the setting!!

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I’d arrived quite a bit ahead of my reserved time so lingered on the beach before boarding my water taxi for my seating. While I waited, another disgusting Instagrammer had a literal 30-minute selfie session with absolutely obscene poses in front of God and everyone. I’m sorry y’all, I just don’t get it. I was so grossed out, I left to find other things to see and found a ghost crab:

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And a cute little fella playing with some seaweed:

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The vanity show boarded the boat with myself and another older couple and I hoped she didn’t score a better table than me once we got inside. I needed have worried, she was rude and self-centered as expected and instead of being polite and letting the older folks go first nearly shoved her way off and made her way to the outside patio for yet another 50,000 photos. When I got a rail-side table facing the sunset, I was perfectly happy. I did however, notice that a wedding party had also stopped there for drinks and she tried to mix in with them, (like was she hoping to score a freebie?) but after about 15 minutes of her nonsense, they completely ignored her and she ended up sitting all by herself on a chair for the next half hour. The whole scene was absolutely bizarre.

Soon enough I got my menu which in an of itself was also unique.

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I ordered a cocktail to start with which featured gin, tonic, cardamom and ginger. I loved this as the cardamom added such a surprising and interesting flavor. $12

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As the sun set over this magical place, I waited for my order of ravioli to arrive.

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It certainly sounded unique so I chose the Blue Spirulina Ravioli: Ravioli filled with blue spirulina, cassava, parmesan cheese and served with crab ragu: $27

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The dish itself was good, but wasn’t amazing. The presentation was fantastic but the portion was also a bit on the small side too. I think if I’d known, I’d have ordered an appetizer as well. As such I splurged on dessert: Green Tanzanite- Pistachio Tiramisu $13

I’m really not a fan of tiramisu but this sounded intriguing and admittedly did make a lovely picture.

I also ordered an Amarula to celebrate a trip well done!

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And with that, Folks, my day of adventuring came to a close and I went back to the resort for one last sleep in Africa.