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| Gym’s beachfront bungalow at the Baraza Resort and Spa |
On November 30, 2023 and for the second time, Gym and his lovely sidekick would depart from Nairobi and cross the border into Tanzania. This time, they were headed to the island of Zanzibar. Although the safari was over, Micato had provided for the smooth transfer of the two intrepid travellers and their luggage, from the Four Points hotel to the airport. And Micato's service didn't end there. Even though this add-on trip to the beach was not part of the package, Micato provided transportation while in Zanzibar and later lined up a tour of Stone Town, the historic capital of the island. Gym and Mrs, Gym were spoiled by Micato's premium service before during and after their Safari.
From Nairobi, our adventurers flew on Kenyan Airlines to Zanzibar, with a brief layover in Mombasa to clear customs. They arrived at the Zanzibar International Airport at about dinner time. There they met Ali, the guide and Adam, the driver. Ali, a Micato employee, was a warm and welcoming Zanzabarian host. He provided his guests with a running commentary on all things Zanzibarian. Adam was an excellent driver and he made good time as we crossed to the east side of the island, It was late when Gym and Mrs. Gym checked in to the Baraza Resort and Spa.
Zanzibar is uniquely positioned just south of the equator and half way down the eastern side of the African continent. It is flat and somewhat swampy but it is blessed with beautiful beaches, lush green forests and friendly people. It has been an important waypoint for seafarers for as long as traders began sailing around the perimeter of the Indian Ocean. Stone Town had always been a key port-o-call for traders in precious metals, ivory, spices and slaves. Gym and his dear wife enjoyed the tour of the Capital that Ali led a few days after they had settled in to the Baraza Resort. Ali provided the historical background for much of what the travellers saw.
The Baraza Resort was an excellent quality luxury resort. The service, food, spa, pool, beach and accommodations were all top notch. It was 'Four Seasons quality' with a more affordable rate. The seaside bungalow was enormous and with the buildings being quite spread out in the beautifully landscaped grounds, it was perfect for a post-safari break before returning to the Canadian winter.
This magical visit to East Africa ended on December 1, 2023, when Gym and his dear companion left Zanzibar and began a 4-leg return journey to Calgary. They travelled back via Nairobi on Kenyan, Dubai on Emirates, Toronto on Emirates and Calgary on Air Canada.
The Resort
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| Lush gardens from beach bungalows to the pool and restaurant area. |
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| Baraza security staff member |
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| Pool area |
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| Interior of bungalow |
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| Evening at Baraza Market in Stone Town, Zanzibar |
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| The fish guy |
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| The goat meat guy |
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| The spice shop |
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| The fruit guy |
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| The narrow streets and the colourful locals |
A market that used to be…
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| The slave auction site had this church Built over it when slavery was banned. |
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| A chilling memorial to the slave trade in the back of the church |
The Doors of Stone Town:
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| Stone Town Fat Cats |
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| Arabic, Swahili an Indian styles are on display in old Stone Town homes that have been recently renovated. This door is an Indian door as it is rounded and has geometrically placed brass studs. |
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| This is an Arab door |
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| A particularly strong-looking door. |
And finally, the most sought-after door in Stone Town….
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| The door to the building where Freddie Mercury lived until he was a young adult. |
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