The Spice Tour - Zanzibar Tanzania

As the ferry glides into Zanzibar, an island off the Tanzania coast, one cannot help but imagine what the cargo of the ferry might have been were it the 1800’s. Probably tusks of ivory, some salt, cloves and African slaves being herded by their Arab owners.

Zanzibar Island is an enthralling melting pot of Arabic, Indian and African cultures as a result of being colonized by many powers ranging form the Chinese, Persians, Arabs to the British. This legacy of having different occupying powers has led to a diverse cultural mix reflected in Zanzibar’s architecture, culture, religion and cuisine. The Island has emerged from a turbulent past in its role as a trading centre for spices, slaves and ivory

The Zanzibar archipelago comprises Unguja Island, Pemba Island and about 50 islets. Zanzibar (Unguja), the biggest of these islands is 85 kilometres in length and 39 kilometres wide at its broadest point. The turquoise waters, white sands, palm trees and the friendly Zanzibar people confirm my belief that I have come to a unique place. But all about the beaches later.

On arrival at Zanzibar one can almost smell the spices that are grown here in the air. Zanzibar is known for its production of different spices hence the title ‘spice island.’

So a visit to one of the spice gardens is recommended. On this visit one can learn in a relaxed atmosphere about spices, their uses in cooking/cosmetics and how trade in slaves was encouraged by going on Spice tours.

Some of the available spice plants include the Durian tree. The Durian tree is a strange one. Its fruit has a queer smell but the same fruit has a very pleasant taste. Never have I witnessed the two senses of taste and smell so disproportionate. One will also see the iodine tree or the bleeding tree. If a slight cut is made on the iodine tree trunk a deep red liquid begins oozing out. One can also see the cloves which Zanzibar at one time was the leading world producer producing about 75% of the total world supply. The cloves were so vital to Zanzibar’s economy that the whole island would close for the harvest. Activities that required finances, like repairing houses or social activities like weddings depended on the wages from those two or three weeks’ work of harvesting.

There are also coconut trees of two varieties, the short coconut tree and the tall variety. There is also a tree with green berries. If a few of these berries are rubbed against each other in a wet palm, a soapy foam begins to form. These berries can be used as an alternative to soap. They are known as soap berries. There is also a tree with yellow and green hanging fruits that look like tiny guavas. When the ripe (yellow) fruit is sliced open, a black nut covered with a red mace is found inside. This seed is the Nutmeg. It is regularly used in Zanzibar to flavour porridge. The famous Henna tree is also found in Zanzibar. The Henna tree’s crushed leaves are used to make the popular Henna dye used by women to make elaborate patterns on their palms and on the soles of their feet. Henna is a vital part of a Zanzibari woman’s decoration. In fact, a bride in a wedding ceremony will feel uneasy if she has not adorned her palms and soles of her feet with elaborate henna patterns. However henna requires plenty of patience because it takes almost the whole day to dry. And one needs to minimise movement when henna is applied so as to avoid smudging the intricate patterns and turn a decoration into an unpleasant pattern on the hands or soles. Tourists usually opt for the quicker drying Indian ink.

Other spices that are present include ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, tamarind, menthol and ylang yang. There are more fruits including paw paws, jack fruit, pomelon and grapefruit.

After seeing the beautiful beaches, pristine waters, enjoying the warm climate and taking the spice tour, I can now understand why Zanzibar weaved her charm and seduced kings into abandoning their subjects and moving their seat of government away from home to Zanzibar. This birthplace of Freddie Mercury, Yes….. Freddie Mercury the former lead singer of QUEEN is indeed an enchanting place one must visit.

The Charm Of Changuu - Prison Island

Changuu Private Island Paradise, also known as [tag]Prison Island[/tag] is an exquisite paradise with a private white sandy beach, dense forest, unspoiled placid waters and coral reef.

This paradise in eastern Tanzania is also a haven for rare bird species and a unique group of permanent residents since 1919 known as the Aldabra Giant tortoises. This endangered species were a gift from the Seychelles government and have grown from an initial group of 4 to over 100. Some of the tortoises are believed to be over 100 years old.

Changuu Island lies 8 kilometres to the northwest of Stone Town or Zanzibar town and is about 800m by 400m at the broadest part. This Five Star island’ resort in the heart of the Indian Ocean is a quick 20 -30 minutes sail on a traditional dhow (fishing boat) The Island is perimetered with a beautiful coral reef which is like a fantasy to anyone who enjoys snorkelling. The lovely white beach is ideal for sunbathing or whiling the glorious sunset away.

As most pristine places the history of the Changuu Island is fascinating. In the 1860s, the desolate island was given to two Arabs by the Sultan Seyyid Majid. They used it as a detention centre for rebel slaves. In 1893, after Zanzibar became a British Protectorate, General Sir Lloyd William Mathews (who was a First Minister), bought Changuu Island for the Zanzibar Government from its former Arab owners with the objective of building a prison. The island was sold by the Arabs especially because slave trade had been abolished. A prison to serve the stone town was built on the island but it was instead used as a quarantine station for the whole East Africa region. By 1894 construction of the prison was completed and the island became known as Prison Island.

Zanzibar being the most utilised port town at that time, the authorities were concerned about the threat of epidemics brought by passengers and cargo from across the seas and so the island was designated as a quarantine island. Due to the monsoons and seasonal arrival of vessels only between December and March, the island was usually free of quarantined persons. And so during these periods, Changuu was one of the preferred leisure resorts for Zanzibaris and European residents. These visitors used to stay in a bungalow, built in the late 1890s, locally known as European Bungalow. The bungalow has been artfully restored and converted into Mathews Restaurant. Previously the only available fresh water was rain water stored in underground tanks but recently a pipeline from Zanzibar mainland delivers fresh water to the island. The Mathews’ Restaurant (named after Sir General Lloyd Mathews) has capacity for 50 covers and features fine International Cuisine. Its wide terrace overlooks the enticing swimming pool and enjoys a refreshing sea breeze. More so, a dip in a natural lagoon in the western side of the island, where Sea Turtles can often be seen is also available.

In 1931 a new Quarantine Area with new buildings was erected in the south-west of the island, which gave the Quarantine Station a capacity to accommodate 904 people. After the island lost is role as a Quarantine Station, due to lack of use, the buildings started to ruin. Today, the remains of these semi-collapsed buildings have been adroitly converted into 12 exquisite sea-view rooms with a lovely bar known as the fisherman’s cove. Candlelight dinners in the square facing the restored ruins are one of the most romantic experiences in Changuu Private Island Paradise and the sight of graceful dhows fishing at night provokes ones imagination back to the ancient days when the dhows were the cornerstone of Zanzibar and indeed the Indian Ocean.

The Prison Ruins have been restored to their original fashion and have been adapted to new uses. The Prison Fort is currently the main cultural area of the island. Leisure facilities in the Prison Fort include an exclusive boutique, a library, a Restaurant and a bar. In its north-west side, Changuu Private Island Paradise also has 15 fashionable deluxe rooms spaced along the sea-line and roofed with traditional makuti intended to ensure a cool atmosphere day and night. Ensuite bathrooms are provided with a huge bath-tub and shower. The private outdoor verandas face out to the sea, maximizing the views and sounds of the Ocean. The island is a superb scenario for any photographer or for anyone willing just to relax and enjoy the peacefulness that this beautiful island has to offer. For some sweat generating activity there is a floodlight tennis court in the bush in case the self walking safari that covers the island in 15minutes is too light an activity.

Changuu Private Island Paradise pleasantly merges the display and restoration of the history of the islet with its adaptation to modern necessities and facilities. Many would not mind being imprisoned in the luxuries of modern day Changuu-prison island.

News - Lion Hyena Ceasefire Looking Fragile

[tag]Reports[/tag] reaching our desk from our reporters on the ground say that the fragile truce between the Lions, Africa’s supreme predator and the spotted hyenas appears to have been broken this morning with the killing of a hyena by two male lions.

The ceasefire is looking shakier tonight, after an incident in which lion forces trying to arrest a hyena ended up in a hyena death.

The lions justify the attempted arrest on the head of the hyena clan, saying that they rushed in to arrest the hyena when they noticed it was stuck in the mud.

They say they simply wanted to arrest the hyena but it got violent resisting arrest and that it was not in itself a breach of the ceasefire.

This all happened as hyena troops watched at a distance not able to help their leader. They simply did not have the numbers.

According to the hyenas this was an assassination.

Initially there was to be a meeting that was scheduled next week, between the King of the lion pride and the leader of the hyena clan. But with the latest developments this is now in doubt.

Speaking to us a few moments before we went on air was the cheif hyena spokes lady, and she gave us indications that there would be no further talks. As you are aware the hyena clan is run by the female hyenas.

Also it widely expected that this latest incident will only lead to further retaliaton by the hyenas.

As we know, the hyena clans are made up of females who tend to be more aggressive than their male counter parts because of the excess testosterone. The hyena clans are made up of several different clans who all act independently of each other. There’s a possibility that a particular clan could try to do something.

Clearly the lions are proving themselves the king of beasts.

We now take you to our reporter who is on the ground in Africa’s savannah.

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