The Wanderers in conversation with Niall Anderson
Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place.
One little known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is home to the most endangered antelope in Africa – Ader’s Duiker.
They number less than 500 on the planet, and can be found in Jozani Forest and on Mnemba Island.
What is a must buy when in Zanzibar?
Kikois – the traditional and colourful, Zanzibari multi-purpose item of clothing that can be worn as a wrap, a scarf, head dress, or used simply as a blanket or throw.
One take-away after a visit to Zanzibar..
You will never see whiter sand or an ocean so turquoise blue!
What is your advice to first time travellers?
Bring lots of sunscreen!
One thing to definitely pack when travelling to…
Swimming costume…
One activity anyone travelling to Zanzibar should not miss!
A sunset Dhow cruise across the ocean.
Where should anyone, travelling to Zanzibar, definitely get their picture taken?
On a local Dhow sailing across the ocean
On the beach at Mnemba Island
Under water on the Mnemba house reef
Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?
The best place to get a panoramic photo is off a local Dhow sailing in the ocean, looking back at Zanzibar or Mnemba Island.
Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?
Sipping a cocktail on the beach at Mnemba Island!
Most romantic place to take a special someone to.
Mnemba Island – your private island!
Best place in Zanzibar to have local food?
Foradhani garden in Stone Town
Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend?
Zanzibar Curry and a dawa!
A local cocktail made of vodka, lime and honey, ‘dawa’ means medicine, or poison in Swahili – Depends how much you drink!
One place only the locals would know.
Jozani Forest!
Zanzibar’s only national park, search for rare birds, Red Colobus monkey, Ader’s Duiker and Suni here.
The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink?
Sundowners with live music at Livingstone, or on the roof at Maru Maru hotel, both in Stone Town.
A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see?
Sauti Busara, an annual African music festival, which takes place in historic Stone Town, attracting artists from all over the world. It had been dubbed the ‘friendliest festival on the planet’.
The things guide books will not tell anyone about Zanzibar?
The best samosas and biryani in East Africa can be bought at Passing Show, a local restaurant near Zanzibar port in Stone Town.
Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to Zanzibar and what would that reason be?
April & May, as this is the rainy season in Zanzibar
In one sentence, Zanzibar is the exotic spice island.
Niall Anderson is the Regional Director for Tanzania with &Beyond, which he joined six years ago. Settled in Arusha, Niall takes on exciting challenges in leading teams around Tanzania.
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