Travels with V
Tanzania, Zanzibar & Pemba
In Finnish Janne’s paradise
Zanzibar, Matemwe
From Stonetown the journey goes through the island’s center and on up north. Our goal is the small village of Matemwe, where a couple of small hotels are lined up on the beach. The one we have booked is called Zanzibar Retreat Hotel, and it turns out that the owner is a guy from Finland, Janne, and his wife. Janne is a great person, a hospitable and welcoming and always in communication with his guests. His place is also a real oasis, fantastic food is served and the bar facing the sea such a delight.
The beach is a public beach, and at low tide lots of people from the village walk in the shallow waters collecting shellfish or harvesting algae used in a small industry that makes organic cosmetics. At the time we’re there there’s a stubborn wind blowing sand in our faces, so we prefer the hotel pool.
But when there is an excursion by boat announced we join in. We head out for Mnemba, a small sandy island with a little forest in the middle. On the island’s north point there’s a luxurious resort and a no-go zone for visitors. Apparently Bill Gates once hired the place for himself to be in perfect solitude.
We anchor up on the south side and snorkel for almost an hour on the reef that surrounds the island. The clear blue water is jammed with colourful coral fish of all kinds.
But suddenly there’s a call from the boat and we all have to get on board quickly. Someone has spotted dolphins. So we race to the place they were seen and everybody (almost) jump into water immediately. I’m among the first and get to see five dolphins pass me just a few meters below. It’s an intoxicating feeling to have been so close.
Next up: We go island-hopping to the mostly unexploited island of Pemba, where we share a fantastic resort with monkeys, millipeds and bush babies.