My Little Piece of Paradise (Part 1: The Magic Begins)
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some beautiful places… but Zanzibar?
Zanzibar was different. It was something else. Something special. Something sacred.
Why I’m Starting Here 📍
Although we explored many parts of Zanzibar, I’m starting this blog series with Stone Town for a reason. It felt like the heartbeat of the island. Yes, it’s the centre—busy, built-up, full of life—but somehow, it still moves at a calm, unhurried pace. Or, as they say in Swahili, poli poli.
It’s the kind of place where contrasts exist in perfect sync. The streets are alive, yet never overwhelming. There’s energy, but no rush. Vibrancy, but no chaos. Stone Town doesn’t just tell the story of Zanzibar—it is the story. It carries its magic, its mystery, its warmth. From the scent of cloves in the air to the swirl of cultures and colours in every alley, this place is a living, breathing love letter to the island.
A Bit of Educational Background… 🏝️
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It’s made up of several small islands and two larger ones—Unguja (often referred to as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba. It’s often called the “Spice Island” because of its long-standing history with the spice trade—and trust me, it smells like it. The scent of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon seem to hang in the air, like the island itself is breathing out stories.
Why This Trip Mattered ✨
This was the first real long-haul trip we took as a family. The first time we went abroad after what felt like endless lockdowns. Originally, it was meant to be a Disney World trip back in 2020—but after COVID cancellations and date changes, we pivoted. And in doing so, we landed somewhere that would stay with us forever.
It was my daughter’s 18th birthday, and I wanted it to be memorable. But we didn’t just make memories—we created moments that will stay with us for a lifetime.
I saved like mad for this one. I planned it down to the last detail and prayed it would be worth it. And it was. It was more than worth it. It was the kind of trip that soaks into your soul and never leaves.
If I could do this holiday a million times over, I would.
We stayed in a 5-star all-inclusive hotel through TUI—@TuiBlueBahari, to be specific. (For families wanting total ease and to feel truly looked after, this place deserves its own blog… so I’ll save the details for Part 5!)
We booked a private driver. Swam with turtles. Went on a full-day safari to Mikumi National Park (known as the “Mini Serengeti”). Explored Stone Town. Soaked up the sun in Nungwi. Wandered through the Jozani Forest. Browsed local markets. Watched monkeys swing through the trees as we had dinner. And simply… breathed. Every single moment felt like we were exactly where we were meant to be.
This wasn’t just a holiday. It was the beginning of real investment in meaningful experiences. It was the moment I fell in love—with Africa.
Let’s Talk About Being a Black Family Travelling 🖤
As a Black woman travelling with my Black husband and children, sometimes you find yourself in spaces where you’re not used to being seen—or worse, not welcomed. That can be true back in the UK, too. And abroad, it can be even trickier—navigating cultures, languages, and social nuances.
But one thing we’ve always said as a family is: the world is for all of us. We take up space wherever we go. And we deserve to.
But stepping foot in Africa? On that soil? Surrounded by people who look like you?
That. Hits. Different.
It’s home.
Let’s Begin in Stone Town – The Heartbeat of Zanzibar 💓
About a week into our trip, I honestly thought the holiday couldn’t get any better.
Then we arrived in Stone Town.
Stone Town is magic. A literal melting pot of culture, history, rhythm, and soul.
You don’t just walk through Stone Town—you feel it. Every corner whispers a story. Every building leans in and invites you closer.
We were dropped off by our driver, about an hour from our hotel in Kiwengwa. He offered us a guide—we initially declined, thinking we’d wander on our own. But we quickly changed our minds and approached a local man offering his services as a guide.
Now, I can’t speak for every country, but in Zanzibar, we felt completely safe. That said—trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, always use your judgement and book tours via platforms like @Viator or @GetYourGuide. They’re often cheaper than going through big companies and give you direct access to trusted local guides. Your hotel or driver can also recommend someone safe and reputable.
In our case, the guide we met was wonderful. The Zanzibari people are some of the kindest, warmest humans I’ve ever met. Their energy is just different—it’s gentle and genuine. You feel it.
We explored on foot. Slowly. Gently. Stone Town isn’t a place to rush. He took us through every winding street and gave us such rich context and history. The cost? £12 pp for half a day private tour. An absolute steal for the experience and insight.
The streets are a beautiful maze. At one point our guide left us to our own devices for a bit to explore, we got (inevitably) lost—and were found by smiling, barefoot local kids who giggled and helped us find our way. Watching them run freely through the narrow alleyways was a moment in itself. Pure joy.
Every turn brought something new—art, spice stalls, intricate architecture, or the smell of fresh street food. Literally every sense came alive. One moment I was admiring graffiti, the next, I stepped into a small shop and watched a young man paint a stunning portrait of an African woman.
I knew instantly I needed that painting.
£60 and a full heart later, it was wrapped and ready to fly home with me. It now hangs, proudly framed, in my living room. A permanent piece of Zanzibar in my home.
A Moment That Stopped Us All: The Old Slave Market🙏🏾
One of the most emotional and sacred experiences was visiting the old slave market.
We stood in the chambers. We saw the iron shackles. We felt the energy in the room shift. My kids were silent, taking it all in.
This is the site where thousands of enslaved Africans were bought and sold. And walking through that space—knowing our ancestors may have once passed through there—was deeply spiritual and sobering.
If you go to Stone Town, please don’t skip this.
It’s not a photo opportunity. It’s a moment of reverence. One you carry with you.
It’s hard, it’s heavy—but it’s necessary.
Other Must-Do’s in Stone Town
Spice Market – Zanzibar is nicknamed “Spice Island” for a reason. We came home with bags of local spices. Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to barter! They’ll clock your British accent real quick, and you’ll end up like me—probably overpaying for some black pepper 😂.
Freddie Mercury Museum – Yes, the Freddie Mercury was born here in 1946! A fun and quirky visit.
House of Wonders – A beautiful museum from 1883 mixing European and Swahili architecture.
The Old Fort – The oldest building in Zanzibar, built in 1699 by Omani Arabs. Worth a walk around.
Maru Maru Hotel – Stop by for a rooftop drink and take in the view over the city. Stunning.
Forodhani Night Market – An open-air food market that’s buzzing with energy. Try the Zanzibar Pizza—a thin, crepe-style dough stuffed with fillings. My son had Nutella and banana, and wow did it hit the spot.
Final Tips for Stone Town. 📝
Respect the Culture – Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim area. Please dress modestly and be respectful of the local customs and values.
Get a Guide – Especially on your first visit. You’ll miss so much of the magic without one.
Take Cash – While cards are accepted in restaurants, local markets run on cash. Bartering is easier (and more fun) when you’ve got cash in your hand!
Final Words… 💫
Stone Town is MAGIC.
If I could move there tomorrow… I would. In a heartbeat.
Stone Town didn’t just steal my heart.
It reminded me how big the world is—and how much of it still feels like home.
More to Come… 👣
I’m splitting this blog into parts because Zanzibar deserves more than a quick travel post. It deserves love, detail, depth, and time.
Next up: the safari to Mikumi National Park, those unforgettable sunsets, our turtle swim, and bonding with locals in ways I’ll never forget.
Trust me—you’ll want to come back for Part 2.
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