Sunrise at Sunrise Camp.

We were told that we could sleep in until 7:30 AM this morning. Unfortunately, we had become accustomed to the usual overlanding schedule and woke up at 6:45 AM.

We used the cross-harbour ferry again as foot passengers. We were met on the other side by driver with a minivan who deposited our group at the Zanzibar fast ferry terminal.

Mad rush to board ferry.

Eron was a little snarky because she didn’t get a coffee before leaving camp. To our delight we were ushered into the first class lounge, complete with complementary coffee and cupcakes.

We spent the entire two hour crossing in the first class cabin “African style”. Even though Zanzibar is technically part of Tanzania, we still had to clear Zanzibarian customs and immigration.

1st Class Cabin – African-style.

Arriving at Stone Town, Zanzibar.

Luckily, as we exited the terminal we turned to the right and found Mercury’s (http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g488129-d1218647-Reviews-Mercury_s_Restaurant_Zanzibar-Stone_Town_Zanzibar_Zanzibar_Archipelago.html) – a tribute bar and restaurant dedicated to the memory of Freddie Mercury (late lead singer of the band Queen), who was born on the island of Zanzibar. It was a great place to grab a bite and a cold drink.

First stop – Mercury’s.

Interior of Mercury’s.

Brett had arranged for a driver to take us to the village of Nungwi at the northern tip of the island. It takes just over an hour to drive from Stone Town to Nungwi.

Along the way, we stopped for a walking tour of a spice plantation. We endured an hour long stroll through the spice plants. The scenery was nice, but the guide seemed to drone on and on. Local kids made up some palm frond accessories which we wore while eating fruits and drinking spice teas at the end of the tour. As expected, there as a hard sell push for us to purchase spices at their kiosk. Brett discreetly informed us that the selection and prices would be better in Stone Town.

Touring a spice farm.

Roger in “Jungle Mess Dress” NOTE: this photo was posted under extreme duress!

We arrived at the Amaan Beach Bungalows in Nungwi (http://www.amaanbungalows.com/) during the early afternoon. We dropped off our bags in our room and walked through the complex for the our first view of the beach… WOW! The white, powdery sand and crystal clear turquoise water made this the most beautiful beach we have ever experienced. It could have been a postcard from any of the best beaches Caribbean except for one thing… this beach comes with Maasai warriors.

First look at Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar.

Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar.

Young Maasai, in full traditional dress, cruise the beach sporting sunglasses and cell phones while hawking beaded jewelry and village tours.

Modern Maasai Warrior.

After dinner, Brett took us in search of the elusive hookah. We settled in a bar down the beach and a local rastaman / entrepreneur named Captain Hussein procured a hookah pipe and shisha for us. When we asked the waiter if we could smoke the hookah in his bar, he simply stated “hakuna matata” – no problem.

Pete and Hookah Pipe on Nungwi Beach.

Captain Hussein volunteered to supply “special tobacco”, but we specified that we only wanted shisha; the traditional Middle Eastern tobacco flavoured with fruit and honey. The Captain was a little disappointed but complied with our request. Captain Hussein must have adopted us because he continued to look after our group for the remainder of our stay in Nungwi.

Nungwi Beach sunset.