Après Safari - Zanzibar Afterglow

by NANCY HELLMRICH

After taking in Tanzania’s wilder side, escape to Baraza Resort & Spa on the island of Zanzibar. The “Spice Islands” are a big draw for travelers who enjoy diving, kite surfing, and stunning beaches. At Baraza, muted hues, Moorish archways, and an enviable collection of antiques evoke the Sultanate era. Spend your days relaxing on the sugar white beach, indulging in massages at Frangipani Spa, and sampling exotic Arabic, Indian, Persian, Asian, and Swahili-influenced cuisine.

Stone Town, Zanzibar

In Zanzibar, it finally feels like you’re on vacation. The Arab influence is deep and rich and assuring. The beach, pure, soft, and pristine. You are looking forward to the scuba diving excursion, ahem reef safari, planned for later in the week. Then commence relaxing on the beach, drinking

in the sunshine, splashing in the turquoise Indian Ocean surf, and posing like Sports Illustrated swimsuit models. In the afternoon, you hit the spa, where an “après safari” couples treatment softens the memory of your rugged game drives.

One evening, after sunset, you venture into the swirling, aromatic night market and take turns sampling local delicacies. Each treat is blended with exotic spices and unique flavors, the aftermath of the island’s history as an ancient trading center for merchants from Africa, India, Arabia, Persia, Indonesia, China, and more. On the dive trip, you hear about swimming with whale sharks, Zanzibar’s “first best” kite surfing school, and an off-shore island that’s practically all spice plantations.

Back at the resort, a Taarab band fills the night air with its hypnotic beat. You curl up in the daybed on your private terrace, gaze at the stars, and share contented sighs. It’s been a big day. A big two weeks. Maybe the whale sharks will have to wait. Maybe you’ll learn kite surfing next time. Maybe next time you’ll climb Kili.