East coast Zanzibar

For those looking for a peaceful breeze-cooled stay on Zanzibar's exquisite east coast as well as immersion in local culture, I recommend the Casa del Mar in Jambiani village. Jambiani was a favorite destination of mine on the island long before there were many places to stay there. Local life in the village manages to go on around tourism's onslaught rather than bend to it. It is the best place to see coral rock buildings and the local women who painstakingly collect the seaweed in the tidal flats, an old island industry. (Aisha of Casa del Mar tells me that the women collect 100 tons of seaweed in 5 years and sell it to the Philippines for under $100 US a ton.) Casa del Mar fronts the beach which is lined with fishing dhows. The owners do plan to build a small swimming pool in the future. There is no alcohol served at this small hotel, but you may bring your own for discreet use. www.casa-delmar-zanzibar.com

15-02-2007