From studying African languages to finding a special connection with Zanzibar
Some places simply stay with you. For me, that place is Zanzibar. My connection with Africa started long before my first journey to the island.
I studied African Studies and Anthropology, with a particular interest in African cultures, languages, history and everyday life.
But studying African Studies and experiencing it are two very different things. When I first travelled to Zanzibar, I didn’t know how much this island would eventually mean to me. What started as a journey of discovery slowly became something much deeper. I kept coming back.
Today, I have visited Zanzibar many times, and with every visit I have discovered something new. From the historic streets of Stone Town to the beaches and villages along the coast, I became increasingly fascinated by the island’s culture, its people, its food and the Swahili language.
I started paying attention to the little things that you don’t always find in a travel guide: the way people greet each other, the rhythm of everyday life, the sounds of Swahili, the food shared around a table, and the many cultural influences that have shaped Zanzibar over centuries.
And somewhere along the way, Zanzibar stopped feeling like just a travel destination. It became a place I feel deeply connected to.
More than beaches and palm trees
Zanzibar is famous for its turquoise water, white sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets – and yes, they really are as beautiful as you imagine.
But there is so much more to the island.
There is the history of Stone Town, the Swahili language, local traditions, music, food and the everyday life of the people who call Zanzibar home.
Zanzibar is also a fascinating meeting point of different cultural influences. African, Arab, Indian and European connections have all played a role in shaping the island’s history and culture. These layers are what make Zanzibar so fascinating to me.
Why I created Karibu Zanzi
I created Karibu Zanzi to share my love for Zanzibar and the things I have discovered along the way.
Here, I want to bring together travel inspiration, culture, language, food and practical travel tips – while also sharing some of my own experiences. I don’t want Karibu Zanzi to be just another website about beautiful beaches and holiday resorts. I want it to invite you to look a little closer. To discover the island beyond the postcard. To learn a few Swahili words. To taste its food. To explore its culture. And perhaps, one day, to experience Zanzibar for yourself.
Karibu – welcome to my Zanzibar story.