Pole Pole- Zanzibar and Kenya

I love how slowly time moves in East Africa.  The days are long and no one seems to be in a hurry.  Pole Pole!

I couldn't seem to get enough time in Zanzibar.  It is the definition of relaxation.  Gorgeous beaches, wonderful accommodation, amazing locals, and delicious seafood!  After a few days in Stone Town, we were ready to find our own slice of serenity on the East Coast of Zanzibar.  A crammed hour long bus ride led us to Jambiani Beach.  Now, I have been to A LOT of spectacular beaches around the world but there was something truly special about this beach.

Perhaps it was our $10 beachfront villa

Or sitting back and watching the dhow boats head out to catch fish before sunset

  

Or watching sunset before eating the fresh fish

Or waking up for low tide to see the locals doing their "ocean farming"

       

Or hanging out with the locals

                             

The combination of things that made Jambiani Beach so special and unique is likely why it is one of the best beaches I have ever been to!

It was tough to say goodbye but the journey had to go on!  Once arriving back in Stone Town, our new friend Solomon showed us around the island and took us up north to the village where he grew up.  We went to a turtle sanctuary where his friend worked and we were able to chill with the turtles (one of my favorite animals!).

Afterwards, we stopped at his aunt's restaurant for lunch as an afternoon storm began to roll in .  The beach looked so incredible with the rain in the backround.  This was the perfect way to end our time in Zanzibar although we could have easily spent another week there.

With only a week left in East Africa we decided to hit a few spots on the East Coast of Kenya.  Our first stop was Malindi, which is a small laid back beach town roughly 2 hours north of Mombasa.  Malindi has a small Italian expat community so we treated ourselves to some delicious Italian food during our stay.  The one thing that I really missed in Africa was cheese so it was great to finally have some GOOD pizza!

From Malindi we took a day trip to the Marafa Depression, aka "Hells Kitchen".  For $5 you get a guide that will take you around the sandstone canyon and discuss both the local legends and natural reasoning for the rock formations.  It was a very interesting site with such amazing contrasts between the different shades of red, orange, and yellow in the sandstone.

   

Before heading back to Nairobi we spent a couple days sightseeing around Mombasa.  Mombasa is definitely a fast moving city, especially compared to Zanzibar and Malindi.  It was the perfect way to prepare ourselves for Nairobi.

Fort Jesus, Mombasa

Unfortunately Nairobi, or "Nairobbery" as some may call has a bad reputation for muggings.  Expecting the worst, we were very cautious and decided to go out in daylight with the only necessary possessions in a money belt.  I actually felt very safe walking around downtown and was glad that I didn't stay holed up in the guest house.    Although I did not end up doing any real sightseeing in Nairobi, I got a decent taste of the city.  Julie and I parted ways from Nairobi after backpacking together for 4.5 months.  While it was sad to say goodbye we were both excited for our next destinations!