Nungwi, Zanzibar’s Million Dollar Baby

There is this ad on Honolulu radio for “Zanzibar Night Club”.  Very strange considering we are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and I just posted about Zanzibar.  Of course, I asked Cayle if we could go.  Eventually the conversation jokingly resulted in a rule that will keep us out of clubs named after far away locations we have actually been to.  We have lots to share with you from Hawaii when we return.  Until then…

After spending a wonderful few days in Stone Town, we took a taxi to the north coast of Zanzibar.  Nungwi is a little town with breath taking beaches, endless amounts of sunshine, and our favorite resort manager named Sele.  We stayed at Langi Langi.  This required booking ahead of time because the resort is in high demand, rightfully so.  After reading Tripadvisor reviews, I determined this was the place to stay based on what everyone exclaimed about the amazing food.  We arrived to a bit of a late check in due to guests leaving their things unpacked in the room we were supposed to have.  The resort took care of it very professionally, and even gave us a free dinner for use that night to make up for any inconvenience.  Sele, the manager and top chef came to our table that evening and said he was creating a new dish, which he wanted us to try.  He was sure we would love it for our free meal.  This meal was the start of our love affair with Sele’s cooking.  I would label it as East African/Middle Eastern fusion cuisine.  His way with spices is incredible!

The entryway to Langi Langi’s restaurant, ocean front, and lounge chair area.  Beauty is in the details sometimes.

Due to currency differences, it looked as if we payed $1,000,000 for our stay…really it was in Tanzanian shillings.  This resulted in lots of joking around with Sele and staff.  I left Langi Langi being called their “Million Dollar Baby”… and we will never forget our Morgan Freeman.  Sele, thank you for your hospitality and friendship.

Sele goes out in Rasta Baby (his boat) and catches some of the fresh seafood served for dinner.

High tide nearly brings the water up to the deck!  Great camera setting configuration, Mr. Cayle!

Langi Langi is the white, thatched roofed building.

My favorite photo of Cayle from this trip.  You can see below the deck the tide is starting to retreat.  The resort is fantastically perched over the ocean, complete with pool and beautiful gardens behind the main building. Low tide brings  a dramatic 100 yards of white sand beach. We spent one nausea inducing but unforgettable day on a dhow sailing around Zanzibar,  snorkeling and trying out my new canon waterproof camera.

Happiness is a great beach, great food and great people. Thanks Langi Langi!

Categories: Africa