Z for Zanzibar

Is Zanzibar the perfect destination for golfing and non golfing families?

Off the coast of Tanzania on the East side of Africa in the Indian Ocean we have not one but two islands making up Zanzibar.  Unguja, often called Zanzibar is the main island and the one we visited. The other being Pemba Island.

Initially based @seacliffzanzibar we were greeted by friendly staff as we exited our taxi weary after travelling.  Seacliff with its 120 rooms and stocked fridges of fresh water and juice was just 45 minutes from the airport, far enough to not get airplane distractions and close enough to be achievable after a long haul flight.  This seafront hotel was as welcoming as the ever present waves on the shoreline. 

You’re on holiday with the family, and the urge to play golf has not subsided in fact it has become irritating as you yearn to hit that little white ball once more.  Then you’re in luck, as the only golf course in Zanzibar is here too!  We found getting up reasonably early playing golf then wandering back to the resort for a late breakfast/brunch worked perfectly for us and set us up for a day of adventure or relaxation.   This nine hole Peter Matkovich design is a good test and certainly keeps your hand in whilst on holiday. 

Playing in such tropical surroundings, palm trees, birds singing and the sea lapping in the distance lends to the relaxed golf you’d want from your holiday.  Holes with mounds in the middle of narrow fairways call for sensible club choice off the tees.  Achievable par 3’s and a finishing hole to die for as you shoot from an elevated tee box to the expanse of green just short of the white sands and the Indian ocean.

Afterwards, in the club house grab a big drink of anything cold or with ice and relax watching the waves cascade up the shore.  Fans whirling overhead keeping the air from becoming static.  A quick drop into the air conditioned pro shop with the pretence of buying something as you cool down.  Elias and his helpful calming presence and ever present smile shows you the colourful displays of Seacliff branded polo shirts.  Chat with the golf pro, Stanley or maybe book a lesson with him.  Golf Clubs are available to use at the resort, but it has to be said they are a cobbled bunch of misfits that do the job. 

From that same beach you can watch the horses come down the hill willingly taking their riders into the water for a cool dip.  Or hire a catamaran and take on those waves as you bob along dipping your feet into the sea.

A great restaurant where no request was too much plus the beach side dining has never been so good.  Only made better when I was given the opportunity to make Zanzibar pizza with the local chef on the beach.  Racing the sunset, filming aided by mobile phone torches gave us some great alternative footage and of course a tasty little treat at the end of the toil.  Not that cooking on a beach was toil!

Visit Stone Town itself, a colourful historic Capital; stay at Jafferji Hotel and Spa to soak up the authentic atmosphere in the centre of Stone Town.  Queen fans can visit the Freddie Mercury museum located in his home prior to moving to England.  Day trips could include visiting Jozani Forest. Organised walking tours around this small National Park to see the red monkey – the only place in the world who have the colobus red monkey.  Take the well trodden spice trail to enjoy the local produce of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper it must have been a hotly contested place to be during the trading years.  Then relax aboard a sunset dhow cruise to end your day.

Interested, we have a video on You Tube called ‘Zipping up Zanzibar’.  Link in Bio.

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