As Head of Buying and Creative at African Fashion International: AFI PRIVÉ, Kyle Boshoff has travelled to many locations worth chatting about, from shopping in Lagos and Nairobi, to exploring the vibrant Ghanaian nightlife. He particularly enjoyed Zanzibar, an island off the coast of East Africa, and offers his top tips for visiting this tropical destination.
Where should we stay?
Emerson Spice is a boutique hotel set in the heart of Zanzibar. The building’s beauty and staff attentiveness makes you feel right at home in this awe-inspiring spot.
And if we were craving something delicious?
The best place to eat is The Rock. So-named as it is built on a rock at the shoreline, in a perfect spot for ocean views and fresh seafood… probably caught the same day. At low tide you can reach the restaurant on foot, walking over the reef but at high tide, the reef is consumed by the ocean and guests are ferried back to the beach by boat.
A hidden gem…
Stop by the Doreen Mashika store. The brand, run by a local fashion designer, has been making waves internationally. You are bound to find something you love that captures the spirit of the island in a way you will still be able to fit into your everyday wardrobe back home.
Any recommended activities?
When you’re not at the beach, you’ll want to spend as much time in the Stone Town area. It is one of the only functioning ancient cities in East Africa, and is the heart of the island. Full of culture (make a stop at the Palace Museum, the Slave Market, Forodhani Gardens and Darajani market) and beautiful architecture, you’ll want to walk the little streets between the whitewashed buildings all day long.
Some packing advice…
Pack as little as possible. You will spend most of your time in sunglasses and a swimming costume. Leave lots of space to take all your shopping back home with you.
What’s the first thing you do on arrival?
Hit the beach immediately. After your flight or ferry, you’ll be tired and still adjusting to the heat – a swim in Zanzibar’s crystal blue waters will take care of that.
Where would you meet for a drink?
The rooftop teahouse at Emerson on Hurumzi, where you’ll get a 360 degree view of the city, is the perfect place for sunset cocktails. The entire building, previously a mansion for a noble family, is like something straight from a postcard.
Best place for lunch?
Grab fresh seafood on a stick from the markets in Stone Town. Add a fresh coconut, chopped up on the beach in front of you, for the perfect little meal on the go.
Public transport or taxi?
Plan carefully so that you take a taxi to your day’s destination and spend the rest of your time walking in the area. Most things are accessible on foot, from a few central locations.
What souvenir should we bring home with us?
Every second you spend on this idyllic retreat is Instagram-worthy. My biggest regret about my trip was that I didn’t take enough photos. Don’t make the same mistake – pictures make the best souvenirs.
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