Tanzania, Zanzibar: Prison Island – Giant Tortoise and Spice Farm
Spring Reading Is Brought to You By:
Nowadays, giant tortoises are kept here. Turtle breeding was established here in 1919, when the English monarch received four turtles as a gift from the Seychelles. They have turtles of all ages - from the very smallest to fit in your hand to the largest. Some can live up to 200 years and weigh up to 200 kg.
Visitors can take pictures with the turtles, they can stroke them, feed them, but it is strictly forbidden to sit on the turtles. Some of them, however, have damaged carapace from rude tourists. In the nearby woods, if one is attentive, one can see antelopes. There is also a building on this island that was used by patients during a yellow fever epidemic. After the tour we enjoy the adjacent beach where you can swim, sunbath or snorkel at the coral reef. By boat we get back to the capital and head for the spice farm.
Zanzibar is famous for growing spices, as early as the 19th century, this island was the largest exporter of cloves in the world. There are still several spice farms in Zanzibar. Upon arrival, we are taken by a local guide and show us what the different species grow here. First we admire ginger, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom or pepper. It is an indescribable experience for a person who only knows spices from a bag bought in a shop.
We move on, and when the guide asks us what to feel in the air, I don't hesitate to answer. It's a clove. The trees reach up to 15 meters. This fragrance accompanies us to the fruits of coffee, pineapple, durian, chard, cassava, lemon grass or coconuts. Coconut is currently the second most important export crop. Towards the end of the tour, the guide shows us how to climb a coconut tree and sings a local song. Coconut palms here reach a height of about 20 meters. Local guides are creative and very skilled. From palm leaves we make a headband, handbag and other small things. Finally, we all get chopped coconut as a refreshment after this amazing farm visit.
Text and photos: Veronika Kocmanová
Discussion at the article (0) |
Related Articles
Tanzania, Zanzibar: Nungwi – Visiting Paradise
Tanzania, Zanzibar: Kizimkazi, Jozani Forest – Cruise with Dolphines and Jozani Primaveal Forest
Tanzania, Zanzibar: Stone Town – Former Slave Dock
Tanzania: Wild Animals Within Reach I – Let's Begin
Tanzania: Wild Animals at Hand II – Safari, Hurey!
Related Photogallery
Tanzania: African Safari
Guide:
Important Information:
Information and warnings on travelling abroad is to be found HERE.