Tanzania is ranked as the most peaceful country in East Africa. We found the local people are generally welcoming and laid-back. The water is clean and there isn’t any of the garbage & debris we saw in Indonesia. The beaches are picturesque, and the culture is rich.

Zanzibar was one of the most exotic destinations I have been to. We had a few packed days of exploring the World Heritage Site of Stone Town, Zanzibar City’s old quarter.

We are big fans of Freddie Mercury (lead vocalist of the rock band Queen…he was born in Zanzibar)

A video tribute to Freddie…People on streets, ee-da-dee-da-day
People on streets, ee-da-dee-da-dee-da-dee-da

Dar es Salaam “Harbour of Peace”

From Zanzibar we sailed to Dar es Salaam to meet up with Martin’s school buddy that he hadn’t seen in 40 years. They had a lot of catching up to do and as old friends do… they managed to pick-up where they left off. We anchored just off the famous Dar es Salaam yacht Club and managed to get registered as a visiting yacht so we could enjoy all the facilities the club had to offer. The pool was a highlight for me, and the restaurant & bar was always the place to be for good food and fun company at this very welcoming and social yacht club.

Mark & Michelle spoiled us from the minute we arrived until our delayed departure. Mark was the former DYC Commodore and had all the connection to help us as well as some of the other visiting yachts. Mark’s wife Michelle is one of those people that everyone is drawn to an incredible person that I am grateful to have met; it was hard to leave after 2 weeks of being completely pampered.

We did only one boat project! We managed to source an outboard engine for our dingy and didn’t hesitate to grab it while it was available. The old “smokey joe” engine still has a few miles on it so we gifted to a local we me that enjoys fishing with his family on the weekends. I hope they get some enjoyment from the 26-year-old engine.

After the break from boat projects and all the good times we had in Dar it is time to get serious about heading South to South Africa. We will try to not sail overnight so to avoid the traditional dowls and fishing boats/ nets that are not lit at night. We have 3 planned stops before we will look for a good weather window to transit the notoriously challenging Mozambique Channel. Next down the line: Mafia Island, Kilwa & Mtwara.