Our Family Adventure: From Istanbul to Zanzibar
Istanbul: A Family-Friendly Start
Our journey began on December 6th, right after Olumide’s birthday, with a flight from Dulles to Istanbul via Turkish Airlines. The airline was incredibly accommodating for families, ensuring we all sat together and allowing us to bring a stroller and a reasonable amount of baggage.
Arrival in Istanbul
We arrived in Istanbul after a nine-hour flight, with no layovers. I highly recommend booking your transfer before you leave; our Airbnb facilitated our transportation, which made things much smoother. We stayed in a neighborhood near Galata Tower, a charming area with lots of hills, cafes, and small grocery stores. You can check out the Airbnb here.
Exploring the Neighborhood
Our first day was spent settling in, grocery shopping, and enjoying the amenities of our Airbnb, which included a Turkish bath in the basement and daily laundry service. Although we couldn't visit Galata Tower due to construction, we enjoyed Turkish delights, cafes, and local street vendors.
Nearby Attractions
Galata Tower: A historic tower offering panoramic views of Istanbul.
Istiklal Street: A bustling pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Taksim Square: A major tourist and leisure district known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Topkapi Palace: A large museum in Istanbul that served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.
Hagia Sophia: A historic mosque and former cathedral, renowned for its massive dome and stunning architecture.
Basilica Cistern: An ancient underground water reservoir with impressive columns and a mystical ambiance.
Dining and Getting Around
We mostly cooked in our Airbnb but did venture out for dinner twice. Our four-year-old, was in her picky eater phase, so pizza was our go-to. The streets of Istanbul reminded us of New York City, with their bustling energy and fast-paced driving.
From Istanbul to Zanzibar
Airport Experience
The Istanbul airport is fantastic, with plenty of vegan options and a playground area for kids. I recommend having a card that offers lounge access, especially for long international flights. We spent about five hours at the airport before our flight to Tanzania.
Flight to Tanzania
The flight from Istanbul to Tanzania was about eight hours, with a brief stop for refueling. We arrived in Zanzibar early in the morning, just as the sun was rising. Unfortunately, we had to wait at the airport for a few hours before we could check into our Airbnb.
Zanzibar: A Tropical Paradise
First Half of the Stay
We spent the first half of our 14-day stay in a townhouse Airbnb with a pool and ocean access. The only downside was its remote location, which made it difficult to get groceries. If I were to do it again, I would stop for groceries on the way or bring some essentials from Turkey. You can check out the Airbnb here.
Second Half of the Stay
The second half of our stay was at Kholle House, a palace-like accommodation in the city. Kholle House, built in 1860, is a beautifully restored boutique hotel located in the heart of Stone Town. It was originally constructed as a showcase for Princess Kholle's treasured artifacts and collectibles. The hotel features a tropical pool, a Swahili veranda, and a rooftop teahouse offering panoramic views of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean[1]. This place was fantastic, with daily fresh water, room turnover, and meals prepared for us. We spent about $140 on food for our entire stay.
Exploring Zanzibar
We visited Christ Church, an Anglican cathedral in Stone Town. Built between 1873 and 1879, the church is a prominent example of early Christian architecture in East Africa. It was constructed to commemorate the end of slavery and is located on the site of Zanzibar's largest former slave market. The altar is said to be positioned where the main whipping post once stood. The church also features a monument to the slaves and a museum on slavery[2].
Dining in Zanzibar
One of the culinary highlights of our trip was dining at Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town. Popular with both locals and tourists, Lukmaan offers a variety of delicious local dishes in a cafeteria-style setting. The restaurant is known for its fresh and affordable food, including:
Chapatis: Soft, flaky flatbreads perfect for scooping up curries.
Octopus Curry: Tender octopus cooked in a flavorful curry sauce, often served with pilau rice.
Fish Biryani: A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices and fresh fish.
Zanzibar Pizza: A unique street food that combines a thin dough with various fillings, cooked on a hot griddle.
Freshly Prepared Juices: A variety of fruit juices, including avocado, passion fruit, and coconut.
Located conveniently in the heart of Stone Town, Lukmaan is the perfect spot to grab a quick meal while exploring the area[3].
Booking a Tour of Stone Town
To fully appreciate the rich history and culture of Stone Town, we booked a guided walking tour through GetYourGuide. The tour included visits to the former slave market, House of Wonders, Sultan's Palace, Old Arab Fort, and the Dispensary. Our guide provided fascinating insights into the historical significance of each site, making the experience both educational and enjoyable[2].
We integrated ourselves into the local community and enjoyed a tour with a guide from GetYourGuide.com, who provided us with a rich history of the area.
Tips and Reflections
Travel Tips
Book your transfers in advance.
Ensure all passports are stamped upon entry.
Get visas online and keep digital and printed copies. You can apply for a Tanzania visa through the Tanzania Electronic Visa Application System.
If traveling with children, have a consent letter from the other parent.
Final Thoughts
Our 21-day trip from DC to Zanzibar was an unforgettable experience. If I were to do it again, I would explore more of the suburban areas of Zanzibar and ensure Olumide could join us. Despite the challenges, it was a trip worth repeating.
I hope this captures the essence of your trip! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to add or change.
References
[1] Zanzibar: Stone Town Walking Tour with Guide - GetYourGuide