Saturday 18th September - Monday 20th September

The traumatic, terrifying, thrilling and ultimately 'afraid of boats curing' ride across the Indian ocean to the idealic sands of Nungwi was definitely a trip well made. Our days here were the most relaxed we had experienced since leaving England, consisting of long walks along the white beaches, relaxing on the sun beds and hammocks, and sipping cocktails whilst watching the sun set behind a calm and turquoise ocean.

The beach resort had a fantastic selection of food and breakfast was always hearty, especially the doughnuts, served fresh every morning and evening. Short strolls down the beach took us to a selection of bars and restaurants known as the Nungwi Strip. We had a couple of meals here combining some fantastic food with a rare chance to sit and watch the football, something that I was actually starting to miss. The strip was a great hang out for all the tourists and locals who mixed in the bars and on the beach, often you would see large groups chatting and sharing a beer.

The weather was fantastic, blazing sunshine everyday, interludes only by the occasional cloud and cooled by a nice coastal breeze. The water although inviting turned out to be rather chilly meaning that it gave me an excuse not to swim and TJ a reason not to brave the forewarned sea urchins. The scene was as if from a post card, palm trees providing shade with the gentle lapping of the waves the only sound to break the silence, the sounds of London a million miles away.

At one point we ventured off the perfect beaches to investigate the village of Nungwi further, what we found was a stark contrast to the developed and clean coastline. Leaving the strip through secured gates took you to dirt tracks, villas and beach huts were replaced with the now familiar corrugated iron shacks. Rubbish was pilled into huge mounds, home to goats, chickens, cats and rats, the smell was vile in places. It was all a bit of a shock coming from the beach, the people were just as friendly and we were constantly greeted with smiles and jambos. It was a little shocking to see such warm and friendly people living in such conditions right behind the perfect beachfront.

It had been a wonderful journey to get to Nungwi and an exceptionally restful and beautiful stay. We had both read our books, played games (TJ was 20-12 up by the end!), drank wonderful cocktails and ate some fantastic seafood and vegetarian dishes (king and reef fish are highly recommended, and the prawns were to die for!). We relaxed by the open fire on our last night recharged and feeling ready to move on to busier climes, a bus journey south down the island to it's capital Stone Town.

Mark & Tejal x