How I joined the Ninja Turtles Gang in Nungwi
Why Nungwi and why not Stone Town since it seems that I have spent quite a time there?
Well! One thing you have to know about Zanzibar is that activities are spread all over the island. Indeed, depending on what you like and want to do, you go to different cities either for a day trip or to sleep there.
& YES,
You might tell yourself why bother if they all have beaches and blue water?
Yet, their geographical location makes their unicity. For example, Paje is known to be best for kitesurfing for of how wiiiindy it is, while Nungwi is best known for snorkelling because of how clear the water is, and Kendwa is for party rockers! Just to cite those ones.
Anyways, HOW DID I GET THERE?
As usual, you have a myriad of options: organized tours (55-100$), rent a car or use public transportation and you already know what I used 😂. I MEAAAN what's a trip without adventures?
So this was my ride! A dala dala which for 2000 TZSHS (0.87 USD cents 😳) and a 1h-2h ride brings you to half of the paradise.. though the ride can literally be a H.E.L.L of a ride (not the most comfortable but I enjoyed my ride with the Zanzibari who thought I was from Zanzibar and since I went abroad to study was trying to deny my roots 😫... uhm uhm)
And I feel like I have some explaining to do about why I used a dala dala.
1. The friends I made at the hostel and I wanted to try it out and save some money
2. We did want to enjoy our time and spend the whole day in Nungwi with no pressure of getting back at a certain time (which is the case when you rent a car or go on a organized tour)
3. We wanted to be free !
In Stone Town, you go to Darajani Market where you ask for the dala dala going to Nungwi. They are usually small buses or vans but the one we took was definitely new to us since it was more a pickup.
You get off at the last stop and walk towards Nungwi Beach, ask around if you don't see any indications. Follow the path for 5-10 mins and once near the beach, ask for "Baraka Aquarium". Make sure to mention this name because they have two places where you can see the turtles, and you can't swim with them in the other one.
Prices: 5$ to see the turtles // 10$ to see and feed the turtles // 15$ to see, feed and swim with the turtles. (Tours do this for 55-100USD & you can do it for less than 30$)
The guys working there are very nice and patient, and would be more than happy to take your pictures!
* I recommend leaving where you stay early so you get to Nungwi early and have the place to yourself*
Before heading to the pond, your guide will explain you what Baraka aquarium is about, he will explain the turtles' life and will show you how to feed them with seagrass. You can feed them from above or while swimming. If you do swim you need to take a shower before (they have bathrooms onsite)
Quick facts about our turtle friends.. before we dive in
At Baraka aquarium, turtles are kept in the conservation pond for 3-4 months. After this time, they let them free in the ocean so that they go dig holes for their babies. The important facts here are that:
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A turtle has to be 50 years old before having a baby! 😳
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They can produce up to 100 eggs and leave the eggs in holes they dug, then go back to the ocean. Once the babies are born, they have to survive on their own and go back to the ocean #AnimalInstinct
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However, out of 100, only 5 may survive since big fishes do eat them
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There are four kinds of turtles but at Baraka, they only have one: the green turtles which only eat seaweed (other types apparently eat fish and even human in the ocean... 😟)
I used to have a turtle when I was a kid and I honestly don't know how on earth I managed to have one because they do scare me. I guess with age, we develop fears and phobias... I'm scared of snakes, I hate snakes, and I can't even see them in pictures. The turtles I swam with reminded me of snakes but water snakes (don't ask me how I came up with this). It took a WHILE and a very patient guide to help me because I was scared to death!
Plus they have a snake park just nearby so in my head, I was thinking the worst, like what if one of them escaaaaapes?? ANYWAYS I'M ALIVE and thank God.
Nungwi beach is undeniably one of the most beautiful in Zanzibar, silky sands, all white & blue crystal water! Waves are not that strong so it feels like you are swimming in a pool, it's fantastic!
Other than swimming with the turtles, you can also snorkel at Nungwi; They are deemed to have the most beautiful coral reef near "Bill Gates island" or Nmemba island.