Henry and I had been told by a South African working in hotel management in  Arusha,Tanzania, that the Tanzanian people are the best workers, and therefore the best employees in all of Africa. He should know, because he was born on the continent, and had also worked in many of its countries. He went on to say that the people of Tanzania are born with a genetic proclivity to hospitality, and are by far the friendliest and most welcoming of all Africans. Henry and I can certainly attest to our feeling of welcome, especially on the island of Zanzibar. The entire team of Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel was extremely happy, were kind and considerate, and welcomed us wholeheartedly. We loved our time on the island, and managed to spend more than a month there, before and after our safari on the Serengeti.  We were delighted to enjoy the sound of their drums, and their traditional music, learning the words to “JAMBO!”, a Swahili song of welcome. It permeated my sleep to the point that I awoke singing the tune, and finally insisted on knowing the words, which are delightful. How better to start the day than with a broad smile! Thank you Shabani, our porter in Reception, for teaching us and for translating the words. Asante sana!

JOURDAN ARPELLE-ZIEGLER                                        BACK TO MAP  PAGE