Although we’re flying home today, we had much of the day to do some final activities in Stone Town.

Susannah and Kate started early with sunrise yoga in the “Ballroom” of our hotel. It wasn’t intended to be a hot yoga session, but given the warm temperatures even at 6 AM, we were quickly sweating. Our guide was gentle and strong, and she helped us work out the kinks from our many hours of bumpy truck rides on safari.

After a final hotel breakfast (last call for the tropical fruit assortment!), most of our party headed out on shopping expeditions. Some also made time for a visit to the site of the former Slave Market, where a museum presents the heartbreaking stories of the east African slave trade. The Anglican Church of Stone Town now occupies most of the site, with its altar where the auction block once stood. There is a sculpture commemorating the many lives unjustly enslaved here.

While waiting for our airport transport, we also had time to visit the small but delightful museum devoted to the story of Princess Sayyida Salme, a daughter of the local sultan who broke convention and caused a great scandal by eloping with a German businessman in the mid-1800s (converting to Christianity in the process). He died tragically young, leaving her to raise their three children in an unfamiliar culture. She had already taught herself to write at a young age (something forbidden for girls) and is now remembered as the author of several books explaining Zanzibari culture to Europeans.

An unexpected highlight of the day for some was our short flight from Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam on a 12-person puddle jumper. Our group took up three quarters of the seats and we had great views of both Zanzibar and the mainland as we crossed the Indian Ocean.

Now after more than 24 hours of travel, we are finally home safely, filled with memories of our action-packed adventure. We close with a giraffe drawing Rowan made while waiting in the airport. Thanks for joining us on our safari adventure!