Friday - 9h00 AM. After a 20-minute drive from Jozani Forest, we arrive at Unguja Ukuu, a small fishing village in southern Zanzibar. The sand is pale gray, the foliage dense, and the place feels almost untouched.

From the moment I meet Abdallah, his energy is infectious. Funny, full of life, always smiling, and endlessly passionate about his village, he peppers the journey with jokes and stories, making the experience truly unforgettable.

Two canoes lie barely visible among the trees. Fahmi and I climb into one, Abdallah takes the other. As we start paddling, the silence wraps around us—no cars, no tourists, just birds singing and the gentle splash of our paddles. Abdallah knows every tree and mangrove, explaining their vital role in protecting the land from storms and tsunamis.

After a short paddle, we reach a small sea cucumber farm, where locals cultivate these marine treasures for export. Abdallah shares the care, knowledge, and community importance behind this unique practice.

We continue, following the birds’ wake, until we step onto a nearly deserted beach, mangroves stretching endlessly behind us. The water is crystal clear, perfect for a swim, while Abdallah sets up a tray of fresh fruits—mangoes, pineapples, passion fruit. The combination of the flavors, the setting, and the quiet… it feels absolutely magical.

It’s time to return! We make our way across a narrow, verdant channel. Drifting slowly through the green-fringed canal, we leave behind the soft murmur of the water, the fresh scent of mangroves, and the unforgettable sense of having explored a hidden treasure few ever witness. I can’t wait for the delicious lunch waiting for us back in the forest!