By Nina Springle
One of the most romantic locations in the world, Zanzibar is the ideal backdrop for
the most romantic day of your life. The Original Dhow Safaris will plan and organise
your wedding day to be as special and unique as you are. With detailed, specialist
knowledge of the spice island and all it has to offer, there are endless options for your
entire event, limited only by your imagination.
Imagine this…
The day begins on the picturesque sands of a small beach on the skirts of the World Heritage Site of Stone Town; a city of architectural and cultural fusion with a history of Omani Sultanate and exotic trade in spices and slaves. In modern society, where the era of sailing vessels is a distant memory, it is here that the culture still thrives. The dhow is a surviving symbol of the western Indian Ocean and the foundation of cultural and economic contact between Eastern Africa, the Arabian peninsula, and India for two millennia. Hand made from the fi nest almond wood, dhow building is a craft handed down from father to son. Each vessel is an individual work of art, befi tting the most grandiose occasion.
On the inlet sands, led by a splendid white donkey, reminiscent of the kind princess Salme used to ride on her royal excursions, the wedding party congregates. Beautifully attired and adorned in an exquisite fl oral array of red roses or fragrant frangipani, the bride meets her groom, ready to exchange the vows hat will affi rm their love to the world. The majestic vessel arrives, its historic hull creaking as it rolls through the current to the shore. With the party onboard, a balmy sea breeze catches the lateen sail of the magnifi cent wooden vessel, pushing the craft through the temperate waters of the Indian Ocean. The blinding white sandbar illuminated off in the distance offers the most remote and intimate setting for the special day. Breathing in the salty air, refreshes mind and spirit and heightens the senses.
On the sandbank find perfect peace and harmony. With the expanse of ocean stretching for miles outwards and the view of the ancient Stone Town behind, this really is paradise. A glorious nuptial chapel awaits, with your choice of celebrant to join you in matrimony. Celebrate your union with champagne and canapés catered by the fi ve star chefs from Serena Inn Hotel, to the sounds of live traditional Swahili taarab music, as the sun slips away under the horizon to end the most wonderful day. Sail back to Stone Town, basking in the reverent glow of your romantic union and rejoice with your partner, family and friends at any one of the fine hotels or restaurants available for your reception.
For all bookings and enquiries contact:
The Original Dhow Safaris, P.O. Box 3181, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Tel: +255 242 232 088
Fax: +255 242 236 583
Hotline: +255 777 223 932
Web: www.dhowsafaris.net
