Drunken Pilgrimage To Zanzibar for Sauti Za Busara
A massive five-day music, culture, seafood, and booze-fueled party, Sauti Za Busara (“Voice of Wisdom,” in Swahili) draws thousands of tourists to Stone Town — the “old town” district of Zanzibar’s capital — and its 17th-century fort along the main strip.
Now in its 9th year, Sauti Za Busara shows no signs of slowing down. But rumor has it the festival may be moved off Zanzibar next year. Despite the massive tourism $$ involved, local support is dwindling, and the event could be transferred to mainland Tanzania — which to many poses a significant threat to its uniqueness.
Although highly intoxicated skinny dipping is probably not the best example of cultural sensitivity on a conservative Muslim island, one could argue the tourists aren’t totally to blame. Konyagi (booze served in little sachets) is just too damn cheap, the island is too fucking hot, and most of the dancing is really, really, sensual.