Join us on the spectacular tour to the most popular dolphin spotting location in Zanzibar –Kizimkazi village, located on the Southern coast of Zanzibar Island, where you can see both bottle-nose and humpback dolphins.
The shallow coastal waters around Kizimkazi are a favorite hangout for dolphins as they come here for the reliable food supply, to nurse their calves, rest and socialize. There are also rather shyer humpback dolphins that sometimes put in an appearance here, although their schedule is a little more erratic.
The dolphin tour is best very early in the morning because in the afternoon as the sun rises, the sea water tends to become warm and the dolphins dive deep down to escape the heat. For guests who are staying in a Stone town hotel, we’ll pick you up from your hotel at 6:30am. It is also possible to do the trip later in the afternoon, but the probability of seeing dolphins is smaller.
The dolphin trip lasts two to three hours. Although dolphin-spotting is a popular activity, sightings aren’t guaranteed 100% and sometimes spottings require time and patience as the animals are in their natural environment.
Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th-century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both cultural and historical reasons.
The dolphin trip can be combined with Jozani Forest, as the forest is on the way to Kizimkazi; we pass through the forest on the way back from dolphin tour.
This full-day excursion includes something for everyone. From relaxing on the white sands of the Pange Sandbank to snorkeling for tropical fish and devouring a BBQ seafood buffet - guests are in for a treat!
In the morning, we board the dhow and set sail towards Prison Island. There, guests will enjoy a guided tour of a prison built for “rebellious slaves”, visit with giant Aldabra tortoises and snorkel with a guide to view the stunning array of coral and tropical fish that surround the island.
We then sail to the magnificent Pange Sandbank, a beautiful patch of white sand surrounded by turquoise waters. Guests can relax under the shade of our ample tents or swim in the warm water of the Indian Ocean. All that activity sure builds an appetite! For lunch, guests will savor a delicious seafood BBQ served with a cool, crisp beer and other refreshing beverages. After lunch, snorkel among Clown fish and Moorish Idols or simply take a walk around the sandbank to witness the birdlife. By the time we set sail to town in the late afternoon, guests will have enjoyed one of their favorite days in Zanzibar!
Itinerary:
09:30 - We meet at the original Dhow Safaris departure point before boarding our dhow.
09:45 - We meet the crew and will be observing a safety briefing before setting sail toward the Prison Island.
10:30 - We arrive at the island. Then we tour the historic prison and visit the giant tortoises while snorkelling around.
12:00 - We hop on board the dhow to sail toward Pange Sandbank.
13:00 - BBQ Seafood Lunch will be prepared for 8 persons or more. For 7 or less persons, we pack a delicious picnic basket! Meals are served at tables under a beautiful tent made of Merikani sails. After lunch, we shall snorkel in and out of the colorful Pange Reef and swim around the island.
16:00 - We set sail for Stone Town
16:30 - We arrive at the town
From start to finish this trip was perfect. In Tanzania, our guide was a top notch professional and extremely knowledgeable, taking us off the beaten path to provide us with an unrivaled experience in the parks. Our tour operator's advice for Tanzania were also unimpeachable. Our guide provided us with a social and political perspective no travel brochure could provide. It was a privilege for us to have him share his story with us which was honest, raw, and poignant and changed us in profound ways. We surprised by the level of hospitality from the owner of the tour operator, he organized for us a free BBq dinner at the end of our trip and he bother to drive us to the airport himself he made us felt we paid less for all we got. We recommend you to our friends and travelers.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Eco Lodge
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Selous Game Reserve, Arusha, Zan
Selous Game Reserve, Arusha, Zanzibar, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, Dar Es Salaam, Stone Town
Seif was absolutely great! We had a great chat on the walk from the hotel to the pier. The lads on the boat were such a laugh. We enjoyed it so so much. Thanks to everyone!
What Zanzibar offers is a unique combination of outstanding beaches, along its eastern edge, interesting activities, such as visiting a working spice farm, and the cultural delights of Stone Town, with Arabian fortresses and minarets.
With its location, barrier reef and outstanding beaches Zanzibar can offer all of the attractions that most crave such as scuba diving, glorious beaches, fresh seafood and much more. For those that are a little restless there is a small forest in the interior called Jozani that has indigenous red colobus monkeys, and the spice tours in one of the small farms just outside Zanzibar Town are a fascinating glimpse into why this island has become so famous.
Geographically, the island is only around 40 km across and 100 km from north to south at its widest points. Featuring outstanding powder white beaches along its eastern shores, flanked by barrier reefs, and the UNESCO World heritage site of Stone Town on its western edge, the island itself (Unguja in Swahili) is fairly narrow, with a ridge running through its middle from north to south. Along its eastern coastline runs a protective barrier reef and then the Indian Ocean. This is where the best beaches are located, all with coral white sand and gently lapping waters.
This 4 days itinerary offers visitors a short but worthwhile tour ideal for those who are time constrainted but yet want to enjoy the feel of Zanzibar Island.
The program will take you to Stone Town on your first day. You will get the opportunity to have a Stone Tour and explore this beautiful island full of history and culture. Relaxation at the beach on the 3rd & 4th day makes it great way to end your vacation - relaxing and rejuvenating!
This itinerary can be altered to suit your personal interests & activities.
Our great guide, Musa, met us at our hotel and we left together with Seif who drove us around to see the most important sites pertaining to the slave trade on the main island.
The sites were incredibly interesting to see but it was Musa's detailed explanations and discussion which really helped us out everything into context.
We thank Musa for his excellent company, a gentleman of old :) We highly recommend this tour.
Visit the Jozani forest and explore this natural part of Zanzibar, home to several habitats including swamp forest, evergreen thickets, mangroves, as well as a variety of wildlife, including sykes and red colobus monkeys, bush pigs, Ader’s duiker and suni antelopes, elephant shrews, chameleons and lots of birdlife.
The Jozani forest is best known for its kirks red colobus monkeys (kima punju in swahili), which are endemic to Zanzibar. About 10 years ago, the monkeys were considered to be in danger of extinction, but this trend has since reversed due to the conservation project. There are about 6000 red colobus monkeys now residing in Jozani Forest.
After visiting the monkeys, walk across to the Pete-Jozani mangrove boardwalk, which entwines through coral thicket vegetation, mangrove forests and across a creek. The mangrove forest is extremely crucial to Zanzibar’s ecosystems, providing a habitat for many lizards, snakes and birdlife as well as preventing the coastal erosion.
Jozani Forest is situated 38km southeast of Stone Town. In 1995, the Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Project was set up to protect the largest remaining patch of indigenous ground-water forest that used to cover Zanzibar. Local communities are involved in the project and some of your entrance fee contributes to development projects and to compensate local farmers whose crops are often damaged by the red colobus monkeys.
Whether you're a romantic, a beach-bum or are just looking for the perfect way to end your wildlife safari, this exciting tour of Zanzibar, its exotic beaches and its soothing waters, is just perfect.
Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, just 25 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania. It is famed for its historical Stone Town and some of the most stunning beaches on the planet. We will take you to interesting tours to the House of Wonders, Palace Museums, Mosques and Arab's Fort among many others.
We will also arrange visits to spice plantations, the reason that brought the Sultans of Oman, and what started the slave trade. Indulge in the white sands and clear waters of Kendwa Beach while basking in a cultural gem for a much deserved holiday.
Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar where little has changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors – there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.
This is a walking tour that takes you through the fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. We’ll visit the House of Wonders, the former slave market for the East African Slave trade, and the Arab Fort, amongst others, taking a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar.
You will see Zanzibar’s bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! Stone Town also has some excellent gift shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from.
Your knowledgeable tour guide will entertain you with not only funny stories of Stone Town but also cruel stories that tell about life in the old times of Stone Town.
This half day trip includes the guide and all entrance fees.
Suggested itinerary:
Visit the Anglican Church, built by Bishop Steers in 1874. Visit the Sultan Palace Museum, House of Wonders & the central market. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum.
Zanzibar and spice is a romantic entanglement that dates back to the 16th century. The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which are essential ingredients in a Zanzibari’s everyday life.
Join us in learning more about the important piece of Zanzibar life on our special Spice Tour with in-depth information not only about spices, but also organically grown herbs and detailed descriptions about their uses in traditional dishes, as cures for ailments and even for dyeing traditional ceremonial outfits for weddings and festivals. This tour is also a fantastic opportunity to see the countryside and rural areas of Zanzibar and also connect with local people.
Our guided walking tour passes through villages and spice plantations as spice-farm workers climb trees, seek out specific plants and cut off bark, letting you see, feel and taste everything. You will be decorated with palm-leaf accessories such as ties, rings, bracelets and glasses. You will also have an opportunity to taste some of the exotic fruits of Zanzibar and buy some of your own fresh spices if you choose.
The tour also includes a visit to the Kidichi Persian Baths built in 1850 by the first Sultan of Zanzibar as a gift for his Persian wife.
The half-day trip includes transport, guide and entrance fees
Nungwi a village at the north coast part of Zanzibar Island . This trip focuses on a cultural village visit to Nungwi, including sightseeing and free time to relax on the white sand beaches of the north.
In Nungwi there are number of very interesting things to see and do, including a natural aquarium that is home to endangered sea turtles and a variety of fish. The aquarium itself is a natural formation carved out from the coral bedrock by the erosion of millions of waves crashing against the shore. The depth of the water rises and falls with the tides providing a natural environment for its inhabitants.
The best time to visit Nungwi is in the early morning when the fish market is in full swing – depending on the catch the previous night you might see tuna, king fish, dorado and a variety of other large fish for sale. In the morning, local fishermen (and women) wade out to the edge of the coral reef to catch a number of different small sea creatures including squid, octopus, puffer fish and the occasional ray – their catch will be sold at the fish market throughout the day.
The Nungwi Boat Yard is another riveting experience where you’ll meet the ship yard owner and learn how the dhows are built; from the sourcing of the wood to the joints used and how they are launched.
Please also be aware that the village is the home and workplace of the local population and we ask you to respect their privacy – it is always best to ask before taking pictures. At the end of the walk, you can either relax on the sandy beaches or go swimming in the natural sea. Lunch and refreshments are arranged there to taste local delicacies or international food.
Suggested itinerary follows:
Visit the village
Visit the dhow-building capital of Zanzibar
We will stop at the blacksmith and see the traditional way of making the tools for the construction of dhows. At the construction site, we will see the way dhows have been built for centuries and see how skilled craftsmen bend wood to create the dhows. Take advantage of the opportunity to try your hand at this unique craft.
Visit and swim at Mnarani Natural Aquarium
Hawksbill turtles have traditionally been hunted around Zanzibar for their attractive shells, and green turtles for their meat. The project was established in 1993. You'll also get a change to swim while on tour.
Book this 10-day, guided Tanzania trip and got the chance to enjoy various shades of the country. From the sprawling metropolis of Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park's wildlife and the beaches of Zanzibar, this tour will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the country.
We will pick you up at JNI Airport and transfer you to your beach abode in Dar es Salaam. Go out on a city tour of the capital on the second day of the trip. Head for Mikumi National Park the day after that and enjoy four game drives in reserve before heading for the final destination on your itinerary, Zanzibar, an island that was a popular trade transit in the past.
Visit the island's Stone Town and enjoy a spice tour (Zanzibar was renowned as a center of the spice trade in the past) before catching a flight back to Dar es Salaam, from where you can take the flight back home.
The four day private wilderness adventure was fantastic. We saw lions, elephants and giraffes in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Accommodation was top notch. A special thanks to Cecy for organizing this unforgettable trip!
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
3-70 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Serengeti National Park, Zanziba
Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro International Airport
