Zanzibar Tours

The sounds of the bustle of busy people in Stone Town grow faint in the distance until they seem only a memory. Music takes over, the sounds of taarab, songs of love and loss, on violin and oud, as your guide serves canapes and keeps your glass topped up with your choice of beers, wine, cocktails or sodas, encouraging you to sink back into the cushions and enjoy the romance of Africa while watching the scenery drift by. Onboard our dhow you are provided with a personal guide who will accompany you on your cruise and give you a tour of Stone Town from the water as well as be able to answer any questions that may have for him. Then, as the sun sinks into the horizon of the Indian Ocean, gentle breezes guide the dhow back to shore.

Come on board our traditionally crafted dhows, put your feet up and allow our staff to pamper you as the Sultans of Zanzibar were once upon a time. Enjoy a guided tour of Stone Town by sea, being shown the famous historical sites of this enchanting town. Snorkel with our guide around the reef and discover a whole new underwater world filled with marine life and coral of brilliant colors. Tables are set on the golden sand where a five star lunch, prepared by the talented chefs from the Zanzibar Hotels will be served to you. After lunch relax on the sandbank listening to the hush of waves lapping against the shore or discover more underwater life around it and listen to stories from our crew about sailing the seven seas. Hop back onboard and sail to Prison Island to see the remains of the prison built to condemn Zanzibari citizens to isolation and watch the giant tortoises shuffle through the trees, with the patience that old age brings.

You transfer to the village of Kizimkazi where traces of an Old Shirazi settlement may be seen. Near the walled enclosure is an ancient mosque where an inscription records that it was built in A.D. 1107 by Sheikh Seyyid Abi Amran, who appears to have been a local ruler. Outside the mosque is a well and graves of sherrifs (descendants of the Prophet). You will then proceed to a small fishing village where you will be taken for a boat ride (in a motorized local boat) in search of dolphins (85% chance).

This is a full day excursion on locally made traditional sailing dhows finished to the highest standard and fitted with outboard engines. The clients are collected from their hotel and transferred to the fishing village of Fumba, which is an ideal starting point to explore Menai Bay, now designated as a Marine Conservation Area. The bay has a number of uninhabited islands and sandbanks and is frequented by humpback and bottlenose dolphins. You will then board the dhow and set off to explore the bay and find dolphins (85% chance). This tour also includes snorkelling and lunch on Small Island or a sand bank. After lunch there is an opportunity to join an experienced crew and sail on a "ngalawa" or outrigger canoe made by hand from a single mango tree. The return journey will be by sail, if wind permits.

The island was formerly owned by an Arab and used for confinement of refractory slaves. It was bought by General Mathews and the jail (gaol) which still stands was constructed in 1893 and hence the name "Prison Island". While on the island you will be able to see massive land tortoises, swim, sunbathe and snorkel.

At Mangapwani Beach Club and Restaurant, guests can spend the day on the beach soaking up the African sun, taking the odd dip in the sea to cool down or enjoying the many watersports on offer.

When it comes to lunchtime, guests can stroll over to one of the tables shaded by thatch awning and enjoy a lavish buffet lunch. The menu has something for everyone, but mostly takes advantage of Zanzibar's wonderful seafood. A chef is on hand at the buffet to prepare dishes to your requirements, adding the perfect blend of famous Zanzibari spices.

The beach club offers rest rooms and changing rooms and a bar offering a variety of cool refreshments throughout the day. Self-guided and guided nature and cultural walks are available that include the nearby historical Mangapwani Slave Caves where the slaves of the 1800's were kept awaiting the monsoons and the arrival of the dhows.

You will walk through the nature trail of the forest, which is a habitat for many species of animals and birds. It is famous for its Red Colobus Monkey, the rare species.

A look at small farms in the rural area that grows cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom and many other spices, medicinal and ornamental plants, and tropical fruits. This tour provides a rare experience to prove why Zanzibar is referred to as the "Spice Island". It also includes a visit to the Persian Baths built in 1850 by Seyyid Said bin Sultan.

Departing the Stone Town Hotel, the excursion combines road travelling and walking. A driver and guide accompany participants and visit The House of Wonders, Arab Old Fort, Sultan's Palace, Anglican Cathedral, Slave Market, City Market, Old Dispensary and National Museum.

In the company of a guide, with the sounds of the evening call to prayer echoing through the narrow streets, this 2 hour walk includes many interesting shops and Forodhani Gardens where street vendors sell a variety of goods including fresh sea food and kebabs cooked on open grills.