Zanzibar Day Trips

Embrace the perfect Balance
of thrilling Activities and true Zanzibari Spirit

Welcome to the dynamic realm of Zanzibar, where every activity offers an unforgettable adventure. This paradise, where pristine white sand beaches merge with the turquoise Indian Ocean, serves as the perfect setting for a myriad of exciting excursions and engaging pursuits. Each experience is thoughtfully curated to strike the perfect balance between Zanzibar’s rich cultural tapestry and the thrill of discovery, promising memories that will last a lifetime.

This guide is your compass to navigating the wide spectrum of thrilling activities available in Zanzibar. Every activity is a showcase of Zanzibari hospitality, offering exquisite adventures, exceptional service, and culinary delights that will tantalize your senses. Allow us to steer you towards unforgettable experiences in Zanzibar, a place where breathtaking panoramas merge with unparalleled excitement.

Welcome to Zanzibar, the Spice Island!

We’re thrilled to offer you an unforgettable experience in this beautiful destination. Whether you’re looking to explore stunning beaches, indulge in local cuisine, or immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the island, we have a variety of tours and activities tailored to your interests.

Our services include:

Guided Tours: Discover the best of Zanzibar, from the historic Stone Town to the breathtaking Jozani Forest. Choose from cultural tours, spice tours, and more.
Beach Activities: Enjoy water sports like snorkeling, diving, and fishing, or simply relax on the pristine beaches.
Cultural Experiences: Engage with local communities, visit markets, and learn about the island’s unique heritage.
Airport Transfers: We can arrange seamless airport transfers to ensure your journey to and from the island is hassle-free.

Let us help you create lasting memories in Zanzibar! If you have any specific activities in mind or need assistance planning your trip, feel free to reach out.

Our clients experience..

~ Asante sana Afrimine Tours! We had great excursions during our honeymoon in Zanzibar with our German-speaking guide. The organisation was just great and a huge "thank you" goes to Antje, who is always available as the contact person for Afrimine Tours in Germany and is always ready to give advice!!! We can highly recommend the excursions and tours organised by Afrimine Tours. Customised tours/excursions can be arranged without any problems! Every wish is fulfilled here. Thank you for everything and we will gladly book again ~

Nadine & Yannick

Honeymoon Couple

~ We spent 10 days on this beautiful island, which gives a small impression of Africa. Our accommodation was in Nungwi, which is situated on a really great beach. The fact that we were able to get to know Zanzibar a little was thanks to the sensational service and planning by Antje from Afrimine. She was always available for us if we had any questions. We went on two fantastic and exclusive excursions with Afrimine. We were always picked up at the hotel. Musa was a very friendly driver. He always navigated us safely through the sometimes challenging traffic in a luxurious car. Our guide spoke really good German and was very knowledgeable. He was able to tell us a lot about the island, the people, the plants and the history of the island. He also had an inimitable wit, so we were able to laugh a lot with him. After these impressions, we can say that this was not our last visit to Zanzibar. Afrimine gave us great confidence, which is why we are thinking about having Antje plan and organise a real safari for us ~

Nicole & Herbert

Couple

Afrimine Tours Best Day Tours & Excursions

Stone Town Discovery Tour

For centuries, Zanzibar has been shaped by ideals, influences and rulers from far overseas, each adding to its fusion of character – and nowhere is this clearer than in Stone Town. Gaining an understanding of these myriad cultural forces can be challenging, but doing so is thoroughly worthwhile. Take a wander through Stone Town’s maze of alleyways with an erudite Zanzibari resident, meeting the locals, marvelling at its fusion of architecture and cultures, learning about the food, music, beliefs and everyday life, for an utterly fascinating experience.
Your Stone Town tour will focus on exploring the city’s UNESCO World Heritage centre with a highly knowledgeable and engaging Zanzibari guide – spending time focusing on aspects that interest you most, be that traditional medicine, cuisine, the role of women, the structure of education, architecture, the social lives hidden in concealed courtyards, or any number of questions that may arise as you journey past the more well-known landmarks and the hidden gems.
These trips are relaxed and free-flowing, feeling very much like an exploration with an old friend, taking you to places to pique your interest and make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
Visit an atmospheric dispensary, still very much in use, to learn about traditional herbal remedies; walk over to Stone Town’s Anglican Cathedral to see the slave pits and hear of Zanzibar’s role in the slave trade. After this you may wander through the narrow streets to the ruins of the Old Fort, located on Stone Town’s waterfront and built on the ruins of a Portuguese church, or perhaps you’ll meet family jewellers cutting tanzanite gemstones before heading to Forodhani Gardens and the House of Wonders, the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity. Experience the market without being harassed, whilst your guide will likely have you taste the seasonal fruits on offer, offer some culinary advice, and educate you on the many local uses for the array of spices on sale. Watch local craftsmen hammering brass details into Zanzibari chests or restoring Stone Town’s famous carved wooden doors, share Arabic style tea or coffee and hear about Swahili society.
In our opinion, learning about both this city’s history and its modern challenges, its residents' hopes and ambitions, and having the opportunity to genuinely engage with this community and your guide is one of the finest Stone Town pastimes, and comes highly recommended as a way to better enjoy and understand this city and its people. The hand-picked guides that we work with are, we believe, Stone Town’s best and are able to give real insights into the island’s history and people on many different levels. They were all born and brought up in Zanzibar, and live in the Stone Town community themselves, and so are uniquely placed to help you interact with its residents and understand its culture, both modern and ancient. This is a private tour and generally starts in the morning. However, as every element of this excursion is designed around you, it is possible to start later in the morning, or even the afternoon if you wish.
The tour can either end back at your hotel or, there is also the (highly recommended) option to end with a local family, enjoying a home-cooked Zanzibari meal.

Zanzibar's Night Market - Forodhani Garden

After sunset the heart of Zanzibar's historic Stone Town neighborhood transforms into a culinary playground.
By day, life around Zanzibar’s Forodhani Gardens moves at a leisurely pace: tourists and locals stroll down the seawalk, either sidestepping the eager advances of the city’s ravenous stray cats and taking in the views of an impossibly crystalline Indian Ocean. On the outskirts of Zanzibar’s historical Stone Town, this small park awaits the lucky travelers that manage to navigate their way through the heart of this historical neighborhood’s labyrinth of narrow streets. After sunset, this quiet corner of Stone Town is almost unrecognizable. The once calm Seawalk is rapidly filled with chefs, clad in white hats, setting up gas lamps, grills and rotisseries, spreading out their wares across rows of tables. The Night Market is a culinary playground for all - visitors and locals pour in, families gather with small children, and of course, the tenacious stray cats hunker down and wait for scraps. The chefs are a blur of motion, excitedly pointing to their culinary creations, cooing and coaxing until even the most hesitant eater gives in to their expertly spun sales pitches.
The Night Market perhaps best represents Zanzibar’s wonderful amalgamation of cultures and cuisines. Zanzibar was once a trading center, at the intersection of the spice trade, the slave trade and the ivory trade. Arab, Persian, Indonesian, Malaysian, Indian, and Chinese merchants passed through or migrated to the island, leaving a lasting impact on Swahili culture. The vestiges of Zanzibar’s often tragic history linger in many ways; most noticeably in the unique blend of cultures on the Market’s signature white cardboard plates. Dishes vary widely, from Zanzibari pizza, falafel as big as your face, sugar cane juice, enormous samosas, coconut bread, seafood skewers (although debate persists pertaining to the actual freshness of the market’s pescetarian offerings), and crepes dripping with ribbons of chocolate syrup.
For the culinary curious and history buffs alike, Stone Town is a magical little corner of Zanzibar, and the Night Market offers a glimpse at an expansive (and appetizing) history and culture - even if it means fighting with a covetous cat over that last morsel of crepe.
Make sure you bring Tanzanian shillings with you and be prepared to barter if you want to avoid overpaying for your culinary exploration.
The Old Fort or a sundowner at Livingstone Beach are perfect location to Forodhani Gardens and may provide a nice pre-sunset excursion while you wait for the Night Market to open.

Princess Salme Spice Tour

Discover the captivating story of the smart and rebellious Princess Sayyida Salme, the youngest daughter of Sultan Said. Born a Zanzibari princess in 1844, she was a remarkable woman for her time: she taught herself to write, had a clandestine love affair with a German merchant, eloped to Europe when pregnant, and even converted to Christianity. Her life was full of colour, secrets and adventure.
Join a knowledgeable local guide and follow in her footsteps through palaces and plantations, gaining an insight into her incredible life, as well as the fascinating Zanzibar spice trade and a working plantation.

Starting in Stone Town you will be taken by a private guide to Princess Salme’s birthplace, Mtoni Palace, on Zanzibar’s west coast.
The palace, Zanzibar’s oldest, was once home to nearly 1.000 people, most of whom worked on the surrounding spice plantations, and the Sultan’s royal court. In its heyday, it was a place where gazelles and peacocks strutted in an impressive, arched courtyard, where splendid fountains and palm groves dotted the grounds, and where the sultan admired his fleet in the ocean. But in the 1880s, Mtoni Palace was abandoned and today much of the building has crumbled. It remains one of the most significant sites and buildings in Zanzibar’s history though, and exploring the ruined bathhouses and atmospheric arches, listening to stories about palace life and Zanzibar’s rich history is fascinating.
Your next stop will be Kidichi Persian Baths. The baths were built for the sultan's second wife, the granddaughter of the Shah of Persia, and were used by the royals when they visited their spice plantations. You can still walk around the bathhouse, prayer room and relaxation area. Keep an eye out for the decorative peacocks and flowers in the stucco render.
Finally, you will be taken to an established spice plantation. Zanzibar, well known as the ‘Spice Island’, has a history of growing and exporting spices, dating back to the 16th century. Spices, originally brought over by Portuguese traders, led to the creation of plantations and trade routes to the Far East.
Today spices form an integral part of everyday life for many Zanzibaris, bringing intense flavour to their cuisine and used in medicines, rituals and everyday life. A wide range of spices are still produced on Zanzibar including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, turmeric, black pepper and ginger – to name but a few!
Take a stroll around the plantations where you can learn about the spices and discover their various culinary and medicinal uses. If the culinary possibilities tempt you, have a look at the Swahili cookery workshop excursion too.

You will round up the morning with a home-cooked lunch at the spice plantation, before heading back to Stone Town where you will typically arrive back at your hotel in afternoon. As its a private tour, the exact itinerary for this excursion is flexible, including possibly combining it with the Stone Town discovery tour.

We work with a handful of enthusiastic and articulate Zanzibari guides to conduct this trip. All of our guides have excellent English, and make fascinating company for the insights that they can give you into today’s Zanzibar, as well as the island’s history.

Swahili Cooking Workshop

Zanzibar’s cuisine and culinary influences are as exotic as the island itself: a literal melting pot of flavours from Portugal, the Middle East and India. The tasty fusion food is made rich with the freshly picked herbs and spices which gave Zanzibar its ‘Spice Island’ taste.
This genuinely authentic culinary workshop will take you to the heart of the spice farm region, teach you how to select and blend an array of spices, create souvenir blends, and guide you through cooking a traditional Swahili meal.

Setting out from Stone Town you will be driven to the lush spice farms area. Here you will meet your local host, who will take you to his family home. In the outdoor cooking area, you’ll first learn about the properties of various spices, and how they can be crushed and carefully blended together to create extraordinary flavours. You will discover which combination of spices produce the best masala chai (spiced tea), learn how to create the perfect flavour blend for an aromatic curry, and experience grinding up your own spices with the giant pestle and mortar to produce a personalised spice blend for use back at home.
Armed with your knowledge of the flavours, its on to preparing and cooking a traditional Zanzibari meal. You will be shown traditional cooking techniques, from the specialist tools used to scrape out a coconut, to cooking over a charcoal stove. You’ll prepare perhaps hot Badhia (falafels), learn how to grind up a coconut and extract the fresh milk, and chop a colourful selection of seasonal vegetables to which your blend of freshly ground spices and creamy coconut will be added. Whilst the food simmers and the tantalising smells spread, you’ll enjoy some tropical fruit juices, before finally tucking into your utterly delicious feast of aromatic pilau rice, vegetable coconut curry, Katchumbari salad and crisp herb falafels with a coconut chutney, all washed down with freshly squeezed tamarind juice or fragrant tea.
Furahiya chakula chako! (Enjoy your meal!)
You will be met by your guide at your hotel around in the morning and driven to the spice plantations area to start your private workshop. You'll typically arrive back in the early afternoon however the exact itinerary for this excursion is flexible and can be easily combined with the Stone Town discovery tour.

Sundowner & dinner at Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop

The Emerson team adheres to the Swahili and Middle Eastern theme and is offering a full evening dining experience, starting with cocktails, mocktails and an appetizer from 6 pm. The waiters offer an introduction to the menu; the setting and traditions surrounding celebrations in Zanzibar.
At 7 pm the first course of the meal is served and the musicians of the Dhow Countries Music Academy start to play traditional taarab music.
The dinner service continues with a platter with a variety of dishes comprising the main course and the evening experience ends around 9 to 9.30 pm with a cup of 'tangawizi' - Zanzibar ginger tea after the dessert has been served.
After dinner, we can arrange an escort service back to your hotel. For every performance, the musicians are paid and a separate donation goes directly as a contribution to the Music Academy.
Starts at 6 pm. Including three-course dinner, sparkling or still water, and traditional Taarab music performed by accomplished musicians of the Dhow Countries Music Academy.
Please indicate dietary restrictions to be considered by the chef and whether you would prefer to be seated ‘Swahili style’ on the carpet with cushions and a low table, or whether you prefer a regular height seat. Both seating options have views over Stone Town and the sea.

The Rock Restaurant

Sitting atop a rock on Pingwe beach, this restaurant becomes its own island at high tide Once the site of a fisherman’s post, The Rock restaurant sits perched atop a rock off the eastern coast of Unguja Island in the Zanzibar archipelago. The establishment is on what’s known as a “tidal island” - it rises above the sand on Michamvi Pingwe beach at low tide, but becomes an island at high tide.
Depending on the time of day, voyagers arrive on foot or by boat.

After climbing a wooden staircase to reach the entrance, diners enjoy unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean from one of 12 cozy tables beneath a Makuti palm tree roof. Patrons sip cocktails out on the back patio, which - at certain hours - is surrounded by turquoise water on three sides. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, so parties can time their meal reservations to match the desired tide level.
The menu, which is largely European-inspired, highlights local seafood and house-made pasta. The Rock’s chefs offer guests a selection of globally-recognizable options, but they also aim to impart the flavors of Zanzibar and the surrounding region in every dish. The fish carpaccio is served with coconut, lime, and chili pepper. Most desserts (which range from chocolate salami to pineapple flambé) come topped with “Zanzibar spices” ice cream. Their beef, spices, and vegetables are all farmed nearby. While dining at The Rock is exponentially more expensive than dining elsewhere in Zanzibar, the restaurant, which opened in 2010, sponsors the Kichanga Foundation. Established in 2005, this organization teaches community members how to swim and focuses on a number of sustainability programs, including waste sorting and recycling.

Note: The Rock offers two lunch seatings (at noon or 2pm), and two dinner seatings (at 4pm or 6pm), both by reservation only.
We are happy to take care of the reservation.

Kuza Cave

This sacred, circular cave is lined with pools so clear and still that it's hard to tell where the water begins. Remarkably pristine pools, some more than eight feet deep, line the cave’s perimeter. The stillness of the water reflects a backdrop of stalagmites and stalactites, making it difficult to discern where the water ends and the cave wall begins. Once the eye has adjusted, it’s possible to spot several openings that lead deeper underground. To date, these subterranean portals have yet to be explored.
Kuza Cave is a geological formation with a long, fascinating history. The Jambiani area, where the cave is located, was and still is characterized by countless underground rivers that snake beneath a relatively flat landscape. Some 250.000 years ago, the constant erosion of these underground rivers flowing between two hard layers of limestone caused the upper layer to weaken and buckle. From this collapse, Kuza Cave was born.

The new access to the revealed river created an easily accessible source of fresh water, which attracted animals and humans alike. Bones found strewn about the cave and surrounding area prove that giraffes, zebras, and waterbuck frequented it. And the marks on the bones, inflicted by sharp tools, indicate humans were present, too.
The cave has long been a sacred space for the local people. For thousands of years, they’ve journeyed to this spot within the Earth’s underbelly to hold ceremonies and pray. It’s still a place of religious worship, and is closed to the public when ceremonies are in progress. When the cave is open (which it usually is), it offers a surreal, peaceful glimpse into a wondrous underground world.

Note: Kuza Cave has been the site of ancestor worship for thousands of years. It is, therefore, possible that access to it may be restricted due to a ceremony that’s only open to locals. However, these ceremonies are rare. On a regular basis, visitors can report to the Kuza Cave Culture Centre, which will provide a guide to the cave and a short but informative lecture on the cave. Half of the proceeds fund educational programs in the village.

Seaweed Center Experience

On this tour you will visit the Seaweed Centre to learn about Seaweed farming, which is the second biggest industry on the island. Located in Paje, this social enterprise creates opportunities for female seaweed farmers to improve their healthy standard of living and engage in economic development activities that benefit the whole community. Depending on the tide you will see how the women harvest their seaweed and understand the hard work that encompasses a seaweed famer‘s daily life. Afterwards you will gain insight in the processing centre and factory located in the village. Here you get the rare opportunity to see how the seaweed gets transformed into desirable beauty products like organic soaps and essential oils.

Safari Blue

Set sail into the mesmerizing azure of the Indian Ocean with Safari Blue, the epitome of sea adventures in Zanzibar.
Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of Menai Bay Conservation Area as you voyage through its stunning landscapes aboard traditional dhows, meticulously handcrafted from African mahogany.

Your journey begins in the quaint fishing village of Fumba, where a welcoming team provides a safety and program briefing to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
As you leave the shore behind, brace yourself for a day filled with the splendors of nature and the vibrant rhythms of Zanzibari marine life.
We invite you to explore the dazzling sandbanks, rising from the depths of the ocean, their soft white sands providing a breathtaking contrast to the turquoise waters. Delve into the underwater world as you snorkel over rich coral reefs teeming with life. Revel in the calming lull of the waves and feel the warm tropical sun on your skin as you relax on these sandbanks, often described as some of the most idyllic places in the world.
Refresh your senses with the crisp taste of freshly-harvested coconuts and a light snack served on the first sandbank. As the tides change, embark on a journey to another heavenly sandbank near Pungume Island. There, indulge in a delightful lunch, the flavors of which are as memorable as the surroundings.
Let the day melt away as you relish the beauty of the sea and sky, their colors ever-changing with the sun's journey across the horizon. Safari Blue is more than a marine adventure; it's a chance to connect with nature, embrace tranquility, and create unforgettable memories amidst the breathtaking beauty of Zanzibar's seascape.

Prison / Changuu Island

Step into a captivating chapter of Zanzibar's history with a visit to the intriguing Prison Island, an unexpected sanctuary for giant tortoises. This small island, also known as Changuu, carries tales of an era marked by slave traders and yellow fever quarantines.
Immerse yourself in the island's rich history as you explore the authentic prison building, now converted into a guest house. Gain insights into the island's transformation from a planned penal institution to a quarantine station, narrated by an expert guide.
Our specially curated Prison Island Tour brings you into close contact with the island's unique inhabitants - the gentle giant tortoises. A gift from the Seychelles government in 1820, these majestic creatures, some over 150 years old, have made the prison cells their home and will be delighted to pose for a photo. Enhance your visit with a touch of nature's brilliance. Admire stunning peacocks and delve into the turquoise waters to snorkel among beautiful marine life. With its intriguing history, friendly tortoises, and opportunities for relaxation by the coast, Prison Island provides a unique blend of educational exploration and serene escapism.

Nakupenda Sandbank Picnic

Welcome to Nakupenda, meaning "I love you" in Kiswahili, and it's easy to see why the moment you step onto this enchanting sandbank in the middle of the ocean. Uncover the vibrant underwater world that surrounds Nakupenda, snorkeling among the colorful reef fishes and other marine life that make these pristine waters their home.

Relish a delectable seafood BBQ for lunch, freshly prepared and served in this unique location. Taste the flavors of the sea and take a moment to appreciate the truly unique dining setting.
After lunch, take the time to relax on the sandy expanse before embarking on your journey back to the resort.
Located just a 20-minute local boat ride from Stone Town, Nakupenda Sandbank is easily accessible yet feels a world away. Snorkeling equipment will be provided upon arrival for your underwater exploration. The marine environment around Nakupenda is astonishingly beautiful, teeming with countless colorful fishes, sea creatures, coral reefs, and underwater plants forming a vibrant barrier reef ecosystem.
After snorkeling, indulge in some sandbank relaxation and sample an array of tropical fruits. Enjoy the sweetness of bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and watermelon, adding a refreshing end to your unforgettable island trip.

Jozani Forest Nationalpark

Venture into the serene heart of Zanzibar with a visit to the mesmerizing Jozani Forest, an oasis of biodiversity and home to the endearing and endangered Red Colobus monkeys. Here, you can explore 44 square kilometers of protected land, providing a safe haven for these playful primates, amongst a wealth of other fascinating species.
Immerse yourself in this unique ecosystem as you amble under lush green canopies, marveling at the diverse assortment of bird and butterfly species that call Jozani home. With over 40 species of birds and 50 species of butterflies, it's truly a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Delve into the depth of the forest to discover the medicinal treasures hidden within its flora. Learn about the therapeutic properties of the native plants, used as natural remedies in local traditions, and gain insights into the interconnectedness of nature.
Our specially designed Tour brings you up close and personal with the amiable Red Colobus monkeys. Unlike their more mischievous counterparts, these monkeys are known for their calm demeanor and won't shy away from a friendly interaction or a memorable photo opportunity.
Guided by a knowledgeable local, unearth the rich history and secrets of the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. From fascinating wildlife encounters to restorative walks in the serene jungle, the Jozani Forest offers an invigorating retreat for those seeking to connect with nature's magic.

Sunset Dhow Cruise

Gliding along Zanzibar's coastline aboard an Arabian traditional dhow offers an experience like no other. Your journey commences from Stone Town's seafront or Nungwi just depends n your hotel location, sailing off-shore as the sun descends into the Indian Ocean, casting an array of pastel hues across the historic scape. Savor a delightful variety of snacks, beer, and soft drinks while soaking in the views of this captivating coastal journey.
As your dhow sails further into the azure waters, your guides will highlight key attractions from the boat, weaving tales steeped in ancient Swahili lore. The tranquil harmony of the ocean is amplified by soothing live music, adding to the serenity of your journey. Listen to the gentle lap of water against the dhow's sides, creating a rhythmic soundtrack to your peaceful sojourn.
Prepare for the stunning spectacle of the setting sun as it paints the sky with brilliant pinks, purples, blues, and oranges, a sight sure to take your breath away. As you sail back towards Stone Town or Nungwi under the mesmerizing canvas of the twilight sky, the gentle ocean breeze billows the Latin sail, making for a truly magical end to your Zanzibari voyage.

Snorkeling & Diving at Mnemba Atoll

Mnemba Atoll, a preserved oceanic oasis off northeastern Zanzibar, is a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. With excellent visibility ranging from ten to thirty meters, this stunning marine ecosystem offers an intimate encounter with green turtles and dolphins, and the occasional spectacle of spouting whale sharks and humpback whales. As part of your dive tour, you'll discover the five main diving locations around Mnemba.
Experience the magical Kichwani, inhabited by a multitude of shaded fish such as leaffish, frogfish, and nudibranchs - ideal for both novice and advanced PADI divers. Its gentle coral wall slopes down thirty meters, presenting a beautiful underwater landscape. Venture further to the Sand Banks, a treasure trove of marine life such as eagle rays, frogfish, batfish, seahorses, and snappers.
Discover the Aquarium, home to garden eels, white tip reef sharks, green turtles, groupers, and surgeonfish among others. Next, explore Wattabomi, also known as Eel City, suitable for divers of all skill levels. Here, you'll glimpse vibrant anthias, moray eels, lionfish, scorpionfish, and more. For seasoned divers, the Small Wall offers an enticing challenge, with possible sightings of Spanish dancers, Napoleon wrasse, sting rays, and elusive butterflyfish. Finally, visit Kokota Reef, where octopi, moray eels, and egg cowries await your discovery.

Chumbe Island

Chumbe Island, situated 8 km southwest of Stone Town, is a unique and memorable travel or day trip destination. It is surrounded by the best preserved shallow reef on the East African coast, home to over 200 species of coral and 400 species of fish. You can go snorkelling and reef walking with the trained rangers on one of the world’s most beautiful coral gardens, explore the Chumbe Forest Reserve, with its unique flora and fauna, including the elusive Ader’s Duiker, an abundance of birds, crabs, reptiles, non-poisonous snakes, lizards and the rare nocturnal Coconut Crab; climb the lighthouse, built 1904, which offers breath-taking views of the island and Zanzibar; and, last but not least, enjoy the Chumbe team’s spectacular hospitality.
Definitely one of Zanzibar’s must-dos! The boat to Chumbe Island Coral Park departs from Protea Mbweni Ruins hotel at 10.00 am. You will have to arrive at Protea Mbweni Ruins hotel at 09.30 am to fill in the registration form and join a useful briefing before the boat departure.
Upon arrival on the island, you will be shown to your semiprivate day room which is already worth the journey. In this brilliantly designed Eco-bungalow, you can find a fully equipped bathroom, living room and a bedroom upstairs with sea view - exceptionally romantic! The almost untouched reef includes over 400 species of fish, more than 200 species of corals, turtles, friendly sharks and many more.After your return, there is time for a shower before a delicious buffet with dessert is served. The rest of the day you can relax in your private bungalow, at the beach or you can go on a guided nature trail walk. As a Marine Protected Area, the number of guests on the island is limited to 14 persons. Day trip bookings can only be made 2 days beforehand if there is availability in the lodge. This means that we can only make secured advance bookings for overnight stays.
If you decide to book the day trip with us, we will get back to 2 days before departure if we didn't get a confirmation of the same.
The boat will arrive back at the beach of Protea Mbweni Ruins hotel at 5.30 pm.

Tumbatu Island

This is a truly unique experience! Tumbatu is one of Zanzibar’s best-kept secrets, as the inhabitants are very selective about whom they grant access. To enter the island you need special permission from the elders.
The Watumbatu – inhabitants of Tumbatu - are living as a very close, self- supporting community. Many of them have never been on Unguja. You won’t find cars or scooters there; Tumbatu has only one road to walk on, even though this is the place where in the 11th century the Shirazi built the first stone building in the entire Zanzibar Archipelago!

RAS MSKITINI - learn about the Watumbatu life Arriving at the beach of Ras Mskitini, you will see how the Watumbatu prepare their fishing nets, fish traps and also how they build and maintain their boats – all by hand! In a short walk, you will arrive at the school of Ras Mskitini and learn about who built the school and the importance of the huge and old Baobab trees to the community. We will show you the unspoken secrets of Tumbatu, as they are worldfamous for witchcraft but also how the women create an income through "Ukili" (plaiting palm leaves).

JONGOWE – learn about the Watumbatu life The island has two places to discover in the south, Jongowe and Kichangani. We visit the Jongowe ruins where we witness one of Zanzibar's main early settlements. The late medieval city was described in a chronicle known as the "Tumbatu Manuscript". It inspired Dutch maritime anthropologist and ethnohistorian A. H. J. Prins to visit the island by dhow from Zanzibar. In June 1957, he identified the ancient Shirazi port city's ruins.

TUMBATU – special information: The Tumbatu Island Day Trip is a very special excursion and only possible based on the trust of the community’s elders. Therefore we have put together the following information and guidelines; please read it carefully and follow it, for the benefit of all.
Please follow the rules and directions given by your guide and show respect to the Watumbatu at all times Photographs are only allowed after you get permission from our guide.
NOT allowed is beachwear or shoulder free T-shirts! It is best to wear wide, long trousers (will be provided for men in the form of a gift to take back home) with a Polo Shirt or T-Shirt! You have to wear a khanga (will be provided for ladies in the form of a gift to take back home) around your hip and for women a scarf/ khanga to cover your hair!
Please note that you may have to walk knee-deep in the sea, while entering the boat or reaching the island, depending on the tides. You need waterproof shoes and clothes which can be pulled up or get wet.
Sun protection and a hat/cap are really importan.
During this excursion, we are not able to serve a regular lunch. We will provide lunch boxes, packed with seasonal fruits and soft drinks

Village Tour & Nature Trails

Step into the heart of genuine Zanzibar living with a full-day local village excursion that promises to be a captivating journey. We visit a Village, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet and connect with the locals, explore the village’s natural beauty, and venture into the enchanting Mangrove forest.
This excursion offers a window into authentic rural Zanzibar life, where the influence of mass tourism is yet to leave its mark.
Our tour guide for this trip is from the village, bringing a wealth of knowledge about the village and its traditions. This tour is designed to provide you with an immersive experience, a glimpse into the untouched and unspoiled aspects of Zanzibar, and an opportunity to forge connections with the warm-hearted locals.

Cultural Fishing

Fishing holds deep cultural importance in Zanzibar, serving as a cornerstone of the islanders' identity and way of life. With a history steeped in the sea, fishing has sustained local communities for centuries. Traditional methods, passed down through generations, demonstrate a profound respect for the ocean's resources.
The Cultural fishing tour offers you the unique opportunity to learn the traditional fishing methods.
Sail out to sea with a Zanzibari fisherman who will show you 'what fishing for a living' is really all about. Local fishing in Ngalawa (traditional boats or the typical boat used by local fishermen) takes you beyond the reef to deeper waters where you will be surrounded by shoals of different species of fish. The fishing grounds we go to are just about one hour out. We will equip you with simple fishing gear - a roll of nylon fishing line were the end of sea line has a weight and two hooks. On the hooks are speared strips of fresh calamari. All you do is just to lower the lines in until you hit the bottom and wait. Then you haul the line up at the side of the boat. This is what the local fishermen or boatmen use to catch kingfish, yellow fin tuna, barracuda and grouper. A real adventure! To hook the kind of substantial fish for sale in Stone Town's markets, you go out at night and fish by the light of a lamp. That is when bigger fish come out in numbers around the fishing grounds. You will go for reef fishing for small fish with local fishing material and try your luck with the local fishing materials. Discover how the most locals catch fish. If you like you can also take your own fishing rods. The fishermen will take you back to the beach or sandbank and grill up the catch of the day! This not only provides an authentic experience but also provides locals with a source of extra income. On returning to Zanzibar lsland we will take you to see the colourful and bustling fish market where the fresh catches of the day are auctioned.