Zanzibar Activities

What you can see and visit during your Holiday Tour in Zanzibar

1. BIG GAME FISHING – expansive fishing grounds ideal for game fishing
2. DIVING – one of the best diving sites in the world are found in Zanzibar
3. SNORKELING – clear waters very rich in unspoiled coral reefs
4. SAILING – sailing for fun takes you back in time during the days of booming Persia – Zanzibar trade…

Excursions Available Are Detailed Below:

Spice tour

Zanzibar has earned its reputation over the centuries as the spice island. Four hour guided tour, which starts at Kibweni Palace through to Kidichi. Here are the Persian Baths built by Seyyid Said Sultan for his wife the Princess Shehrzard, one of the family member of the Shah of Persia. You will then proceed to Kizimbani spice plantations. Here you can see, touch and sometime taste a wide variety of spices, fruits, herbs and ornamental plants and flowers.

Jozani forest tour

The Jozani forest reserve, lies between Chawaka bay and Uzi bay and it is the only remaining natural forest of Unguja and represents a very important refuge for the fauna of the island. The most interesting animals include the rare red Colobus monkey, two small antelope species (Zanzibar duiker and sunni)

• and the small Zanzibar leopard.
• A day out in the Jozani forest reserve is no doubt a well worth while and rewarding experience.

Stone Town

It may not have a particularly romantic name, but Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little 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.

Dolphin Tour

Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins and Humpback dolphins, which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to the dolphins, which can be a very rewarding experience. We are doing this trip in the afternoon to avoid the crowds of tourists in the morning, which in big numbers disturbing the dolphins. 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 natural and cultural reasons.

Prison Island Boat Trip

It is a relaxing excursion that takes half-day to the beautiful island from Stone Town. Although it was originally built as a prison it was never put into use. Later it was used as a quarantine of slaves for the whole of East Africa. The remnants of the built are still visible. The island offers a stunning view of Stone Town. There is very beautiful minor sandy beach where swimming in the crystal waters is marvelous. The coral reefs surrounding the island provide an opportunity for snorkeling. This is also a home of the giant tortoise, which is now under strict conservation. A short-guided tour around the island will provide the real picture.

Safari Blue – “The best boat excursion in Zanzibar”

Safari Blue departs from the fishing village of Fumba in South West Zanzibar and we will take you to see the dolphins, sandbanks, islands and coral reefs of Menai Bay, a beautiful conservation area. Safari Blue is a full day trip and includes use of top quality snorkeling equipment with guides and instructors, ice cold sodas, mineral water and beers, a delicious Zanzibari seafood lunch with grilled fish and slipper lobster, gastronomic fruit tasting, coffee and Amarula liqueur. There is also an opportunity to sail in an “Ngalawa” – a traditional outrigger canoe-swim in a stunning mangrove lagoon and climb a huge and ancient baobab tree. We around the day off by returning to Fumba by traditional lanteen sail.

North Coast – Nungwi

A full day excursion to the extreme north of the island via Marahubi, and Mvuleni where you can visit the Portuguese Ruins. There are a number of very interesting things to see and do including the traditional fishing village itself with resident speaking a peculiar Swahili dialect. Then the turtle aquarium with various species. A traditional boat yard and local market are amazing. 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.

Or take a look down here …………..the best……infos

Get Swept Away in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is still the best-kept secret in the Indian Ocean. The Zanzibar archipelago consists of over 50 islands – which vary from tiny outcrops to the larger, more populated islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. The beaches are often stunning: powdery white sand, shaded by palm trees. The sea is shallow, but venture further out into the sparkling, turquoise water and you’ll find coral reefs for great snorkeling and diving. The larger islands are lush and highly fertile and everywhere the air is suffused with the aroma of fruit and spices; it’s an intoxicating, exotic atmosphere. Zanzibar makes a great relaxing break after a challenging climb of Kilimanjaro.

Let Step Bush Safaris take care of all your Zanzibar accommodations, transfers, tours, and adventures.

Beaches

Soak up some rays on the white sand beaches or play in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Watersport activities include snorkeling, kayaking, wind surfing, water-skiing and much more.

Zanzibar is home to over 25 beautiful beaches, you’ll even find a few that are secluded and peaceful. Come relax while sunning in one of the world’s most beautiful hidden treasures.

Historical Stone Town Tour – 1/2-day tour

Stone town is one of the only historical Swahili coastal trading towns in East Africa still intact. The combination of small shops, bustling markets, Hindu temples and the diverse population of people meld the beauty of different cultures. The UNESCO declared Stone Town a World Heritage site in 2000. During our Stone Town tour, you will see many interesting structures including the central market, the former slave market and Anglican Cathedral.

Spice Tour – 1/2-day tour

Zanzibar’s spices are famous worldwide. The Sultan of Oman built the first spice plantations on the island in 1873; to this day the gardens are filled with exotic spices, fruits and vegetables. Many of these plants serve medicinal purposes, which are still used by local residents. Rare plants grow here as well, such as lipstick and perfume trees. You will also visit the stucco garnished Kidichi Persian Baths. You will see the outside of the Livingston House, built in the 1860’s by Sultan Majid. The house was used as a European Missionaries and Pioneers Point. Then proceed to the Maruhubi Palace ruins, which were built during 1880-1882, by Sultan Barghash to serve as a Harem for his concubines.

Slave Coast Mangapwani

Explore the dark slave caverns on the coral limestone lined coast of Mangapwani. These ancient structures were used to conceal slaves waiting to be delivered overseas to French Colonies. Lunch will be served nearby on the terraces. After lunch, a couple hours of entertainment can be enjoyed at the Mangapwani Water Sports Center.

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi is a village boasting a few of Zanzibar’s most breathtaking beaches. On this tour you will see picture worthy shores where local woodworkers build wooden dhows, as they have for centuries. Nearby, you will visit the Mnarani Natural Aquarium and feed sea turtles. After this, the rest of the day you are free to enjoy the beach. If you wish, a visit to the Portuguese Ruins can be included in your tour.

Jozani Forest – ½ Day Tour

The forest is part of JozaniChwaka Bay, a nature reserve protecting an essential ecosystem. This thick forest is home to the red colobus monkey, an endangered species only found in Zanzibar. A guide will show you these rare primates. The forest itself is a sight to behold, and home to many other animals. You will also enjoy a walk through mangrove forests.

Safari Blue – Full Day Tour

This tour allows you to view the intriguing natural environment of the Indian Ocean Bay. You will leave Fumba by dhow, the Kwale Coral Reef is the first stop. Kwale offers a gracious view of coral and colorful fish. Your guide will point out specific marine life and instruct you in snorkeling. The trip then continues to a sandbank to snack, while taking in the view of ocean water. Humpback whales may be spotted feasting on marine life at the ocean’s surface.

The boat will then take you to an island where a feast of grilled fish, chicken, calamari and lobster will be served with cold soft drinks and beer. Afterwards a tropical fruit tasting of 10-15 varieties will take place, followed by a shot of African Amarula liquor in coffee. You may take part in the islands other activities, before traveling back to Fumba.

Village Life Excursion – Full Day Tour

This tour lets you see the traditional fishing and farming life, you begin with a visit to a spice plantation. You will see how the crops are farmed, and taste fruits and spiced teas. Then, after a visit to the Kidichi Persian Baths you will continue on to Mchangani, a village untouched by time. You will see how women obtain well water and paint with henna. A villager will teach you how coconut is essential to the locals and show you how it’s prepared.

A local blacksmith will explain making handmade nails, before we eat lunch in Nungwi around 1:30p.m. The restaurant sits on a flawless beach and guests are welcome to enter the water. Before returning home, a visit to the Mnarani Natural Aquarium will finish the trip.

*Donations of school supplies to children are appreciated and encouraged, but not required.

Sunset Cruise Special Honeymoon

There is nothing more romantic than sailing away together into a golden sunset in our traditional Swahili dhow, this is a special organization just for two, ensuring your Honeymoon vacation is the magical, memorable, and heart-warming experience that it should be.

Aboard our dhow with Latin sails that glides silently along the stone town coast of Zanzibar under starry and moonlit sky, we are giving you a wonderful honeymoon treat offering intriguing different view of this amazing Island, enjoying the scenery by evening with its soft silent wind which is truly mesmerizing.

We also entertain you with special welcoming services, snacks, wine, beer, sparkling wine, soft drinks and traditional live music, just to make memorable your special date.

Sunset Cruise & Dinner

We have a great pleasure to offer you a sensational “Sunset cruise & dinner” with our traditional dhow; it has all the facilities to guarantee you an extraordinary experience that you can’t miss.

Imagine yourself having dinner in a traditional dhow enjoying the view of Stone Town, sipping your choice of drink and being entertained by a mix of traditional Swahili and classic international music.

You will enjoy the view of the Old fort NgomeKongwe, the house of wonder Beit-l-Jaib, Palace museum which housed daughter & wives of Sultan, the Malindi Zanzibar old port, passing near mangrove to Maruhubi Palace ruin where the Sultan kept his concubines, lastly you will arrive at Mtoni ruins where famous Princess Salme was born.

Chumbe Island (MARINE PARK) Day Tour

This island is situated 8 miles southwest of Zanzibar Town. It is an uninhabited island dominated by coral rag forest and bordered on its western shore, by a fringing coral reef of exceptional biodiversity and beauty. Based on the initiative of Chumbe Island Coral Park Ltd, a private company created for the management of Chumbe, the island was gazette in 1994 as a protected area by the Government of Zanzibar.

It covers 16 hectors of undisturbed forest and surrounded by a virgin coral reef, which can be reached in about 45 minutes by boat. The sanctuary has more than 200 a pieces of pristine stone corals, about 400 species of fish and turtles & dolphin regularly passing by. A fixed number of people are allowed to go there, which is not more than 14 persons for a day trip and for accommodation is 13 when it’s full. You will do a guided walking in the small forest, snorkel, swimming or just relax.

Dolphin tour

The main attraction is swimming with the Dolphins. Being very social themselves, if you are luck you even get to play with them. Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins and Humpback dolphins, which are sighted following a short boat trip from the village.

We advise clients to wear their swimming attire. We also advise to wear waterproof sandals for boarding the dhows and to bring sunscreen, towel and spare T -shirt for snorkeling.

Prison Island – ½ Day Tour

You will travel to the island by motor boat, the island was used as a “jail” for disobedient slaves and a jail was built, but never used. Today the island is a tourist attraction and home to giant tortoises. After a brief history lesson, you are free to explore.

Sandbank Picnic

(Daily Trips Pend on Natural Conditions)

From the hotel we set sail by dhow toward Prison Island to view prison ruins and giant tortoises, followed by snorkeling the coral reef with a teacher. Then, we travel to a sandbank inhabited by varieties of bird life, to view more coral, observe the birds and hear stories, before a slow sail back to Stone Town.

Sunset Dhow Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise through the ocean water complete with a personal guide, musicians, a feast of Swahili Cuisine, white wine, cold local beer, as well as juices and cocktails.

Serving white wine, cold local beer, fresh juices and cocktails to cheer your delicate palate you’ll also enjoy a tasting of Italian cheese with homemade jam, prawns, fried calamari, crispy cassava and other delicacies of Swahili cuisine. What better way to end your trip to Africa?

Scuba Diving

Zanzibar is world famous for its crystal clear diving. Tropical fish are abundant in shallow waters and experienced divers can enjoy night dives, wall dives and drift dives. In deep waters, you will find large game fish (barracuda, tuna, kingfish and wahoo) manta rays, sharks and a large garden of coral that goes on for miles. There are several dive companies available.