Zanzibar - The Classic Tours

All tours are in English (with a bit of Kiswahili thrown in). All the profit goes to locals and stays in Zanzibar, so you can have fun with a happy conscience! Prices are available on request and are always as affordable as we can make them for you while making sure staff all get a fair salary – just send us an email with your ideas and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with a trip tailored just for you. Or call us. Or visit our facebook page. Or pop in if you are already in Jambiani*.

Snorkelling trips

This is a classic trip for anyone visiting Jambiani. When the tide is right, we’ll take you on a local wooden dhow boat and sail with you to the coral reefs off the coast of Jambiani. Sit back, relax and marvel at the beautiful clear waters during the sail before you jump into the water and explore the amazing world below – tropical fish in every colour of the rainbow, stunning coral landscapes, starfish, pretty seashells… We will stay out until you are tired and then head back to the shore to relax.
Apart from snorkelling in Jambiani, we can also offer you trips to other fantastic spots, such as Kizimkazi or the Blue Lagoon near Michamvi.

Jozani forest

Jozani forest is a national park famous for its red colobus monkeys – which you can only see in Zanzibar! We will take you by taxi or daladala (local bus) to the forest where you can walk through Zanzibar’s ‘jungle’ and learn about the use of different plants and the important role of mangroves for the island. During your walk you will meet these curious, special monkeys face to face – they like to show off! – and there is also the chance to see some turtles. Read more about Jozani here.

Zanzibar Butterfly Centre

The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is a unique project where locals breed butterflies for export and therefore leave their local forest habitat intact. The centre is open to the public and visitors can tour the special butterfly enclosure where guides from the nearby village of Pete will tell them all about these beautiful creatures. As the centre is next door to Jozani Forest, it’s a nice option to combine the two.

Prison island

Prison Island is a small island just off the coast of Stone Town that actually was never a prison, although it did act as a place to keep sick sailors in quarantine after long sea voyages. Now it’s home to a group of giant Seychelles tortoises, some who are said to be as old as 100, as well as peacocks and Suni antelope. The island has a nice beach you can chill out on, sunbathe or have a picnic, or you can go for a walk around the parts of the island open to the public. Next, we’ll take you snorkelling on nearby reefs where you can see alluring coral reefs and tropical fishes. Depending on the tide, we will if possible take you to a breathtaking sandbank where you can continue to relax or swim before we take you back to Stone Town. Don’t forget your camera – these photos are the ones that will make your friends back home really jealous! 

Mnemba island

The island of Mnemba on the north-east Coast of Zanzibar is one of the most famous spots for snorkelling and diving in the world, as well as featuring a super-posh hotel where Bill Gates, Naomi Campbell and Kylie Minogue have stayed! You can’t land on the island unless you are paying to stay at the hotel, but you CAN swim in the glorious waters nearby. Whether you snorkel or dive, you are bound to see an abundance of stunning marine life – with a chance of swimming with turtles if you dive. And the turquoise and azure colours will blow your mind! This is paradise.

Chumbe island

The very special island of Chumbe is part of Chumbe Island Coral Park, which is renowned for its nature conservation efforts and features one of the most spectacular coral gardens in the world. After taking you to the island on a boat, you can explore the island’s forest, coast and lighthouse on a guided tour. You will also go on a special guided snorkelling trip through the coral gardens. To restore your energy, you will be offered a delicious lunch on the island before we take you back to your hotel. More about Chumbe here.

Kuumbi caves

A hidden treasure in Jambiani – next door to our guesthouse and just outside the village of Jambiani – is the Kuumbi cave complex, which plays an important role in the lives of locals, in the past and the present. We’ll take you on a short bike ride to the caves where you will hear stories and legends about these caves, which are still used today for religious purposes but also for water supply to the village. Few tourists ever see this special place, so you will be one of a select few, 

Spice tour

Zanzibar is famous for its aromatic spices and this tour is a must for every visitor. We’ll take you to a spice farm where you will be shown the different spices, including heady cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg, as well as ginger and lemongrass, and learn about their uses for cooking and medicinal purposes in a fun tour – you might even get to try out the lipstick tree! If you want, we can also arrange a lunch for you to sample some of the local cuisine. 

Dolphin tour

Wild dolphins live in the coastal waters around Zanzibar, and we can take you to see them. A quick trip to Kizimkazi on the south-west coast, then you will head out into the ocean, cruising until we see dolphins playing in the water and you have the chance to swim in the water with them. You can also snorkel and spot some of the vibrantly coloured tropical fish and corals that this part of the Indian Ocean has to offer.

Blue Safari

Another classic and good fun tour that every visitor to Zanzibar should experience – a quick transfer to the boat will take you to a stunning desert island accessible from the south. You can have some Robinson Crusoe time exploring the island, or relax on the beach while we prepare your fresh seafood BBQ lunch. Stay on the island as long as you want to. On the way to or from the main island, we can stop at a sandbank or go snorkelling.

Nightlife knowledge

Ok, let’s be honest – we are young and we like to have fun, so we know where to go for a good party. The legendary and always busy full moon party in Kendwa guarantees a good time, but if you do not fancy going up north for a party, we can take you to some local, fun but more low-key hangouts. Whether you just want a cold Kilimanjaro beer or you want to experience something different and dance with the locals, we can show you how Zanzibaris like to party.

*ok, asking for directions in Jambiani is slightly different as there are not many signs or street names. In order to find us, the best place to go to is Dhow Beach Village, Garden Bungalows or Kimte and ask for Lau. Someone will find me for you.