Zanzibar Dhow Safari (Comfortable Lodges)

Style Rating:	£££ Comfort
Holiday Ref:	ZBZDSC

Dhow, Desert Islands and Dolphins - Stone Town to Kizimkazi by Private Dhow

On this unique week-long Zanzibar holiday you’ll cruise on your own privately chartered dhow between Stone Town, the Fumba Peninsula and Kizimkazi in southwest Zanzibar. First you’ll enjoy a couple of nights in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Stone Town – an eclectic fusion of African, Indian, Arabian and European influences, with numerous attractions to explore.

From Stone Town you will cruise and sail south to the pristine Fumba Peninsula, enjoying a day of snorkelling, swimming and lazing off sandbanks and Indian Ocean desert isles. After a couple of days chilling at Fumba, you’ll experience a full day private dhow voyage through the Menai Bay Conservation Area to Kizimkazi. With more opportunities for snorkelling and blissful unwind, you’ll feel decidedly energized if you spot playful dolphins during your cruise!

Your final nights will be spent relaxing at Kizimkazi. This holiday is based on comfort-style accommodation, staying at the Dhow Palace Hotel, Fumba Beach Lodge and Karamba Resort. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced local guide during the dhow cruise and assisted by Specialist Tanzania’s local team at other times.

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Scheduled Departures and Operating Period

The Zanzibar Dhow Safari departs every Sunday throughout the year (and other days upon request) except between the months of June and August when very strong winds make cruising conditions difficult. This itinerary operates on a private departure basis with a minimum of 2 people enjoying an exclusive Zanzibar Dhow Safari experience. A private group or family of up to 10 people can be comfortably accommodated on a single dhow.

Months of Operation

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

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Holiday Highlights

1	Explore Zanzibar’s atmospheric Stone Town
2	Cruise and sail on private dhow to Fumba Peninsula
3	Snorkel and swim off desert isles and sandbanks
4	Unwind at Fumba Beach Lodge with chance to dive
5	Cruise and sail through Menai Bay Conservation Area
6	See playful dolphins in Indian Ocean (not guaranteed)
7	Relax at laid-back Karamba in Kizimkazi

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Itinerary in Brief

Day 1		Stone Town - Safari starts in Zanzibar Town. Optional guided walking tour of old Stone Town.
Day 2		Stone Town - At leisure to further explore Stone Town; optional Spice tour of Zanzibar Island.
Day 3		Fumba - Full day private dhow safari to Fumba with snorkelling on a castaway island.
Day 4		Fumba - Free to relax at Fumba; optional water sports, snorkelling and diving.
Day 5		Fumba - Another free day at Fumba with optional activities and time to unwind.
Day 6		Kizimkazi - Full day private dhow safari to Kizimkazi through Menai Bay Conservation Area.
Day 7		Kizimkazi - At leisure in Kizimkazi; optional bicycle hire and guided tour of Kizimkazi.
Day 8		Safari ends - Check-out and transfer back to Zanzibar Town.

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Responsible Tour Operating in Zanzibar

Specialist Tanzania works in close partnership with a locally owned and managed company in Zanzibar. We feel this approach has a more direct benefit on the local distribution of income from tourism. We support and fully endorse the recruitment and training of local guides, drivers and representation staff. On this holiday we charter our dhows from local dhow operators to ensure that they also benefit from tourism, undertaking checks that all boats are registered and licensed by the local authorities concerned. 

With our guiding principle of employing local people wherever possible our guests see a direct benefit in the improved local knowledge of our local team, whether that be knowledge of flora, fauna, history or just general Zanzibari life. Through this approach we can also maximise the amount of your tourism revenue that is delivered directly into the heart of the local economy, whilst at the same time providing our guests with a holiday which is fully financially protected by our bonding schemes and insurance cover. 

Specialist Tanzania is also determined to do what we can to help minimise any negative impacts on the environmental and cultural welfare of Zanzibar through promoting responsible visitor behaviour; promoting waste reduction; facilitating cultural exchange between guests and local communities; supporting local businesses, goods and services; encouraging guests to eat local foods rather than imported foods; encouraging the conservation of natural resources like electricity and water; and promoting the importance of protecting the local environment and nature.

» Read our full responsible travel policy