A dhow trip on the coast of Zanzibar
Sailing in a dhow, the traditional sailing boat used in Zanzibar, is the best way to view the island's coastline. Sailing in the late evening to watch the sun set is the best time of day and is wonderfully romantic.
Area
Zanzibar and the coast
Type
Community & Culture
History
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Half Day
The image of a dhow sailing across the sunset is a typical postcard scene, and these simple wooden sailboats are dotted along the coastline of Zanzibar. These boats have been used since the 18th century, and are still used now, both as a tourist activity offering tours around the island, and as a source of local transport.
While it is easy to find a dhow trip around Zanzibar, the best route to take is to the north of Zanzibar to visit the small island of Mnemba, to view its beautiful untouched and secluded coast.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourFamily Fun in Tanzania
Journey to Tanzania for an activity filled exploration of the lesser visited Selous Game Reserve. This hidden gem in the south is ideal for intrepid families, due to its offering of immersive safari activities. After an exhilarating wildlife experience, fly over to the island of Zanzibar and delve into the enthralling culture of Stone Town, before sinking into serenity in a luxury retreat for five nights, with doses of adventure along the way.
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View TourLimitless Tanzania
Leap into this unbeatable Tanzanian adventure while experiencing some of East Africa’s most luxurious lodges. Bask in the sheer beauty of the famous Serengeti in the most exclusive way possible, away from the crowds, but with an abundance of wildlife right on your doorstep. Lose yourself in ultimate barefoot luxury at Thanda island where you can only but relax and unwind on the paradise soft white sandy beach watching the eb and flow of the ocean stretch before you.
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View TourEpic Kenya
Get ready to delve into the wilds of Kenya, guided by some of east Africa’s most highly trained safari experts. For this Kenya adventure tour, we’ve selected two of the country's renowned camps within private conservancies: wonder-filled Laikipia and the vast plains of the Maasai Mara. Expect extraordinary wildlife experiences along the way.
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View TourUltimate Rwanda and Tanzania
Combine the wildlife thrills of tracking gorillas in Rwanda and watching big game in the Serengeti with the sandy beaches of vibrant Zanzibar. An ideal honeymoon or special celebration trip for true wildlife enthusiasts.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationPark Hyatt Zanzibar
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar occupies a superb position in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town, on the west coast of Zanzibar. Offering international standards and excellent facilities, it is a comfortable base for exploring this historic town.
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View AccommodationElewana Kilindi
Located on the northwest coast of Zanzibar the very private Kilindi brings some real style to the island. This boutique hotel offers fantastic accommodation in 15 Omani-style villas on 500m of beautiful private beach.
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View AccommodationZuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort
Zuri Zanzibar is a brand new resort based on the beautiful white sandy beach of Northern Zanzibar offering a tranquil and relaxed environment. The resort comprises 55 bungalows, suites and villas looking out over the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean.
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View AccommodationZawadi Hotel Zanzibar
Zawadi is a small boutique hotel on Zanzibar's south east coast, with just nine guest rooms dotted along the cliff enjoying sublime views of the Indian Ocean. There is a small spa, swimming pool and an idyllic beach accessed by steps from the lodge.
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View AccommodationXanadu Villas
Xanadu Villas is a luxury collection of nine villas nestled on Zanzibar's east coast. Surrounded by verdant tropical gardens, white sands and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, Xanadu makes for the ideal hideaway.
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View AccommodationBreezes Beach Club & Spa
Breezes Beach Club & Spa is a charming and relaxed resort set on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach on the east coast of Zanzibar. 71 rooms including 20 suites are divided between 11 villas in a pretty garden, all close to the main pool and beach.
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View AccommodationFundu Lagoon
Fundu Lagoon is a barefoot luxury lodge lying on the remote and unspoiled island of Pemba, part of the Zanzibar archipelago off the Tanzanian coast. Fundu Lagoon is only accessible by boat and with its relaxed atmosphere, it is the epitome of shabby chic.
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View AccommodationBaraza Resort and Spa
Located on the east coast of Zanzibar, Baraza is a luxurious, family-friendly hotel with a variety of one and two bedroom villas set on a beautiful stretch of beach. With only 30 villas in total, each with private pools, the feel is small and exclusive.
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View Accommodation&Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island is a tiny atoll off the east coast of Zanzibar which offers the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Its rustic exclusivity is unparalleled on the East African coast, it has just 12 secluded bandas hidden in the shady palms beside pristine beach.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceA historic walk through Stone Town
Visit Zanzibar Towns old quarter, Stone Town on the west coast of Zanzibar. Here you will find beautiful architecture and historic buildings dating back to the 19th century, revealing the complex history of Zanzibar and its links with the slave trade.
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View ExperienceSpice Tour
With the Spice Islands named as they are you cannot visit this particular part of the world and not delve into its history by taking a Spice Tour on the island.
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