The wild south of Zanzibar in a single day: sea turtles in a natural lagoon, a hidden beach between coral cliffs, an ancient baobab, the kitesurfers’ favourite burger and a swim in a cave of clear water.
It starts in Kizimkazi, the fishing village at the southern tip of the island, home to one of the oldest mosques in East Africa. Then Mtende, a secret cove of white sand between rocks, and lunch in Paje, the capital of kitesurfing.
The day ends in the cool silence of Maalum Cave, a natural pool under the rock where the water is fresh, clear and turquoise.
It is a full day with plenty of swimming and a lot of driving through villages and countryside, ideal for curious travellers and families with children who love the sea.
Your driver takes you to the deep south of the island. In Kizimkazi, the Salaam Cave is a natural lagoon connected to the sea, where sea turtles live in a protected, authentic environment.
You enter the water slowly and the turtles come close, gliding around you. It is one of the most moving moments of a holiday in Zanzibar, especially for children.
The turtles glide around you, close enough to touch.
Mtende is a small beach hidden between coral cliffs at the south-eastern point of the island, with white sand and water in every shade of blue.
Nearby stands an ancient baobab, one of the oldest on the island, wide enough that it takes several people to hug it. Climb it, take a photo, sit in its shade.
Water in every shade of blue.
After lunch at B4 in Paje, the kitesurfers’ favourite spot for burgers and fresh juices, the last stop is Maalum Cave.
A few steps lead down into a cave where a natural pool of clear, cool water shines turquoise under the light that filters through the rock. Swim, float and relax before your driver takes you back to the villa.
Paje has a shallow lagoon and steady winds that make it one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world. B4 is right on the beach: gourmet burgers, fish tacos and fresh juices, with dozens of colourful kites in the sky in front of you.
Your driver takes you to Kizimkazi, in the deep south of the island.
Swim with gentle sea turtles in a natural aquarium, in a truly authentic setting.
Visit the south-eastern point of the island and climb the oldest baobab.
Lunch at the kitesurfers’ favourite spot in Paje, famous for the best burgers on the island.
A swim in the enchanting natural pool of the Maalum cave.
Swimsuit, towel, water shoes and a waterproof bag for your phone.
Do not touch or feed them unless the keepers allow it, and never grab their shells.
The steps into Maalum Cave can be slippery: water shoes help.
Small entrance fees at the cave and the turtle lagoon; we include them in your plan.
Want to try? A kitesurf lesson in Paje can be added to the day.
Kids love the turtles and the cave pool; life jackets are available.
Times are indicative and can be adjusted. Tell us if you are travelling with children, if you have food preferences or if you would like to add a stop: we tailor every day to you.
Snorkel with turtles and dolphins, lunch on board, sail home at sunset.
A private spice farm tour, Stone Town with an official guide, sunset on a rooftop and dinner by the sea.
Giant tortoises, a 19th-century island prison and lunch on a white sandbank.