ZANZIBAR TOURS & WATER SPORTS

Simpla The Best

Chumbe Island Coral Park Tour: “Guided Snorkeling and walk through the forest trails

Full day tour that offers a chance to protect and explore the coral reef and coral rag forest on the Island. Chumbe offers some of pristine and colourful reefs in the world, with over 200 spices of colourful fish. The reef is shallow enough to see everything very clearly with a mask, Snorkel and flippers. Among the other interesting things to see at the Island are endangered Ader’s Duiker, giant Coconut Crabs, Hermit Crabs and many species of birds. Normally the knowledgeable guides take tourist on daily snorkeling and forest tours. More to see when exploring Chumbe Island reefs; batfishes who developed habit of following snorkelers at close range all along the reef, resident hawksbill turtles regularly spotted feeding on the reef. If you imitate the slow flapping movements of her front flippers with your arms while keeping your legs still, she may allow you to accompany her for a long time without showing signs of disturbance, lobsters peeping out from under corals trying to investigate your presence with their long white feelers, large blue spotted stingrays, apparently believing they are invisible when hiding under a thin layer of sand, large and colourful parrotfish wandering about the reef and nibbling on algae covering the corals with a very audible scratching sound and many variety of fishes, nearly more than 400 species in total; grouper fish, angel fish, butterfly fish, trigger fish, box fish, sweet lips fish, unicorn fish, trumpet fish, Moorish idols fish and many more.

DEEP SEA FISHING

“Zanzibar Islands (Unguja & Pemba) and Mafia Island”

The water around Zanzibar Islands is considered by experts to offer some of the best fishing in the world, especially the Pemba Channel between Unguja and Pemba islands, its widely known and considered world’s best places for big game fishing. The Pemba Channel itself is Africa’s premier marlin destination. Striped, black and blue marlin, broadbill, mako, sailfish, tiger and other sharks, dorado, wahoo, yelowfin tuna and many other game fish are all to be found in her azure waters. Mafia south of Unguja Island is also popular for big game fishing. The fishing grounds include Mafia Island and its reefs (Mange, Kitutia, Ras Mkumbi), Songo Songo islands, the deep sea crescent north-east of Mafia extending to Okuza, Nyuni and Njove Islands, and in the channels from Ras Bweni to Miororo Island.
Half day trips are either a morning (6.30am to 11.30am) or afternoon (1.30pm to 6.30pm)
Full day trips are eight hours.
Rates normally include full charter of boat, skipper, bait, tackle, equipment hire, lunch (full day) or snacks (half day) and soft drinks.

DOLPHIN TOUR

“Menai Bay Conservation Area”

Dolphin tour offers you the experience of a lifetime, a chance to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. Fishing Village of Kizimkazi on the South West coast of Zanzibar Sea its home to several pods of Bottlenose (Black) and Humpback (white) dolphins. These two species are most common at this part of the island. The spinner dolphins (long beak) are most common on the northern part of Zanzibar Sea. There is a good chance of viewing and swimming with them at close range, which can be a very rewarding experience. Moreover Menai Bay conservation area is a paradise with abundant of colourful coral garden and fishes its worthwhile doing snorkeling during the tour. The snorkeling gears are normally provided during the tour. This tour can be combined with the Jozani Forest Tour, Zala Park and Zanzibar Butterfly Center.

JOZANI FOREST TOUR

“Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park”

Jozani Forest has several habitats including swamp forest, evergreen thickets, mangroves, as well as a variety of wildlife, including Bush Pigs, Ader’s Duiker and Suni Antelopes, Elephant Shrews, Chameleons and lots of birds species .This tour will take you to one of the last remaining natural rain forests in East Africa. The forest is full of large exotic trees and harbors different species of Monkeys for example Zanzibar Sykes Monkeys and Red Colobus Monkeys whom are indigenous to the Island. Its represents a very important refuge for the flora and fauna of the island. Jozani forest reserve, lies between Chawaka bay and Uzi bay. In the forest there are many spices of mangrove forest which is extremely crucial to Zanzibar’s ecosystems, providing a habitat for many wildlife as well as preventing the sea erosion , you will have chance to see them while in the board walk. Jozani it’s the only remaining forest of Unguja. It’s now a protected park with pleasant guided tours.

Sunset Cruising Tour

“Dhow Cruising”

Normally the sailing starts at 4.30pm till sunset you shall be cruise using traditional lateen sail. Dhow will be sailing up and down Forodhan along the west coast of Stone town, Maruhubi up to Mtoni Marine. Enjoy full splendor of the African sunset as it’s slowly disappears in the horizon. In board you can have drinks like wine, beer, water and snakes like fried Octopus fried potatoes crips, cassava and nuts and many more. You will be having a very nice panoramic view of Stone Town.

Stone Town Tour

“A World Heritage Site”

Zanzibar is actually on the Southern tip of Middle East. It is therefore a colorful mix of Arab, Indian and African culture, which is most beautifully reflected in the narrow streets of Stone. Just three hours strolling tour will take you to historical and cultural discovery why Stone Town is “World Heritage Site”. Among the many interesting sites of Stone Town are the Palace Museum, the Former Salve Market, The Old Fort, The House of Wonders and The People Old Market, the place which also you can buy gift and souvenir. It’s may not have particularly romantic name, but Stone Town is 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 extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved wooden doors-There is more than 500 different examples of this handwork. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.

SPECIAL CULTURAL TOUR

“North Coast-Nungwi”

This is a full day tour that takes you past Mkokotoni fishing village and Mvuleni Ruins, Ruins of the Portuguese Barracks en-route to Nungwi Village.  You will have time to visit the Mnarani Aquarium a home to dozens of endangered hawksbill and green turtles. You will have time to feed the turtles with seaweed and to take nice photographs moreover you visit the boatyard where Dhows (traditional trading vessels) are still built in the traditional way. Lunch at nice Sea front restaurant. In the afternoon there will be time to swim at sea and relax on the white sandy beach. North west coast of Zanzibar has the most beautifully white sandy beach and one can swim at the sea anytime as there is no reef this side of the island unlike the other part its only possible to swim at the sea when its high tide.

MAFIA ISLAND

“Mafia Island Marine Park-Whale Shark Watching, Diving, Deep Sea Fishing & Snorkeling”

Although Mafia Island officially forms part of mainland Tanzania and not Zanzibar, it’s near to Zanzibar and classifies as an Island in the Sun! It lies close to the Rufiji Delta, just a short aircraft flight from Zanzibar. The island was a regular stop for two thousand years for Arab and Persian dhows plying the coastal waters from the Gulf to Madagascar and Mozambique. Chole Bay, Mafia’s protected deep-water anchorage and the original harbour, is studded with islands, sandbanks and beaches. The clear, protected waters offer wonderful Snorkeling, Diving, Sailing and Swimming. Outside the Bay unbroken reef runs the length of the island, from Tutia in the south to Ras Mkumbi at the northern tip. Mafia is little changed from ancient times and retains a traditional, friendly culture; the community tourism association works hard to preserve this individuality. Chole Bay and its surrounding forests and islands are now within the protected Mafia Island Marine Park, supported with assistance from the World Wide Fund for Nature. The reefs offer a great range of colourful corals gardens and fish, excellent for Diving, Deep Sea Fishing and Snorkeling. Large predatory fish and turtles are common and mostly unaffected by approaching divers.
Other activities on Mafia Island include bird-watching, visits to the villages, historic archaeological sites, coastal forests, coconut plantations and traditional boat-building yards.

SPECIAL CULTURAL TOUR

“North Coast-Nungwi”

This is a full day tour that takes you past Mkokotoni fishing village and Mvuleni Ruins, Ruins of the Portuguese Barracks en-route to Nungwi Village.  You will have time to visit the Mnarani Aquarium a home to dozens of endangered hawksbill and green turtles. You will have time to feed the turtles with seaweed and to take nice photographs moreover you visit the boatyard where Dhows (traditional trading vessels) are still built in the traditional way. Lunch at nice Sea front restaurant. In the afternoon there will be time to swim at sea and relax on the white sandy beach. North west coast of Zanzibar has the most beautifully white sandy beach and one can swim at the sea anytime as there is no reef this side of the island unlike the other part its only possible to swim at the sea when its high tide.

Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area

“Snorkeling Tour & Scuba Diving”

Mnemba Island, its surrounding water is a popular stunning scuba diving and Snorkeling site, with a wide variety of corals and associated species, as well as occasional sightings of larger species such as turtles and dolphins. Calm conditions are most frequent in November and March, with maximum visibility. The marine reserve comprises four distinct habitats which are home to a diverse array of Indian Ocean wildlife; Nesting place of threatened green turtles, Humpback whales (July to September),Three species of dolphin can be seen, Whale sharks (the world’s largest fish), Migratory and resident shore birds feed and roost on the Island, Approximately 600 species of coral reef fish. Green Sea Turtles can be seen laying their eggs on the beaches between February and September. Half day tour will be perfect for marine lovers for snorkeling or scuba diving. At Mnemba Island you can expect to see white ribbon eels, blue striped snapper, yellow fin fusiliers, barracuda, wrasse, large groupers and lion fish. The coral reef here is alive with exquisite fan corals frequented by Moorish idols and large schools of snapper, clown fish, parrot fish and Moorish idol and many more.

Whale Sharks watching in Mafia Island

WHALE SHARK WATCHING IN MAFIA

These beautiful giants are seasonally found just a few hundred meters offshore near Kilindoni Harbour. A short boat ride towards the west brings us to a feeding ground for the sharks and soon fins and dark shapes are apparent. Up to 24 can be seen at any one time: males, females and juveniles, all beautifully marked with stripes and spots. The larger sharks are estimated at over 8 m long, so they are an impressive sight next to the boat, and quite stunning under the water.
The boat is able to move among them quietly and visitors can swim and snorkel to get a closer, underwater view of these gentle, wonderful animals. The sharks remain in a well-defined area and have a repetitive for them. And no crowds to compete with.

SAFARI BLUE TOUR –SEA ADVENTURE

“Menai Bay Conservation Area”

<p style=”text-align: left;”><em>Sail, snorkel, swim, sunbathe, explore, feast, observe, play…</em>
<em>a Safari Blue day is packed with adventure. Menai Bay conservation area is scattered with isolated sandbanks, rugged island scenery, uninhabited islets, pristine marine life and crystal-clear turquoise waters.</em>
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 beer, a delicious Zanzibar seafood lunch with grilled fish and slipper lobster, gastronomic fruit tasting, coffee and Amarula liqueur. Safari Blue explores the Menai Bay Conservation Area, which is home to two different species of dolphins, the Indo-pacific humpback and the bottlenose. We are lucky enough to see dolphins on 85% of our excursions Safari. In the morning we set down on one of the beautiful sandbanks where one can relax, swim or snorkel. We have plenty of good quality snorkeling equipment and our experienced snorkeling guides will show you the pristine coral reef, which teems with tropical sea life. Instruction is also available for beginners. After snorkeling cold drinks, fresh coconuts and local snacks. After snorkeling we go to Kwale Island where we have our “desert island” restaurant. The buffet lunch includes fish, slipper lobster, calamari, rice and sauces all served hot from the grill. Our crew also prepares and presents a gastronomic fruit tasting with a large selection of delicious tropical fruits. Join our crew for a sail on an “ngalawa”- a local canoe with outriggers which has been carved from a single mango tree. As Safari Blue comes to an end and we return by traditional lateen sail, the full splendor of the African sunset reveals itself.</p>

SPICE TOUR

“The Spice Plantation”

Zanzibar’s fame as a seaport was established primarily by its export of spices and for centuries the world center of love productions. Zanzibar become renowned in the 18th and 19th century as the “Spice Island” Zanzibar’s cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices brought by the sultans of Oman across the Indian Ocean by dhow on the seasonal trade winds. The spice tour offers visitors in Zanzibar an opportunity to tour the plantations, to learn about the history of the island and the cultivation of spice plants, and to see the many varieties of spices produced here. You will be smelling and tasting spices, herbs and tropical fruits such as clove, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, jackfruit, cardamom and etc. The guide will give detailed descriptions of what the various plants are used for. E.g. the leaves of the neem tree were once used as a cure for malaria and indigestion, the iodine tree produces a deep red sap used to fight infection etc. Other spices include ginger, vanilla, tamarind, menthol and many more. There are normally many packed spices with recipes for sale at the plantations.

Prison Island Tour

“Changu Island”

The island was formerly intended to be the penal institution in the days of the Sultans, but was never really used as a prison.  It was actually the site of a hospital and quarantine facility.  Visible just a short distance from the Stone Town Prison Island is now a successful sanctuary for Giant Tortoises imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. There will be a chance to touch, feed and take nice photos of the tortoise. Near the island there are beautiful coral reefs and gardens for excellent snorkeling.  It is a pleasant destination for sunbathing and swimming. On your way to and fro prison Island you will have a very beautiful panoramic view of Stone Town.

SCUBA DIVING

“Zanzibar; Unguja, Pemba &amp; Mafia Island”

For those who are certified and beginners can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling trips in Unguja’s Mnemba island conservation area. Mnemba Island is a popular scuba diving and snorkeling site, with a variety of corals and associated species, as well as occasional sightings of larger species such as turtles and dolphins. The marine reserve comprises four distinct habitats which are home to a diverse array of Indian Ocean wildlife; nesting place of threatened green turtles, humpback whales, three species of dolphin whale sharks and approximately 600 species of coral reef fish. The reef is wonderfully shallow making it perfect for seeing the underwater world. Batfish are known to follow snorkelers and divers; much of the marine life reacts calmly to human presence optimizing the opportunity for exploring their world as they swim alongside.
The diving round Pemba is nothing but breathtaking. The untouched coral reef surrounding the entire island makes Pemba one of the top diving sites in the world. Pemba has the most spectacular and healthy reefs in East Africa. They are coral covered walls, coral strewn reef slopes, and enormous, healthy bommies and fans that are surrounded by reef fish. Dive sites are simply stunning. Ribbon eels, fire dartfish and leaf-fish can be found on many of the reefs. The shallow coral reefs are ideal for snorkeling if you have yet to qualify for diving. For those who wish to learn to dive, the calm waters of Pemba are an ideal learning ground.
Chole Bay, Mafia’s deep-water anchorage-Marine park. Mafia Island and its reef are renowned as an excellent, world-class diving destination. Scientists have confirmed that Mafia has some of the richest reefs in the world, with an unparalleled variety of hard and soft corals and diversity of tropical fish. Mafia Island is surrounded by some of the richest reefs in the world, with over 50 types of corals and 400 species of fish indentified so far. Mafia Island is the best for diving and snorkeling, diving is the most spectacular in the world and includes colourful coral gardens. and The area’s warm waters hold an abundance of marine life including sea turtles, humpback whales, dolphins, whale shakes just to mention a few mostly unaffected by approaching divers. Beyond the marine life, divers can expect to see all sorts of corals. Diving is possible all year around. Best visibility from November and March.