Zanzibar
Dolphin Adventures (Tanzania)
1—
Day Exploration
Zanzibar
Dolphins
|
Dolphins
at Kizimkazi,
Zanzibar
|
Zanzibar
Adventure
Dhow
|
Price
Per Person:
Dolphins in Zanzibar
There
are a few pods of dolphin that have their respective
territories around Zanzibar and that can be spotted
close to shore. With a little luck, you might even
spot them off the coast of Stone Town. The most popular
dolphin spotting location in Zanzibar though, is undoubtedly
Kizimkazi, where you could see both
bottlenose and humpback dolphins. The north-east of
Mnemba Island is another decent dolphin-watching spot,
and either of these could afford you the incredible
sight of hundreds of spinner dolphins putting on one
of their famous acrobatic displays in which they launch
into the air and spin around.
The Dolphins of Kizimkazi
The
village of Kizimkazi is located in the far south of
Zanzibar Island. The shallow coastal waters around
Kizimkazi are a favorite hangout for dolphins who
come here for the reliable food supply, to nurse their
calves, rest and socialize. Several bottlenose pods
(of up to 150 individuals) stay at Kizimkazi all year-round.
There are about 50, rather more shy humpback dolphins
that put in an appearance here, although their schedule
is a little more erratic.
Although
dolphin-spotting is a popular activity, sightings
aren't guaranteed and actually managing to swim with
dolphins is a rare occurrence.
Dolphin
trips last two to three hours and the best time of
year to see these extraordinary mammals is between
October and February.
Summary
Itinerary
This
tour will take you to one of the earlier capital of
the Island (Kizimkazi) where traces of an Old Shirazi
settlement (probably a fort) may be seen in an enclosure
surrounded by a wall near the seashore. Near the walled
enclosure is an ancient mosque where an inscription
records that the mosque was built in A. H. 500 (A.
D. 1107) by a Sheikh Seyyid Abi Amran, who appears
to have been a local ruler. Out-side the mosque is
a well and graves of Sheriffs (descendants of the
Prophet). You will then proceed to a small fishing
village where you will be taken for a boat ride (in
a motorized local boat) in search of dolphins (85%
chances). Lunch will be served at Kizimkazi Zanzibar.
Zanzibar
Dolphin Adventure is a full day excursion using locally
made traditional sailing dhows of between 8 to 10
meters in length. The dhows are finished to the very
highest standards and fitted with outboard engines,
marine VHF radios, gas inflatable life jackets, sunshade,
boarding ladder, waterproof bags and first aid kit.
They also have public liability and marine insurance.
The
excursion starts at the fishing village of Fumba,
30 minutes drive from Stone Town. Fumba is situated
in the southwest corner of the island and is an ideal
starting point to explore Menai Bay, designated a
Conservation Area. The bay has a number of beautiful
uninhabited islands and sandbanks and is frequented
by humpback and bottle nose dolphins. On arrival at
Fumba, we get a briefing on the day and a life jacket
demo. We then board the dhows and set off to explore
the bay to find the dolphins.
We
are lucky enough to see dolphins on at least 85% of
our trips. Later in the morning we stop on a sandbank
where we set up sunshades and fit the clients with
snorkeling equipment. We have a large range of sizes
and good quality equipment. Guides, who can safely
lead the snorkeling session and show points of interest,
accompany the clients. For beginners or those who
are not confident swimmers, we have inflatable snorkeling
vests and our guides can give tuition. After snorkeling
we offer fresh green coconuts before we move to our
desert island restaurant for lunch. During the morning
our catering boat has gone on ahead to prepare a delicious
barbecue lunch, which is served on teak picnic tables
set up beneath the shade of some tamarind trees.
Lunch
is a traditional Zanzibar buffet and includes grilled
fish, slipper lobster, squid, chicken, rice, tamarind
and coriander sauces which are all served hot from
the grill. A gastronomic fruit tasting follows with
a selection of between 10 to 15 different tropical
fruits. Cold drinks are available throughout the day
and include mineral water, sodas and beer. Coffee
and Amarula liqueur are also served after lunch. Later,
we also offer the chance to sail in an “ngalawa”
with our experienced crew. When the tide allows we
visit a beautiful mangrove lagoon where it is possible
to swim through the mangrove forest. We return to
Fumba by sail and arrive back at 5.30 p.m. in time
to see the colorful African sunset.
Note:
We advise clients that there are no formal
changing facilities at Fumba so please wear your swimming
things under your clothes. Toilets are available on
the desert island. We also advise clients to bring
waterproof shoes for boarding the dhows and to bring
towels, sunscreen and a spare T-shirt for snorkeling.
Included
in tour
* A guided tour of
southern Zanzibar
* A boat trip off the coast
* Lunch at Kizimkazi
Excluded
* Tips and gratuities
* All personal purchases
