Kizimkazi Beach: Best Known for Dolphin Safaris

Location: South coast – 60 km from Stone Town
Access: Approximately 1 hour by taxi or bus
Great for: Dolphin sightings and star gazing
Popular budget hotels: Promised Land Lodge, Mama Root, Kameleon Blue, Coco Reef Eco Lodge
Best luxury hotels: Karamba Eco Hotel, Kwanza Resort, Unguja Lodge, Bella Vista Resort

If you’re looking for peace and quiet and a real taste of the local culture, go no farther than Kizimkazi Beach on the southern tip of Zanzibar. Nature lovers and families flock to the region, particularly for the dolphin trips, which are famous worldwide.

There is more peace and quiet here than at other of Zanzibar’s busier beaches in the north, where visitors may really unwind. Kizimkazi Beach stands out from the rest of the island thanks to its darker sand and nearby coral reefs. Kizimkazi Beach should be towards the top of your list if you are looking for a less touristic experience in Zanzibar.

Kizimkazi – Zanzibar : Overview

Location & Accessibility

Getting to Kizimkazi from Stone Town typically takes about 1.5 hours due to the distance of 60 kilometers. The most hassle-free way to get around is by taxi, although daredevils can also use the public transit system.

Natural Beauty:

With its backdrop of palm palms and old baobabs, this beach has an authentically African vibe. Snorkeling is a popular pastime because of the abundance of marine life that inhabits the coral reefs that border the beach. Small fishing villages surround the region, giving visitors a taste of Zanzibar’s traditional culture.

Water Sports & Activities:

It is the dolphin-watching cruises that have made Kizimkazi famous. Cruises take sightseers out to sea, where they can frequently observe dolphins of both the bottlenose and spinner varieties. Other popular activities include sailing on traditional wooden dhows and snorkeling among the coral reefs. Fishing is a big deal here, and visitors can usually tag along with the locals for a day on the water.

Kizimkazi Beach Accommodation

From simple guesthouses to five-star resorts, Kizimkazi has something for any traveler’s budget. A lot of hotels are trying to be environmentally responsible by blending in with the surrounding landscape. Swimming pools and Wi-Fi are standard amenities.

Restaurants and Nightlife

While there are a few restaurants in Kizimkazi that serve international food, the majority of the eateries serve local cuisine. Popular items on the menus include grilled octopus and coconut fish curry, both of which are made using seafood that is freshly harvested. Nightlife here isn’t too crazy, so it’s great for people who want to get away from it all.

Cultural Experience

Going to Kizimkazi is a great way to see the local culture firsthand. The area offers a wealth of cultural opportunities, such as touring surrounding fishing communities, taking a cookery class in Swahili, or seeing traditional music and dance performances.