Zanzibar Watersports - 4 - $1,463
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
It’s early summer, off the northwest tip of the Zanzibar archipelago. We had left the harbour off the mainland a little behind schedule, anticipating higher winds than usual. Early afternoon light glowed in the bow wave. The wind sail was tight, the sea impossibly clear.
Start from Zanzibar Airport and end at Zanzibar Airport
Landmarks potentially visited on Zanzibar Watersports
Itinerary
The itinerary below is designed to give you an overview of the route. Get in touch with our team for a full travel itinerary, or to create a tailor-made trip.
Day 1: The adventure begins!
Arrive in Zanzibar and transfer by road to Matemwe Lodge in the north of the island, around a 1-hour drive from the airport; pass by sugar cane plantations and spice farms on the way and take in the aroma they waft into the air.
In the afternoon, head to the dive school nearby for your intro pool session on diving where you’ll learn how the scuba equipment works and some of the basics before doing your trial dive tomorrow morning. You’ll be under the experienced supervision of the PADI-qualified instructors at all times, and this two half-day Discover Diving package is a great option for those short on time or unsure if diving is for them before taking the plunge to do an Open Water course.
Return to the lodge for some downtime by the pool or lounging in the hammock by your room.
Accommodation: Matemwe Lodge
Day 2: Diving, Snorkelling, Kayaking
This morning, return to the dive centre where you’ll be taken by boat out to the Mnemba Island reef, which you can see from Matemwe Lodge. Enjoy a dive with the experienced instructors in the open water and get much closer to the corals and marine life than you can on a snorkelling trip.
Return to the lodge for a late lunch and in the afternoon, enjoy kayaking along the coast, paddling as far as your energy levels allow and looking in the crystal clear water below for turtles and other marine life as you explore the shoreline.
Accommodation: Matemwe Lodge
Day 3: Snorkelling & Kite Surfing
Spend the morning on Paje beach on the southeast coast of Zanzibar, trying your hand at kitesurfing in a 3-hour introductory lesson with an experienced instructor. The shallow water lagoon between the beach and the distant reef make this a perfect place to try out this exciting sport.
Return to the lodge for lunch, and this afternoon, turn your attention to the underwater world again, enjoying a boat trip to the reef to go snorkelling. Look out for dolphins as you travel out to the reef, they are often seen riding the bow waves!
Accommodation: Matemwe Lodge
Day 4: Stand-up Paddleboarding
Depart early this morning, transferred by private vehicle to the east coast to Chukwani, south of Stone Town. Here, you'll enjoy a sunrise stand-up paddleboarding session — a magical way to start your final day. Paddle on the still waters, with beautiful views of dhows sailing by, and exploring the mangroves from your SUP board.
Enjoy coffee and a light breakfast on board, returning to the mainland where you'll be transferred back to the lodge to freshen up, or to the airport if you are on an onward flight. We recommend taking a long-sleeved shirt this morning, as it can be cool before the sun comes up!
Transfer to Zanzibar airport to connect with your international flight home.
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
- Prices are per person based on two people travelling together. Travel during some peak season months will incur higher rates.
- Small adjustments to accommodation choices, routes, and activities can make a big difference to the cost of a trip in East Africa. The prices shown should be used as an indication only. Our team can create a tailor-made trip to suit your budget.
Additional Notes
Please advise at point of booking: Any prior experience in diving or kitesurfing (if not specified, we will book introductory sessions as outlined above).
Includes
- Private road transfers from Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe Lodge return
- Three nights half board accommodation (lunches and drinks payable locally)
- 2x half day sessions for the Discovery Dive package
- A private 3 hour introductory kitesurfing lesson
- Afternoon unguided kayaking
- Afternoon boat snorkelling trip
- Sunrise stand-up paddleboarding
- Private road transfers to/from the kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding
- Conservation charge, and Medevac cover
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Activities not mentioned or stated as optional in the itinerary
- Other personal expenses, souvenirs, tips and gratuities, etc.
