October 31, 2026
Safari Blue Zanzibar: Complete Guide
Everything about Safari Blue in Zanzibar: what the day includes, timings, Kwale Island and the sandbank, what to bring, shared vs private and how to book.
Safari Blue is one of Zanzibar’s best-known sea days, and for good reason: you sail on a traditional wooden dhow, swim from a sandbank, snorkel coral reefs and eat a seafood lunch on an island. This guide covers what happens on the day, what to bring and how to book.
Where Safari Blue goes
The trip leaves from Fumba, on the south-west coast, and sails into the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a protected marine area of reefs, sandbanks and small islands. The drive from Stone Town to Fumba is short; from the north or east coast it takes longer, which is why hotel pickup times vary.
A typical Safari Blue day
- Morning pickup. Your driver collects you from your hotel and takes you to Fumba. The day usually runs from about 08:00 to 16:00.
- Sail and snorkel. You board the dhow and sail into Menai Bay, stopping over the reef to snorkel. Gear and life jackets are provided.
- The sandbank. The dhow stops at a sandbank where you can swim and relax in shallow, clear water.
- Kwale Island. On Kwale you can climb an old baobab tree and, at high tide, swim into the mangrove lagoon.
- Seafood lunch. Lunch is seafood from the grill with fresh fruit, served on the island.
- Sail back. You return to Fumba in the late afternoon and drive back to your hotel.
Dolphins are sometimes seen in Menai Bay, but sightings are never guaranteed.
What is included on our Safari Blue tour
Our Safari Blue tour includes the boat trip, entrance fees, hotel pickup and drop-off in a private air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, snorkeling gear and life jacket, the seafood lunch, snacks and drinks, and taxes. Tips and personal expenses are not included. A vegetarian lunch can be arranged if you tell us when you book.
Shared or private?
Safari Blue dhows usually carry other travellers as well, so the boat part of the day is shared while your hotel transfer is private. If you want the boat to yourselves, for example for a family group or a special occasion, ask us about a private dhow.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- A waterproof bag for your phone
- Water shoes, useful on the sandbank and in the lagoon
- Some cash for drinks and tips
Best time for Safari Blue
Safari Blue runs most of the year. The sea is calmest and the water clearest in the dry months, from June to October and December to February. During the long rains, from March to May, trips can be moved when the sea is rough. See our guide to the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Is Safari Blue good for children?
Yes. Life jackets are provided, the sandbank water is shallow and the dhow moves slowly. Tell us the ages of your children when you book so we can plan the day.
Safari Blue in a holiday package
Safari Blue is part of several of our packages, including the 3 Days Zanzibar Escape with Safari Blue. See all Zanzibar holiday packages.
Similar sea days
- Pungume Island Snorkeling with Buffet Lunch
- Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank Day
- Mnemba Atoll Private Snorkeling Trip
Ready to book Safari Blue? Message us on WhatsApp at +255 773 963 024 or use our contact page.
