South Zanzibar
Kizimkazi Beach
Wild dolphins and Zanzibar's oldest mosque
About Kizimkazi Beach
Kizimkazi, on the southern tip, is the departure point for Zanzibar's dolphin trips — resident pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins live off this coast. The village also holds the oldest surviving mosque in East Africa, dating from 1107, with Kufic inscriptions still visible.
Best time to visit
Tide information
Things to do
- Dolphin tour at sunrise
- Snorkelling in Menai Bay
- Visit Dimbani Mosque
- Safari Blue full-day sailing
- Sunset from the cliffs
Nearby hotels
- · Karamba Resort
- · Unguja Lodge
- · The Residence Zanzibar (nearby)
- · Swahili Beach Resort
Nearby restaurants
- · Karamba restaurant
- · Unguja Lodge dining
- · Local fish grills at the harbour
Where it is
Getting around from Kizimkazi Beach
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest · Kizimkazi Dolphin Point
Stone Town
Excursion stops on the way: Stone Town old quarter · Mangapwani Slave Caves
Nungwi (North)
Excursion stops on the way: Mkokotoni fish market · Kidichi Persian Baths
Kiwengwa (Northeast)
Excursion stops on the way: Spice farms (Kizimbani) · Kiwengwa Caves
Paje (East Coast)
Excursion stops on the way: Jozani Forest (red colobus) · Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
Distances and drive times are planning estimates for a private transfer; traffic in Stone Town can add 15–20 minutes.
Travel tips
- Choose an operator that keeps distance and does not chase pods — we only work with responsible crews.
- Go at 06:30; by 09:00 the boats multiply and the dolphins move offshore.
Tours & excursions from Kizimkazi Beach
Every tour includes hotel pickup from this beach. Tell us where you are staying and we handle the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Are you guaranteed to see dolphins at Kizimkazi?
No — they are wild. Sightings are common, especially on early departures in calm months, but never guaranteed.
Can you swim with the dolphins?
Some operators allow it. We follow responsible-wildlife guidelines: no chasing, no touching, and the boat keeps a respectful distance.