Excursion Sultan's sunset cruise tour at Zanzibar

IMPORTANT NOTE: Guests need to climb down a few steps to the beach and wade through knee high water to climb into the dhow boat using a small ladder. As Zanzibar is predominantly a Muslim Island all guests should be conservatively dressed, with the shoulders and knees covered during the tour.  

Depart from the pier in the late afternoon to board your wooden dhow near the Tembo boarding point.

Sunset Cruise, Traditional Dhow Boat

After a safety briefing, board your dhow to cruise along the stone town waterfront in the tropical turquoise waters. The history of dhow boats started a long time ago when Arab and Indian merchants began exploring East Africa. Since that time Zanzibaris have been using these dhow boats to travel across the seas, to carry goods like charcoal, timber and fruits from Tanzania's mainland to Zanzibar. The Swahili word "dhow" is a generic term for the pre-European ships of the Indian Ocean. Traditionally these dhows were sewn together using coconut coir (fibre) - a medieval practice born from the belief that magnets under the sea would suck any nails out of a vessel, therefore condemning the crew to a certain death beneath the waves. The dhows are typically rigged with a lateen sail, which is the classic triangular-shaped sails attached to a cross beam. These boats range in size from small fishermen's boats to vessels over a hundred feet long.

Live Music & Refreshmet

Zanzibar musicians play taarab as the crew serve canapés, soft drinks, water and beer. Enjoy the breeze as the dhow sails along the coast. Your guide will point out the monuments of stone town and give you a brief tour of stone town from the water recounting some of the historic events that have shaped this archipelago. Sail back towards the glimmering lights of stone town. Arrive at the disembarkation point and board your coach back to the pier.

On the way back enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfront including the famous evening open air food market at Forodhani gardens.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Sunset Cruise, Traditional Dhow Boats, Local Snacks, Live Music

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and a few steps to get on/off the boat. Guests need to climb down a few steps to the beach and wade through knee high water to climb into the dhow boat using a small ladder. Therefore this tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Guests are advised that toilettes are not available on this tours. As Zanzibar is predominantly a Muslim Island; all guests should be conservatively dressed, with shoulders and knees covered during the tour. Guests are advised to ask locals for their permission to take their photo. No photography is permitted at Government installations or of uniformed officers. Children under 16 years must accompanied by an adult.