Snorkeling in Mnemba
Mnemba island is located 4 km north east from Zanzibar and is surrounded by a turquoise and crystal clear sea and an
intact coral reef with a
great variety of marine species. That is an unforgettable experience for snorkelling lovers.
Mnemba is also one of the best
diving spots.
The
Dhow, the typical type of boat in Zanzibar, leaves from
Matemwe village or from the beach, depending on the tide.
Since it is a
marine park, it is not allowed to land on the island, but you can snorkel all around it.
The first site to dive is in the western part of the island, not far from the beach. The sand is really white!
Then the tour goes on in the southern direction to reach the second area. Coloured fishes, tunas, barracudas, clown fishes, anemones and turtles:
a very rich sea life! If there is low tide you can see the rocks coming out of the water and fishermen with their harpoons sailing with their
Ngalawa to the land, to the market in
Matemwe for the fish auction sale.
After snorkelling you come back to
Matemwe within lunch time. You can relax on the beach and see the seaweed cultivation and women picking it up until the tide allows them.
Rate - 35€ (all inclusive)
Chumbe island – the eco-friendly island
The coral park in
Chumbe island is located south west from
Stone Town, it is a private and
untouched marine park with a very rich coral reef full of fish and madreporas. Together with the
Chumbe Island Coral Park we organize an
all inclusive day to discover the island leaving from
Mbweni beach. Guests will be welcomed by the
Rangers for a
briefing on the activities. Every couple has a special bungalow facing the sea and built following
eco-friendly rules, with local materials without an impact on the environment. Lunch at the restaurant in the lighthouse is included. The Rangers will guide the guests to
snorkel on the
Reef Sanctuary, a beautiful coral garden inhabited by 400 fish species, turtles and dolphins, and to visit the charming
Closed Forest Reserve, a coral forest. Walking on a variety of paths you will discover a unique fauna and flora.
The tour will end on the
Mbweni beach at 5.30 p.m.
Rate - 85€ (all inclusive)
Tumbatu island
Tumbatu is the third biggest island in the Zanzibar archipelago and it is located north west from
Unguja. Historically it is a poor and isolated place, even if it is only 2km far from the Zanziba coast and therefore it has maintained all Muslim traditions, especially related to the
Shirazi tribal costumes coming from the ancient Persia. The transfer to the island on a typical boat leaves from the
Mkokotoni fishermen village, where one of the most important fish auction sales in
Unguja takes place.
You are allowed to visit the island only if you have the permission from 3 different authorities: the tourism office, the local police and the mayor of the
Jongowe village, who will explain the hard life of fishermen. After the meeting the tour goes on visiting the main village, where you can observe the inhabitants of the island, their houses and work.
Tumbatu is famous for the
witchery: the Waganga, Bantu doctors, still use magic rituals to cure diseases, negativity and to make nature forces favourable. Meeting a witch doctor will be useful to understand their activities and importance in African societies.
After coming back to
Mkokotoni, the excursion will bring you to
Pwani Mchangani on the eastern coast for lunch and to relax on the beach. You can pay a visit to the local village and come back to Mangrove Lodge.
Rate - 30€ (all inclusive)
Village tour
It is advised to those who want
to bone up on the local world at least for a day and get to know Zanzibar daily life, following a path far from the touristic places, respecting their costumes and traditions.
Starting time is at 8a.m., first stop will be at the bar in the village, where you will have a typical breakfast with the inhabitants in Chuini. Visit to
the Catholic mission in Kitope where Sister Marina will guide you between the school and the hospital. Then you will discover the wood and coconut
handcraft in
Kidimni and
Mchangani villages.
Lunch is prepared by Zanzibar women and the guests will be involved in the preparation of spicy rice, coconut sauces, vegetables, beans and chapatti… That is a way to observe women’s costumes and activities,
Ndagaa mud houses, children’s games and men’s relax after working in the fields. You will also visit the
Muslim school where children learn the Koran and the
mosque in
Kiboje during prayer time.
You will come back to Mangrove Lodge on time to enjoy the sunset on the beach.
Rate - 25€ (all inclusive)
