Wildlife

At the edge of the waves and the mangroves, wildlife reveals itself, transforming wonder into lasting memories.

Discovering Zanzibar's Wildlife

Observing wildlife in Zanzibar means entering into a delicate balance between humankind and nature. Sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish, or monkeys in the forest—each encounter invites us to slow down, to see things differently, to deeply respect our surroundings.

Duration: 1 or 2 days
In Mafia
An unforgettable getaway to discover the marine paradise of Mafia Island and to encounter whale sharks, these gentle giants.

An unforgettable getaway to discover the marine paradise of Mafia Island. Swim with whale sharks, these gentle giants, in the protected waters of the Mafia Channel, and enjoy a unique encounter with nature. Enjoy a barbecue by the sea, sail at sunset and relax.

This short getaway combines adventure, nature and comfort on one of Tanzania’s most unspoilt islands.

Duration: 2 hours
In Kizimkazi
We take you out in a small motorboat to meet the wild dolphins that come to swim on the surface of the Kizimkazi Canal.

Off to Kizimkazi, a small village at the southern tip of the island. We’ll take you out to sea in a small motorboat to see the wild dolphins that come to disturb the surface of the Kizimkazi channel. With a mask and snorkel, you can swim alongside them if you’re lucky – they’re very curious and attentive to newcomers! Note that the Kizimkazi dolphin is a wild species, but it is fairly easy to find and observe them, as the local fishermen know their habits well. However, we cannot guarantee that they will be there when you go out. We will leave early in the morning to have a better chance of finding them and to make it easier to observe them at dawn.

Duration: 45 minutes
In Kizimkazi
Originally created to care for and protect sea turtles, Saalam Cave is located in the south of the island.

Saalam Cave is located in the south of the island. Originally created to care for and protect sea turtles, it has now become a tourist site where the turtles no longer live in natural conditions.

They are not mistreated there, but the high volume of visitors and some inappropriate behavior are detrimental to their well-being and their environment.

 

We do not particularly recommend this activity.

However, if you still choose to go, it is essential to adopt a respectful attitude:

  • do not approach the turtles
  • do not shout, push, or touch them
  • never feed them, even if offered
  • rinse thoroughly before entering the water, avoid sunscreen
  • remain vigilant: turtles can bite
Duration: About 1 hour
In Nungwi
Originally created to care for and protect sea turtles, this natural pool is located in Nungwi.

This natural pool is located in Nungwi. Originally created to care for and protect sea turtles, it has now become a tourist site where the turtles no longer live in natural conditions.

They are not mistreated there, but the high volume of visitors and some inappropriate behavior are detrimental to their well-being and their environment.

 

We do not particularly recommend this activity.

However, if you still choose to go, it is essential to adopt a respectful attitude:

  • do not approach the turtles
  • do not shout, push, or touch them
  • never feed them, even if offered
  • rinse thoroughly before entering the water, avoid sunscreen
  • remain vigilant: turtles can bite
Duration: About 1 hour
In Nungwi
Originally created to care for and protect sea turtles, the Baraka Aquarium is located in the village of Nungwi, on the northern tip of Zanzibar.

The Baraka Aquarium is located in the village of Nungwi, on the northern tip of Zanzibar.

Originally created to care for and protect sea turtles, it has now become a tourist attraction where the turtles no longer live in natural conditions.

They are not mistreated there, but the high visitor numbers and some inappropriate behavior are detrimental to their well-being and their environment.

 

We do not particularly recommend this activity.

However, if you still choose to go, it is essential to adopt a respectful attitude:

  • do not approach the turtles
  • do not shout, push, or touch them
  • never feed them, even if offered
  • rinse thoroughly before entering the water, avoid sunscreen
  • remain vigilant: turtles can bite
Duration: Flexible duration
In Paje, Nungwi, Kendwa, Michamvi or Kiwengwa
Explore Zanzibar in a unique way with a magnificent horseback ride, offering you a moment of freedom and pure connection.

Explore Zanzibar in a unique way with a magnificent horseback ride, led by an experienced guide, offering you a moment of freedom and connection with nature and your horse.

Various rides are available in different parts of Zanzibar: Paje, Nungwi/Kendwa, Michamvi, or Kiwengwa.

Duration: 1 hour
In Jozani
Discover an incredible diversity of butterflies in a variety of colors and encounter chameleons in their natural habitat.

Located just steps from the famous Jozani Forest, discover an incredible diversity of butterflies in a variety of colors and encounter chameleons in their natural habitat.

Enjoy an immersive and educational experience, ideal for nature lovers. A magical place where young and old alike can explore, learn, and marvel at nature.

Duration: 2 hours
In Jozani
The Jozani forest is the preferred residence of red colobus monkeys, one of the rarest and most endangered species on the planet.

Located 35 km south-east of Stone Town, Jozani Forest covers an area of around 1,000 hectares. It is the last remaining natural forest on the main island of Unguja, and was once home to antelopes and leopards.

Today, it is the preferred home of red colobus monkeys and Sykes monkeys. The red colobus monkey is one of the rarest and most endangered species on the planet. They can be approached and observed at close quarters by your guide, but It is not permitted to touch or feed them.

Other features of this forest include mangrove forests and groundwater salt forests.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours
In Stone Town
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, was built in 1893 and was later used as a quarantine hospital.

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is the most central of the three islets visible from Stone Town. Board a motorboat for the 30-minute crossing.

The prison on this island was built in 1893 and later used as a quarantine hospital. On the island, you’ll come across the giant tortoises brought from the Seychelles by Sultan Saïd in the 1820s, and you can also enjoy sunbathing on one of the island’s beaches.

An Immersion in the Heart of Wildlife

Zanzibar offers numerous experiences for discovering its wildlife, both on land and at sea. The turquoise lagoons teem with marine life, including corals, starfish, and multicolored fish, visible while snorkeling or on boat trips to pristine reefs. Offshore, it’s possible to spot dolphins swimming freely in their natural habitat. On the island, certain areas allow for the observation of monkeys or endemic species in a respectful environment. Every interaction with animals must be approached with awareness: do not touch, do not feed, do not disturb. Here, encountering them is a privilege, never a spectacle.