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Private safaris from Arusha, Tanzania

Experience · Zanzibar · On the water

Sunset Dhow Cruise

For centuries, wooden dhows have carried trade along the Swahili coast. Today they are the perfect way to end a day on Zanzibar: sailing out on a warm evening breeze as the sun drops into the Indian Ocean.

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Duration

About 2 hours

Starts from

Stone Town or Nungwi

Best time

Year-round

Ideal for

Couples, families and honeymooners

Sails at sunset

Dhows are built by hand on the island from local hardwood, with their distinctive triangular lateen sail. From Stone Town, the cruise takes you along the old waterfront, past the Old Fort and the carved facades of the seafront, before heading out into the open water. From Nungwi in the north, you sail along white-sand beaches where local boatbuilders still work on the shore. As the sun sets, the crew serves soft drinks, local snacks and fruit, and on some boats there is live Taarab or acoustic music. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the photographs, with the sail silhouetted against the sunset, are some of the best of any trip. We can arrange a shared boat or a private dhow just for you.

Your experience

How the evening unfolds

A private dhow can include dinner on board on request.

White-sand beach in Nungwi, Zanzibar

16:30 · Hotel pick-up

Transfer to the harbour or beach.

17:00 · Board the dhow

Meet the crew and set sail.

17:20 · Along the coast

Sail past the waterfront or white-sand beaches.

17:45 · Drinks and snacks

Refreshments as the light turns golden.

18:15 · Sunset

The sun drops into the Indian Ocean.

19:00 · Back on shore

Return to your hotel or on to dinner in town.

Included

— Dhow cruise with crew
— Soft drinks, snacks and fruit
— Hotel transfers

Not included

— Alcoholic drinks (on request)
— Dinner on board (private dhow option)
— Tips

Book this experience

Tell us where you are staying and which evening suits you, and we will reserve your place or a private dhow.

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