Gallery
Scenes From Kizimkazi
Extraordinary African Safaris
Zanzibar's southernmost village — famous for wild dolphins, an ancient mosque, and a tranquil, off-the-radar pace.
Kizimkazi sits at the southern tip of Unguja, two small fishing settlements at the end of the road where few package travellers reach. It is best known for the resident pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins offshore, which boats set out to find each morning — a chance to see these animals in the wild that draws day-trippers from across the island.
There is more to it than dolphins. Kizimkazi holds one of the oldest Islamic buildings in East Africa, the Kizimkazi Mosque, with a Kufic inscription dated to the early 12th century. The coastline is quiet and rocky in places with small sandy coves, the reef is good for snorkelling, and the whole area keeps a slow, authentic rhythm.
Kizimkazi suits travellers who want nature, history, and calm over resort life, and it pairs naturally with the nearby Jozani forest. It is around an hour and a quarter from Stone Town and the airport.
Kizimkazi is about an hour and a quarter by road from Stone Town and the airport, at the southern end of the island. Accommodation is limited to small hotels and guesthouses. Dolphin trips leave early in the morning for the best chance of calm seas and sightings; responsible operators keep a respectful distance. Most travellers visit on a day trip or stay one to three nights.
A respectful boat trip at dawn, dolphins arcing through the water around us, then the ancient mosque and a quiet snorkel. The south of Zanzibar is a different, gentler world. — Guest review, TripAdvisor
Warm, sunny days, low humidity, and calm seas. The most reliable window for beaches, diving, and dhow trips.
Best overallHot and bright between the rains, with excellent water clarity and a festive high-season feel around the New Year.
Best for dolphinsBrief afternoon showers freshen the islands; mornings usually stay clear. Quieter and better value.
Best for valueThe wettest stretch, with heavier rain and some smaller places closing. The lowest rates of the year.
Best avoided
Contact us now — we are always here to help with honest, expert advice at no cost.
Tell us about your dream trip and our Tanzania safari specialists will get back to you within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary and no-obligation quote.
A short planning brief gives our team enough context to suggest the right parks, route, pace and accommodation level.
