Stone Town and Dhow Sunset Cruise
Old town, sunset dhow and the night food market
- Location Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Duration Afternoon and evening, approximately 6 hours
- Tour type Private or shared
- Availability Daily, timed to sunset
Price on request Send the form and we reply with a firm quote, usually within a few hours.
Overview
Combining the Stone Town walking tour with a dhow sunset cruise gives you the best of the town and the water in one afternoon and evening, and finishes with the part most day tours miss.
The walk starts in the afternoon, when the light in the old lanes is at its best. Your guide covers the former slave market, the Old Fort, the House of Wonders and the seafront, mixing the history with the stories of the people who lived here, and helps you bargain in the craft shops.
As the afternoon closes you board a traditional dhow. The boat heads out along the coast and turns so everyone has a clear view as the sun goes down over the water. Soft drinks and seasonal fruit are served on board.
Back on land the day ends at Forodhani Gardens, where the night food market sets up along the seafront: grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, sugar cane juice and a crowd of local families. Missing it would be a shame, and this is the tour built around not missing it.
Highlights
- Guided walk through the UNESCO old town in the best light
- The former slave market, Old Fort and House of Wonders
- Traditional dhow sunset cruise
- Soft drinks and seasonal fruit on board
- Forodhani night food market on the seafront
- The best photographs of the trip
Itinerary
- 13:30
Hotel pickup
Collection and transfer to Stone Town.
- 14:30
Stone Town walking tour
The old slave market, Old Fort, House of Wonders, seafront and the craft shops.
- 17:00
Board the dhow
Sail out along the coast with soft drinks and fruit served on board.
- 18:15
Sunset
The boat positions so everyone has a clear view of the sun going down.
- 19:00
Forodhani night market
Land at Forodhani Gardens as the food stalls set up along the seafront.
- 20:00
Return transfer
Drive back to your hotel.
What is included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees and taxes
- Traditional dhow sunset cruise
- Soft drinks and seasonal fruit
- Life jackets and safety equipment
Not included
- Lunch and drinks, where not listed as included
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Anything not named under what is included
- Food bought at Forodhani night market
- Alcoholic drinks
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup time: Around 13:30, adjusted to the sunset time.
Meeting point: Hotel reception.
We collect from these areas:
- Stone Town
- Zanzibar City
- Maungani
- Nungwi
- Kendwa
- Matemwe
- Kiwengwa
- Pwani Mchangani
- Uroa
- Pongwe
- Chwaka
- Michamvi
- Paje
- Jambiani
- Makunduchi
- Kizimkazi
- Fumba
- Mangapwani
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees
- A light layer for the boat after sunset
- Small notes for the night market
- Camera
Important information
- Departure time changes through the year with the sunset. We confirm your pickup the day before.
- Bring small notes for the night market. Stalls are cash only.
- The cruise depends on weather. In unsafe conditions we run the walking tour and reschedule the boat.
- A private dhow for your group only is available on request.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is dinner included?
No. The tour ends at Forodhani night market where you buy what you like from the stalls. Bring small notes.
Is the night market safe?
It is busy, popular with local families and your guide stays with you. Take the usual care with valuables in any crowd.
Is a private dhow available?
Yes. Private charters suit couples, proposals and family groups. Ask us for a quote.
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