The Rock Restaurant Experience
A table on a rock in the Indian Ocean
- Location Michamvi Pingwe, south-east Unguja
- Duration Half day including transfers, allow 4 hours
- Tour type Private only
- Availability Daily, subject to restaurant availability. Book early in high season
Price on request Send the form and we reply with a firm quote, usually within a few hours.
Overview
The Rock sits on a coral outcrop in the Indian Ocean, a short distance off the white sand of Michamvi Pingwe on the south-east coast of Unguja. It is one of the most photographed restaurants in the world, and the setting is genuinely as unusual as the pictures suggest.
How you reach it depends on the tide. At low tide you walk across the sand and rock from the beach. At high tide a small boat runs you over from the shore, usually at no extra charge, and the building appears to float.
The kitchen focuses on seafood, and the atmosphere is relaxed and romantic rather than formal. It suits a long lunch, a sunset dinner, an anniversary or a proposal, more than a quick meal.
We handle the part most visitors find difficult: the table. The restaurant is small and books out well ahead in high season. We reserve for you, arrange return transfers from your hotel anywhere on the island, and time your arrival to the tide.
Highlights
- Eat at one of the most photographed restaurants in the world
- Walk across at low tide, or take the boat at high tide
- Seafood-led menu in a relaxed, romantic setting
- Table reserved for you in advance
- Return transfers from anywhere on the island
- Arrival timed to the tide by our team
Itinerary
- Reservation minus 90 min
Hotel pickup
Collection from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and the drive to Michamvi Pingwe.
- Reservation time
Crossing to The Rock
Walk across the sand at low tide, or take the complimentary boat from the beach at high tide.
- Meal
Lunch or dinner
Your table on the rock, with time to eat unhurried and take photographs.
- After the meal
Return transfer
Boat or walk back to the beach and drive to your hotel.
What is included
Included
- Return hotel transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Table reservation at The Rock
- Boat transfer to the restaurant at high tide
- English-speaking driver
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Not included
- Food and drinks at the restaurant, paid directly
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Anything not named under what is included
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup time: Timed to your reservation and the tide.
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
- Smart casual clothing
- A card and some cash for the bill
- Camera
- Sun cream and a hat if you are going at midday
Important information
- The restaurant is small and reservations are essential, particularly from June to October and over Christmas and New Year.
- We reserve the table. Food and drinks are settled directly with the restaurant.
- Access depends on the tide. We time your pickup so the crossing works.
- The rock is reached by steps and is not suitable for guests with serious mobility difficulty at high tide.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is the meal included in the price?
No. We arrange the reservation and the return transfers. You settle the bill directly with the restaurant.
How far ahead should we book?
As early as possible. In high season the restaurant fills weeks ahead, particularly for sunset tables.
How do we get across?
At low tide you walk from the beach. At high tide a small boat runs you over from the shore, usually complimentary.
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