Overview: Jambiani Village Tour
The NGO that runs this tour has been operating for many years in the village, and a large percentage of profits are ploughed back into community-development initiatives. The guides have an excellent reputation among the villagers, and this translates into meaningful interactions and genuine exchanges.
What to expect when visiting Jambiani village
The exact schedule for the tour varies from day to day, but typically during term time you will start at the local kindergarten (one of the main places that will benefit from the proceeds of your visit). Don’t be surprised to be serenaded by a group of very happy and enthusiastic pre-schoolers, desperate to perform their latest song!Your guide will have intricate knowledge of the village, its history and its residents, so you may meet the mganga (traditional healer), or find out how the women make rope from soaked and dried coconut husks. A highlight for us was walking out over the white sand at low tide to the seaweed ‘farms’ set up in the shallows, and gaining an understanding of how the seaweed is ‘processed’ before it is harvested and sold was fascinating.
You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a house, and to hear about the everyday life, traditions, and customs from the villagers themselves.
No visit to a Zanzibari village would be complete without sampling some of the traditional delicacies, so your trip will end at a local restaurant, serving some of the fragrant, spice-filled dishes for which Zanzibar is famed.
Please note: Expert Africa only books excursions as a part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary.
- Start location
- Any of Expert Africa's hotels on Zanzibar
- End location
- Back at your hotel
- Meals included
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Duration
- Half-day - mornings
- Maximum group size
- Usually six people per guide
Photo gallery
What to look forward to.
Your guide will be knowledgeable local resident...
Who will spend time explaining the history of the village, and how day-to-day life operates...
Activities include seeing how coconut husks are turned into rope...
...a laborious and hands-on procedure...
...which is usually the women's job...
You can even try yourself!
You may also meet the local mganga (traditional healer)...
...who will explain the uses of various plants to heal illnesses.
Spend some time learning about seaweed farming...
...learning how it's harvested...
by the villagers...
before being sold on.
Finish up with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.
Ideas for holidays which can include Jambiani Village Tour
Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made holiday to Zanzibar.
Turmeric Beach Holiday
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Relax on powdery white beaches and snorkel over colourful reefs on Zanzibar’s picturesque east coast before heading on to Stone Town to explore the labyrinth of cobbled streets.
US$2,220 - US$3,750 per person
Masala Beach Holiday
9 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Two luxuriously elegant hotels offer relaxation on Zanzibar’s beach-front and exploration of Stone Town. Combine peaceful tranquility with fine dining, indulgent comforts and vibrant culture.
US$6,170 - US$9,560 per person
Papaya Beach Holiday
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
A relaxing holiday with a range of activities, where Chumbe Island Lodge and Matemwe offer tranquil atmospheres, considerable exclusivity and the chance to learn about worthwhile local conservation efforts.
US$2,730 - US$4,370 per person
Coconut Beach Holiday
6 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
A luxurious island getaway split between a small boutique hotel in Stone Town and your own sumptuous private villa on a spectacular swath of white sandy beach.
US$2,300 - US$5,020 per person
Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Experience the highlights of Tanzania with a safari in the country’s famous northern parks followed by historic Stone Town and the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, staying in high-quality accommodation throughout.
US$9,320 - US$16,370 per person
Dik Dik Safari
12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.
US$8,750 - US$15,130 per person
Red Colobus Monkey Safari
11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.
US$6,230 - US$8,490 per person
Turaco Safari
12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.
US$5,460 - US$6,830 per person
Other excursions in Zanzibar
Inspiration and great ideas for other experiences in Zanzibar to include in your holiday.
Stone Town Discovery Tour
Half-day
Spend a morning wandering through Stone Town’s maze of alleyways with an erudite Zanzibari resident, meeting the locals, marvelling at its fusion of architecture and cultures, learning about the food, music, beliefs and everyday life, for an utterly fascinating experience.
More about Stone Town Tour
Princess Salme Spice Tour
Half-day
Discover the captivating story of the smart and rebellious Princess Sayyida Salme, the youngest daughter of Sultan Said. Join a knowledgeable local guide to follow in her footsteps through palaces and plantations, as well as the fascinating Zanzibar spice trade on a working plantation.
More about Princess Spice Tour
Jozani Forest Tour
Half-day or combine with other tours
For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.
More about Jozani Forest
Swahili Cooking Workshop
Half-day or combine with other tours
Zanzibar’s cuisine and culinary influences are as exotic as the island itself. This genuinely authentic culinary workshop will take you to the heart of the spice farm region, teach you how to select and blend an array of spices, create souvenir blends, and guide you through cooking a traditional Swahili meal.
More about Swahili Cookery
Zanzibar Dhow Safari
Full day - approx. eight hours
Discover the coast and islands of the Menai Bay from a traditional Zanzibari dhow. Explore this beautiful marine conservation area with a local guide, snorkelling over coral reefs, swimming through mangrove lagoons and keeping an eye out for dolphins. To top it all, you’ll also be treated to a fabulous beach barbecue.
More about Zanzibar Dhow Safari
Prison Island Tour
Half-day
Escape the hustle and bustle of Stone Town on a 30-minute boat ride to Changuu Island, now commonly known as Prison Island. This is your chance to find out about the darker side of Zanzibar history, as well as to get up close with the island’s Aldabra giant tortoises, and to engage in a spot of coastal snorkelling.
More about Prison IslandZanzibar fact file
Useful information to help you prepare for your trip in Zanzibar
LGBT travel in Zanzibar
Attitudes, the law & our experiences
Flights to Zanzibar
How to get there & reach local destinations
Tipping in Zanzibar
Expectations, guidelines & tipping etiquette
Zanzibar general info
Essential travel information
Weather & climate
The best time to visit Zanzibar