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Jambiani Village Tour

Jambiani Village Tour

Overview: Jambiani Village Tour

It can be hard to tear yourself away from the gently lapping waves and soft white sands of eastern Zanzibar, but this coastline is more than just somewhere to relax: for thousands of local residents it represents their entire livelihood. Jambiani, stretching for three-and-a-half miles along one of the island’s most picturesque beaches, is one such village. A tour of this community will offer you a fascinating insight into the daily life and work of its 6,000 residents.

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.


1 of 13
Your guide will be knowledgeable local resident...
2 of 13
Who will spend time explaining the history of the village, and how day-to-day life operates...
3 of 13
Activities include seeing how coconut husks are turned into rope...
4 of 13
...a laborious and hands-on procedure...
5 of 13
...which is usually the women's job...
6 of 13
You can even try yourself!
7 of 13
You may also meet the local mganga (traditional healer)...
8 of 13
...who will explain the uses of various plants to heal illnesses.
9 of 13
Spend some time learning about seaweed farming...
10 of 13
...learning how it's harvested...
11 of 13
by the villagers...
12 of 13
before being sold on.
13 of 13
Finish up with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.

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.


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Turmeric Beach Holiday

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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

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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

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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

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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$2,360 - US$5,190 per person

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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

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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

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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

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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

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