Kizimkazi is a fishing village located on the southwest coast of Zanzibar. 65 km Stone Town (1.5 hours by car) world famous for dolphin tours (bottlenose/humpback resident in nearby waters). Dolphin tours: 50-80 USD person includes boat, guide, snorkel, 3-4 hours, best time 6:00-9:00 early morning (best chance of sighting 80-90%). Small quiet beach less touristy vs north, rocky cliffs, white-gray sand, crystal clear water. Preserved authentic village, limited accommodation (guesthouses 30-70 USD/night, mid-range 80-180 USD, boutique 200-350 USD), less urbanized maintaining unspoiled nature. Other activities: snorkeling reefs, diving, windsurfing, rock climbing, beach horseback riding, visit Shirazi Mosque (12th century). Best season Jun-Oct (25-28°C, dry), dolphins present full year. This guide explains dolphin tours, what to do, accommodation and how to get there.
Kizimkazi Features
LocationSouthwest Zanzibar, 65 km Stone Town, south coast divided Kizimkazi Dimbani (north) and Kizimkazi Mkunguni (south).
Small beachLess extensive vs north, quiet, uncrowded, rocky area with dramatic cliffs.
SandWhite-grayish crushed coral mixture, less fine than north but clean natural.
Fishing village: Authentic preserved, inhabitants live artisanal fishing, limited lodging without massive development.
Famous dolphins: Groups of bottlenose/humpback dolphins residing in nearby waters are a major attraction worldwide.
TideModerate low (less dramatic than this one), high allows swimming.
Kizimkazi Dolphin Tours
Dolphin tours information
Main attractionKizimkazi: Kizimkazi world-known resident bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) tours.
Price: 50-80 USD person (includes boat, guide, snorkeling equipment, 3-4 hours).
Best schedule6:00-9:00 early morning (most active dolphins feeding near shore, sighting probability 80-90%).
What to expect: Traditional boat dhow/engine search for groups of dolphins (5-10 km offshore), observation from boat, possibility to swim near dolphins (respectful distance 10+ meters).
SeasonDolphins present year-round, most activity Oct-Mar.
Reservation: Local operators Kizimkazi beach, hotels organize, reservation day before.
Ethical dolphin tours Kizimkazi
IMPORTANTChoose responsible operators respecting dolphin welfare.
Good practicesMaximum 2-3 simultaneous dolphin group boats, minimum distance 10 meters, NO chasing/prowling, limited time 15-20 min group.
Bad practices to avoidMultiple boats harassing dolphins, aggressive chase, touching dolphins, screaming water.
Organizations: Whale and Dolphin Conservation promotes responsible tourism dolphins.
Other activities in Kizimkazi
Snorkel diving
Nearby reefs500-1,000 meters offshore, healthy corals, colorful fish, good visibility.
Snorkeling toursCombined dolphin tours (included price 50-80 USD), reefs after dolphin search.
Diving: Local operators offer dives, 2 dives 80-120 USD, PADI certification available.
Information: PADI internationally recognized certifications.
Shirazi Kizimkazi Mosque
HistoricMosque of the 12th century (built 1107) being one of the oldest East African, Persian Islamic architecture.
VisitEntrance fee 5,000-10,000 TZS (2-4 USD), local guides explain Swahili/Arabic history.
Location: Kizimkazi Dimbani northern village.
ImportantDress modestly (shoulders/knees/head covered women), remove shoes entrance.
Windsurf kayak
Windsurf: High tide moderate winds, rent 40,000-60,000 TZS (16-24 USD) hour.
Kayak: Explore rocky coast cliffs, rent 15,000-25,000 TZS (6-10 USD) per hour.
Stand-up paddleCalm waters at high tide (15,000-25,000 TZS/6-10 USD per hour).
Rock and cliff climbing
Rocky areaCliffs: Natural formations ideal for recreational climbing.
Guided Tours40,000-60,000 TZS (16-24 USD) half day, equipment included, expert guides in the area.
ViewsThe cliff tops offer spectacular panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the southwest coast.
Horseback riding on the beach
Horseback ridingQuiet beach, not very crowded, ideal for horseback riding.
Price: 50,000-80,000 TZS (20-32 USD) hour, sunset especially popular.
Operators: Local hotels/operators organize.
Lodging in Kizimkazi
Economic budget
Local guesthouses: Basic authentic, 30-55 USD/night, fishing village, family atmosphere.
Promised Land Lodge: Popular backpackers, 35-65 USD/night, direct beach, social.
Karamba Resort: Simple clean, 40-70 USD/night, local restaurant.
Mid-range
Unguja Lodge100-180 USD/night, boutique cliffside, spectacular ocean views, infinity pool.
Swahili Beach Resort90-160 USD/night, direct beach, good restaurant.
The Residence Zanzibar120-200 USD/night (low season), affordable luxury, spa.
Boutique/luxury
The Residence Zanzibar250-500 USD/night (high season), 5 star resort, private beach villas, world class spa, multiple restaurants.
Fumba Beach Lodge200-350 USD/night, elegant boutique, eco-friendly design, private beach.
Reservations: Booking.com compare prices availability Kizimkazi.
How to get to Kizimkazi
From Stone TownPrivate cab 100,000-120,000 TZS (40-48 USD, 1.5 hours), dala-dala 5,000-8,000 TZS (2-3 USD, 2-2.5 hours change).
From airportCab 110,000-130,000 TZS (44-52 USD, 1.5 hours).
From Paje/eastCab 120,000-150,000 TZS (48-60 USD, 1.5 hours across the island).
From NungwiCab 160,000-200,000 TZS (64-80 USD, 2-2.5 hours crossing the entire island).
Transportation rentalCar 50-80 USD/day, motorcycle 15-25 USD/day.
Location: Google Maps exact routes Kizimkazi.
Best time to visit Kizimkazi
Dry season (Jun-Oct)BEST - temperatures 25-28°C, minimum rainfall, perfect conditions for dolphin tours (calm sea, excellent visibility).
DolphinsPresent year-round, most active Oct-Mar (feeding/breeding).
Intermediate season (Nov-Feb)Good - temperatures 28-32°C, occasional showers, dolphins very active.
Rainy season (Mar-May)Avoid - frequent rains, rough sea makes dolphin tours difficult, reduced visibility.
Best tour schedule: 6:00-9:00 early in the morning (dolphins feeding, calm sea, less boats).
Weather: Weather.com updated forecasts before the trip.
Sea conditions: Windy wave/wind conditions plan tours.
Frequently asked questions about Kizimkazi
Where is Kizimkazi and what is he famous for?
Kizimkazi is a fishing village on the southwest coast of Zanzibar located on the 65 km Stone Town (1.5 hours drive, 100,000-120,000 TZS/40-48 USD cab) divided Kizimkazi Dimbani (north) and Kizimkazi Mkunguni (south) being world famous dolphin tours (groups of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus and humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis resident in nearby waters being the main attraction). Dolphin Tours50-80 USD person includes traditional dhow/motor boat, guide, snorkeling equipment, 3-4 hours, best time 6:00-9:00 early morning (dolphins feeding near shore, sighting probability 80-90%), observation from boat + possibility to swim nearby (respectful distance 10+ meters), dolphins present full year major activity oct-mar. Beach: Small quiet less touristic vs north, rocky area dramatic cliffs, white-gray sand, crystal clear waters, authentic fishing village preserved without massive development. Another attractionShirazi Mosque XII century (1107) one of the oldest East African entrance 5,000-10,000 TZS. According to Lonely Planet, Kizimkazi is "best place Zanzibar to see wild dolphins" being "life experience to observe majestic creatures in their natural habitat".
How much do dolphin tours cost in Kizimkazi?
Dolphin tours Kizimkazi cost 50-80 USD person (3-4 hours) including traditional dhow/motor boat, local expert guide, snorkeling equipment (use after search for dolphins on nearby reefs), bottled water. Best schedule: 6:00-9:00 early morning (more active dolphins feeding closer to shore, calm sea, better visibility, fewer competing boats, probability of sighting 80-90% vs. late 50-60%). What to expectBoat leaves Kizimkazi beach sailing 5-10 km offshore looking for groups of dolphins (5-20 individuals usually), observation from boat natural behavior (jumping, feeding, playing), possibility to swim near dolphins (respectful distance minimum 10 meters protecting animal welfare), snorkel nearby reefs after (30-45 min), return to beach. SeasonDolphins present year-round as permanent residents, most activity Oct-Mar (feeding/breeding). ReservationLocal beach operators day before, hotels organize by adding commission 10-15 USD, shared tours for groups of 6-12 people. IMPORTANT: Choose responsible operators respecting the welfare of dolphins (Whale and Dolphin Conservation promotes ethical tourism) by avoiding aggressive pursuit/harassment of multiple vessels. According to TripAdvisordolphin tours Kizimkazi are "unforgettable experience" being "best Zanzibar activity for families/children to see marine wildlife".
What is the best time to visit Kizimkazi to see dolphins?
Best time to visit Kizimkazi dolphins is dry season jun-oct (RECOMMENDED) offering ideal temperatures 25-28°C, minimum rainfall, calm sea (perfect conditions for dolphin tours with no swell to hinder navigation), outstanding visibility crystal clear water (15-25 meters), bright sunshine photography. Intermediate season Oct-Mar EXCELLENT dolphins (increased feeding/reproductive activity, more dynamic natural behavior), temperatures 28-32°C, occasional rainfall, best time of sighting being the peak period for dolphin activity although occasional showers. Avoid rainy season Tue-May frequent daily rains, rough sea swell makes dolphin tours difficult (frequent cancellations on bad days), reduced visibility, turbid water, less than ideal photography/swimming conditions. Best daytime schedule: 6:00-9:00 early morning (dolphins actively feeding near shore, calm sea with no wind, better visibility, fewer tourist boats, sighting probability 80-90% vs. afternoon 50-60% dolphins moving away/resting). Dolphins present full year being permanent residents Kizimkazi waters (non-migratory), tours operate 365 days weather conditions permit. Sea conditions: Consultation Windy swell/wind before booking, Weather.com forecasts. Length of stay1-2 days enough Kizimkazi (morning dolphin tour, snorkeling, visit Shirazi Mosque, relaxation), combined with Stone Town 65 km (culture, culture, culture, culture, relaxation). UNESCO) or eastern beaches creating the southern Zanzibar itinerary. According to National Geographic Travel, Kizimkazi dry season/oct-sea are "optimal times" being "perfect conditions to observe dolphins natural behavior without weather interference".