10 days cycling tour
/ per person
(1 Review)
Cycling tour around Zanzibar- 10 days
Compared to our 7 days tour this 10 days cycling tour around the whole of Zanzibar is more relaxed with longer stops. You will see more of Zanzibar in 10 days – from stunning beaches to green landscapes and small villages. One extra night in Stone Town and one in Matemwe is added. If you are interested in gaining insight in the life behind the tourism scene- this is the tour for you.
By the end of every eventful day you will be welcomed to yet another one of our carefully handpicked personal lodges.
Route
Jambiani / Kizimkazi / Stone Town x 2 / Chuini / Nungwi / Matemwe / Pongwe / Jambiani
Max distance per day
55 km
Min distance per day
9 km
Days on bike
7
Days off bike
3
For whom
Cyclists that prefer some more time to explore along the way.
Highlights
Sailing and dinner on board on our pride Mimi the dhow
Dinner overlooking the roof tops and the horizon in Stone Town.
Snorkeling around the world famous Mnemba atoll
Gain insight in the life behind the tourism scene
Eat yourself full of ripe fruit along this cycling tour
Best time
June-March
Clothing
Shorts and t-shirt. Bring scarf to cover shoulder in the villages and town
Travel companion
Private
Guide
English speaking guide
Price from:
1695 USD pp incl all in the itinerary described
From our gallery
Tour Plan
1
Day 1: Jambiani
Enjoy the Indian Ocean and an authentic Zanzibar village
After transfer (1 h 15 min) from airport to Jambiani check in at your hotel. Your guide will come for bicycle fitting and planning.
Jambiani is a coral rock village where life is simple and relaxed. The location of the hotel allows to explore life on Zanzibar. You can take a village walk, buy some water and fruit and great all the joyful children.
The villagers frequently use the beach for exercise, finding mussels and playing football. Sometimes the cows takes a stroll too. On this part of Zanzibar there is a rare possibility to swim at low tide. When the water draws back uncovers a blue amazing “river” allowing for swimming .
Casa Beach Hotel has nice rooms – all with balcony and sea view and small enough to offer peacefulness. The pool is spacious and the menu contains lot of seafood. So prepare for a first fantastic night on Zanzibar.
After transfer (1 h 15 min) from airport to Jambiani check in at your hotel. Your guide will come for bicycle fitting and planning.
Jambiani is a coral rock village where life is simple and relaxed. The location of the hotel allows to explore life on Zanzibar. You can take a village walk, buy some water and fruit and great all the joyful children.
The villagers frequently use the beach for exercise, finding mussels and playing football. Sometimes the cows takes a stroll too. On this part of Zanzibar there is a rare possibility to swim at low tide. When the water draws back uncovers a blue amazing “river” allowing for swimming .
Casa Beach Hotel has nice rooms – all with balcony and sea view and small enough to offer peacefulness. The pool is spacious and the menu contains lot of seafood. So prepare for a first fantastic night on Zanzibar.
Dinner, excl.drinks
2
Day 2: Kizimkazi
A green and turquoise day
The little untouched village Kizimkazi (23 km) lays on the South west coast. There the sun invites for a spectacular colorful show setting over the horizon. Cycling over there means some real experiences and traditional villages on the way - Makunduchi and Mtende villages. See how people live on Zanzibar- when no tourists around. Try fruit in season and chat with the children.
When arriving to Kizimkazi you have lunch and in the afternoon our traditional Mimi the dhow will take you out for a sunset sail and swim.
Kizimkazi is the fishing spot to catch tuna, marlin, sword fish and other of the big ones. If you are lucky there is a fish auction going on and you can se what they caught this day.
Tonight you sleep at Karamba Resort with all rooms, and the restaurant, facing the horizon and the sunset.
Karamba resort
The little untouched village Kizimkazi (23 km) lays on the South west coast. There the sun invites for a spectacular colorful show setting over the horizon. Cycling over there means some real experiences and traditional villages on the way - Makunduchi and Mtende villages. See how people live on Zanzibar- when no tourists around. Try fruit in season and chat with the children.
When arriving to Kizimkazi you have lunch and in the afternoon our traditional Mimi the dhow will take you out for a sunset sail and swim.
Kizimkazi is the fishing spot to catch tuna, marlin, sword fish and other of the big ones. If you are lucky there is a fish auction going on and you can se what they caught this day.
Tonight you sleep at Karamba Resort with all rooms, and the restaurant, facing the horizon and the sunset.
Karamba resort
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Excl.drinks
3
Day 3: Stone Town
Breathing the air of history
55 km on a variation of roads: village road, tar road and off road. Maybe good the island has no elevation to talk about ? Some greenery and untouched villages before arriving to the by mangroves surrounded Unguja Ukuu. Another of the prime fishing spots. Here we embark a boat to cross over to Fumba where you will have your lunch box. After some 1-2 hours you will arrive to the historic Stone Town.
A world heritage site
We love Stone Town and its mix of Arabic, Swahili and Indian cultures and people. It is what give the town that special vibe. It’s so special that UNESCO has decided to mark it as a world heritage site.
When walking, or getting lost, in the winding streets you will see that people live their lives in front of your eyes. They cook, play, talk, and wash clothes. And in every corner a mosque calling the Stone towners to pray five times per day. And a mosque in every corners calls to pray five times a day.
Roof top sunset
18.00 Sunset followed by a cross kitchen dinner at Emerson Spice. An amazing overlooking the roofs below and with the sun setting over the horizon. Your cross kitchen dinner will be supplemented by the call for prayers reaching up the roof from all over town. Drinks excl.
Emerson Spice
Mesmerizing views
Your night is spent in Seyyida Boutique hotel, Stone Town. Inspired by Zanzibar’s eclectic cultures, Seyyida Boutique Hotel & Spa blends modern comforts with African, Arabian, Indian and European influences. With striking views of the harbor , promenade, and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean on one side and the mesmerizing narrow streets of the Stone Town on the other, Seyyida has the perfect location to explore Stone Town.
The Seyyida, Stone Town
55 km on a variation of roads: village road, tar road and off road. Maybe good the island has no elevation to talk about ? Some greenery and untouched villages before arriving to the by mangroves surrounded Unguja Ukuu. Another of the prime fishing spots. Here we embark a boat to cross over to Fumba where you will have your lunch box. After some 1-2 hours you will arrive to the historic Stone Town.
A world heritage site
We love Stone Town and its mix of Arabic, Swahili and Indian cultures and people. It is what give the town that special vibe. It’s so special that UNESCO has decided to mark it as a world heritage site.
When walking, or getting lost, in the winding streets you will see that people live their lives in front of your eyes. They cook, play, talk, and wash clothes. And in every corner a mosque calling the Stone towners to pray five times per day. And a mosque in every corners calls to pray five times a day.
Roof top sunset
18.00 Sunset followed by a cross kitchen dinner at Emerson Spice. An amazing overlooking the roofs below and with the sun setting over the horizon. Your cross kitchen dinner will be supplemented by the call for prayers reaching up the roof from all over town. Drinks excl.
Emerson Spice
Mesmerizing views
Your night is spent in Seyyida Boutique hotel, Stone Town. Inspired by Zanzibar’s eclectic cultures, Seyyida Boutique Hotel & Spa blends modern comforts with African, Arabian, Indian and European influences. With striking views of the harbor , promenade, and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean on one side and the mesmerizing narrow streets of the Stone Town on the other, Seyyida has the perfect location to explore Stone Town.
The Seyyida, Stone Town
Breakfast, lunchbox and dinner incl. Excl.drinks
4
Day 4: Stone Town walking tour
Stone Town tour
Stone Town has so much to show you so this cycling tour around Zanzibar has two nights in Stone Town.
After your á la carte breakfast in the courtyard of Kholle House you get picked up to learn about the history of Stone Town and be shown the best shopping- and coffee spots. The rest of the day is yours to plan as you wish.
Some very good coffee perhaps?
We love having coffee at the roof top of Zanzibar Coffee House ( they have their own coffee plantation in mainland by the way) or a juice at Foro Café in Forodhani Gardens. Breezy and tasty! For dinner Secret Garden and Abyssinian Maritime ( Ethiopian) are our favorites. They all give you a whole experience- beside the food itself.
As this day’s meal plan only includes breakfast you have lots of time to discover and pick out the best food spots. And just let the day unfold.
Stone Town has so much to show you so this cycling tour around Zanzibar has two nights in Stone Town.
After your á la carte breakfast in the courtyard of Kholle House you get picked up to learn about the history of Stone Town and be shown the best shopping- and coffee spots. The rest of the day is yours to plan as you wish.
Some very good coffee perhaps?
We love having coffee at the roof top of Zanzibar Coffee House ( they have their own coffee plantation in mainland by the way) or a juice at Foro Café in Forodhani Gardens. Breezy and tasty! For dinner Secret Garden and Abyssinian Maritime ( Ethiopian) are our favorites. They all give you a whole experience- beside the food itself.
As this day’s meal plan only includes breakfast you have lots of time to discover and pick out the best food spots. And just let the day unfold.
Breakfast
5
Day 5: Chuini/Spice farm
Spice tour, mangroves and a small ruin.
As the traffic around Zanzibar city is a bit crazy we jump on a bus with the bikes on the roof- just as the locals. After about 15 minutes we off load the bikes. This area is so beautiful and green. Lots of agriculture and many Spice Farms. You will have about 20 min cycling before being welcomed for a Spice Tour at Abeids Family farm. Here you will do a tour to explore, see feel and taste whatever is in season in regard of fruit and spices: tamarind, chili, vanilla, coriander, pepper cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon grass, cloves, cumin, oregano and many others. The lunch is made at the farm by the women of the family using mainly ingredients from their farm.
Downhill to Chuini
The way to Chuini goes 6 km downhill, passing through some suburb city life and Chuini village. Mangrove Lodge got its name from….guess what! The mangroves surrounding it. There also lots of mango trees and a small beautiful ruin to visit down by the ocean. Being situated facing west there is a chance for a sunset…while sipping a cocktail sitting on the warm sand.
www.mangrovelodge.com
As the traffic around Zanzibar city is a bit crazy we jump on a bus with the bikes on the roof- just as the locals. After about 15 minutes we off load the bikes. This area is so beautiful and green. Lots of agriculture and many Spice Farms. You will have about 20 min cycling before being welcomed for a Spice Tour at Abeids Family farm. Here you will do a tour to explore, see feel and taste whatever is in season in regard of fruit and spices: tamarind, chili, vanilla, coriander, pepper cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon grass, cloves, cumin, oregano and many others. The lunch is made at the farm by the women of the family using mainly ingredients from their farm.
Downhill to Chuini
The way to Chuini goes 6 km downhill, passing through some suburb city life and Chuini village. Mangrove Lodge got its name from….guess what! The mangroves surrounding it. There also lots of mango trees and a small beautiful ruin to visit down by the ocean. Being situated facing west there is a chance for a sunset…while sipping a cocktail sitting on the warm sand.
www.mangrovelodge.com
Breakfast, farm lunch and dinner. Excl.drinks
6
Day 6: Nungwi
To Zanzibar’s Northern tip Zanzibar
A day of burning calories! Good news is that the local buses run frequently and you can always catch one. A sturdy 53 km but you will stop often for fruit and treats and bring a lunch box.
Mkokotoni lies just before the Northern peninsula. An untouched fishing village where Haji our carpenter for Mimi the dhow lives. It is also the place for going to Tumbatu island. Hopefully you will see the boat- it is quite a sight as it is packed with people, bicycles and goats.
Bar with a view
The west side of Nungwi has the advantage of always having the ocean in ( or disadvantage if you ask us as we love the forever color changes that comes with the variation in tides). It is the hot spot for tourism but still with some quiet spots. The Cinnamon bar at Z-Hotel is an amazing sunset spot if you fancy being a bit fancy.
Your own little cottage
Flame Tree Cottages is like it sounds- a garden with cottages. And a pool. The private veranda is a nice spot- especially when the breakfast is being served there. Would you care for some party or more people it is just some hundreds meters down South.
www.flametreecottages.com
A day of burning calories! Good news is that the local buses run frequently and you can always catch one. A sturdy 53 km but you will stop often for fruit and treats and bring a lunch box.
Mkokotoni lies just before the Northern peninsula. An untouched fishing village where Haji our carpenter for Mimi the dhow lives. It is also the place for going to Tumbatu island. Hopefully you will see the boat- it is quite a sight as it is packed with people, bicycles and goats.
Bar with a view
The west side of Nungwi has the advantage of always having the ocean in ( or disadvantage if you ask us as we love the forever color changes that comes with the variation in tides). It is the hot spot for tourism but still with some quiet spots. The Cinnamon bar at Z-Hotel is an amazing sunset spot if you fancy being a bit fancy.
Your own little cottage
Flame Tree Cottages is like it sounds- a garden with cottages. And a pool. The private veranda is a nice spot- especially when the breakfast is being served there. Would you care for some party or more people it is just some hundreds meters down South.
www.flametreecottages.com
Breakfast, lunch box and dinner. Excl.drinks
7
Day 7: Matemwe
The world famous Mnemba Atoll
Not lots of cycling today ( 26 km) but lots of experiences on the way! Mnemba Island is famous for its great diving. Here you will do some snorkeling in absolute magical blue waters. Sometimes the dolphins comes too.
Zanzibar Retreat is located straight on the beach and Matemwe beach is perfect for long beach walks.
www.zanzibarretreat.com
Not lots of cycling today ( 26 km) but lots of experiences on the way! Mnemba Island is famous for its great diving. Here you will do some snorkeling in absolute magical blue waters. Sometimes the dolphins comes too.
Zanzibar Retreat is located straight on the beach and Matemwe beach is perfect for long beach walks.
www.zanzibarretreat.com
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Excl.drinks
8
Day 8: Pongwe
Sugar cane- and rice fields
Today your cycling tour goes a bit off road to see the vast sugar cane fields and rice fields. Very green all the way. You make a stop at Kinyasini – an authentic market rarely visited by others than the Zanzibaris. Plenty of fruit and specialties to try.
Sunrise from your bed
Lunch will be eaten at the beautifully located Seasons Lodge - where also your pillow of the night will be. Your bungalow have a private terrace and you can wake up with the sun shining in your eyes as the bed is facing the horizon to the East. If you care for a walk there is a pretty cool restaurant on a big rock, Pongwe Island, and also there is sea weed farming.
www.seasonszanzibar.com
Today your cycling tour goes a bit off road to see the vast sugar cane fields and rice fields. Very green all the way. You make a stop at Kinyasini – an authentic market rarely visited by others than the Zanzibaris. Plenty of fruit and specialties to try.
Sunrise from your bed
Lunch will be eaten at the beautifully located Seasons Lodge - where also your pillow of the night will be. Your bungalow have a private terrace and you can wake up with the sun shining in your eyes as the bed is facing the horizon to the East. If you care for a walk there is a pretty cool restaurant on a big rock, Pongwe Island, and also there is sea weed farming.
www.seasonszanzibar.com
Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
9
Day 9: Jambiani
Back to Jambiani
From Chwaka you will take a boat an cross to the other side, Michamvi. After 13 km biking you arrive to Chwaka - a place where not much happens. Here you wait for the tide, unless it is already in, and put the bikes in the boat for 1 hour crossing to the Michamvi. Abd wips you are back on the South East coast. Jambiani is 22 km away and you can stop in Paje for a look at the kite surfers. Or maybe you prefer to see the famous restaurant The Rock? Cool pictures guaranteed.
Mwezi Boutique Resort has some cool African features both in terms of building material, interior design and art. The big sofas in the lounge are a favorite. Here you will have both lunch and dinner and enjoy the pool, the ocean and the surroundings. The neighbor Spice Island Hotel has a pretty cool long jetty - perfect for sunset cocktails.
www.mwezizanzibar.com
From Chwaka you will take a boat an cross to the other side, Michamvi. After 13 km biking you arrive to Chwaka - a place where not much happens. Here you wait for the tide, unless it is already in, and put the bikes in the boat for 1 hour crossing to the Michamvi. Abd wips you are back on the South East coast. Jambiani is 22 km away and you can stop in Paje for a look at the kite surfers. Or maybe you prefer to see the famous restaurant The Rock? Cool pictures guaranteed.
Mwezi Boutique Resort has some cool African features both in terms of building material, interior design and art. The big sofas in the lounge are a favorite. Here you will have both lunch and dinner and enjoy the pool, the ocean and the surroundings. The neighbor Spice Island Hotel has a pretty cool long jetty - perfect for sunset cocktails.
www.mwezizanzibar.com
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Excl.drinks
10
Day 10: Departure
We will transfer you to your next destination - whether it being the airport or another stunning place on Zanzibar. If you want to stay some days that works of course as well.
Gallery
