Zanzibar: Horseback Riding and Turtle Aquarium Visit

Traveling to Zanzibar offers a chance to explore stunning beaches and vibrant marine life, and this tour combines both in a way that’s meant to be memorable. While it might not be a full-day adventure, it packs a few highlights into a manageable timing, making it a good option for those looking to try something different without overextending their day.

What we like about this experience is the chance to ride horses along the beach, which is naturally scenic and somewhat adrenaline-pour-inducing. The visit to the Baraka Natural Aquarium is another highlight, offering a closer look at rescued turtles, and the opportunity to swim with them adds a special touch. The guides seem to be knowledgeable, which enhances the overall experience, and the inclusion of photos lets you keep a tangible memory.

One possible drawback is the relatively short duration of the activities—some reviews mention that the horseback riding is only about 30 minutes, with turtle feeding and swimming lasting just 10-15 minutes. For travelers hoping for a longer, more in-depth experience, this may feel quite limited for the price. This tour tends to suit those who want a quick, fun adventure rather than a comprehensive marine or equestrian excursion.

If you’re after a lighthearted, well-organized activity that combines beach fun with marine wildlife, this tour offers enough to justify the price, especially for first-timers or families. However, if you’re looking for something more intensive, you might want to consider other options.

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Key Points

Short but sweet: The tour lasts a few hours, making it perfect for a half-day adventure.
Good for all levels: Horseback riding can be done by anyone who can swim, regardless of experience.
Authentic animal encounters: Swimming with turtles in a rescue-focused aquarium adds a meaningful wildlife element.
Photo opportunities: Guides will take photos at the end, helping you remember the experience.
Limited time for activities: Some travelers may find the duration of each activity too brief for the cost.
Well-rated guides: The guides are recognized for their knowledge and friendliness, making the trip smooth and enjoyable.

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A Practical Breakdown of the Experience

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Overview of the Tour

This tour offers a blend of beach horseback riding and visiting the Baraka Natural Aquarium, both located near Nungwi in Zanzibar’s Unguja South Region. It’s designed as a half-day outing, ideal for travelers wanting a taste of both land and marine adventure without committing to a full-day tour.

The Horseback Ride on the Beach

The adventure kicks off with a guided horseback ride along Zanzibar’s picturesque beaches. The experience is described as “bareback with natural halters,” which means no saddles—adding a sense of connection with the animal and environment. For most, this ride lasts around 30 minutes, with some reviews suggesting it’s a decent length, though not overly long.

The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, which helps those who might feel a bit nervous. The scenery is undoubtedly a highlight—walking or trotting along the soft sands with the ocean stretching out on either side makes for an Instagram-worthy moment.

Interestingly, the ride is accessible to all skill levels, even if you’ve never been on a horse before. However, you must be able to swim to participate in the swimming portion, as you’ll be in the water with the horses.

Swimming with Horses

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to swim with the horses in Nungwi’s clear waters. The guides will assist and ensure safety, making the experience approachable even for beginners. Guests often find it exhilarating, and it’s a rare chance to combine equestrian fun with water activity.

As one reviewer notes, “Great guides and a fantastic experience,” highlighting the professionalism of the team. The guides will take a few photos during this part, which is a lovely way to capture the moment.

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Visiting the Baraka Natural Aquarium

After the horseback portion, the trip continues to the Baraka Natural Aquarium. This is more than just a turtle tank; it’s an animal rescue center that cares for injured turtles caught in fishermen’s nets. Once they reach a certain size, they’re released back into the ocean, making the visit both educational and conservation-focused.

At the aquarium, you can see, feed, and also swim with the turtles. The interaction is generally gentle and controlled, and the experience is appreciated by animal lovers. However, the duration at the aquarium is relatively short, with feeding and swimming limited to about 10-15 minutes, according to some reviews.

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Photos and Practical Aspects

Guides will take photos during both the horseback riding and the turtle swimming, which helps preserve the memories of your adventure. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, adding convenience, and the price is set at $150 per person.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are the guided horse swimming experience, visit to the aquarium, the chance to swim with turtles, and photos. Food and drinks are not included, so it’s wise to bring your own snacks or plan for a meal afterward.

Important Tips & Considerations

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen.
Wear appropriate swimwear and consider packing a change of clothes.
Swimmers need to be comfortable in water and able to swim.
The activity is not suitable for those with animal allergies, babies under 1 year, or individuals over 220 lbs (100 kg).
Participation requires a basic comfort level around horses.

Authentic Feedback from Past Travelers

One traveler described the tour as “Great guides and a fantastic experience,” emphasizing that the guides’ professionalism made the experience smooth. Conversely, another reviewer expressed disappointment, saying, “This tour is mainly in the car. Only 30 minutes horse riding and feed turtles for 10-15 minutes. No worth $130,” illustrating that for some, the brief activities may not match expectations for the price.

This highlights a key point: the experience’s value depends heavily on personal expectations. For those seeking a short but fun jaunt, it fits well, especially if you appreciate guided interactions and quick wildlife encounters.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families, first-time visitors, or animal lovers who want a quick and enjoyable introduction to Zanzibar’s marine life and beaches. It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer organized, guided activities and are content with shorter durations rather than lengthy, in-depth excursions.

If you’re after a more extensive horseback riding or marine adventure, you might want to explore other options. But if you value professional guides, scenic views, and the novelty of swimming with horses and turtles, this tour offers a memorable, if brief, experience.

The Sum Up

This Zanzibar tour offers a fun, lighthearted activity that combines beach horseback riding with a visit to a rescue-focused turtle aquarium. The guides’ friendly approach and the chance to share unique animal encounters shine through, making it a solid choice for those seeking a quick adventure.

While the activity durations are on the shorter side, the overall experience gives you a taste of Zanzibar’s natural beauty and wildlife in a manageable package. It’s particularly good for families, animal enthusiasts, or travelers looking for a memorable photo opportunity without a full-day commitment.

The key to getting the most value from this trip is to manage expectations regarding time spent at each activity. If you’re okay with a couple of short, engaging sessions and a focus on guided interaction, this tour provides a worthwhile, fun escape from the usual beach lounging.

FAQ

Is the horseback riding suitable for beginners?
Yes, the ride can be done by anyone who can swim, and guides are experienced in helping all skill levels feel comfortable.

How long does the horseback ride last?
It typically lasts around 30 minutes, enough to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Can I swim with the turtles?
Yes, the tour includes the opportunity to swim with turtles at the aquarium, with the duration about 10-15 minutes.

What should I bring?
It’s best to pack a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen to be prepared for sun and water activities.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children who can swim and are comfortable around animals can enjoy this experience, but always check with the provider regarding age restrictions.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $150 per person, which includes guiding, activities, photos, and transportation.

What’s not included in the price?
Food and drinks are not included, so consider bringing your own or planning for a meal afterward.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended. You can reserve with a flexible option to pay later, ensuring your spot is secured.

Whether you’re after a photo-worthy adventure or simply want to try something different on Zanzibar’s coast, this tour offers a fun mix of land and marine activities that can add a memorable twist to your trip.