ZANZIBAR:Mnemba island,Jozani Forest & Sea turtle sanctuary

Planning a trip to Zanzibar and looking for a tour that combines wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and authentic experiences? This tour, offered by Mtende Tours & Safaris for just $160 per person, promises exactly that. It’s designed to give visitors a taste of Zanzibar’s marine life, lush forests, and local fauna, all in one full-day package.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the chance to swim with dolphins so close you can almost touch them, the opportunity to see the elusive Zanzibar red colobus monkeys in their natural habitat, and the chance to relax on a pristine sandbank. The tour’s mix of activities makes it a fantastic choice for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Of course, there’s a consideration to keep in mind: the schedule is tight, so if you prefer unhurried days or dislike early mornings, this might not be your ideal option. But for those eager to pack a lot into one day, this tour provides excellent value and unforgettable moments. It’s perfect for travelers who want an action-packed experience with a good balance of wildlife encounters and scenic relaxation.

If you’re someone who loves discovering nature’s hidden gems, enjoys snorkeling, and wants to experience Zanzibar beyond its beaches, this tour is an excellent pick. It offers a well-rounded day that highlights the island’s rich biodiversity and stunning coastal scenery.

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Key Points

Wildlife encounters: Swim with dolphins, visit sea turtles, and see Zanzibar’s famous red colobus monkeys.
Beautiful scenery: Walk on a mangrove bridge, visit Mnemba Island, and relax on a sandbank.
Authentic experiences: Snorkeling around coral reefs and exploring Jozani Forest.
Value for money: All entry fees, a guide, boat fees, and fruits are included.
Flexible booking: Book now with pay later option and cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Practical tips: Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, cash, and check the weather to ensure smooth adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Zanzibar Full-Day Tour

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Starting the Day: Pick-up & Transfer

The adventure begins early in the morning when your driver will collect you from your hotel. This seamless pickup is a definite convenience, especially if you’re staying in a central location in Zanzibar. The drive to Mnemba Island is scenic, giving you a bit of a head start on the day’s excitement.

Mnemba Island & Dolphin Swimming

Once on the boat, your main goal is to hunt for dolphins. The tour promises the chance to swim with these intelligent marine mammals in the conservation area near Mnemba. Many reviews note that the experience of swimming close to dolphins is exhilarating, often described as “magical” and “surreal.”

During low tide, instead of dolphins, the boat cruises to a sandbank where you can relax and take photos. The coral reefs surrounding Mnemba are another highlight, offering vibrant underwater scenery for snorkeling. Expect to see colorful fish, coral formations, and, if you’re lucky, the dolphins themselves.

Snorkeling & the Coral Reefs

Snorkeling around the reefs is a major part of this tour. The reef area is known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced snorkelers. The guide will assist with equipment and point out interesting sea creatures, making sure no one misses out on this underwater spectacle.

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Lunch on the Beach & Sandbank Relaxation

After working up an appetite, you’ll head to a beach for a seafood lunch. Many reviewers appreciate that the meal is included, often noting the freshness of the seafood and the relaxing setting. This break provides a good chance to soak up the sun, dip your toes in the water, or just unwind on the beach.

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Sea Turtles & Jozani Forest

Post-lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the Sea Turtles Aquarium. Here, you can observe and learn about these gentle creatures, a favorite for many visitors. The sanctuary emphasizes conservation efforts, and watching turtles in a controlled environment provides insight into local efforts to protect marine life.

Finally, a trip to Jozani Forest completes the day. Known for its thick vegetation and the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, the forest walk is both educational and fun. “Walking on the mangrove bridge” is a highlight, offering unique views of the mangrove ecosystem and the chance to see wildlife in a lush, natural setting.

Practical Details & Tips

The whole day is well-paced, but expect an early start and a full schedule.
The tour includes entry fees, a guide, government taxes, boat fees, and fruits, which makes it good value.
Optional extras like transfers are available at an additional cost.
Remember to bring comfortable shoes for forest walking, a camera to capture the moments, and cash for tips or souvenirs.
Check the weather forecast before the trip; rough seas or bad weather might affect dolphin sightings or snorkeling conditions.

Why This Tour Is a Solid Choice

This trip offers a mix of marine adventure, wildlife encounters, and lush scenery, making it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The small group or shared boat experience ensures you won’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd. Plus, the inclusion of lunch, entrance fees, and a guide makes it straightforward and stress-free.

One of the best aspects is the authenticity of the wildlife experiences. Many reviews mention how close-up encounters with dolphins and turtles felt natural and unforced, adding genuine value to the day. The opportunity to see Zanzibar’s iconic red colobus monkeys in their native habitat is another memorable highlight that sets this tour apart.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Nature lovers eager to see dolphins, turtles, and monkeys
Travelers looking to combine marine activities with forest exploration
Those who want a cost-effective, all-in-one day trip
Visitors seeking a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and education

Who Might Not Love It?

Travelers with limited mobility or those who dislike early mornings
People expecting a completely private or luxury experience
Those who prefer unstructured, slow-paced days

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is transportation included in the tour?
Transportation from your hotel is not included but can be requested at an extra charge. Once booked, you’ll be picked up early in the morning for a smooth start.

What should I bring for the trip?
It’s best to pack comfortable shoes for walking in Jozani Forest, a camera for photos, and cash for tips or souvenirs. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast to dress appropriately.

Are the activities suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind that the tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year or people over 95 years old. The activities like swimming, snorkeling, and forest walking require a reasonable level of mobility.

What is included in the price?
The $160 includes entry fees, a tour guide, government taxes, boat fees, and fruits. Lunch (seafood) is also part of the package.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Will I see dolphins?
While the tour aims to search for dolphins, sightings depend on weather and sea conditions. The guide will do their best, and many guests find the experience rewarding regardless.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling around the coral reefs is included, and the guide will assist with equipment and safety instructions.

This Zanzibar tour from Mtende Tours & Safaris offers a well-rounded day full of wildlife, scenic beauty, and genuine adventure. It’s particularly suited for those who want to experience the best of Zanzibar’s marine life and lush forests without the hassle of organizing each activity separately.

The combination of swimming with dolphins, exploring Jozani Forest, and visiting the turtle sanctuary makes for an engaging and educational day. The inclusion of lunch, entry fees, and guided support ensures you get good value for your investment.

If you’re eager to see Zanzibar’s iconic animals, enjoy snorkeling in colorful reefs, and walk among ancient mangroves, this tour will not disappoint. It’s a memorable way to connect with nature and add depth to your Zanzibar trip.

Whether you’re an adventure junkie, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a day of discovery, this tour hits the sweet spot between fun, education, and relaxation.