My Honest Review of a Full-Day Zanzibar South Coast Tour
So, you’re looking at that classic Zanzibar tour package—the one that promises a little bit of everything. I mean, it sounds amazing, right? You get to see the famous turtles, check out some unique monkeys, dip into a secret cave, and then finish at one of the world’s most Instagrammable restaurants. At the end of the day, it’s pretty much a perfect snapshot of what makes the island so special. I actually went on this exact trip recently, and to be honest, I want to share what it’s really like, beyond the brochure pictures. You know, this trip combines a lot of different feelings and locations into one long day. You will definitely feel like you’ve seen a huge part of the island’s character by sunset. This is, you know, my take on the whole experience from start to finish.
First Stop: A Gentle Encounter at Baraka Aquarium
Okay, our first destination was the Baraka Aquarium, which, you know, is not really an “aquarium” in the traditional sense with glass tanks. It’s actually a natural lagoon that serves as a conservation spot for sea turtles. So, when you get there, the setup is more or less very simple. You walk up to this large, stone-lined tidal pool that’s connected to the ocean. The water is, frankly, this beautiful shade of greenish-blue and you can immediately see dozens of green sea turtles just gliding around. Honestly, the main event here is getting into the water with them. The keepers give you some seaweed to feed them, and then, you just wade in. At first, it’s a bit overwhelming. I mean, you have these huge, gentle creatures swimming right up to you, their ancient-looking eyes blinking slowly. They’re surprisingly calm and honestly seem very used to people.
As I was saying, the experience is sort of humbling. You can touch their hard shells, which feel a little bit like smooth, wet stone with a layer of algae. Just be a little careful with your fingers when you’re feeding them, as they can mistake them for more seaweed! We spent about an hour here, which felt like the right amount of time. You get to swim, feed them, take some pictures, and learn about the conservation efforts. So, the guides are pretty knowledgeable and explain how they rescue turtles that have been caught in nets and help them recover here before releasing some back into the wild. It’s actually a really nice, gentle start to the day’s adventure, and in a way, it sets a relaxed and respectful tone for what’s to come.
Into the Wild: Meeting the Red Colobus Monkeys of Jozani Forest
Next up, we headed a bit inland to the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, or just Jozani Forest, as it’s usually called. Honestly, the mood change is immediate. You leave the bright, sunny coast and step into this dense, shady woodland that feels really alive. The main attraction here, of course, is the endemic Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey. You seriously can’t find these guys anywhere else in the world. And the best part is that you don’t have to look very hard to find them. They are, basically, everywhere and not at all shy. Your guide will walk you along a path, and almost immediately, you start seeing them. They are just a little smaller than you might expect, with these striking red-brown backs, white bellies, and long, long tails.
They literally just go about their business right around you, jumping from branch to branch, grooming each other, and munching on leaves. Seriously, it’s amazing how close you can get. The guides are very clear about not touching them, but you can stand just feet away. They have these little tufts of white hair that look like wild crowns, and they just stare back at you with this sort of relaxed curiosity. It’s really different from seeing animals in a zoo; here, you’re a visitor in their home. The forest itself is also stunning. You have these massive mahogany trees and palms creating a thick canopy overhead. The air is humid and smells like damp earth and green things. It’s a really special feeling to just stand there and listen to the sounds of the forest and the chattering of the monkeys above.
You know, what’s really amazing is how the monkeys just seem to accept your presence. They’ll casually cross the path right in front of you. It’s a really special moment of connection with wildlife.
After seeing the monkeys, the guide usually takes you on a second part of the tour, to the mangrove boardwalk. By the way, this was an unexpected highlight for me. You walk along this raised wooden path over a saltwater swamp filled with mangrove trees. Their roots are these twisted, alien-looking things rising out of the murky water. The guide explained how vital the mangroves are for the coastline’s ecosystem, acting as a nursery for fish and protecting the land from erosion. It’s honestly very quiet and peaceful here, a completely different world from the monkey-filled forest just a few minutes away. You can sometimes see little crabs scuttling around in the mud below. It’s a very cool, educational part of the tour that, in a way, gives you a deeper appreciation for Zanzibar’s natural diversity.
A Subterranean Swim: Discovering the Secrets of Kuza Cave
The afternoon brought a change of scenery and, well, temperature. We arrived at Kuza Cave, which is this kind of hidden cultural center built around an ancient limestone cavern. Honestly, from the outside, it just looks like a bunch of huts and trees. But then, you follow your guide down a short, rocky path and descend a wooden staircase into another world. The air instantly becomes cooler and more still. So, at the bottom of the stairs, the cave opens up into a large chamber with a perfectly clear pool of freshwater. Light filters in from the opening above, hitting the water and making it glow an almost unbelievable shade of turquoise. It’s almost completely silent down there, except for the occasional drip of water from the ceiling.
Anyway, after a brief history lesson from the guide about how the cave was a sacred space for the local people, it was time to get in the water. I mean, jumping into that cool, clear water after being in the humid forest was absolutely incredible. The water is mineral-rich and so, so refreshing. You can float on your back and just stare up at the stalactites and the roots of trees hanging down from the cave ceiling. It feels very ancient and secretive. You can literally see straight to the bottom of the pool. In some respects, it feels like you’ve found a secret swimming hole that no one else knows about, even though it’s a popular tour stop. They sometimes have a small group playing some traditional music near the entrance, and the sound just gently echoes down into the cave, adding to the atmosphere. It’s just a really unique, almost spiritual kind of experience that is completely different from anything else you’ll do on the island.
Barefoot Bliss: Unwinding on the Sands of Paje Beach
As the afternoon started to fade, our driver took us to our final two stops, which are conveniently located right next to each other. First up was Paje Beach. Honestly, Paje is pretty much what you picture when you think of a perfect tropical beach. The sand is this incredibly fine, powdery white stuff that feels like soft flour under your feet. And the water, I mean, the water is just a postcard. It’s a vast expanse of shimmering turquoise that stretches out to a distant reef. Paje is famous for being a kitesurfing hotspot, so the sky is usually dotted with dozens of colorful kites zipping back and forth across the water. This gives the whole beach a really energetic, fun vibe.
So, unlike the wildness of the forest or the quiet of the cave, Paje is a place with a lively pulse. We basically just had some time to walk along the shore, feel the breeze, and watch the kitesurfers do their thing. The tide goes out very, very far here, creating this huge, shallow lagoon that’s perfect for wading. You can walk out hundreds of feet and the water might still only be up to your knees. Local women often use this time to farm seaweed, and seeing their colorful clothing against the blue-green water is a beautiful sight. Frankly, it’s the perfect place to decompress a little before dinner. You just find a spot on the sand, maybe grab a fresh coconut from a local vendor, and soak it all in. At the end of the day, it’s a living, breathing beach with a ton of character.
The Iconic Finale: Dinner at The Rock Restaurant
Finally, we reached the moment everyone was waiting for: The Rock. You’ve definitely seen the pictures. It’s a restaurant perched on a small rock outcropping in the middle of the Indian Ocean, just off the coast near Paje. Getting there is part of the adventure. If it’s low tide, like it was for us, you can literally just walk across the seaweed-strewn seabed to the steps. If it’s high tide, they have a little boat that ferries you across, which seems like it would be a very cool experience too. As you get closer, you realize it’s actually a pretty small and intimate place, which is nice.
Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and the views are, of course, the main event. We got a table right by the window, and you’re just surrounded by 360-degree views of the ocean. It’s pretty special. Now, to be honest, let’s talk about the food. The menu is mostly seafood, as you’d expect, with some international flair. The prices are, as you might guess, quite high compared to other places on the island. You are absolutely paying for the location and the experience. My meal was good—not the most mind-blowing I had in Zanzibar, but definitely fresh and well-prepared. Still, sipping a drink on their outdoor terrace while watching the sunset over the ocean is a moment you won’t forget. You know, you feel like you’re on a tiny private island. My verdict? You just have to go. It’s one of those bucket-list things. The experience is really unique, and it’s an incredible way to cap off a day of exploring Zanzibar’s diverse beauty.
Key Takeaways from the Tour
- Start Early: Honestly, this is a long day, so getting an early start helps you avoid the biggest crowds and the most intense heat.
- What to Wear: Light clothes, for sure. You’ll want your swimwear for the turtles and the cave. I mean, bring a cover-up for walking around and something a little nicer for The Rock if you want, but it’s still very casual.
- Cash is Useful: As a matter of fact, you’ll want some small cash for tips for the guides at each stop and maybe for buying a coconut or souvenir at Paje Beach.
- The Rock Reservations: Seriously, you need to book The Rock far in advance, especially for a sunset slot. It’s incredibly popular and gets filled up quickly.
- Manage Expectations: At the end of the day, this tour is a highlights reel. You get a taste of many different things. Enjoy each stop for what it is, and you’ll have an amazing time.
Read our full review: Baraka Aquarium, Jozani Forest Tour, Kuza Cave, Paje Beach, The Rock Restaurant Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Zanzibar South Coast Tour Booking)
