Top 5 Fumba Day Trips: What to See and Do

If you’re staying near Fumba in Zanzibar, well, you’re in for a treat! It’s a fantastic base, that is, for kicking off some incredible day trips. I mean, seriously, who wouldn’t want to explore spice farms or swim with the fishes? That is exactly why this piece gets you all clued up about the five best excursions near Fumba, including, you know, what to expect and roughly how much they could cost you.

1. Exploring the Wonders of Menai Bay Conservation Area

So, the Menai Bay Conservation Area, you know, it’s almost right on Fumba’s doorstep. Picture this: crystal waters, little islands dotted around, plus some absolutely superb snorkeling spots. It’s not just about what’s happening underwater, it’s very visually stunning, too, with all those greens and blues mixing together.

Trips usually, kind of, involve hopping on a traditional dhow, a local sailing boat, and spending the day island hopping. You will probably find a sandbank just right for lounging, perhaps even tuck into a grilled seafood feast right there on the beach. Oh, and you, like your, odds are pretty good that you could spot some dolphins. They’re playful around here!

Snorkeling is absolutely a must. Expect to see coral reefs in all sorts of crazy colors, and tons of fish—seriously, like your, more than you can shake a stick at. If you’re not so much of a strong swimmer, anyway, it’s alright, many tours supply you with life jackets and also give a safety briefing.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Menai Bay Tour)

Price Range: So, typically about $40 to $80 per person, which usually, commonly, includes lunch and equipment. A little splurge for, that, I guess, the whole experience.

2. A Spice Farm Tour: Aromatic Adventures

Did you, you know, know Zanzibar is sometimes referred to as the “Spice Island”? Too it’s almost got that name for a brilliant reason. A spice farm tour near Fumba isn’t really just about seeing spices. Very seriously, it’s a full-on sensory overload in the best way.

When you get there, you’re typically greeted with some fragrant spices to smell. They might put together crowns, bracelets and ties using the leaves as gifts. A guide will lead you round, and then they’ll point out and, you know, explain about all kinds of plants: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla… You name it, they usually have it growing right there. Plus, so, that you’ll learn about how they’re grown, harvested, as well as used in cooking and traditional medicines.

What’s quite amusing too it’s almost that many tours involve tasting sessions. Very typically you could sample some spiced tea, perhaps even get to try your hand at grating nutmeg or grinding cinnamon. Also, it is that they’ll usually have a shop where you can buy spices directly from the source which is so convenient! I would seriously recommend the vanilla pods if they got ‘em.

Read our full review: Spice Farm Full Review and Details

Price Range: Just a little bit, typically $20 to $40 per person, including transport and the tour. Don’t be shy to tip your guide if, like your, they’ve done a fantastic job, by the way!

3. Prison Island (Changuu Island)

OK, right, Prison Island, which you will probably also see called Changuu Island, that is one that comes with a bit of history. This wasn’t basically, originally intended as a prison. I mean, basically, the clue’s kind of in the name, but it’s history has actually turned out somewhat different. It, usually, once served as a quarantine station, but that is more well known for housing giant tortoises that are now massive there!

It is very much a short boat ride from Stone Town, so expect about half-an-hour on the water. As you, you know, approach, it is almost like you’re going back in time to another age. Then when you arrive there are a couple things going on: You can visit the tortoise sanctuary, where these really quite gentle giants roam free. Getting really very close, seeing them eat, and perhaps also getting a photo op is very amusing!

The island also has some pretty great spots for snorkeling too it’s almost. Or, anyway, maybe, in some respects, you prefer chilling on the beach? Very very, you, like your, have the choice of, you know, some fantastic stretches of sand.

Price Range: Almost always from $30 to $60 per person, covering boat transfers, entrance fees, that, but typically not meals.

4. Jozani Forest: Getting Close To Nature and Monkeys

Fancy doing something that shows another different side to Zanzibar? And maybe also a place that doesn’t always include sand? So, in that case, it turns out you should swing by Jozani Forest. It is, in effect, the home of the Zanzibar red colobus monkeys. They don’t call it home, literally, although perhaps they, you know, think they do! Plus, more or less, these monkeys, you understand, are pretty rare; you might not find them anywhere else on the earth. Very much something worth getting excited about!

What occurs that you are guided through the forest. The guides also, so that you explain the ecosystem and give you plenty of information about the flora and also, certainly, the fauna. The mangroves are superb. And keep those peepers peeled to see those colobus monkeys leaping about in the treetops. Seriously keep them peeled. And your other pair of peepers as well.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Jozani Forest Trip)

It’s typically fairly easy to access from Fumba, it might be that you could roll that in with a visit to another location. And very importantly, it’s a chance just to chill for some hours under that tree shade and cool right off. Seriously!

Price Range: Anyway, a day at the forest? Expect to spend just a bit, almost $25 to $50 per head, covering entrance fee, your guiding.

5. Stone Town: History and Culture Combined

OK, so a trip to Zanzibar probably needs, just a little bit, to feature Stone Town, the old bit that is bursting, too it’s almost, with both culture plus with a bit of history as well. Just seriously mooching around here feels sometimes like stepping back to another era. Narrow streets, buildings that just seem absolutely old, vibrant markets… In many respects, you, similar to your, start wanting just to have a camera.

There are all sorts of spots to visit such as the House of Wonders and the Old Fort. In some ways also just getting actually just very lost around those maze-like streets might just turn out a bit of fun. Do check, typically, the local markets, there is often everything starting with the spices ending using textiles. Do make it one to remember. Remember you read that somewhere! Do your very best to also get into a cafe there. Do seriously chill! Drink. Soak that stuff right up.

Read our full review: Stone Town Full Review and Details

You may like your local guide who shows you the hidden spots. It may also be you find some street sellers. Bargain! Plus do respect this beautiful spot at the same time.

Price Range: A visit almost certainly? It might be just transport charges really. In that case expect say $20 to $50 in the car to the main area; there is often also fees that you are likely to have to then find yourself if joining planned tour instead of, very literally, just DIY visit thing yourself.