Zanzibar Safari Blue Review: Is It Worth It?

So, you’re thinking of taking the Safari Blue tour when you are in Zanzibar? Is that correct? You’re probably wondering if it lives up to all the hype and gorgeous pictures? Well, you’ve come to just the right place! This right here is what you might consider a deep look into pretty much every little thing about this super well-known full-day trip, filled with sailing, snorkeling, mouth watering seafood, and just overall pure bliss, it’s almost what you may consider to be a Zanzibari must-do! I want to give you the information to help you make a very sound choice on whether or not this tour is, in a way, totally worth your precious time and hard-earned cash.

What Exactly is Zanzibar Safari Blue?

Safari Blue, you see, it is not really your usual safari! Basically, it is a full-day boat excursion that really explores the Menai Bay Conservation Area, which is off the southwest coast of Zanzibar. That, arguably, protects quite a collection of uninhabited islands, sandbanks, and, you see, super clear waters. It’s run by a company that’s been doing this for a pretty good while now, and that is offering tourists a genuinely unforgettable day out on the water. The tour tends to include quite a number of activities like snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs, maybe sailing on a traditional dhow boat, and, you see, feasting on a super lavish seafood barbecue on a desert island. As I was saying, they also often have visits to hidden lagoons and mangrove forests, making it an extremely interesting experience for all sorts of travelers.

What’s the Daily Itinerary Look Like?

The day starts kinda early, with a pickup from your resort, you know, it is typically around 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, so that you can get transported to the starting point, in general Fumba or Paje. Then you board a traditional dhow, that looks super cool, and start sailing into the Menai Bay. You see, the first stop tends to be a prime snorkeling location, so you can see, in a way, some colorful fish and just really amazing coral formations. After snorkeling, there’s almost a sailing experience to a sandbank where, as a matter of fact, you are able to relax, soak up the sun, and, you know, take fantastic pictures. Lunch follows, a large seafood BBQ that is, honestly, served on a secluded island with plenty of shade. In the afternoon, there is a visit to a mangrove lagoon where it’s sometimes possible to swim or just explore. The tour wraps up in the late afternoon, maybe around 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM, that with a return trip to your hotel, that makes it a full and fulfilling day.

Snorkeling: Is the Underwater Beauty Worth It?

Okay, so snorkeling is a highlight for most visitors, you know? The Menai Bay Conservation Area boasts truly vibrant coral reefs, and so diverse marine life. The visibility is, arguably, pretty dependent on the time of year and the weather, but you could be almost sure to spot some of the colorful fish, starfish, and perhaps even dolphins! Equipment’s usually provided, and the crew is actually pretty good at guiding you to the better spots, basically that makes it suitable for pretty much both beginners and those who have more experience. The reefs are actually in great shape in certain spots, it could be that they’re showing signs of stress, but you will, naturally, still find patches that are teeming with aquatic activity.

The Dhow Sailing Experience

Sailing on a traditional dhow, well it’s just an important part of the Safari Blue experience. The dhow is actually a pretty traditional Swahili boat with a single or double sail, and that is being powered by the wind. Now, that really does adds a really genuine touch to the excursion. The sailing is not only scenic but as well relaxing, and providing a really lovely way to get around Menai Bay. The crew usually involves everyone in hoisting the sails, it feels nice, and that could also just share a bit about the history and the operation of this kind of boat. This ride offers quite the lovely, almost slow-paced chance to soak in, as a matter of fact, some of Zanzibar’s natural beauty.

Seafood BBQ on a Desert Island: A Gastronomic Highlight

One of the many things that people talk about on Safari Blue tends to be the incredible seafood BBQ. Usually prepared right on a secluded island, and served buffet-style beneath a shaded tent, the feast does feature freshly caught fish, you know, lobster, prawns, squid, and a lot of different local fruits. In general, the quality of the seafood is kinda superb, arguably all grilled to perfection, and also is the flavors being enhanced by Zanzibari spices. There’s lots of options, which cater for varied tastes, that it is also including some vegetarian dishes. It’s such an amazing feeling, maybe eating a big lunch while taking in some awesome beach views; it is so memorable! Keep in mind that drinks are generally extra, yet are reasonably priced and freely available.

Hidden Lagoons and Mangrove Exploration

A pretty interesting part of the tour is the visit to some super cool mangrove lagoons. The mangrove ecosystems tend to be extremely important for the coastal environment, that provides the habit to lots of marine species and birds. The Safari Blue tour guides are often offering very short, guided tours with these regions. In some locations, it might just be an option to swim inside these lagoons, so it is such an incredibly refreshing experience. They kinda add, if I were to be honest, another layer of adventure and eco-tourism to this whole journey. This aspect is not just exciting but it can also just emphasize, in a way, how important it really is to preserve Zanzibar’s beautiful environment.

What Does Safari Blue Cost?

Prices will fluctuate so much depending on which operator you are using, also on what is being included in the package, anyway a general expectation would be between US$70 to US$120 per person. Very often that will include transportation, the snorkeling gear, a super delicious lunch, and usually drinks and also entrance fees. Booking directly with the operator usually ensures that, basically, you are getting the best price and you may just understand exactly what is actually included. Is that clear? Comparing different tour operators might give you, seemingly, a better feel for different packages and their price.

Pros and Cons: Is Safari Blue Worth It?

Pros:

Amazing snorkeling and sailing experience
A seriously incredible seafood BBQ on a pristine island
Visits to unique locations such as mangrove lagoons
Professional and kinda knowledgeable tour guides

Cons:

Could be a bit crowded, based on the season
Some find that there are limited shade available on sandbanks
Drinks not typically being included in the standard tour price

Safari Blue is almost certainly, for most tourists, something they really should not miss while in Zanzibar. Even if there might be other concerns with the crowds and, as a matter of fact, other things you have to buy. Now, it will deliver you almost undoubtedly with such a fantastic look into Zanzibar’s pure natural beauty and cuisine. People who love a sense of adventure, seafood fans, and all, if you love nature lovers will almost certainly have an excellent experience.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Safari Blue Tour

To really get ready for Safari Blue, listed here are a couple tips so that it all flows smoothly.

Book In Advance:, Especially that is during the high season, is probably what you want to do.
Put on Sunscreen:: It is highly important, that you protect that skin from the sun!
Put on swimwear and towels: Be ready for, as a matter of fact, a day on the water,
Put on water shoes or sandals:, Some of the ground that you will be walking on might just be rocky,
Bring A Waterproof Bag: to essentially safeguard your valuables
Keep a camera handy: Keep in mind, you will capture the magic from these memories!

Other Tour Options Similar to Safari Blue

While, like your standard, Safari Blue might just be super popular. At this point you should realize that there are actually plenty of ways to view that lovely marine environment over in Zanzibar. Now you have these sunset cruises to Prison Island trips, that it actually meets the wide spectrum with travelers! If you are still really trying to experience, still, a wonderful water outing? In fact you could look to those different options to then be sure they really go with what is something you would want to do!

Final Thoughts

I hope that, at the end of the day, if you have done everything, you realize Safari Blue in Zanzibar can deliver such memories that last longer than this one trip. I would say plan ahead! When you want adventure, sun, good food and beautiful places to swim, do this excursion! At this moment, get ready to have some serious, serious memories over at a great water park.

Key Takeaways:

Safari Blue provides such a unique chance to fully go experience the very vibrant waters in Zanzibar.
Such BBQ parties there show so much awesome, fresh seafood out on small island chains.
Do plan very good so that way you actually know and can fully get those things to have all set!
Even when all can be kind of cramped? Even there, the full experience turns very enjoyable for others.