Zanzibar Safari Blue Trip: A Detailed Review and Guide

So, thinking of taking a trip to Zanzibar and wondering if the Safari Blue tour is worth the hype? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This super detailed review will give you the lowdown on what to expect, what to look out for, and basically, whether it’s a yes or no for your bucket list.

What Is Safari Blue All About?

Safari Blue is a full-day boat tour that often gets talked about when people chat about Zanzibar. Basically, what it does is it gives you a taste of several amazing things that the coast of Zanzibar has to offer. From cruising around in a traditional dhow and snorkeling in some bright blue waters, too, tucking into fresh seafood on a secluded island and exploring mangrove forests – it kind of crams it all in! It’s very popular, so you’ll definitely find it suggested on quite a few travel blogs and brochures.

One thing to consider, though, is that it is more of a group outing. If you’re hoping for something that is very intimate, then this one might not quite hit the mark, because you’ll likely be sharing the adventure with plenty of other travelers, very possibly up to 20 or 30 of them. Yet, that also has its upsides, right? It can be a really neat opportunity to meet some folks from various spots and basically, share some travel stories.

Setting Off: What to Expect from the Beginning

Usually, the trip will begin with a pickup from your hotel, often quite early. Like, be ready for that early start! This really varies depending on where you’re staying on the island; basically, pickups usually start from around 7:30 AM onwards, and then you’ll make your way to the meeting spot, which is frequently in Fumba, situated on the southwest side of Zanzibar. Fumba is also a great, quaint little fishing village that, in some respects, sets the mood perfectly. It really gets you excited for what is to come!

Once you reach Fumba, there is a quick briefing from the Safari Blue team. This normally covers the day’s agenda, a few of the safety guidelines, and the distribution of any equipment you may need. Basically, they will try to cover everything there so everyone is comfortable, right from the get-go. Following that, everybody will then jump onto the dhows, that are very traditional wooden sailing vessels, to commence the exploration.

Snorkeling: Exploring the Underwater Beauty

The snorkeling spots that are visited as part of the Safari Blue tour are very well known for clear waters and active marine life. One of the initial stops could be at the Kwale Island area, very likely near a really great sandbank that appears and vanishes with the tides. Keep in mind, anyway, that these waters are relatively shallow, that makes them accessible, even for those who may not be experienced snorkelers. Now, as I was saying, if you haven’t done much snorkeling before, it’s alright to have a little worry. The guides are generally on hand to lend a hand, showing you the ropes, and assisting in making certain that you’re at ease with the gear. You’re going to see plenty of vibrant corals, as a matter of fact, plus numerous species of reef fish. Just be ready!

Typically, snorkeling lasts for maybe an hour or so, so it is ample time to observe the underwater views but isn’t overly taxing. One piece of advice? Basically, make certain you listen to the safety advice given by the crew concerning respecting the marine ecosystem; avoid touching anything, and be cautious of your fins around the coral. Anyway, that’s just being responsible.

Seafood Feast: Lunch on a Deserted Island

The lunch served as part of the Safari Blue experience, oh, it’s often highlighted as one of the main standouts. Think grilled seafood, that can include lobster, prawns, fish, that is all so freshly cooked. Really fresh! These are paired often with rice, a variety of flavorful sauces, and fresh tropical fruits. Seriously, yum!

It is very typical for the meal to be arranged on a deserted island or on a sandbank. What this really does, is that it increases that unique castaway feeling. This setting offers also so many photographic opportunities and time really just to soak it all in, enjoying the peace, as well as the quiet of your tropical area.

Sailing and Exploring: The Dhow Experience and More

Sailing by traditional dhow is not just a way of moving across the waters, in a way, it’s a cultural experience. Very often, the dhows are equipped with what one might consider just very simple comforts – shaded spots, cushioned areas, to allow a relaxing cruise. Just relax! The team who looks after these dhows, they are often local sailors. Basically, what they’ll do is happily share snippets of Zanzibar’s nautical past, talking about different navigational approaches and regional sea stories.

Following lunch, you may want to explore some additional destinations, for instance, a mangrove lagoon where you’ll get a chance to possibly spot a lot of local birdlife, or an ancient baobab tree said by some to be centuries old. Seriously, how cool is that?! Frequently, these excursions include opportunities to simply go for a swim in these truly very clear waters or wander on quiet beaches.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Safari Blue Trip

If you’re looking to enjoy your trip with zero worry, well here are some handy and useful pieces of information! It is worth remembering to bring items, such as sunblock. Also you will want sunglasses as well as a hat! You may also want to take a towel and wear swimwear as that may well just add that extra layer of enjoyment on the trip!

Oh, another suggestion to consider when taking your Zanzibar Safari Blue Trip, is, take local currency with you, the Tanzania Shilling (TZS). As many tours often accept payments by card, having cash to hand, really just can add an element of flexibility when buying little gifts, items as a gift from local traders or even being able to just to offer small amounts of cash as tips! When taking cash, keep it somewhere safe that can’t get wet, such as waterproof wallet!