Sports and leisure activities ÎLE DE UNGUJA

This agency specializes in underwater fishing, both around Unguja and Pemba. Its fleet consists of 5 boats with room for 4 divers each, two of the larger boats being very fast and ideal for day trips to Latham Island. These trips target giant dogtooth tuna weighing up to 100kg, while Latham Island is usually the first place in the area for all game fish.

Zanzibar Quad Adventure offers quad tours through wild landscapes, local farms, sugar cane plantations, quarries, spice trees and centuries-old baobab forests. The quads are automatic and easy to drive. Safety is a priority, with respect for speed limits, third-party insurance and an experienced local guide for each group. We recommend bringing cash for shopping and wearing appropriate clothing to respect local customs.

The Sharazad Boutique Hotel has a real water sports structure to guarantee quality practice, both in terms of equipment and instructors. The program includes kitesurfing on the island's most famous beach, which is regularly windy. At mid-tide, conditions are optimal. There's also diving, as the club is certified PADI 5-star, and - a great novelty in Zanzibar - stand-up paddle, which is very well adapted to the lagoon. There are also fitness classes.

This unpretentious local restaurant in its wooden hut is distinguished by an interesting initiative: chef Amina and Okala deliver the little secrets of Swahili cooking to all curious cooks who wish to learn about the bewitching flavours of Zanzibar spices. The charcoal fire is not easy to master. The influences of Indian, Arabic and African cuisine are mixed here. Here you can learn all the secrets of curries, coconut rice, samoussas and chapatis.

One of the most popular excursions in Zanzibar is the Dolphin tour, to observe these famous pods of dolphins, and, if you're fit enough, to swim with them. Hundreds of dolphins live in Kizimkazi Bay all year round. Early in the morning, you can watch them from the shore in tightly packed squads. The boats go far out to sea to find them, and drop you in their path. You then have to jump in quickly with mask and snorkel and swim in choppy waters, until they disappear into the depths. If you don't make too many sudden movements, they won't deviate. It's a magical moment. Some dolphins will interact with you, uttering their crystalline calls, and can be in a playful mood. The earlier you arrive, the more dynamic and playful they are, especially around 7-8 am. From a certain hour onwards, they're on the lookout for food and move further offshore, so the chance of encountering them is much rarer. In July and August, humpback whales can also be seen in this deep-water bay, unprotected by the coral reef that surrounds the island! Can be combined with Pungume (high-quality snorkeling and sandbar grilling).

Warning. This activity is not suitable for very young children, people who can't swim well (except to watch them) or who are afraid of boats - they can get a bit rocky in the open sea! The activity is also controversial. It raises questions about the methods used by local fishermen. Stalking dolphins, the continuous noise of engines, hordes of boats surrounding them, forcing them to deviate their trajectory. There are no ecological warnings, no marine ranger supervision... It's only a matter of time before the tourists jump on their backs! They had once become scarce in Kizimkazi Bay due to overcrowding... but have since returned as tourists have concentrated in Mnemba to swim with them. In fact, we strongly advise against this activity there, as the dolphins are even more harassed than at Kizimkazi, by around 30 boats from Nungwi, Muyuni and Kigomani. They are a little calmer towards Kizimkazi, where the waters are very rough, at the extreme south of the island, and therefore not very accessible to the crowds from the north, because it's far away... In June, the sea is too tossed about by the wind. High season is July-August and February. Try to ensure that your boat respects the tranquility of the groups of dolphins being tracked.

After testing and experimenting with different spots in Zanzibar, this kite school decided to set up in Nungwi and Pwani Mchangani (north-east coast), and not on the south-east coast. The conditions are also perfect all year round in terms of wind and waves (the best being January/February and June/July). And here no seaweed sticking to the board! The school offers courses at different levels, and rents equipment to experienced kiteboarders. Good equipment and safe supervision by very professional local instructors.

Horse lovers will be able to realise their dream, a ride on a dream beach, wild, from Nungwi to Kilindi Bay, a hell of a ride. Because a horseback ride is a guarantee to go beyond the tourist beaches. On the back of Sultan, Willow, Bob or Crumble, you can even swim with them (used to the exercise) directly in the sea, visit a village during a guided horse ride... Plenty of options to discover the surroundings. The main ranch is next to Villa Kidoti, in a large estate further south on the road.

Located on the beach of Nungwi, this diving club has a good reputation for the professionalism of its instructors and for the varied and programmed outings according to the interest of the divers. It offers PADI courses for different levels (beginner, advanced, Divemaster) as well as many diving trips, mainly around Mnemba Atoll (Kichuani, Wattabomi, Big Wall...) or in the surroundings of Nungwi (Tumbatu, Magic Reef...). Good material, nice French-speaking staff (useful to learn). Very recommendable.

This 5-star PADI center has an excellent reputation, English speaking instructors and good equipment. It works with luxury hotels in Nungwi including the Z Hotel, and Essque Zalu. Diving is done from a traditional dhow boat or from one of the two fast Superducks. The centre offers trips to Mnemba Island as well as along the entire northeast coast, west side, around Tumbatu Island, around the neighbouring island of Pemba, to the southern cape or around the fabulous Missali Island marine protected area.

Those who love the Big Blue will be able tofreedive here, or try it out, thanks to courses given by a qualified instructor. The spots, accessible by boat, allow you to dive from 25 to 100 meters deep, depending on your level. The interest: by swimming like a fish in water, you do not make any more noise, the numerous dolphins swim with you in the depths in Kizimkazi. You can also admire the corals at Mnemba without a tank.

This is Zanzibar's one and only golf club, nestled in lush vegetation just a stone's throw from the Indian Ocean coast, and adjoining the luxurious Sea Cliff Resort. This 9-hole course allows you to admire the natural beauty of the island, and to play a full 18 holes thanks to its design with a variation of distance and direction forwards and backwards. The course is complemented by a practice facility with chipping, bunker and putting greens and an elegant Club House. Special rates for hotel guests.