Kizimkazi
Dolphin tours, traditional village, and a slower pace
Updated
Kizimkazi is a traditional village on the south coast, south of Michamvi, and it is the island's main base for dolphin-watching tours. The village is quiet, working, and far less developed than the north coast, with a mix of guesthouses and small hotels.
It suits travellers who want culture with their beach: village walks, traditional Swahili architecture, and easy access to the south-coast attractions. It is the quietest of the main bases.
Highlights
Dolphin-watching tours
Kizimkazi is the island's main base for dolphin-watching tours. Boats leave the village for the south-coast waters where humpback whales and dolphins are spotted in season.
Traditional village life
Kizimkazi is a working village with traditional Swahili architecture, a small harbour, and a handful of restaurants. It is quiet, friendly, and far less developed than the north coast.
Calm, shallow lagoon
At high tide the lagoon fills with warm, knee-to-waist-deep water over white sand; boats run out to the outer reef for snorkelling when the tide allows.
Easy access to the south coast
Kizimkazi is the gateway to the south-coast attractions, including the Kizimkazi Forest and the south-coast villages. It is a good base for travellers who want a quiet base with easy access to the south.
Good for
- Dolphin-watching tours
- Traditional village life
- Quiet, slower pace
- Easy access to the south coast
Know before you go
- Swimming follows the tide table: the flats empty at low tide and the water is shallow and warm at high tide.
- Fewer restaurants and shops than Paje or Nungwi; pick a guesthouse near the places you will actually eat.
- ATMs are scarce; bring cash from Stone Town or Paje.
- The transfer from Stone Town takes about two hours by road.