SMALL GROUP JOURNEYOFFERS

The Secret Oases & Hidden Sandbars

2026▾
10
Days
Private
Guide
Luxury
Stays

Wild dolphins at dawn, sacred limestone cave pools, Jozani mangrove channels, a Safari Blue expedition, and absolute beach seclusion

See Pricing & Inclusions ↓
10 Days
Small Group
from $7,100 pp
Home › Zanzibar, Tanzania › The Secret Oases & Hidden Sandbars

OverviewA slow-paced road and dhow journey focusing entirely on Zanzibar's under-the-radar natural treasures, hidden freshwater caves, and the calm mangrove lagoons of Chwaka Bay. Designed for luxury travellers who want to escape the high-traffic commercial centres and discover the island's most pristine and secluded locations. Guests cruise Kizimkazi Bay for wild dolphins, explore the limestone chambers and natural pools of Kuza Cave, glide through the calm mangrove channels of Jozani Chwaka Bay, and complete a private Safari Blue snorkelling expedition. The Michamvi Peninsula provides days of absolute beach isolation at two of the finest clifftop resorts in Zanzibar.

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Wild dolphin morning dhow safari in Kizimkazi Bay: humpback and bottlenose dolphins surfacing alongside the vessel

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Kuza Cave sacred limestone cavern: crystalline subterranean freshwater pools used for centuries of spiritual healing

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Private carpet-and-majlis tent cave valley sundowner: cocktails and spiced fruits on a rocky ridge facing the Kuza valley at sunset

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Jozani Chwaka Bay private dhow: calm mangrove channels, rare bird colonies, and an elevated wooden deck breakfast

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The Rock Restaurant private crowd-free lunch: the most iconic dining experience in East Africa on its lone coral rock outcrop

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Safari Blue private dhow expedition: hidden coral reefs, natural mangrove lagoon swimming, and a sandbar gourmet seafood lunch

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Private Swahili acoustic band beachside bonfire dinner with clove, cinnamon, and coconut oil spice-infused massage

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Kanga and Kitenge textile design private masterclass: block-printing heritage and the poetic proverbs of Swahili fabrics

The Secret Oases & Hidden Sandbars

Why Choose the Secret Oases & Hidden Sandbars

Wild dolphin dawn dhow in Kizimkazi: no crowds, a private vessel, and some of the most reliable dolphin encounters in the archipelago

Kuza Cave sacred pools: one of Zanzibar's most magical hidden experiences — subterranean crystalline freshwater in a limestone cavern

Jozani mangrove channels private dhow: the most serene and unusual water landscape available in Zanzibar

Safari Blue private dhow: the classic Zanzibar island adventure — snorkelling, mangrove lagoon, and sandbar seafood lunch

Michamvi Peninsula absolute isolation: two of Zanzibar's finest clifftop resorts in the most secluded corner of the island

Private Swahili acoustic band beachside bonfire: live music on the sand under the stars — one of the most romantic evenings in Zanzibar

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Zanzibar, Tanzania

Kizimkazi · Kuza Cave · Michamvi Peninsula · Jozani Chwaka Bay · Pingwe · Stone Town

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

Kizimkazi

Day 1 | Arrival in Zanzibar — Southern Chauffeur Transfer

VIP tarmac greeting at Abeid Amani Karume Airport. Private luxury SUV south along the coastal highway to the Kizimkazi beachfront. Check-in at Le Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel — a luxury beachfront property on the southern coast. Stunning turquoise water views, peaceful secluded atmosphere, and the gentle sound of the waves. Early arrivals explore the local fishing village with its traditional dhows and vibrant markets and the beautiful beaches of the southern coast. Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Arrival in Zanzibar — Southern Chauffeur Transfer

Day 2 | Wild Dolphin Bays of Kizimkazi — Morning Dhow Safari

Private morning boat cruise in Kizimkazi Bay to view wild dolphins surfacing along the cliffs — pods of wild humpback and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. The opportunity to swim alongside these magnificent creatures. Guide explains the behaviour and ecology of the dolphins, offering deep insights into these intelligent marine mammals. Relaxed afternoon back at Le Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel.

Wild Dolphin Bays of Kizimkazi — Morning Dhow Safari
Breakfast, Dinner
Michamvi Peninsula

Day 3 | Sacred Caves of Kuza & Michamvi Peninsula — Cave Valley Sundowner

Drive northeast to the limestone chambers and natural pools of Kuza Cave — walking down stone steps into a prehistoric limestone cavern with cool humid air and echoing dripping water. Swimming in the crystalline subterranean freshwater pools revered for healing properties. Late afternoon: hand-crafted cocktails and spiced local fruits from a private carpet-and-majlis tent setup on a rocky ridge facing the cave valley at sunset. Drive to the Michamvi Peninsula. Check-in at The Zawadi Hotel.

Sacred Caves of Kuza & Michamvi Peninsula — Cave Valley Sundowner
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 | Michamvi Peninsula — Absolute Beach Isolation

A full day of absolute relaxation on the Michamvi Peninsula — stunning turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and lush tropical vegetation. Swimming in the warm clear water, snorkelling along the shore, or simply relaxing on the beach. Absolute privacy and seclusion with no other tourists in sight. The afternoon yours to enjoy the resort's exceptional amenities.

Michamvi Peninsula — Absolute Beach Isolation
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 | Jozani Chwaka Bay — Mangrove Channels & Elevated Dhow Breakfast

Boarding a private dhow to cruise inside the calm shallow waters of Jozani Chwaka Bay — viewing rare bird colonies nesting in red mangrove roots. The lush green vegetation and the calm water creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Guide explains the importance of the mangrove ecosystem, its coastal protection role, and rich biodiversity. A hot gourmet breakfast basket and local Zanzibar coffee served on an elevated wooden viewing deck right beside the mangrove channels in absolute privacy.

Jozani Chwaka Bay — Mangrove Channels & Elevated Dhow Breakfast
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 | The Famous Floating Rock Restaurant — Private Crowd-Free Lunch

Afternoon excursion to Pingwe beach for The Rock Restaurant — the iconic thatched culinary outpost perched dramatically on a lone coral rock outcrop surrounded by rolling ocean waves. Private crowd-free lunch inside with waves lapping at the windows and panoramic Indian Ocean views. Exploring the surrounding beach and coral rock formations.

The Famous Floating Rock Restaurant — Private Crowd-Free Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 | Safari Blue Snorkelling Expedition — Secluded Sandbar Lunch

Boarding a traditional wooden dhow for a private Safari Blue excursion — snorkelling over hidden coral reefs, viewing the vibrant marine life, and swimming inside a natural mangrove lagoon. Guide leads the finest snorkelling spots: colourful coral formations, sea turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish. A gourmet seafood lunch served on a secluded sandbar in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Safari Blue Snorkelling Expedition — Secluded Sandbar Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 | High-Altitude Relaxation & Spice-Infused Massage — Swahili Band Bonfire

A day of high-altitude relaxation inside the resort villa. Stunning ocean views, gentle sea breeze, and peaceful serenity. Premium spice-infused massage using local ingredients: cloves, cinnamon, and coconut oil with traditional techniques. The day culminates in a final celebratory multi-course bonfire dinner around a grand beachside bonfire listening to the acoustic rhythms of a private Swahili band — the sound of the waves providing a soothing backdrop.

High-Altitude Relaxation & Spice-Infused Massage — Swahili Band Bonfire
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 | Exclusive Swahili Kanga & Textile Design Tour — Block Printing Heritage

Travel to an exclusive design studio to interact privately with indigenous textile masters. The deep history of Kanga and Kitenge fabric design — the poetic proverbs printed on the borders and traditional block-printing techniques passed down through generations. Watching artisans from dye preparation to intricate printing patterns. The cultural significance of Kanga fabrics worn by women across East Africa, carrying messages of love, community, and wisdom. Farewell multi-course dinner at the resort.

Exclusive Swahili Kanga & Textile Design Tour — Block Printing Heritage
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 | Return to Stone Town & Complementary Spa Day

Relaxed luxury breakfast watching the turquoise water. Smooth chauffeur transfer along the coastal highway back to Stone Town. Complementary spa session at your city hotel. Private Stone Town tour — narrow streets, carved wooden doors, Old Arab Fort, House of Wonders — if missed on Day 1. International departure the following day.

Return to Stone Town & Complementary Spa Day
Breakfast

Want to adjust the pace, swap a lodge, or extend this journey?

We are here for that. Every Finders & Keepers Safaris itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed departure — the pace, the lodges, the length, the dates and the party travelling can all be reshaped around you. Tell us what you would change and a specialist will rebuild the journey and price it honestly, before you commit to anything.

Tailor This Journey →
Tailor this journey with Finders & Keepers Safaris
Your Accommodation

Two Exceptional Properties in Zanzibar's Secluded South and East

Le Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel
NIGHTS 1–2
Kizimkazi · Nights 1–2

Le Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel

★★★★★ — Luxury beachfront property on the southern coast near the wild dolphin bays of Kizimkazi
View Details
The Zawadi Hotel
NIGHTS 3–9
Michamvi Peninsula · Nights 3–9

The Zawadi Hotel

★★★★★ — Luxury clifftop resort on the Michamvi Peninsula with stunning Indian Ocean views
View Details
Why This Journey

What sets this journey apart

The quiet south and east of Zanzibar: wild dolphins at dawn, a sacred cave, mangroves and a lunch on a rock in the sea.

01

Dolphins and a sacred cave

A morning dhow among humpback and bottlenose dolphins, then the Kuza Cave’s limestone pools, used for centuries for spiritual healing, and a carpet-and-majlis sundowner above the valley.

02

Mangroves and sandbars

A private dhow through Jozani Chwaka Bay’s calm mangrove channels, and a Safari Blue expedition to hidden reefs, a mangrove lagoon swim and a sandbar seafood feast.

03

A lunch on a rock

A private, crowd-free lunch at The Rock restaurant on its lone coral outcrop, and quiet days on the Michamvi Peninsula.

Best ValueJan – MayWarm with occasional rain, excellent value
Peak SeasonMay – SepDry, cool trade winds — peak beach season
Shoulder SeasonSep – DecShort rains easing, dry season returns
Best forCouplesSnorkellersQuiet-beach seekers
Plan this journey with us →

Inclusions & Pricing

Deposit Offer

Hold 2027 for half the usual deposit

Confirm any 2027 departure with a 15% deposit instead of the usual 30%, booked before 31 December 2026.

  • Your balance is not due until 60 days before departure.
  • The reduced deposit holds your camps, permits and internal flights at today’s rates, so a mid-year price movement does not reach you.
  • Applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be combined with a group discount on the same booking.
Solo Travellers

30% off the single supplement

Travelling on your own? We cut the single traveller supplement by 30% across selected 2027 departures.

  • The supplement covers the sole-occupancy cost a camp charges when a room sleeps one rather than two.
  • Available on selected camps and dates — your specialist will tell you which of your nights qualify before you commit.
  • Nothing changes about the journey itself: same guide, same vehicle, same rooms.
Group Offer

Bring three, the fourth travels free

Book four guests on a 2027 group departure and the fourth guest’s safari cost is on us.

  • The waiver covers the land portion — camps, meals, guiding and game drives.
  • International flights, visas, gorilla and chimpanzee permits and personal spending are excluded, as those are paid to third parties per head.
  • All four guests must travel on the same departure date and book together.
What's Included
  • ✓VIP meet and greet at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Zanzibar
  • ✓All private luxury SUV chauffeur transfers throughout
  • ✓Luxury hotel and resort accommodation throughout
  • ✓All meals as specified — breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • ✓All private guided dhow, speedboat, and catamaran charters
  • ✓All park fees and marine reserve permits
  • ✓All private guided tours and cultural encounters
  • ✓Complementary spa session on final day
  • ✓Private guide and historian throughout
  • ✓Wild dolphin morning dhow safari in Kizimkazi Bay
  • ✓Kuza Cave sacred pool swimming excursion
  • ✓Private carpet-and-majlis tent cave valley sundowner
  • ✓Jozani Chwaka Bay mangrove private dhow with elevated deck breakfast
  • ✓Rock Restaurant private crowd-free lunch
  • ✓Private Safari Blue snorkelling expedition with sandbar seafood lunch
  • ✓Premium spice-infused massage using local cloves, cinnamon, and coconut oil
  • ✓Private Swahili acoustic band beachside bonfire dinner
  • ✓Kanga and Kitenge textile block-printing private masterclass
  • ✓Travel insurance facilitated on your behalf (adjusted in your quote if you are already covered)
What's Not Included
  • ✗International flights to/from Zanzibar
  • ✗Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • ✗Personal shopping and souvenirs
  • ✗Premium alcohol beyond inclusions
  • ✗Optional activities not listed
  • ✗Tips and gratuities
  • ✗Tanzania visa fees (USD 50 on arrival for most nationalities)

Package Pricing

Per Person Sharing$7,500
Single Traveller SupplementOn Request
ⓘ Price per person based on two guests sharing. All dhow charters, accommodation, meals, Rock Restaurant lunch, Safari Blue expedition, and activities included. International flights to Zanzibar not included.

2027 Season Pricing

The same unforgettable journey, priced by season.

Jan – May Best ValueWarm with occasional rain, excellent value
$7,100
May – Sep Peak SeasonDry, cool trade winds — peak beach season
$8,250
Sep – Dec Shoulder SeasonShort rains easing, dry season returns
$7,650

Flexible Payment Plan

1

Reserve today with a low early deposit to lock in your 2027 dates and pricing.

2

Spread the rest across convenient instalments, at a pace that suits you.

3

Final balance due one month before departure — nothing more to pay once you fly.

Speak To Us

Journey Details

Travel Kit

Duffel, sun hat, reef-safe sun cream and dry bag

  • Your duffel — A soft-sided Finders & Keepers Safaris duffel, sized for the luggage limits on seaplane and inter-island transfers, where 20 kg per person is common and hard cases are often refused.
  • What is inside it — A wide-brim sun hat, a reef-safe sun cream that meets the marine park rules across the region, and a roll-top dry bag for boat days and sandbank picnics.
  • Yours to keep — The bag and everything in it is a gift, not a loan.
  • Packing around it — Light, breathable layers, and one modest set covering shoulders and knees for Stone Town, villages, temples and local islands.

Note

Tides govern the best beach and water experiences

Zanzibar's beaches are tidal — swimming conditions vary significantly between high and low tide depending on which coast you're staying on. Your specialist will recommend the best-suited beach for your priorities.

  • Early starts — The best of this journey happens at dawn — before the heat, the crowds and the haze. Your guide will confirm what time you will be collected from your hotel.
  • Tailoring this journey — If you would like this package with more or fewer days, arranged for a group, a family or a solo traveller, or with add-ons, reach out and we will tailor it for you.
  • Route changes — Your guide or driver may alter the route in certain circumstances, but every destination set out in the itinerary will be covered.

Documents

Visa on arrival or e-Visa, from $50

  • Passport — Valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least two blank pages for stamps.
  • Visa — Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the Tanzanian eVisa or visa on arrival covers you. Single entry is US$50; US passport holders are issued the US$100 multiple-entry visa.
  • Compulsory island insurance — Since October 2024 every non-resident visitor must hold Zanzibar’s own inbound travel policy, sold only by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation at US$44 per person for 92 days — half price for ages 3 to 17, free under 3. Your own international policy does not replace it, and the QR code is checked at the airport. We arrange this for you.
  • Dress away from the beach — Stone Town and the fishing villages are conservative. Shoulders and knees covered once you leave the resort grounds.
  • Yellow fever — A vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have transited, a country with yellow fever risk.
  • We handle the paperwork — We complete and submit your visa, eVisa or travel-authorisation applications on your behalf. You supply the documents once; we do the filing, track the approval and hold the confirmations for you.
  • Where you must appear in person — A few consulates insist on biometrics or a short interview that nobody can sit on your behalf — China requires fingerprinting for some nationalities, as do European and United States visas. We still prepare the entire file; we simply book you a single appointment and brief you beforehand so one visit settles it.
  • Before you travel — Entry rules change frequently and without much notice. Your specialist confirms the current requirements for every passport in your party at the time of booking, and checks them again before you fly.

Guaranteed Departures

Private, tailor-made departures on your dates, or join a small group

  • Once confirmed, you travel — When your departure date is confirmed, it is guaranteed. We do not cancel, merge or reschedule a confirmed departure for commercial reasons, however the final numbers fall.
  • What confirms a departure — A departure becomes confirmed once the agreed number of travellers has been reached and paid for in line with the agreed payment schedule. Places held without payment do not count towards it.
  • If the minimum is not reached — Where a group departure has not reached its agreed numbers, we tell you early rather than late, and you choose: move to the next available date, continue at a revised small-group rate, or take a full refund of everything you have paid.
  • Solo journeys — Solo and tailor-made itineraries carry no group minimum at all. Your dates are confirmed the moment your deposit is received.

A deposit of 30% is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due 60 days before departure. All itineraries can be tailored — extend a stay, add a destination, or adjust the pace to suit you. Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation and personal effects is required for all guests. Your dedicated specialist remains on call throughout your journey for any changes or assistance you need.

  • What to pack — Light, breathable fabrics, and more swimwear than you think you need. Away from the resort, cover shoulders and knees — Stone Town, the fishing villages and any temple will expect it. Bring reef-safe sun cream, which the marine parks require, a rash vest for long snorkelling days, and one smart-casual set for dinner.

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