Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bwejuu (Tsh800), departing Makunduchi around 8.30am and Michamvi at 7.30am. Later
departures are whenever the vehicle fills.
KIZIMKAZI
This small village - at its best when the breezes come in and the late afternoon sunlight
illuminates the sand - actually consists of two adjoining settlements: Kizimkazi Dimbani
to the north and Kizimkazi Mkunguni to the south. It has a small, breezy and in parts quite
attractive beach broken by coral rock outcrops. However, the main reason people visit is to
see the
dolphins
that favour the nearby waters, or to relax or go
diving
at one of the hand-
ful of resorts. Dolphin trips can be organised through tour operators in Stone Town from
about US$25 per person, or with some of the hotels at Paje and Jambiani from Tsh20,000
per person. Most Kizimkazi hotels also organise tours, as does Cabs Restaurant in Kizi-
mkazi Dimbani (US$50 per boat including snorkelling equipment). While the dolphins are
beautiful, the tours, especially those organised from Stone Town, can be quite unpleasant,
due to the hunt-and-chase tactics used by some of the tour boats, and they can't be recom-
mended. If you do go out, the best time is early morning when the water is calmer and
the sun not as hot. Late afternoon is also good, although winds may be stronger. If it's too
windy, it's difficult to get in and out of the boats to snorkel.
Kizimkazi is also the site of a Shirazi
mosque
dating from the early 12th century and
thought to be one of the oldest Islamic buildings on the East African coast, although much
of what is left today is from later restorations. The building isn't impressive from the out-
side, apart from a few old tombs at the front. Inside, however, in the mihrab are inscribed
verses from the Quran dating to 1107 and considered to be among the oldest known ex-
amples of Swahili writing. If you want to take a look, ask for someone to help you with
the key. You'll need to take off your shoes, and you should cover up bare shoulders or legs.
The mosque is in Kizimkazi Dimbani, just north of the main beach area.
WATCHING THE DOLPHINS
Unfortunately for Kizimkazi's dolphins, things have gotten out of hand these
days, and it's not uncommon to see a group of beleaguered dolphins being
chased by several boats of tourists. If you want to watch the dolphins, heed the
advice posted on the wall of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) office in
Zanzibar Town, which boils down to the following:
»As with other animals, viewing dolphins in their natural environs requires time
and patience.
»Shouting and waving your arms around will not encourage dolphins to approach
your boat.
