Not only does East Africa have a diverse range of wildlife, immense natural beauty, pristine beaches and scenic landscapes, but it also has fun activities available for everyone like the dhow sailing experience. Both Tanzania and Zanzibar are great places to experience dhow sailing!

An East African trip is truly incomplete without having the traditional dhow sailing experience.

What’s a dhow?
A Dhow is a specific type of boat that has a latin-rig sail and is used for many purposes including cruises, fishing, and trading. These boats originated thousands of years ago, and the introduction of trading along the Swahili East African coast owes its success to these boats!

What to Expect?
Setting foot on a dhow will take you to another time period. You’ll realize how magnificent and endless the beauty of the Indian Ocean really is. The sound of the water waves crashing against your dhow will give you a relaxing escape from life. Being surrounded by water from all sides will make you realize how small and tiny you really are compared to the magnificence and glory of mother Earth!

Depending on the tour you’re booking, your dhow guide will take you to a different island or to a different part of the same island. Moreover, you can also go snorkeling at a nearby reef and discover the underwater world. It’s paradise down there! Let this be the day you overcome your fear of water, if you have any.

After snorkeling, you’ll get to enjoy live barbecued lunch made right in front of you on your dhow!
While all of these activities are fun and will have you amazed, the truly mesmerizing moment will be the one where you get to watch the sunset in your dhow! It’s a moment that you will never forget the rest of your life. Watching the sun set while it paints the sky with shades of orange, yellow, and red is a beautiful and overwhelming experience.

You might also be able to spot some dolphins on your cruise!

Where Can I Get the Dhow Sailing Experience?
Zanzibar is the best place to go if you want the traditional dhow sailing experience. The Safari Blue is a company based in Zanzibar that provides the best dhow sailing day tour experience! Their dhows themselves are very pretty and they’re also uniquely crafted by experienced craftsmen.

Other than that, if you just want a sunset dhow sailing experience, you can get it from the major beaches of Zanzibar! However, we definitely recommend that you get the full day tour offered by The Safari Blue!

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to dive into the adventurous experience of sailing in a dhow boat while having the best time of your life! Indeed, Zanzibar and its neighboring country, Tanzania, are great spots for tourists. In fact, you can also check out the Economic Potential of Tourism in Tanzania!