Are you planning a road trip to Zanzibar fishing villages? If so, you are on your way to see much more than beaches. You will also discover communities that live in harmony with the ocean. Renting a car in Zanzibar makes this exploration easy. Public transport is limited, and driving allows you to stop in remote areas with strong fishing traditions. With your car, you can visit multiple villages in one trip and experience coastal beauty and local culture.
The best fishing villages in Zanzibar show authentic coastal life, from traditional dhow sailing to seaweed farming.
Nungwi is one of the most famous fishing villages in Zanzibar. Here, you see traditional dhow construction. These wooden boats are built by skilled artisans and used for offshore fishing trips. The beach comes alive when evening arrives as fishermen return with their catch.Tours in Nungwi often include visits to a tortoise conservation reserve, where you learn about local wildlife. Many excursions also end with a dhow sunset cruise, giving you sweeping views of the horizon. Nungwi is also a starting point for deep-sea fishing trips.
On the northeast coast, Matemwe is known for its wide sandy beach and authentic character. Unlike busy resorts, it feels peaceful and untouched. Walking along the shore, you can watch fishermen sailing out on wooden dhows or returning with nets full of fish. Women harvest seaweed at low tide and dry it in the sun before it is used for cosmetics and soap. Matemwe is also a gateway to Mnemba Atoll, a popular area for snorkeling and diving. You can stay in the village to buy fresh seafood directly from fishermen and enjoy meals prepared with the day’s catch.
Jambiani stretches for four kilometers along the southeastern coast. This old fishing village is one of the best places to visit in Zanzibar because it retains much of its original charm. Fishermen prepare boats, women farm seaweed, and children play along the shallow water. In some areas, villagers still make ropes from coconut husks. Guided tours in Jambiani last 2 to 3 hours and show you schools, hospitals, and community centers. Some tours even include cooking classes, where you prepare traditional food with local ingredients.
Paje is a fishing village located south of Matemwe. Women harvest and process seaweed here, and cooperatives sell their products for export and cosmetics. At the same time, Paje is one of the world’s top kite surfing destinations. You can watch colorful kites over the lagoon while fishermen bring in their catch along the shore. Beachfront cafés serve seafood caught the same morning.
Uroa lies on the east coast and has a calmer, slower pace. Fishermen go out in the morning and return with their catch, which is sold in small markets or cooked in local restaurants. The beach here is less crowded, ideal for quiet reflection or swimming in shallow waters. Visiting Uroa gives you a glimpse of authentic life without the rush of busier spots. Renting a car is the best way to reach Uroa because public transport is unreliable. Once there, you can park near the market, walk along the shore, and watch daily routines unfold.
Kizimkazi is a fishing village on the southern coast, known for fishing and dolphin sightings. It is also near the Menai Bay Conservation Area. Fishermen here have worked with NGOs and government agencies to establish no-take zones, where fishing is restricted to allow fish stocks to recover. This has created a model where conservation and fishing can work together. In Bweleo, women’s groups farm seaweed and cultivate oysters. This provides income while reducing pressure on fish stocks
Here are some activities to experience the unique fishing traditions in the island’s coastal villages:
In many villages, evenings are the most exciting time to watch. Fishermen sail out in handmade dhows or outrigger canoes with triangular sails called ngawala. These boats are built by artisans using skills passed through generations. As the sun sets, sails dot the horizon, and nets are cast for overnight fishing. The sight is one of the most authentic experiences on the island.
In villages like Paje, Jambiani, and Kizimkazi, you can join fishermen on the shore as they pull in their nets. Some still use beach seines, where nets are dragged from the beach back onto land. Visitors are often welcome to help pull the nets or watch closely as fish are collected. This activity shows you the hard work and the teamwork needed in small-scale fishing.
Markets are another way to experience daily fishing life. Mornings are busy in Stone Town and Mkokotoni as fish are brought in, sorted, and sold. Tuna, kingfish, prawns, octopus, and many reef species fill the stalls. The atmosphere is lively, with bargaining between vendors and buyers. Visiting early gives you the best chance to see the full range of seafood that forms the base of Zanzibari cuisine.
In Jambiani and Matemwe, women farm seaweed by placing ropes in shallow water weighted with stones. They collect the seaweed at low tide, dry it, and prepare it for processing. Some also work with coconut husks, removing fibers to make ropes and mats. These activities show the role women play in sustaining the economy of fishing villages.
Many tours include a chance to cook with locals. In Jambiani, you will prepare a dish with freshly caught fish, flavored with chili and spices. These cooking sessions teach you recipes and explain how fishing supports local food culture. Some tours even arrange visits with traditional healers or witchdoctors.
These guided trips take you beyond the beach and show you authentic traditions, from net casting to sunset dhow sailing.
Nungwi tours often begin in the morning, timed to watch fishermen bringing in their catch. Some packages include transport, drinks, and snacks for around $50. Private tours cost more but give you hands-on experience, such as casting nets or trying spearfishing when conditions allow.
Some tours take you directly into fishing life. In Nungwi, you can spend a half day helping families set nets, mend gear, and learn traditional methods. These tours usually include snacks and bottled water. Pickup is flexible, and many operators provide wheelchairs and strollers, making the tours accessible to a wide range of travelers.
Eco-tours combine fishing with conservation. Operators work with local communities to teach sustainable methods like line fishing or catch-and-release. Some tours also include kayaking through mangroves or reef education programs. By joining, you support community efforts to protect marine resources while still enjoying the fishing experience.
Blue Reef Sport & Fishing Lodge offers both accommodation and fishing trips. Guests can choose budget trips on small boats or luxury big game fishing on fully equipped vessels. Family trips on traditional boats are also offered, starting at $100 per trip. For serious anglers, multi-day trips to Latham Island can be arranged.
Going deep-sea and sport fishing in Zanzibar is perfect if you want excitement on open waters. From half-day trips to multi-day expeditions, these tours bring you close to some of the richest fishing grounds in East Africa.
Zanzibar is one of East Africa’s top destinations for sport fishing. Mnemba Atoll, northeast of the island, is famous for its clear waters and marine life. Chumbe Island, a private conservation area, offers excellent opportunities for kingfish and barracuda. Kizimkazi is another popular spot, known for tuna and dolphin sightings. These areas are easily reached by car rental and guided boat trips.
Deep-sea trips are offered from Nungwi, with prices around $600 for half-day and $850 for full-day excursions. Boats are fully equipped with GPS, echo sounders, and fish finders. You can expect to catch barracuda, wahoo, kingfish, and marlin. Multi-day charters are also possible, taking you as far as Mafia Island or Pemba.
For travelers seeking longer adventures, 3 to 5 days of fishing expeditions are available. Latham Island, in particular, is known for challenging fishing in deeper waters. Trips include professional equipment, safety checks, and experienced skippers.
Common catches include tuna, dorado, sailfish, and kingfish. During peak seasons, marlin and giant trevally are also found. Many operators follow International Game Fishing Association rules and encourage catch-and-release for larger species. This helps preserve stocks while giving anglers the excitement of big game fishing.
Operators provide Shimano and Penn International rods with different line strengths suited to various species. Crews are experienced, often with decades of fishing experience in these waters. They assist beginners while also advising skilled anglers. Some boats are small and affordable, while others are large luxury vessels with outriggers and downriggers.
Fishing knowledge is passed down through oral tradition. Older fishermen teach younger ones how to read tides, predict weather, and identify good fishing seasons. This knowledge has helped Zanzibar’s fishing villages live in balance with the sea for centuries. The traditional fishing methods are still part of daily life in Zanzibar. Here are the simple but effective ways locals fish:
Your choice depends on what you want to experience. Traditional tours give you a cultural perspective, while sport fishing offers adventure on open waters. Many travelers combine both, spending time in villages before joining a deep-sea trip.
Fishing experiences range from budget family trips costing $100 to luxury charters priced at $1000 per day. Village tours average $50 to $150, depending on duration and inclusions. Renting a car in Zanzibar helps you manage your budget by providing flexible transport to different tour starting points. Fishing is possible year-round, but some species are more active in certain seasons. Marlin, for example, are often caught during peak migration months. Coastal villages like Nungwi, Jambiani, Matemwe, and Paje are active throughout the year.
Fishing in Zanzibar is not just about the catch. It is about tradition, survival, and identity. Villages across the island maintain a rhythm that connects the community to the sea. When you visit, you see this relationship firsthand. You support people and nature by joining tours, responsibly buying seafood, and respecting conservation zones. Rent a car in Zanzibar with Final Rentals to start your adventure.
