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Experience the Jambiani Cultural Festival on a day trip from Stone Town. Immerse yourself in local music, dance, food, and traditional practices.

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Jambiani Festival
• Enjoy traditional music and dance performances, including Taarab music
• Explore local crafts and markets, and purchase unique souvenirs
• Try authentic Zanzibari street food, including fresh seafood and samosas
• Relax on the white-sand beach and watch local fishermen at work

Description

Begin your day with an early departure from Stone Town or your accommodation. Choose between a local minibus (dala-dala) for an authentic experience, a private taxi for comfort, or a rental car for flexibility. Arrive in Jambiani by mid-morning and soak in the bustling atmosphere as the village prepares for the festival. Wander through temporary market stalls, discovering local handicrafts like woven baskets, carved wooden items, traditional clothing, and jewelry. Engage with vendors to learn about their crafts and purchase unique souvenirs. Next, attend traditional cooking demonstrations to learn about Swahili cuisine, including dishes like pilau, biryani, ugali, and various seafood preparations. Sample freshly prepared food and immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Zanzibar. For lunch, explore festival food stalls offering authentic Zanzibari street food, such as grilled fish, octopus, mishkaki (meat skewers), samosas, mandazi (sweet fried bread), and fresh fruit juices. Alternatively, dine at one of Jambiani’s beachfront restaurants, enjoying local and international cuisine with stunning ocean views. In the afternoon, find a spot to watch traditional music and dance performances, including Taarab music, Ngoma dances, and Kidumbak. Join in the dancing if invited, and experience the vibrant cultural expressions of Zanzibar. Take a stroll along Jambiani’s beautiful white-sand beach, watch local fishermen returning with their catch, or observe women harvesting seaweed at low tide. The festival atmosphere often extends to the beach, with impromptu music or games. As the day winds down, enjoy the sunset over the Indian Ocean before departing back to Stone Town.

Includes

Transportation to and from Jambiani Access to festival activities Cultural performances Cooking demonstrations Beach access

Important Information

• Jambiani is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Stone Town. Be prepared for crowded dala-dala rides. Festival activities are mostly outdoors, so dress accordingly.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund