Zanzibar southeastern tour: Salaam Cave, Mtende Beach & sunset

Swim through Salaam Cave, picnic on Mtende Beach, and watch the sunset from the shore

A full-day driving tour of southeastern Zanzibar that takes you swimming through Salaam Cave at Kizimkazi, where turtles inhabit the underground waters, then to Mtende Beach for a beachside picnic and photograph stops. Lunch is grilled seafood at Usumba Rock restaurant. The day ends at Kae Funk Sunset beach bar with live music and dancing. An English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and all fees are included. Pickup is arranged for you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore southeastern Zanzibar highlights

• Visit Salaam Cave and swim with turtles
• Enjoy Mtende Beach and beachside picnic
• Have lunch at Usumba Rock restaurant
• Swim and explore unique cave geology
• Photograph The Rock Restaurant surroundings
• Experience sunset at Kae Funk Sunset beach bar

The experience

The tour starts at Salaam Cave in Kizimkazi village, where you swim in the crystal-clear waters of a natural underground cave system. The cave itself is a geological formation that holds turtles year-round, and your guide explains the cave's history and its place in local folklore as you move through it. After the cave, the route heads north along the coast to Mtende Beach, one of Zanzibar's most photographed stretches of white sand and clear water backed by dense greenery.

At Mtende, a beachside picnic is set up for you: a chance to rest and explore the shoreline for shells and marine life in the shallows. Lunch comes next at Usumba Rock restaurant, just inland from the beach, where you order grilled seafood (fish, calamari or octopus) served with chips or rice, plus juice and water. The afternoon includes a stop at The Rock Restaurant, a structure built on a rock formation off Pingwe Beach to the east, where the setting alone makes for strong photographs.

The day closes at Kae Funk Sunset beach bar at Michamvi, where you watch the sun drop over the Indian Ocean while a live band plays and fire dancers perform. Soft and hard drinks are available to order. The full route covers the southern and eastern sections of the island by vehicle, with swimming and beach time built in. The pace is steady but not rushed, with time to linger at each stop.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking guide.
• bottled water and WiFi on board.
• lunch of grilled seafood with juice and water at Usumba Rock restaurant.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (14 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 95 years) · Youth (5 to 13 years) · Child (3 to 4 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Viva Ocean Tours & Safaris

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to cover the southeastern coast's main sights (caves, beaches, and sunset views) in one full day with a driver handling navigation and a seafood lunch included.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 13 years); Child (3 to 4 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What is Salaam Cave like to swim in?

Salaam Cave at Kizimkazi is an underground water system where turtles live year-round. You swim in the crystal-clear waters inside the cave itself, and your guide shares the geological story and local folklore tied to the site as part of the experience.

What kind of lunch is served on this tour?

Lunch is grilled seafood at Usumba Rock restaurant near Mtende Beach. You choose from fish, calamari or octopus, served with chips or rice, plus juice and water included.

How long is the full day tour?

The tour runs 8 to 9 hours from start to finish, covering the southern and eastern coast by vehicle with stops for swimming, beach time, lunch and the sunset bar.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is included in the tour price. An English-speaking guide and air-conditioned vehicle are provided for the full day.

What should I bring for the swimming and beach stops?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a camera for photographs. Bottled water is provided on the vehicle, and the tour includes time to explore Mtende Beach and swim in the cave and coastal waters.