Salaam Cave, Mtende Beach & Kae Funk Sunset — A Relaxed South-Coast Day of Turtles, Hidden Coves & Golden Hour
A slow, scenic day down Zanzibar’s wild southern shore, built for travellers who’d rather feel the island than rush it. Start by swimming beside gentle sea turtles in the hidden Salaam Cave pool at Kizimkazi, then follow the coast to Mtende Beach — a secluded, cliff-framed cove where the tide reveals a soft sandbar and a natural swimming pool the colour of emerald glass.
As the afternoon eases off, the route turns up to the Michamvi peninsula and Kae Funk, a west-facing beach bar made for sundowners — colourful beanbags, easy music, a cocktail in hand and one of the finest sunsets on the island. With hotel transfers, a friendly local guide and all cave and beach fees handled, this half-to-full day pairs wildlife, a “secret” beach and golden hour into one effortless trip.
Duration
Full Day
Tour Type
Beach, Nature & Sunset
Wildlife
Sea Turtles
Swimming
Cave Pool & Beach Cove
Scenery
Cliffs & Sandbar
Pickup
Available
Overview
This combo threads together three of the south coast’s quieter pleasures — a turtle swim, a hidden beach and a sunset bar — into an unhurried day that stays well clear of the crowds up north. It suits couples, families and anyone who wants swimming, scenery and sundowners without a packed schedule or long list of entrance queues.
You’ll begin at Salaam Cave near the fishing village of Kizimkazi, a natural limestone pool where clear, calm water shelters resident sea turtles. Steps lead down into the chamber and, with your guide’s help, you swim alongside the turtles in a respectful, easy-going setting — a genuine highlight and a rare chance to meet them up close.
From there it’s a short drive to Mtende Beach, one of the island’s best-kept secrets. Set in a cove between dramatic coral cliffs, Mtende changes character with the tide: high water fills the cove into a natural swimming pool, while low tide opens a wide sandbar and rock pools to explore. There’s time to swim, sink into the quiet, try the rock swing and, if you like, order a seafood lunch at the little clifftop restaurant. The day closes on the Michamvi peninsula at Kae Funk, where the west-facing shore, cocktails and mellow-then-lively music carry you into the sunset before the drive home.
Guiding travelers across Zanzibar with a passion for sharing the island’s beauty, culture, and hidden gems. Rama and his local team are committed to delivering authentic experiences, friendly service, and unforgettable adventures across Zanzibar.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup & Drive to the South Coast
Your guide collects you from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and heads south toward Kizimkazi. Depending on where you’re staying, the drive runs roughly 60–90 minutes through farmland and small coastal villages as the landscape opens toward the sea.
Salaam Cave & Swimming with Turtles
At Kizimkazi you descend the steps into Salaam Cave, a sheltered limestone pool of clear, calm freshwater. Slip in and share the water with the resident sea turtles, keeping a respectful distance as they glide around you. Your guide explains the local conservation effort and helps with photos so you leave with both the memory and the pictures.
Drive to Mtende Beach
A short drive along the coast brings you to the clifftop above Mtende. The view stops you first — turquoise water breaking around a central rock, fishing dhows resting offshore and palms leaning over the rim — before you take the cut-stone steps down to the sand.
Beach Time at Mtende Cove
Settle into one of the island’s quietest coves. Swim in the tidal pool at high water or wander the sandbar and rock pools at low tide, try the rock swing over the water, and take in a beach that stays refreshingly free of crowds and touts.
Sunset at Kae Funk
As the light softens, head up onto the Michamvi peninsula to Kae Funk beach bar on the west-facing Kae shore. Sink into a beanbag, order a cocktail and watch the sky turn over the lagoon with entertainment including acrobatic and the soft daytime music building into a livelier beat as the sun goes down.
Return to Your Hotel
After sundown your guide drives you comfortably back to your hotel, closing a day that ran from turtle cave to hidden beach to golden hour.
Price
Includes
- Profesional Tour Guide
- Entrance fees
- Swimming Equipment
- All government fees
- Transfer from and return to your hotel is available only for the extra costs
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