Something that is really important to me and I really want to be a part of encouraging is responsible and sustainable tourism.
Travelling is incredible, and there are so many fascinating and beautiful places on this Earth, but as travellers we need to do our part.
Responsible and sustainable tourism involves traveling in a way that minimizes negative impact on the environment, supports local communities, and preserves cultural heritage. It is about making conscious choices that benefit both the destination and its people. Ethical animal activities are a crucial part of this approach.
By opting for ethical animal experiences, travellers actively participate in the preservation of natural habitats and wildlife, promoting a sustainable and responsible tourism industry that respects the delicate balance between humans and nature.
When I promote Zanzibar as a destination you should travel to, I can only hope you’ll show this island the respect it deserves and help to preserve its environment, people, and animals.
I’ve created this guide of ethical animal tours you can go on in Zanzibar, to see and learn about these incredible creatures while protecting their safety, health and natural environment.
Check out my in-depth guides of locations to stay, including hotel and restaurant recomenndations and links!
Ethical Dolphin Tour
Zanzibar actually has ZERO regulations on its dolphin tourism, unlike many other countries around the world.
This has led to many ethical concerns from tourists that have gone on popular “dolphin tours” like to Mnemba Island. The dolphins get crowded, the boats become unsafe for both the dolphins and other marine life, but the tourists on board. I’ve seen boats crashing into each other, people in the water almost getting hit by motors, and of course the dolphins running out of space in between boat motors zooming around them. The guides of these tours are trying to get their tourists the best experience by seeing the dolphins, but they’re lacking in education on animal conservation and ethics.
I found out about a new initiative started by the NGO African Impact, working with local boat drivers to educate them on ethical practices regarding the dolphins, and sustainable tours to preserve the corals and marine life of Zanzibar. These boat drivers have to complete various certifications (which you can request proof of!) for this training.
So now you have an option to see and swim with wild dolphins - but in an ethical way, and contribute to training and education of local boat drivers on how to preserve the home and environment of these beautiful animals.
When booking this tour you have the option of combining it with snorkelling and a sandbank - or “disappearing island” - lunch visit.
Important to Note
The UV rays in Zanzibar are extremely strong - averaging between 9-11 on the UV index during midday. Make sure you bring sun protection with high SPF when doing any activities, but especially in the water.
Water shoes may be recommended for snorkelling or sandbank trips. Sea urchins are very commonly found in Zanzibar, always look before you step on the ocean floor.
Starfish are not toys or photo props. It is extremely harmful for them to be lifted out of the water for any period of time. Even touching them beneath the water can transfer bacteria to them that can be deadly. Bring a GoPro or waterproof phone case to capture these beautiful creatures under the water.
How to Book
You can book an ethical dolphin tour through Kizimkazi Ethical Dolphin Tours, by sending them a message on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp. They have a roster of trained boat drivers that they go through one by one for each booking, to ensure they all have a fair chance at making income while doing these tours, and no one guide is prioritized before the others.
Jozani Forest Jozani forest is one of my absolute favourite tours in Zanzibar! I love monkeys, and if you do too and nature in general, you’ll find a tour of Jozani forest fascinating.
Jozani Forest is a protected area located in the central-eastern part of Zanzibar. It is the largest area of natural forest remaining on the island and it is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including several species that are unique to the island.
The Jozani Forest Reserve is home to the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey, a critically endangered primate species that is found only in this forest. You can take guided tours to see these monkeys, which are known for their distinctive red fur. The forest is also home to bush babies, bush pigs, hyraxes, and other small mammals. You can also see various bird species and butterflies.
The forest is also home to a variety of plant species, including mangroves, coconut palms, and casuarinas. You can take guided walks through the forest to learn about the different plant species and their traditional uses. The mangroves are a lot more interesting than they might sound, and crucial to the ocean.
How to Book
You do not need to book a tour through Jozani in advance. Cost for park entry is 20,000 TZS per person (just under $10 USD) and an additional 10,000 TZS to park.
Sometimes there can be a line if there a lot of groups waiting for guides to start their tour, but there is a small convince shop and some outdoor seating where you can wait.
Important to Note
You can only tour the park with a guide.
The guides work as volunteers so tipping them is kind to do at the end of your tour. A tip of around 30,000 TZS is appreciated.
You cannot touch the monkeys or interact with them or their natural habitat in any way.
You can’t bring in any waste, they are very strict on the conservation of the forest and keeping it as natural as possible without human interference.
Horseback Riding
There are several stables and tour operators that offer horseback riding tours, but namely Zanzibar Horse Club. Most of these tours are in the North of Zanzibar.
The tours typically take place on the beach and in the surrounding countryside and you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Indian ocean, or even cool off with the horses in the water. The tours are suitable for riders of all levels, and the horses are well-trained and well-cared for. The tour guides are experienced and knowledgeable and they will provide the necessary instructions and guidance.
Why did I choose to include this on the list of ethical animal tours?
Horseback riding has not been proven to be harmful to horses in any way.
The conditions of the stables at Zanzibar Horse Club are very clean, the horses are healthy, well fed and groomed. Each horse even has a personal fan in each of their stalls!
Zanzibar Horse Club has strict weight requirements to ensure the horses are not being put under strain.
Some people have expressed that horses should not be swimming in the ocean, but having done the tour where they take you in the water - it’s perfectly fine. It gets very hot in Zanzibar, and the horses only go up to their ankles/knees in the water, which honestly I think cools them off nicely after a ride in the hot sun.
Zanzibar Horse Club is the only company I’ve used personally for horseback riding in Zanzibar, so I cannot speak on the conditions of other stables.
How to Book
The rides start at $50 USD per person depending on skill level and length of ride. You have to book and pay in advance if booking with Zanzibar Horse Club. I know there are stables in Kidoti area as well, and Seacliff Resort offers the same.
Ultimate Ethical Animal Viewing - Combining Your Zanzibar Trip with Safari on Mainland
Imagine literally waking up in The Lion King….
East Africa is notably the best place on earth for safari.
Kenya and Tanzania are similar in the ways of the types of animals you’ll see, the local tribes and cultures, and the landscape.
I haven’t been on safari in Kenya since I was 16 (too many years ago now…), so I can really only speak on safari in Tanzania, as I have done 3 in the last 2 years.
The parks in Tanzania are strict on their rules, for the purpose of environmental and animal safety and conservation. The parks are monitored by security cameras, and there are armed guards stationed throughout.
Guides have to maintain a certain distance from the wildlife, and can not deviate from the set driving paths. This is to ensure the animals can behave naturally in their habitat without feeling threatened or stressed.
You cannot feed or provoke the wildlife for any entertainment or photo-op purpose. Feeding the wild animals can lead to them developing a dependency on humans providing sources of food, which is harmful in the long run as it will disrupt their natural diet and behaviour.
Safari guides in Tanzania are often friendly, funny, and informative. They bring an educational component to the safari, providing information about animal behaviour, conservation challenges and the importance of preserving natural habitats of these animals. By learning more and raising awareness, tourists can become advocates for wildlife conservation and continue to educate others.
Can't decide on which parks to visit for your Tanzanian safari?
Want to find the most affordable lodges while interacting with wildlife?
Not sure how long to spend on safari in Tanzania?
Ultimate Tanzanian Safari Guide Coming Soon!
If you're looking for activity ideas for your trip to Zanzibar that doesn't involved animals, check out my other blog posts!
Stone Town - Central Zanzibar City | Nungwi - North Zanzibar | Kiwengwa - East Zanzibar | Jambiani - South Zanzibar
And don't miss....
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