Mtende Beach, a cove on the south coast of Zanzibar

Day trips · South

Southern Circuit: Caves, Rock Restaurant & Sunset Bars

The south is wilder and quieter — a great loop for morning or evening, mixing famous coves with deserted beaches, a hidden coral cave, and some of the island's best sunset spots. Here's how our team strings it together.

The route

Seven stops along the south coast — beaches and a clifftop restaurant by day, a lighthouse and sunset bars by evening.

Map of the southern circuit day-trip stops on Zanzibar
Mtende Beach cove with a clifftop cafe, Zanzibar

01Mtende Beach

A beautiful little cove, best at low to medium tide. There's a cafe perched on the cliff above with a stunning view — a perfect first stop for a coffee while you take in the coastline.

A clifftop rock restaurant overlooking turquoise water, south Zanzibar

02Usumbara Rock

An authentic, charmingly rustic rock restaurant with a stunning view over the water. The wait can be long — that's part of the local rhythm — so settle in, order a drink and enjoy the setting.

A deserted palm-backed beach on the west side of south Zanzibar

03Deserted Beach

A gorgeous, all-but-abandoned beach. On the west side, among the old remnants of a jetty, you can find a water cave that opens onto a hidden beach within the coral rock, tree roots trailing from above — properly “Avatar” vibes.

Swimming with green sea turtles in a natural cave pool, Zanzibar

04Salaam Cave

A natural coral-cave pool where you can swim in cool, crystal-clear water alongside gentle green sea turtles. Calm and shallow — bring a camera, and treat the turtles with care.

Makunduchi Lighthouse on the southern tip of Zanzibar

05Makunduchi Lighthouse

A quiet, little-known corner for a romantic gaze out over the reef — and a chance to see how the local mamas weave rope from coconut fibre, a craft passed down for generations.

A pool and palms at a clifftop sunset resort, south Zanzibar

06Sunset at Kizikula

A striking, German-architect-inspired resort with a beautiful sunset outlook. Their cocktail bar makes a lovely, laid-back companion as the light goes golden.

A jetty bar over the water at sunset, south Zanzibar

07Sunset at Kwanza

The largest and liveliest jetty bar in the area — great sunset views and a fun party atmosphere. Call ahead to check on entrance, events and availability before you make the trip.

Good to know

  • The southern beaches are tide-dependent — ask reception about timing before you set off.
  • Bring water shoes for the coral, plus a hat, sunscreen and a dry bag for the cave swim.
  • Carry small cash for entrances, drinks and tips; call sunset bars ahead on busy nights.
  • Want it all arranged? See our Experiences or message us on WhatsApp.

Let us plan your day

Tell us what you'd love to see and we'll build the perfect route, with pickup from the resort.

Plan on WhatsApp