Day 1: Day One
Board Nungwi at 13h30. Depart Nungwi at 14h00. This tour comprises a six-hour sail northwards to Pemba Island, sailing up the west coast of the island. We often encounter dolphins and whales (in season) en-route, whilst relaxing into the joy of being on-board and at sea. Trolling for game fish is an option too. First night is at anchor off Mesali.
On arrival at Mnemba, there are various snorkelling options, or a rewarding coral reef dive south of the anchorage if the guests have chosen the scuba-dive option. As sunset approaches, sundowners and snacks are cracked out, and guests are transferred to the beach for the sunset experience. Dinner is a beach barbecue with real log fire, prepared by the chef and crew. After-dinner attractions include beach games, crab races or star-gazing. Guests are transferred back to the boat for the night.
Day 2: Day Two
Wake up in the morning to coffee and fruit, followed by a scrumptious breakfast of cereals, fruit, toast and eggs with cheese and bacon. A swim or snorkel (or dive if chosen) and depart Mesali mid to late morning. We make our way through the inner passages, arriving at Fundu lagoon in the late afternoon. Visit Fundu Lodge for a fresh-water swim, and sundowners and/or dinner at their stunning bar and restaurant on the promenade. Alternatively, dinner on board.
Day 3: Day Three
After breakfast we depart Fundu and make our way through the inner passages, exiting through the Fundu channel into the open ocean to the west of Pemba. Dolphin and whale watching whilst trolling for game fish, we make our way up the west coast of Pemba. We enter the Njao gap before sunset and make our way down the channel to the calm, spectacular anchorage in flat waters. Sundowners, music and dinner on board precede “chilling out” under the stars before turning in or sleeping on the trampolines under the stars.
Day 4: Day Four
After breakfast we go ashore and visit the authentic, quaint, unspoilt village nestled among the towering forest trees. The children’s school is a must-visit.
We depart Njao in the late morning and set sail for the Tanzanian coast, more specifically Pangani, about four hours’ sail away. Activities en-route include swimming, games, trolling for game fish, lessons on navigation and basic boat characteristics, or simply relaxing and sun-tanning to music. Lunch is served whilst under way. We arrive at Miswali, a pristine and unbelievably well-preserved marine nature reserve just off the coast at around 14h00. Here we anchor and snorkel or dive the countless stunning reefs that surround the small sand-bank. Sundowners are either on board or on the sand-bank, followed by a beach barbecue and star-gazing session.
Day 5: Day Five
After breakfast we sail up the Pangani river channel and go ashore to visit the town. Pangani is a pristine town offering several outstanding restaurants and lodges, and opens the gateway to big game parks (at additional cost) where one can view lions and other wild African species in their natural habitats. A must-see thrill! Four-wheel drive tours to see crocodiles and other game are just a finger-click away. Options are to stay (at additional cost) in one of the lodges onshore or return to the yacht to sleep.
Day 6: Day Six
We recommend a road trip to nearby Arusha, home of some of Tanzania’s finest coffees, cultural villages, and art and fashion studios. Here one will experience the real feel of the African continent and its colourful, soulful, friendly people. Again, the options are to stay over in Arusha (at additional cost), or return to Pangani and board the yacht for the night.
A Shorter Option: One-Night Mnemba Overnighter
If you have less time, a one-night overnighter departs Nungwi in the early afternoon and takes about two hours to sail round the northern tip of Zanzibar and down the east coast to Mnemba. There are snorkelling options, or a coral reef dive south of the island if you choose to scuba dive, and dolphins are often seen along the way. Dinner is prepared by the chef and crew, and the evening finishes with games or star-gazing.