Makunduchi

Makunduchi Zanzibar

Makunduchi Zanzibar is a Tanzanian town, located at the southeastern tip of Unguja, south of Jambiani, in the South District of the Zanzibar Central/South Region. The town comprises two distinct settlements, about 2 km from each other, “Old Makunduchi” and “New Makunduchi

How to get here:

  • Fly: You can fly to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) from several destinations in East Africa and across the world. The major international airport in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam has direct flights to Zanzibar.
  • Drive: You can drive from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) to Makunduchi and the trip takes about 75 minutes.

Main Attractions

Mwaka Koga

The Mwaka Koga or Mwaka Kogwa is the show of the year that takes place in July or August to welcome the Persian Year. The event is a ritual battle that sees huts burnt and predictions for the New Year are made based on the smoke. It’s an amazing cultural event you must not miss when you visit Makunduchi.

Paradise Island

Located right in the center of the Indian Ocean, about 30 minutes boat ride from Makunduchi, Paradise Island features a glistering powdery atoll where you can swim and relax, and maybe swim among the tropical fishes on the reef along the way.

Mnemba Atoll

Mnemba Atoll is well-known for its extraordinary coastal surrounding and its coral reef, which features a wide range of marine species such as whale sharks, clownfishes, green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, lionfishes, and colourful corals. It’s a great spot for diving and snorkeling. It’s located just 45minutes by boat from Makunduchi town.

Prison Island

Located several kilometers from Makunduchi town, the Prison Island is home to the centenary Aldabra tortoises donated to the Sultan of Zanzibar by the British governor of Seychelles. You can also visit the ancient prisons of slaves on the island. After, you can visit the nearby sandy beach surrounded by glistering waters for some snorkeling and swimming activities.

Flight to Makunduchi Zanzibar with Tripsbetter.

Information for visitors

Get Direction

Overview

  • Time zone: UTC / GMT +3
  • Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TSH, often written as =/)
  • Driving: the left-hand side of the road
  • Power Outlets: 220V-240V 50Hz. Plug types are ‘Type D & G (British)’
  • Closest (air)ports: Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), 6 km from Stone Town, full name Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and the ferry terminal for the ferries from Dar es Salaam and to Pemba.
  • WIFI and internet widely available but do not expect uninterrupted service.
  • Many banks, ATMs, and Foreign Exchange offices

Best Time To Visit

Zanzibar has a tropical climate and can be visited year-round. But for a sunny experience, it is best to avoid the rainy seasons from mid-March to the end of May and  then the ‘short rains’ November.

If you visit Zanzibar specifically for diving, it is good to know the diving on the north coast is excellent from June to October, and the south coast is best between November and March.

Popular Activities

  • Mwaka Koga held in July/August.
  • A Quad Bike Ride: The old Makunduchi is where you will find the fishermen while the new Makunduchi is a modern town built with the help of East German funds. With a quad bike, you can visit any of these places.
  • Snorkeling
  • Scuba Diving
  • Sailing
  • Swimming

For more fun in Zanzibar, we suggest you search and compare tours we have available on the Island.

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