The comparison
| Criterion | Safari Blue | Mnemba |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Full day | Half day of about 4 hours (departure around 8 am) |
| Price per adult | 85 USD from the operator, 85 to 150 USD from resellers | 30 to 65 USD; conservation fee sometimes included, sometimes 15 to 30 USD extra |
| Included | Mask and snorkel, guide, food and drinks | Varies: check; often snorkelling, sometimes the transfer |
| Departure | Fumba, south-west | Matemwe, Kendwa or Nungwi |
| Strengths | Dhow, sandbank, mangrove lagoon, lunch | Reef, turtles, possible dolphins |
| Dolphins | Not guaranteed | Not guaranteed |
Who it suits
- Safari Blue: family, group, first stay, you want a day with no organising. The child rate (45 USD for ages 6 to 14) is useful.
- Mnemba: snorkelling fans, small budget or a stay in the north and east, and you do not want to lose a day.
What to check
For Mnemba, the conservation fee (amounts cited: 15, 25 or 30 USD depending on sources, no official source found) and the transfer; for Safari Blue, the transfer from your hotel, longer from the north. See also Prison Island for a cheaper option from Stone Town, and Kizimkazi for dolphins.
When to go
Dry season, June to October and December to February; the main rains cancel trips. See when to visit Zanzibar.
FAQ
Safari Blue or Mnemba, which is better?
Safari Blue for a full all-inclusive day, Mnemba for snorkelling.
Which is cheaper?
Mnemba as a half day, according to the offers noted.
Can you do both?
Yes, on two different days: they leave from opposite coasts.
Going further
See diving in Zanzibar, Zanzibar in 4 days and the budget for Zanzibar.
