Ten days sailing the island chain off the East African coast, departing and returning to Stone Town, Zanzibar. You sail aboard Synergy, our 40ft catamaran, with a skipper and first mate, in a group of just four. The route is shaped by wind, current and what the group wants, so you visit at least one island and perhaps two.
- Historic Stone Town: spice-scented alleys, carved doors and a harbour that rewards a second look.
- The Pemba Channel: nutrient-rich water, coral walls dropping to 300 metres and anchorages such as Vumawimbi beach.
- Mafia Island Marine Park: over 460 species of fish, nesting hawksbill and green turtles, and Chole Bay’s coral gardens.
- Every point of sail: from calm breezes to tighter close-hauled stretches.
- No experience needed.
Itinerary and what to expect (potential routings; the actual route follows weather and the group)
Day 1: Join the yacht in Stone Town in the afternoon for a full safety briefing and welcome aboard.
Option A, to Mafia: Depart Stone Town, round the north of Zanzibar and head south past the Songo Songo Archipelago, with its dhow-building villages and quiet anchorages, to Mafia Island Marine Park.
Option B, to Pemba: Thread north into the Pemba Channel for Pemba Island’s clove plantations, Ngezi forest and coral walls.
Final leg: Return to Stone Town from the north, past Tumbatu Island, to end among the spice market and dhow harbour.