Traditional Swahili Dhow Sailing: Handcrafted Boats of the Spice Coast

The Living Art of Swahili Boat Building

Along the quiet sandbars of Nungwi and Kendwa at the northern tip of Unguja, you can hear the rhythm of wooden mallets and hand saws. Master carpenters still build traditional dhows by eye, using local timber, copper spikes, and natural oils.

Sunset Dhow Cruises

Taking a late afternoon sail on a traditional wooden dhow is one of the defining experiences of a Zanzibar holiday. As the triangular lateen sail catches the sea breeze, you glide across the ocean while the sun dips beneath the horizon.