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Watersports and dhow race
- September
Dhow Race
The organisation behind this event is the Zanzibar International Film Festival, which was established in 1997 to promote social and economic growth through the development of the film industry and other related cultural endeavours in this region. Zanzibar is a deeply historic and vibrant centre which epitomises the energy of the festival.
The Dhow was chosen to represent this cross-cultural celebration because of what it symbolizes - tradition and travel. The Dhow is an Arab sailing vessel which has been used extensively for transport and trade along the Indian Ocean coast of Africa for centuries.
This elegant craft with its single sail has an historic and cultural significance. Communication and tourism links have been forged between countries and an identity created with the use of this vessel. For many, the Dhow represents a magnificent journey into adventure.
The Festival of the Dhow Countries is an annual event and now one of the biggest in East Africa. Art and culture from Africa, the Indian Ocean Islands, the Gulf States, Iran and India is featured at the festival. The event is usually held in the first 2 weeks of July and each year has a specific theme.
Attendees can enjoy conferences, workshops and seminars in between displays of the performing arts including music and theatre shows. The festival programme includes special features, activities and discussions around the role of film in rural communities, women's issues plus children and youth development. The main highlight is the showcasing of film and video features for which there is a competition.
The event unfolds at various venues around the waterfront of Stone Town on Zanzibar Island. The final night of the event is set aside for the Zanzibar International Film Festival Awards and the airing of short films produced during the workshops.
Come and enjoy cross-cultural displays of creativity, music and theatre in a vibrant and historic setting, at the Annual Festival of the Dhow Countries, in Zanzibar, a celebration of art in many forms, particularly the art of film making.
Water Sports
zanzibar is fast becoming one of the top diving destinations in the world: coral reef structures abundant with marine life, good visibility (20-60metres) and a year round average temperature of 27°C make for an excellent diving and snorkelling experience. mnemba atol possesses one of the highest concentrations of turtles anywhere in the world and the numerous coral reefs off the coast of nunwgi are teeming with napoleon wrasse, graceful manta rays, kingfish, barracuda and wahoo fish.
Scuba divers will appreciate fantastic wall dives, night dives and drift dives off beautiful beaches, in warm and tropical waters and be rewarded with a rich variety of marine life. scuba divers will appreciate fantastic wall dives, night dives and drift dives off beautiful beaches, in warm and tropical waters and be rewarded with a rich variety of marine life.
kite surfing
The kaskazi wind that once powered the sailboats of exotic merchant traders to zanzibar is now being enjoyed by kite surfers. the reliable winds, white powdery beaches and shallow turquoise water make it a kite surfer’s paradise.
kite surfing has grown rapidly in recent years. it is an exciting sport for people of all ages and abilities…all you need is the power of the wind and there is no damage to our precious environment….!