Visiting a Seaweed Farm in Zanzibar: An Honest Guide
Zanzibar is usually associated with white sand beaches, turquoise water, and lazy afternoons under palm trees. And while all of that is very much true, there is another side of the island that often goes unnoticed by visitors staying inside beach resorts.
Visiting a seaweed farm in Zanzibar is one of those experiences that quietly stays with you long after the trip ends, simple, raw, and deeply connected to everyday life on the island. It was really a short excursion, but one that I still remember since it was so unique.
Seaweed farming is not a staged attraction here (like you might have seen in some places). It’s a real livelihood, mostly run by women, shaped by tides, weather, and patience. If you’re curious about how Zanzibar works beyond tourism, this is one of the most meaningful ways to see it.
What to know about Visiting a Seaweed Farm in Zanzibar
I spent nearly two weeks in Zanzibar over Christmas and New Year and this was also a solo trip. From all the excursions I took, visitng the seaweed farm was the most interesting and unique. I was not super busy, let’s be honest, I spent a big part of the trip doing totally nothing apart from walking, watching the sky and reading. But this visit is really worth mentioning.
What Is Seaweed Farming in Zanzibar?
Seaweed farming has been part of Zanzibar’s coastal economy since the 1980s. Along shallow lagoons, mostly on the east coast of the island, you’ll find long ropes stretched between wooden sticks, covered in small green and red seaweed plants. These farms appear and disappear with the tides, which means timing is everything.
The seaweed is grown mainly for export and later used in:
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cosmetics
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food products
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pharmaceuticals
Despite its global demand, the work itself is physically demanding and not particularly well paid. This is exactly why visiting a seaweed farm in Zanzibar should be done respectfully, as a learning experience, not a photo stop. This is also a way to contribute to the local economy.
Where to Visit a Seaweed Farm in Zanzibar
The best places to see seaweed farms are on the east coast, where the tides are dramatic and the lagoons shallow:
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Paje – the most accessible and commonly visited (this is the one I went to). This place is called Mwani.
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Jambiani – quieter and more local
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Bwejuu – less touristy, very authentic
In these villages, seaweed farming blends naturally into daily life. Women walk barefoot across the seabed, baskets balanced on their heads, working quietly as the ocean retreats.
Best Time to Visit a Seaweed Farm in Zanzibar
Timing is everything when it comes to visiting a seaweed farm in Zanzibar. Because seaweed farming depends entirely on the tides, visits are only possible during low tide, when the shallow lagoon is exposed enough to walk through. High tide simply covers the farms completely.
Most visits take place early in the morning or late afternoon, depending on the tide schedule that day. Your guide will usually plan the visit around this, so it’s not something you need to calculate yourself, but it’s good to be aware that flexibility is key.
In terms of season, seaweed farms can be visited year-round, but the dry season (June–October) tends to be more comfortable, with less humidity and clearer skies. I visited in late December, during the warmer season, and while it was hot, the experience was still absolutely worth it.
What does a visit to seaweed farm look like
I visited the seaweed farm in Zanzibar as part of a bigger tour and it was one of the stops. Instead of joining a group, I decided to hire my own guide for the day and have flexibility with all the stops. We arrived at Mwani Zanzibar, the most popular seaweed farm among the tourists as it has some facilities and a shop.
A typical seaweed farm tour in Zanzibar is simple, slow, and very grounded in everyday life. There’s no set script or performance, instead, you usually meet a local woman (or a small group) directly on the beach or in the village and walk together out to the lagoon during low tide.
We first entered a little shop that serves as a ”headquarters”’, I’d say, for the farm. We were given rubber shoes to walk to the farm as it is a bit of a walk through the beach, which during the day has a really hot sand. After a little introduction, we met one of the women working at the farm.
She explained how the seaweed is planted, tied to ropes, and left to grow in the shallow water, all while working as she talked. You’ll see the tools used, learn how long harvesting takes, and how the seaweed is later dried and prepared for sale.
Most tours last around 30 to 60 minutes and often end with a short conversation about how seaweed is used in cosmetics and food, or how income from farming supports families and the community. It’s informal and fascinating. It is the kind of experience that feels more like being invited into someone’s daily routine than “doing a tour.”
What to Wear and Bring for a Seaweed Farm Visit
This is not a polished, Instagram-style excursion — and that’s exactly why it’s special. Still, a few practical choices will make your visit much more comfortable. Also, this particular part f the tour is rather short and most likely you’ll continue your day in different places.
I’d recommend:
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Water shoes or reef shoes (essential – the seabed can be rocky and sharp). I had water trainers with me, but since I was offered rubber shoes in the shop, I used them instead of mine.
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Light, breathable clothing you don’t mind getting wet. It was absolutely scorching. Maybe the air was not the hottest, but the sun in Zanzibar is extremely strong. I would recommend covering up with light fabrics.
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A hat and sunscreen as there is no shade in the lagoon. This is a must. I got sunburnt in Zanzibar one day wearing SOF50 and being in shade. So you can only imagine how dangerous it can be fully exposed in the lagoon.
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Reusable water bottle. You will need plenty water there, that goes without saying, really.
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Small cash if you’d like to buy local seaweed-based products or tip anyone.
You’ll likely be walking barefoot or in shallow water, sometimes bending down, sometimes standing still while listening. Comfort matters more than looks here. But I agree that this place can serve as a breathtaking background for your photos.
Can You Combine a Seaweed Farm Visit With Other Zanzibar Attractions?
Absolutely, and this is how I’d recommend doing it. The visit to the farm is short, as I already mentioned. There are a few other places to visit nearby. Because most seaweed farms are on the east coast, it’s very easy to combine this experience with:
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A morning seaweed farm visit
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Lunch in Paje or Jambiani
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An afternoon beach walk or kitesurfing spot
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Or even a same-day visit to Jozani Forest, especially if you’re already heading inland
I talk more about this exact route in my post about [visiting Jozani Forest], which pairs surprisingly well with the east coast experiences.
This kind of day gives you a much more layered understanding of Zanzibar, beyond beaches and resorts.
Is Visiting a Seaweed Farm Ethical?
This is a question I asked myself before going, and one I think more travelers should ask.
Seaweed farming in Zanzibar is not created for tourists. It existed long before guided visits became popular, and for many women, it remains their primary source of income. When done respectfully, visiting a seaweed farm can be a positive and empowering experience, especially when you:
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Visit with a local guide
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Avoid intrusive photography
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Listen more than you speak
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Support women-led initiatives or buy products directly from the farm
Places like Mwani Zanzibar are a good example of how tourism and tradition can coexist when handled properly. The visit felt educational, not exploitative — and that matters.
See also:
- Zanzibar Travel Guide: How to Explore Jozani Forest and See Red Colobus Monkeys
- Guide to Zanzibar: What First-Time Visitors Need to Know
- 10 days in Seychelles: what you can see and do.
- A guide to malaria free safari in South Africa – Madikwe.
Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.
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