Overview
Zanzibar Beaches & Islands
Zanzibar, the Spice Island, invites you to unwind on some of the world’s most pristine beaches. Stroll barefoot across white sands lapped by turquoise waters, snorkel or dive vibrant coral reefs, and explore historic Stone Town with its winding alleys, spice markets, and Swahili-Arab heritage. Offshore islands, mangrove forests, and dhow cruises at sunset add to Zanzibar’s rich blend of culture and nature.
Stay in boutique beach resorts, luxury villas, and eco-lodges that merge coastal beauty with warm island hospitality. Enjoy spice tours, village visits, and dolphin encounters, or combine your beach retreat with a wildlife safari on mainland Tanzania. Whether it’s romance, relaxation, or adventure, Zanzibar offers a perfect post-safari escape or a standalone holiday paradise.
With Shah Tours’ expertise, your Zanzibar journey is tailored for seamless travel, authentic experiences, and unforgettable memories. From honeymoon escapes to family beach holidays, Zanzibar delivers timeless charm, cultural depth, and the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.
Top Beaches & Islands
Zanzibar is blessed with dazzling beaches and idyllic islands, from lively Nungwi and Paje to tranquil Jambiani, Kendwa, and hidden gems like Mnemba and Chumbe. Each offers crystal-clear waters, white sands, and a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture.

Paje Beach

Nungwi Beach

Kendwa Beach

Mnemba Atoll

Prison Island
Where to Stay for your Zanzibar Beaches Safari
Discover the best places to stay across Zanzibar’s unique regions – from Stone Town’s rich history and culture, to Nungwi’s lively nightlife, Paje’s world-class kitesurfing beaches, and Jambiani’s relaxed coastal charm.
- South-East
(Jambiani) - South-East
(Paje / Michamvi) - North-East
(Matemwe / Muyuni / Kiwengwa) - East
(Pongwe / Uroa / Marumbi) - West
(Stone Town) - North
(Nungwi) - North-West
(Kendwa)

Casa Beach Hotel
- Style of lodge: Beachfront boutique hotel with pool
- Location: Jambiani, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Jozani Forest, Stone Town & Spice tours
Casa Beach Hotel is a relaxed Jambiani beachfront base with an ocean-view pool, direct beach access, and easy links to island tours.

Fun Beach Hotel
- Style of lodge: Beachfront resort with pools
- Location: Jambiani, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Kuza Cave, Jozani Forest
Fun Beach Hotel is a relaxed Jambiani base with spacious pools, palm gardens, and direct beach access ideal for watersports and island tours.

Nur Beach Hotel
- Style of lodge: Beachfront boutique hotel with pool
- Location: Jambiani, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Kuza Cave, Jozani Forest
Nur Beach Hotel is a relaxed Jambiani base with seafront bungalows, an ocean-view pool, and direct beach access ideal for watersports and island tours.

Nyumbani Residence
- Style of lodge: Self-catering apartments with pools
- Location: Jambiani, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Kuza Cave, Jozani Forest
Nyumbani Residence offers modern self-catering apartments in Jambiani with pools, leafy gardens, and easy access to Jambiani and Paje beaches ideal for families and long stays.

The Loop Beach Resort
- Style of lodge: Beachfront boutique resort with infinity pool
- Location: Jambiani, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Kuza Cave, Jozani Forest
The Loop Beach Resort is a stylish Jambiani retreat with an oceanfront pool, watersports centre, and direct beach access ideal for active days and relaxed island escapes.

The Oasis Residence
- Style of lodge: Eco-chic residence with pools
- Location: Jambiani, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Kuza Cave, Jozani Forest
The Oasis Residence is a serene Jambiani retreat set in a palm grove, 250 m from the beach, with pools, gym, and on-site dining ideal for island tours.

La Luna Suite Apartments
- Style of lodge: Self-catering apartments with pool
- Location: Jambiani, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Kuza Cave, Jozani Forest
La Luna Suite Apartments is a sustainable Jambiani base with kitchen-equipped suites and a large central pool ideal for longer stays near the beach.

Mwezi Boutique Resort
- Style of lodge: Beachfront boutique resort with pool
- Location: Jambiani, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Kuza Cave, Jozani Forest
Mwezi Boutique Resort is a serene Jambiani base with ocean-view bungalows, a beachside pool, and direct access to white-sand shores ideal for watersports and island tours.

Uzuri Boutique Hotel
- Style of lodge: Beachfront boutique hotel with pool
- Location: Jambiani, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Kuza Cave, Jozani Forest
Uzuri Boutique Hotel is an intimate Jambiani beachfront hideaway with sea-view suites, a pool, and direct beach access ideal for relaxed stays and island tours.

Reef & Beach Resort
- Style of lodge: Beachfront resort with pools & jetty
- Location: Jambiani, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Kuza Cave, Jozani Forest
Reef & Beach Resort is a relaxed oceanfront base with multiple pools, a long seafront jetty, and direct beach access ideal for island tours and downtime.

Aluna Paje Hotel
- Style of lodge: Near-beach boutique hotel with pool & gym
- Location: Paje, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Jozani Forest, Kuza Cave
Aluna Paje is a stylish Paje hideaway with a pool, rooftop views, small gym and spa, and easy beach access ideal for kitesurfing breaks and island tours.

Qambani Luxury Resort
- Style of lodge: Luxury oceanfront villa resort with pools
- Location: Michamvi, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: The Rock Restaurant, Jozani Forest, sunset dhow cruises
Qambani Luxury Resort is an exclusive Michamvi retreat with ocean-view villas, infinity pools, and private beach access ideal for serene stays and curated island experiences.

Kisiwa on the Beach
- Style of lodge: All-villa beachfront resort with pool
- Location: Paje, South-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Paje kitesurfing, Jozani Forest, Stone Town & Spice tours
Kisiwa on the Beach is an all-villa Paje retreat with a beachfront pool, white-sand access, and easy links to island tours.

Jafferji Beach Retreat
- Style of lodge: Beachfront boutique retreat with pool
- Location: Matemwe (Kigomani), North-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Mnemba snorkelling & diving, dhow cruises, Stone Town & spice tours
Jafferji Beach Retreat is a quiet Matemwe base with an ocean-view pool and Swahili-inspired suites ideal for beach downtime and water adventures.

Sunshine Azure Zanzibar Beach Hotel
- Style of lodge: Boutique beachfront hotel with pools
- Location: Matemwe, North-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Mnemba Atoll snorkeling, dhow cruises, Stone Town & Spice tours
Sunshine Azure is a tranquil Matemwe base with ocean-view pools, Swahili-inspired rooms, and direct access to a white-sand beach ideal for reef trips and relaxed stays.

Sunshine Bay Zanzibar Beach
- Style of lodge: Beachfront boutique hotel with pools
- Location: Matemwe–Kigomani, North-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Mnemba snorkeling, Dive Point Zanzibar, Stone Town & Spice tours
Sunshine Bay Zanzibar Beach Hotel is a relaxed Matemwe hideaway with a private beach cove, ocean-view pools, and easy access to Mnemba Island trips.

Sunshine Marine Zanzibar Cliff Lodge
- Style of lodge: Cliff-top eco-lodge with pools
- Location: Matemwe/Muyuni, North-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Mnemba Atoll diving & snorkelling, yoga, Stone Town tours
Sunshine Marine Lodge is a cliff-top escape overlooking Mnemba with ocean-view pools, lush gardens, and an in-house PADI 5-Star dive centre ideal for quiet stays and marine adventures.

The Mora Zanzibar
- Style of lodge: Luxury all-inclusive beachfront resort
- Location: Matemwe (Muyuni Beach), North-East Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Mnemba snorkelling, Nungwi & Stone Town, Jozani Forest
The Mora Zanzibar is a high-end all-inclusive base on Muyuni Beach with ocean-view pools, private beach access, and easy launch for Mnemba Atoll trips.

Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa
- Style of lodge: Luxury beachfront resort with spa
- Location: Kiwengwa, East Coast Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Mnemba snorkelling, Jozani Forest, Stone Town tours
Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury Kiwengwa base with lush gardens, ocean-view pools, the Oasis Spa, and direct beach access ideal for families and island adventures.

TOA Hotel & Spa
- Style of lodge: Beachfront resort & spa
- Location: Pongwe, East Coast Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Mnemba snorkeling, Jozani Forest, Stone Town & Spice tours
TOA Hotel & Spa is a polished beachfront base in Pongwe with ocean-view pools, a full-service spa, and direct beach access ideal for relaxed escapes and island tours.

Zanzibar Bay Resort
- Style of lodge: Beachfront all-inclusive resort with pools
- Location: Marumbi, East Coast Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Jozani Forest, Chwaka Bay sandbanks, Stone Town & Spice tours
Zanzibar Bay Resort is a relaxed Marumbi beachfront base with infinity pools, a jetty bar, and direct beach access ideal for families and island tours.

Dream of Zanzibar Resort & Spa
- Style of lodge: Premium all-inclusive beachfront resort
- Location: Uroa, East Coast Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Stone Town, Jozani Forest, Blue Safari
Dream of Zanzibar Resort & Spa is a relaxed Uroa beachfront base with an ocean-view pool, spa, and direct beach access ideal for island tours and laid-back days.

Paradise Beach Resort
- Style of lodge: Beachfront resort with pools
- Location: Uroa/Marumbi, East Coast Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Spice tours, Jozani Forest, Stone Town
Paradise Beach Resort is a relaxed beachfront base with spacious pools, palm gardens, and direct beach access ideal for family stays and island tours.

Kisiwa House
- Style of lodge: Boutique heritage hotel
- Location: Stone Town, Zanzibar City
- Perfect with: Stone Town tours, Spice Farm, Prison Island
Kisiwa House is a restored 19th-century mansion offering elegant Swahili design, a serene rooftop terrace, and easy access to Stone Town’s UNESCO-listed sights.

Jafferji House
- Style of lodge: Heritage boutique hotel
- Location: Stone Town, Zanzibar City
- Perfect with: Stone Town tours, Forodhani Gardens, Spice & Prison Island
Jafferji House is a character-filled Stone Town base with Swahili décor, a rooftop terrace, and easy access to markets and historic landmarks.

Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
- Style of lodge: Beachfront all-inclusive resort with multiple pools
- Location: Nungwi, North Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Sunset dhow cruises, Mnemba snorkeling, Kendwa nightlife
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort is a spacious Nungwi beachfront escape with four pools, tropical gardens, and direct beach access ideal for couples, families, and island tours.

Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco
- Style of lodge: Beachfront resort with pool
- Location: Nungwi, North Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Kendwa sunsets, dhow cruises, turtle aquarium
Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco is a relaxed northern base with an oceanfront pool, private beach access, and easy links to snorkeling and island tours.

Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa
- Style of lodge: Luxury beachfront resort with spa & pool
- Location: Kendwa, North-West Zanzibar
- Perfect with: Mnemba Atoll snorkeling, Nungwi tours, sunset dhow cruises
Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa is a luxury Kendwa beachfront base with a wide pool, serene spa, and direct white-sand access ideal for snorkeling and north coast excursions.
Top Activities & Experiences
From spice tours and Stone Town explorations to snorkeling, diving, and kite surfing, Zanzibar offers unforgettable adventures. Sail on a traditional dhow at sunset, visit giant tortoises on Prison Island, or simply unwind on pristine beaches surrounded by turquoise seas

Dolphin tours in Kizimkazi

Stone Town exploration

Snorkeling & diving reefs

Sunset dhow cruises

Spice tours

Village cultural visits
Travel Tips & Essentials for Your Zanzibar Beaches Safari
Pack light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and modest attire for cultural visits. Bring cash in USD or Tanzanian Shillings, and check visa and health requirements before travel. Respect local customs, especially in Stone Town and villages

Travel Info for Tanzania

Which Airport to Choose?

Vaccinations & Health Tips
Photos & Videos of Zanzibar Beaches Safari
Discover Zanzibar’s beauty through stunning photos and videos, from turquoise waters and white-sand beaches to vibrant culture, spice tours, and unforgettable sunsets.
Why Book Your Zanzibar Beaches Safari Tour with Shah Tours?
Shah Tours combines over 40 years of expertise with trusted local partnerships to craft seamless Zanzibar holidays. From handpicked beach lodges to personalized activities, we ensure comfort, safety, and authentic experiences that make your island escape unforgettable.

Decades of Cultural Safari Expertise

Expert Local Guides at Every Fly-In Stop

Safe, Comfortable & Respectful Travel
Other Safari Tours & Destinations Connected to Zanzibar Beaches Safari
Combine Zanzibar’s beaches with Tanzania’s top safari parks for the ultimate holiday. Pair your island escape with the Serengeti’s Great Migration, Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife wonders, or Tarangire’s elephant herds. Short flights link Zanzibar with mainland adventures seamlessly

Ngorongoro Highlands

Usambara Mountains

Climb Mount Meru

9 day Complete North safari

Waterfall & Coffee day trip

Walking safaris
Frequently Asked Questions About Zanzibar Beaches Safari in Tanzania
Find quick answers to common questions about Zanzibar beach holidays, including the best time to visit, top beaches, activities, safety tips, and travel essentials to help you plan with ease
Zanzibar is known for its beautiful beaches
Zanzibar offers some of the most stunning beaches in the world, with powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. Popular spots include Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kitesurfing. The calm, warm Indian Ocean makes Zanzibar a dream holiday destination for beach lovers. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Zanzibar’s beaches provide the ideal setting for a tropical island escape.
Important things to be careful of in Zanzibar
While Zanzibar is generally safe, travelers should be mindful of strong sun exposure, ocean currents, and local cultural norms. Modest dress is encouraged away from the beach, especially in Stone Town and villages. Always secure valuables, avoid unlicensed guides, and drink bottled water to prevent illness. Respecting local traditions and staying cautious while swimming ensures a safe and enjoyable Zanzibar beach holiday experience.
Swimming in the ocean in Zanzibar
Swimming in Zanzibar is generally safe, especially at popular beaches like Kendwa, Nungwi, and Paje, which offer calm, clear waters. However, swimmers should remain aware of tides, as water levels can shift dramatically. Always check local guidance and avoid swimming alone at remote spots. With its warm Indian Ocean waters and vibrant marine life, Zanzibar provides a wonderful environment for safe and refreshing swims.
Cost considerations for a Zanzibar beach holiday
Zanzibar offers a wide range of budgets, from affordable guesthouses to luxury beach resorts. Meals at local restaurants are inexpensive, while international dining and premium accommodations cost more. Activities such as spice tours, snorkeling, and diving vary in price. Overall, Zanzibar is cheaper than many Indian Ocean destinations like Maldives or Seychelles, making it an attractive choice for travelers seeking value without sacrificing beautiful beaches.
The official currency used in Zanzibar
The official currency of Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US Dollars are widely accepted in hotels, tours, and some restaurants, though change is often given in shillings. For local markets and smaller shops, having Tanzanian Shillings is essential. ATMs and currency exchange bureaus are available in Stone Town and larger towns. Using the local currency enhances convenience and provides better value during your Zanzibar beach holiday.
Reasons why Zanzibar is famous worldwide
Zanzibar is famous for its pristine beaches, spice plantations, and rich Swahili culture. The island’s turquoise waters, coral reefs, and historic Stone Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site attract visitors from around the globe. Its vibrant spice trade history, stunning sunsets, and diverse marine life make it a unique destination. Zanzibar perfectly combines relaxation with cultural exploration, creating an unforgettable island holiday experience in East Africa.
Comparing Zanzibar and Maldives for holidays
Zanzibar and Maldives both offer stunning tropical escapes, but they differ in style and cost. Zanzibar combines exotic beaches with cultural experiences, spice tours, and historical Stone Town exploration. The Maldives is more resort-focused and often higher priced. For travelers seeking both beach relaxation and cultural immersion, Zanzibar provides better value. Its diverse attractions and affordability make it an excellent alternative to the Maldives.
The value of visiting Zanzibar
A holiday to Zanzibar is well worth it for its mix of breathtaking beaches, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities. Visitors can relax on pristine shores, dive among coral reefs, or wander through Stone Town’s winding alleys. Spice tours and local cuisine add unique flavor to the journey. Zanzibar’s blend of natural beauty and authentic cultural charm makes it a truly worthwhile destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and discovery.
Cheapest month to visit Zanzibar
The cheapest time to visit Zanzibar is typically during the long rainy season, from March to May. During this period, accommodation and flight prices drop, offering budget-friendly deals. While heavy rains can limit some activities, it’s an excellent time for quiet beach stays, cultural tours, and enjoying fewer crowds. Travelers who don’t mind occasional showers can experience Zanzibar’s charm at lower costs compared to peak tourist months.
Health risks to consider in Zanzibar
Travelers to Zanzibar should be aware of some health considerations. Malaria is present, so prophylaxis and mosquito protection are recommended. Tap water is not safe to drink, so bottled or filtered water is essential. Sunburn and dehydration are common risks due to strong tropical sun. Basic vaccinations, travel insurance, and practicing food hygiene further reduce risks. With preparation, most visitors enjoy a safe and healthy beach holiday in Zanzibar.
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Excellent rating
Based on 347 reviews![]()
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My group of five colleagues and I climbed Kilimanjaro via the seven-day Machame Route with Shah Tours. Communication with Ramon before and after the climb was seamless and extremely professional. All questions were answered quickly and promptly. Even a glove I forgot in my rental luggage was later delivered to my hotel in Arusha by our guide. Our guides, Baraka, Hillary, and Felix, were excellent mountain guides who provided outstanding support throughout the tour and kept our spirits up even during the most challenging moments. The food during the climb was always freshly prepared. We usually had soup as a starter, followed by either a stew with rice or noodles, or, for example, potatoes with fried fish or meat. A delicious pizza was served the evening before the summit attempt. I would also like to commend the rest of the crew for their consistently positive attitude and courteous service. The rental equipment was of good quality. However, on a future tour, I would opt for better sleeping mats, as the standard ones became quite thin after a while. Overall, it was a great experience to do the climb with Shah Tours.
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Nils Bindauf14 September 2026Verified
Kilimandscharo It was the best experience we have ever had with Shah Tours. We always felt completely comfortable and well taken care of. The guides, porters, and cook were incredibly kind and friendly. They always greeted us with a smile and even sang for us. Even at 4,700 meters above sea level, they baked us a cake because it was our wedding anniversary. That was such a special and unforgettable gesture. I can honestly say that this was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives, and we would recommend Shah Tours to anyone without hesitation! Thank you all and best wishes to Mathayo, Felix and the Team! We miss you guys.
Laura S2 September 2026Verified
7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame circuit climb Our Kilimanjaro trek via the 7-day Machame Route was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The admission fee for our group of 12 was included in the tour package. The route itself was breathtaking, with incredible scenery that changed every day—from lush rainforest and dramatic valleys to rocky alpine landscapes and the spectacular summit views above the clouds. What truly made the trip exceptional was the professionalism and kindness of the Shah Tour and guides with special mention of Matheyo. The Matheyo and team was organized, supportive, and attentive throughout the hike. Our guides set a steady, comfortable pace, constantly checked on everyone’s wellbeing, and shared valuable encouragement and knowledge about the mountain. Their experience and calm leadership gave us confidence, especially on the more challenging summit night. The porters and camp crew also deserve enormous appreciation. They worked incredibly hard to make sure we were comfortable, well fed, and prepared each day. The meals were delicious and surprisingly varied for a mountain trek, and the camps were always ready when we arrived. Reaching Uhuru Peak was one of the proudest moments of our lives, and we could not have done it without this amazing team. We highly recommend this company to anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route. Their care, expertise, and genuine commitment to their guests made this adventure truly special.
2jipatel25 August 2026Verified
Great Kili hike Great hike! Guides and support staff handled all the logistics and we made it up to the summit. A challenging hike, but our experience was great
Cooper N22 August 2026Verified
Pole pole to the roof of africa with Shah, was great. When deciding which company to book for our Kilimanjaro and Safari trip in Tanzanie we have been in contact with several companies. We wanted to do the private tour as a couple. We had 9 full days to organize. Firstly we thought we will do 7 days and 2 days safari (Tarangire and Ngorngoro). Nevertheless, as our priority was Kilimanjaro we selected 8 days Lemosho route to increase our chances to reach the top. This left only 1 day for safari first. I was trying to discuss with companies the options to go faster If we feel well and then possibly have time to do both national Parks of Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Shah Tours tourned out to be the only very flexible operator to offer this option of shortening the trip If everything goes well. So, on the day 6, when arriving to Kosovo camp from Karaga camp, we asked If we could proceed with our summit on the same day, they did not hesitate to support us. During the whole trip the guides (Innocent and Leon) and the porters shared very positive energy and support. A Lot of dancing, laughter and happy faces even in hard moments. Finally, thanks to all that, we manager to finish our hike in 7 days instead of 8 and had enough time to include another day of safari in our itinerary. No planning, no phone calls, no waiting. Shah was monitoring our progress and once the office received the message we are descending on day 7, everything was organized (additional accomodation and guide for safari, food and transport). We had amazing time in tanzanie, Thank you Shah Tours for your work and efforts in making our trip unforgetable.
Anna M17 August 2026Verified
Enjoyed We started our tour with 4 guides, the walk through the different terrains was an amazing experience, i was happy that Shah Tours catered for vegan food through and the chef cooked delicious food apt for mountain climbing. This route was hard for me as a beginner but i made it. All the personal porters were amazing.
Krunali G16 August 2026Verified
An unforgettable experience we wouldn't want to miss Great, motivating guides, superbly organized tour, very customer-focused, friendly, courteous, and very attentive porters… absolutely no complaints! Highly recommended!
Esther D12 August 2026Verified
Unique, years-long contact with Shah Tours. There's nothing better for travel off the beaten track.
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Andreas kurt B6 August 2026Verified
Kilimanjaro I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with Joker as the main tour operator and Shah Tours as the local partner. It was truly an unforgettable experience, thanks to the amazing team that supported us throughout the entire trek. Our head guide, Calvin, and our second guide, August, were both incredibly experienced, professional, and motivating. Their knowledge and guidance made me feel safe and confident every step of the way. They did everything they could to help us reach the summit safely and successfully. The entire crew, including the porters and cooks, was outstanding. After seven days together on the mountain, they felt like a second family. Their kindness, encouragement, and dedication made this challenging adventure even more special and memorable. I highly recommend Joker and Shah Tours to anyone planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Thank you for an incredible experience—I will never forget it!
Justine A25 July 2026Verified
Just do it whit shah tours! We had a great experience!! From emails at home to pickup, hotel,... Shoutout to our guide Mathayo, he's the best. Amazing work by the porters!! So much respect.
Lennert F24 July 2026


