The north of Zanzibar is flat, green and criss-crossed with sandy lanes that run between coconut palms, banana plots and small villages, which makes it a natural playground for quad bikes. This four-hour tour starts from Nungwi or Kendwa and leaves the beach resorts behind for the places most guests never see: village shops, football pitches, school yards, farmland and quiet stretches of shoreline where fishermen work. A guide leads the convoy, sets a steady pace and stops for photographs, so even first-timers can relax and enjoy the scenery. The route mixes easy flat tracks with a few bumpy and sandy sections, and the ride ends at the coast. It is one of the best-rated activities on the island, with an average of 4.9 from more than 500 reviews, because it gives a very different view of the island from the usual boat trip and is great fun on a beach holiday.
How it works
The tour lasts about four hours and includes a transfer from hotels in the Nungwi and Kendwa area. After a safety briefing and a short practice, you ride in a line behind the guide. Quads are usually offered as singles or shared with a passenger, and the booking page explains the options, so check which one you are booking. Prices are set per group on the booking page, which is why a small group can make it good value.
What you see
The ride passes through the villages of the north, where children often wave, past plots of cassava and bananas, under coconut palms and out to the coast. The scenery is rural and everyday rather than staged, which is the point. The tracks are sandy, so expect some dust in the dry season and mud puddles in the rains, and expect a good deal of shaking on rutted sections.
Making the most of it
Wear closed shoes, long trousers if you want protection from dust, sunglasses and a scarf or buff for your face; the operator normally supplies helmets. Leave valuables at the hotel and keep your phone in a zipped pocket. Be considerate in villages by slowing down near people, children and animals, and by keeping engine noise low.
Ask the operator about age limits, driving experience and licence requirements before you book, and choose the sunset departure if you prefer cooler air and warm evening light. Riders who are nervous can ask for a passenger seat or a slower pace.
What to expect
The experience
A guided quad convoy along sandy tracks through the villages, farmland and coast of the north, with a briefing and hotel transfer included.
Best time
Late afternoon for cooler air and soft light, or morning in the dry season to avoid the worst heat.
How long
About four hours including the transfer.
Tips
Wear closed shoes and cover your face from dust, leave valuables behind, and slow down near villagers.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and groups of friends on the north coast who want something active and off the beach.
- Families
- Age and licence limits apply, so check with the operator, and consider it for older teenagers.
- Couples
- Great fun for two, especially on the late-afternoon departure.
- Pair with
- A sunset dhow cruise on another evening, or the Nungwi village and turtle pond half-day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How long is the quad tour?+
The tour linked here lasts about four hours, including the safety briefing and the ride from your hotel.
Where does it go?+
It runs from Nungwi or Kendwa through north-coast villages, farmland and coconut groves and out to the shore.
Do I need quad experience?+
No. A guide leads the group and gives a briefing and practice first. Ask the operator about age and licence requirements.
What should I wear?+
Closed shoes, comfortable clothes and sunglasses, plus a scarf or buff for dust. Helmets are normally provided.
Is hotel pickup included?+
Yes, the tour includes a transfer from hotels in the Nungwi and Kendwa area.
