Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant in Zanzibar City, Tanzania
Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant

Outty Ranking 52 3.0 · 2 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $144
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Outty Ranking

52/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant worth booking?

Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant is a 6-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $144 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
52 / 100
Rating
3/5 (2)
Duration
6 hours
From
$144 per person

Embark on a private tour to three of Zanzibar’s must-see locations: Mtende Beach, Maalum Cave and Usumba Rock Restaurant. This unforgettable experience begins Maalum Cave where you can swim in fresh, healing waters and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surrounding jungle. Then, you will visit Mtende Beach, a hidden gem on the southeast coast known for its pristine white sands and serene atmosphere. Enjoy the peaceful beauty of this secluded paradise, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Finally, end your adventure at the iconic Usumba Rock Restaurant. It's a special place where you can enjoy amazing views and the freshest seafood.

What you get

    About this experience

    Embark on a private tour to three of Zanzibar’s must-see locations: Mtende Beach, Maalum Cave and Usumba Rock Restaurant. This unforgettable experience begins Maalum Cave where you can swim in fresh, healing waters and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surrounding jungle. Then, you will visit Mtende Beach, a hidden gem on the southeast coast known for its pristine white sands and serene atmosphere. Enjoy the peaceful beauty of this secluded paradise, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Finally, end your adventure at the iconic Usumba Rock Restaurant. It's a special place where you can enjoy amazing views and the freshest seafood.

    What's included

    Included

    • Government Taxes (18% VAT), Entrance Fees and All Service Charges
    • Pick up and drop off from your hotel in private car with Air Condition
    • Reef Shoes, Bathroom with shower and Changing room at Maalum Cave
    • Service of Informative, friendly and Experienced Professional Tour Guide
    • Spanish, English, German, French and Italian Guide

    Not included

    • Lunch/Dinner at The Usumba Rock Restaurant
    • Any domestic connection flights on arrival or departure
    • Gratuities for Tour Guide (please tip separately)
    • Expenses of a personal Nature

    What you'll see and do

    1. Maalum

      Welcome to Maalum Cave - A hidden Gem in Paje, Zanzibar. The word Maalum means “SPECIAL” in Swahili language. This is a unique natural swimming pool which is more than a worth having a chance to swim in it, If you have a deep appreciation for natural settings experiences, this tour is an absolute must-visit. This is a very special place to reconnect with nature, explore the underground life, relax and enjoy the peace. During your time in this refreshing natural wonder you can swim, jump from the cliff and snorkel to see how it looks under water. Or just gaze at this hidden gems wonderful and untouched environment. Please note that: In exceptional cases, when the Maalum Cave is not available, we’ll visit the Salaam Cave, an equally captivating enclave that is surprisingly home to a Natural Aquarium of turquoise tones, home to dozens of Turtles.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Mtende beach

      Also, If you consider yourself a beach person and you plan on visiting Zanzibar, Mtende Beach definitely needs to be added to your list. The main section of the beach is situated between two rock formations, in a big cove. It’s absolutely stunning, and one of the coolest places to watch the tides change on the island. If you didn’t know already, Zanzibar is one of the places with the most drastic tides you must ever witnessed. Mtende Beach is just like most of the other beaches in that regard. Make sure you do your research and look up when the tides will be out and in whenever you’ll be visiting Mtende. When the tide is low you can walk all the way down the beach but when it’s high tide it comes all the way to the stairs.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Finally, end your adventure at the iconic Usumba Rock Restaurant. It's a special place where you can enjoy amazing views and the freshest seafood. It is built on two rocks made of treated wood, and connected with a walkway, where you can relax and enjoy traditional local food, a beer in the bar or the best views of the bay! When the tide rises, you can go down the stairs of our restaurant to swim. They also have a new Viewpoint, from where you can see the restaurant and contemplate the entire bay.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • from Jambiani, Paje & Michamvi

      PICK-UP FROM SOUTH COAST: This applied to those clients staying on South Coast (Makunduchi, Kizimkazi, Jambiani, Paje, Dongwe, Bwejuu and Michamvi). Pickup included

    • from Stone Town, Kama & Chuini

      PICK-UP FROM URBAN/WEST COAST: This applied to those clients staying in Zanzibar Urban/West Coast (Stone Town, Bububu, Bweni, Chukwani, Kama and Chuini). Pickup included

    • from Kendwa & Nungwi

      PICK-UP FROM NORTH COAST: This applied to those clients staying on North Coast (Kidoti, Kendwa and Nungwi). Pickup included

    • from Uroa, Matemwe & Kiwengwa

      PICK-UP FROM EAST COAST: This applied to those clients staying in East Coast (Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Pongwe, Chwaka and Uroa). Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, en, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Green Zanzibar Tours & Safari Company Limited

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant in Zanzibar City, photo 2Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant in Zanzibar City, photo 3Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant in Zanzibar City, photo 4Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant in Zanzibar City, photo 5Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant in Zanzibar City, photo 6Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant in Zanzibar City, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
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    samanthau2026 · February 2026

    Exhilarating

    So our tour guide told us he was take us to swim in a private cave and Malum cave in the South of the Zanzibar island didn’t disappoint . We came upon the spa in the Forrest and wondered how a cave would be thereabouts. We were taken for a short stroll through the forest and suddenly it was before us….We were truly captivated with the cave and the captivating clear water with blue tinge. It was just intoxicating if I may use that word loosely we swam for an hour the rope suspended from the tree above was great fun and the diving landing also proved to be every adventurers dream. We love every minutes of our 60 minutes and then off to the Rock restaurant which wasn’t too far away. You got to find this cave.

    via Tripadvisor

    Colin_M · September 2025

    disaster

    this is a taxi driver taking you to the 3 locations. they changed the time of pickup for 2hours later. this was 2hrs away from the hotel and we were taken by a taxi. the 1st location was the cave and we were told we would have 2hrs there. After 1hr the driver told us we had to go. the next location was the beech. this was only 15miles away but took almost 1.5hrs to get there as the taxi wasn't able to go over the terrain and could only go walking speed to get it it. when we arrived the tide was fully in and we couldn't even go onto the beech.(if we had left at the original time we would have been on the beech before the tide came in) The 3rd location was at the same point, a small restaurant on the hill next to the beech. Again this was a 5min quick drink and away. (both were meant to be 2hrs) then a 3hr drive back to the hotel. All in all, if you are looking to spend the whole day in a taxi for just over 1hr at a cave pool then this is a trip for you. Everyone else, stay well clear of this as it was a disaster.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. Regarding the pickup time, it was adjusted due to the availability of the cave, and we contacted you one day before to inform you of the change. We understand your concerns about the limited time at each stop and the challenges with reaching Mtende Beach. Unfortunately, the tide and the rough terrain can sometimes affect accessibility and travel time, but we recognize that this impacted your visit. Your comments about scheduling and timing are very important to us, and we will be reviewing this itinerary with our team and drivers to improve time management and communication, ensuring our guests can enjoy each location as planned. We truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention, as it helps us improve our service for future travelers.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $144 to $268
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Green Zanzibar Tours & Safari Company Limited, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.9.

    See everything Green Zanzibar Tours & Safari Company Limited runs

    Why this scores 52

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)69
    Review evidence (18% weight)21
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)53
    Listing quality (10% weight)80
    Local standing (8% weight)30
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.

    How much does Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant cost?

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    Prices start at $144 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zanzibar City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant take?

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    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zanzibar City is not rushed.

    Is Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zanzibar City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant?

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    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zanzibar City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zanzibar City and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zanzibar City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Zanzibar City?

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    On Outty we rank every Zanzibar City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour, Stone Town Heritage Walk with local Guide, Zanzibar Adventure Quad with Sunset and Transfer Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Zanzibar City?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Zanzibar City?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant?

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    Included: Government Taxes (18% VAT), Entrance Fees and All Service Charges; Pick up and drop off from your hotel in private car with Air Condition; Reef Shoes, Bathroom with shower and Changing room at Maalum Cave; Service of Informative, friendly and Experienced Professional Tour Guide; and Spanish, English, German, French and Italian Guide. Not included: Lunch/Dinner at The Usumba Rock Restaurant; Any domestic connection flights on arrival or departure; Gratuities for Tour Guide (please tip separately); and Expenses of a personal Nature. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant offered in?

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    It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What booking options are available for Maalum Cave and Mtende Beach with Dining at Usumba Restaurant?

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    There are 4 options to choose from, including from Jambiani, Paje & Michamvi, from Stone Town, Kama & Chuini, from Kendwa & Nungwi, from Uroa, Matemwe & Kiwengwa. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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