Retreats & Camps
Our Cultural Heritage Retreat is for curious travellers who want to experience Zanzibar’s culture and heritage in depth and beyond the usual tourist path. Visit Stone Town’s historic city centre and learn about the complex heritage, explore spice gardens and engage in local communities and listen to their stories. If you come as a solo traveller, with friends or family, as a halal-conscious traveller or simply as someone looking for a more meaningful way to experience Zanzibar - just come with an open heart, a willingness to connect, and a spirit of kindness.
Package Details / Highlights
Not included: international flights, travel insurance, visa/entry fees, personal expenses and anything not specifically mentioned under ‘What's included’.
7-Day Itinerary
The itinerary shows you what a typical Cultural Heritage Retreat at Karibu Assalam looks like, with changes possible - the spirit of kindness will stay.
Welcome to Kizimkazi. Settle into your accommodation, meet the Karibu Assalam team and get to know everyone on camp(us) over a relaxed community dinner. We'll introduce the spirit of Karibu Assalam and introduce your schedule for your immersion into Zanzibar's culture and heritage.
Begin your journey into Zanzibar’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to Stone Town - wander through the maze of historic alleys and learn about the island’s history while experiencing the sights, sounds and flavours that make Zanzibar unique. In the afternoon we discover the plants, traditions and stories behind some of the island’s most famous flavours on a guided tour of a spice garden. We'll return to Kizimkazi for an evening of food, conversation and connection.
Today is about experiencing Zanzibar through the people who call it home. Visit the village and Kanga Village, learn about local life and take part in activities centred around sharing, creativity and community. There is time to listen, learn and contribute, not simply observe. The visit will also include Dimbani mosque, the oldest mosque in East Africa.
Leave the island behind for a day on the water and enjoy a picnic on a sandbank surrounded by the turquoise ocean. You have time for swimming and snorkelling - it's a day to relax, laugh, explore and enjoy Zanzibar's incredible natural beauty while observing local fishermen along the way following their traditional ways.
In the morning, take part in hands-on workshops - learn how to make soaps, get your hands on drum-making or create your own eco-prints. You also have the opportunity to take part in campus activities before rounding up the day and share another community meal together.
Bring the week together through a day free for resting and reflecting. Enjoy quiet time to reflect on what culture and heritage Zanzibar has to offer and means to you, or explore the island further with a half-day trip. As you are never alone at Karibu Assalam, you can also use the day for more connection in community with the people you've met throughout the week before we meet for a last communal dinner to share our reflections and impressions of the week.
Enjoy a final breakfast and time together to reflect on the people, places and experiences that made the week special. Say your goodbyes, and leave Zanzibar with more than photographs: new connections, new perspectives and a little more history to carry home.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable rooms in Kizimkazi right on the beach and experience the warmth of sharing a space with fellow travellers. Choose between shared accommodation or a private room, depending on your preference and availability.
Food
Our meals at Karibu Assalam and for the Cultural Heritage Retreat are designed to bring people together. Enjoy generous, buffet-style community dinners combining Swahili flavours with Turkish and international influences.
Everything is halal, with vegetarian options available, so everyone can sit down and share the same table. Rather than an à la carte restaurant experience, meals are served buffet-style - giving you the chance to discover different flavours, try something new and enjoy food together.
Booking
The Cultural Heritage Retreat brings together curious travellers, local communities, culture and meaningful experiences for one unforgettable week in Zanzibar. Explore the island with its rich culture and history, share meals, learn from local people, discover new traditions and find meaningful ways to give back.
Reserve your spotTell the Karibu Assalam team who is travelling and the dates you are considering.
Contact the team
Our Kindness Camp is for curious travellers who want to experience Zanzibar beyond the usual tourist path. Meet local communities, share meaningful moments, discover the island's culture and give back along the way. If you come as a solo traveller, with friends or family, as a halal-conscious traveller or simply as someone looking for a more meaningful way to experience Zanzibar - just come with an open heart, a willingness to connect, and a spirit of kindness.
View details
Our Volunteering Camp is for travellers who want to give back and share their time and skills while visiting Zanzibar. Meet local communities, share meaningful moments, connect with the local culture and give back along the way - just come with an open heart for people, an open mind for another culture and open hands to join in and support our projects.
View details
Our Ramadan Camp is especially for the muslim travellers who want to experience Zanzibar during the holy month of Ramadan. Meet local communities, share meaningful moments with food packaging and zakat distribution, discover the island's culture and share iftars every evening with the local community. If you come as a solo traveller, with friends or family, as a halal-conscious traveller or simply as someone looking for a more meaningful way to experience Zanzibar - just come with an open heart, a willingness to connect, and a spirit of kindness.
View details