The Rock Restaurant

On the southeast coast of Zanzibar, in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, is the floating "The Rock Restaurant". The traditional building was built on a rock and today attracts a wide variety of guests. The location, the menu and the background together form a unique experience that you should not miss.

In the past the rock was an outpost for local fishermen, now it offers The Rock Restaurant a new source of income for the local community. The restaurant was opened in 2010 by some local resort owners. Since then, it has become one of the most popular attractions in all of Zanzibar. The popularity is justified, however, as The Rock offers an unforgettable experience. Placed on a rock a short distance from the coast, you'll find the Makuti-style building with an idyllic terrace. The decor relied on traditional elements mixed with the unique fine-dining flair. The restaurant offers around 20 tables for guests and is usually heavily booked. The terrace is equipped with several lounges where you can sip cocktails and enjoy the breathtaking view. If you stay seated until late in the evening, the clear starry sky over the ocean will reveal itself. But The Rock is not only popular for its special atmosphere, because the food is also said to be worth a visit. The Menu consists mainly of fish and seafood, but also has some vegetarian options and combines traditional Zanzibar cuisine with a modern gourmet influence. Whether you stop by for a 3-course meal or just a few drinks on the terrace is not that important, because the experience will be special either way. However, you have to be prepared for prices that are very high, especially for this region, and you should definitely reserve a seat in advance.

To ensure a positive impact on the local community, back in 2005 the "Kichanga Foundation" was founded. It would be named after The Rock founder's first business, Kichanga Lodge. Together with other local resort companies, under the motto "The Rock for Community", carried out some social projects in the region. These include, for example, the construction of schools, the planting of palm trees and even swimming lessons for the local population. With targeted training and support in matters such as waste disposal, the aim is to create a sustainable future for the southeast coast.

The restaurant can be reached by cab from Stone Town in about 1.5 hours, from Paje and Bwenjuu it is even only 20 minutes. It is already signposted on the road and thus can hardly be missed. At low tide, The Rock can be easily reached on foot with a walk over the wet rocks. At high tide, the restaurant floats in the waves and a small wooden motorboat cab is offered at any time to carry you comfortably across the water to the entrance of the restaurant. You can also wade through the waves, but then be prepared for wet feet. The timing of high and low tides here varies greatly depending on the season and weather, and if you're keen to go at either tide, you should find out in advance what the sea is doing. The Rock Restaurant is usually open year-round and can even be booked as a whole for private events.

You want to experience an extraordinary adventure in Tanzania and see the landscape from above? We have the perfect trip for you and your wanderlust!