Learn to Build a Traditional Sailing Dhow in Zanzibar

A dhow is a traditional Arab sailing vessel with one or more lateen sails. It is primarily used to carry items along the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, India, and East Africa.

The term "dhow" does not refer to just one type of ship but to a whole family of vessels, ranging from small boats with just one mast to cargo ships carrying over 200 tons.

The Zanzibari dhow builders are well-known throughout the Indian Ocean for their amazing work. They build traditional dhows upon order and, depending on the size of the ship, take between two weeks and four months to construct.

In Nungwi/Zanzibar, you have the unique opportunity to take part in the construction of a dhow and to learn everything about traditional dhow-building. An experienced dhow-building master who has learned his skills from his father (the family has been building dhows for generations) will give you 2 hours of dhow-building lessons per day.

During the other hours of the day, you can observe the craftsmen and assist them.