Zanzibar is a group of islands off the coast of Tanzania that travelers love for its rich history, colorful culture, clear waters, and beautiful beaches. Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island” because it has the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery. This Zanzibar itinerary will help you make the most of your seven days in paradise, whether you’re going for the first time or planning to go back.
This guide is always up to date. It has timeless tips, must-see sights, and travel tips that will last for anyone who wants to have an unforgettable trip to Zanzibar.
Day 1: Arriving and Seeing Stone Town
Welcome to Zanzibar!
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, which is close to Stone Town, is where most international visitors come from. Take it easy on your trip, depending on when you get there.
In the Afternoon, Find the Heart of Stone Town
Stone Town is the historic center and cultural heart of Zanzibar. It’s where your journey should begin. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a unique mix of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.
The Best Parts Are:
- House of Wonders: A beautiful 19th-century palace with amazing architecture.
- Old Fort: A fort built by the Portuguese that has local crafts and is a cultural center.
- Darajani Market: A great place to get to know the locals and buy fresh spices, fruits, and seafood.
- Freddie Mercury House: The home of the famous Queen singer.
Tip for the Evening:
Eat at the Forodhani Night Market, an outdoor food market with lots of activity. You can get Zanzibar pizza, seafood skewers, and sugarcane juice there.
Suggestion for a Place to Stay:
Emerson Spice or Maru Maru Hotel are both charming boutique hotels in Stone Town that are easy to walk to.
Day 2: Nakupenda Beach and Prison Island
Morning: Boat Trip to Prison Island
You can get to Prison Island (Changuu Island) by boat from Stone Town in a short amount of time. Originally, the island was used to keep people with yellow fever away from others. Now, it is home to a giant tortoise sanctuary where some of the tortoises are over 100 years old.
In the Afternoon, Relax on Nakupenda Sandbank
After you visit Prison Island, go to the beautiful Nakupenda Sandbank. It’s a long stretch of white sand with shallow, clear water all around it that’s great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Bring:
- Swimwear
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water shoes
- Snorkeling gear
Lunch Tip:
Most boat tours include a freshly made seafood BBQ on the sandbank.
Back to Stone Town in the Evening
Go back to Stone Town to relax or have a drink at sunset at the Livingstone Beach Restaurant.
Day 3: Jozani Forest and a Tour of the Spice Farm
Morning: Spice Plantation Tour
You can see Zanzibar’s nickname, the Spice Island, come to life by going to one of the local spice farms. Find out how to grow cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and turmeric.
Experience Includes:
- Tasting tropical fruits that were just picked.
- Finding spices by smell and touch.
- Taking part in a traditional Swahili cooking demonstration (optional at some farms).
In the Afternoon, Walk Around Jozani Forest
Next, head south to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, where you can see the rare red colobus monkeys that live only in Zanzibar. As you walk along the tropical forest trails and mangrove boardwalks, keep an eye out for bush babies, duikers, and more than 40 kinds of birds.
Evening: Go to the Beaches on the East Coast
After your time in nature, head to the East Coast, where you can find wide, powdery white-sand beaches and shallow turquoise lagoons, especially in Paje or Jambiani.
If you want to stay on the beach, think about:
- Cristal Resort in Paje
- Nur Beach Hotel in Jambiani
Day 4: Go to the Beach in Paje or Jambiani
Take in the Peacefulness of Zanzibar’s Coast
Today is a day to relax and enjoy the beach. Paje and Jambiani are quieter than the northern beaches, which makes them great places to relax and recharge.
Things to Think About Doing:
- Paje is one of the best places in East Africa to go kitesurfing.
- Swimming and sunbathing: The water is calm and shallow.
- Take a village walk to meet people in the area and learn about life in a Swahili village.
For Lunch:
Try Mr. Kahawa Café. It’s a popular place for smoothies, salads, and views of the beach.
Tip for the Evening:
Get a drink and watch the tide roll in at sunset. The tides here change a lot, making for a magical coastal scene.
Day 5: Fumba’s Blue Safari and Snorkeling
Blue Safari Adventure from Morning to Afternoon
You can book a Blue Safari trip from Fumba village. It’s an all-day boat trip on a traditional dhow.
Some of the Best Parts Are:
- Snorkeling in the Menai Bay Conservation Area, which is home to colorful coral reefs.
- Finding hidden islets and isolated sandbanks.
- A lunch of seafood on a beach that isn’t very busy.
- Dolphin watching (done in a way that is good for the animals).
Bring:
- A towel
- Sunscreen
- Snorkel gear
- A water bottle
- A hat
Evening:
Go back to your hotel and get some rest. How about a relaxing dinner by the beach to end the day?
Day 6: Nungwi and Kendwa – North Zanzibar
Transfer to the North Coast in the Morning
Go north to Nungwi or Kendwa, which are known for their beautiful sunsets, calm waters, and lively nightlife. It takes about two hours to drive there from the East Coast.
In the Afternoon, Visit Nungwi Beach and Village
Nungwi has a mix of things to do for tourists and locals. Go to:
- Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium: A place to save turtles.
- Traditional dhow building yard: Watch craftsmen shape boats by hand.
You can swim or walk on the beach in the afternoon.
Kendwa Tip:
The beach here is great for swimming all day long because the tides don’t change much.
Evening: The Sunset and the Nightlife
Kendwa Rocks or Z Hotel Rooftop Bar are the best places to watch the sunset in Zanzibar. If you want, you can go to a live music show or a beach party later.
Day 7: Say Goodbye, Relax, and Shop
In the Morning: You Can Relax or Do Water Sports
Use your last morning to either relax or go on one last adventure:
- You can go diving or snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, but you have to get up early.
- Kayaking or paddleboarding
Afternoon: Go Back to Stone Town
Go back to Stone Town with time to buy some souvenirs:
- Memories of Zanzibar sells handmade gifts, spices, and art.
- Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery: For local crafts and traditional Swahili paintings.
Optional Activity: You can visit the Peace Memorial Museum or the Hamamni Persian Baths.
Departure in the Evening
Take a final walk by the water at sunset before heading to the airport, depending on when your flight leaves.
Important Travel Tips for Your Zanzibar Trip
The Best Time to Go to Zanzibar
Zanzibar has warm weather all year, but the best times are:
- June to October: Dry and cool, which is perfect for beach vacations.
- December to February: Hot and dry, perfect for water sports.
- Stay away from April and May, the long rainy season.
Getting Around
- Taxis and private transfers are the easiest way for tourists to get around.
- Dala-dalas (local minibuses) are cheap but not as comfortable.
- Renting a car with a driver is the safest and most flexible option.
How to Act in Your Area
- In villages and Stone Town, you should dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.
- Before taking pictures of people, always ask them if it’s okay.
- Say “Jambo” (hello) or “Asante” (thank you) to people.
Money and Costs
- The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
- Budget: Travelers on a budget can expect to spend $100 to $150 per day.
- For restaurants and guides, a tip of 5–10% is appreciated.
Why This Zanzibar Itinerary Works
This 7-day Zanzibar itinerary is meant to include a mix of history, culture, nature, relaxation, and adventure. Every day builds on the last, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed. This route shows off Zanzibar’s timeless beauty, from the cultural heart of Stone Town to the postcard-perfect beaches of Nungwi.
This itinerary gives you a sustainable and repeatable travel plan that will work for years to come, whether you’re going on a romantic honeymoon, a family trip, or a solo trip.
Quick Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive and explore Stone Town
- Day 2: Visit Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach
- Day 3: Go on a spice tour and visit the Jozani Forest
- Day 4: Paje or Jambiani Beach Day
- Day 5: Blue Safari from Fumba
- Day 6: Exploring Nungwi and Kendwa
- Day 7: Take it easy, shop, and leave
Last Thoughts
Zanzibar is interesting because it has a mix of culture, coastline, and community. With this carefully planned Zanzibar itinerary, travelers can learn about the island’s history, relax on its beaches, and get to know its people. Instead of following trends that come and go, this plan focuses on real, lasting experiences that capture the spirit of the Spice Island.
This guide will help you get around Zanzibar easily, confidently, and happily, whether you’re going next month or next year. Welcome to Zanzibar!
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