7 Days • 6 Nights
Highlights of Zanzibar: Stone Town, Spices & Beaches
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The historic, atmospheric lanes of Stone Town are a fascinating highlight. Stone Town, the old heart of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a labyrinth of narrow, winding lanes lined with grand old Arab, Indian and Swahili houses, famous carved wooden doors, bustling bazaars, mosques and historic buildings, steeped in centuries of trade, culture and history. You wander its atmospheric alleys, exploring the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the former slave market and Anglican Cathedral, and the bustling Darajani market. The atmosphere and history are fascinating. Wandering the historic, atmospheric lanes of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of carved doors.
- The powder-white beaches and turquoise waters of the coast are the blissful heart of this journey. Zanzibar is ringed by some of the most beautiful beaches in the Indian Ocean, powder-white sand lapped by warm, turquoise waters, backed by palms. You relax on the beautiful beaches of the north (Nungwi, Kendwa) or east coast, swimming in the warm, clear turquoise sea, and soak up the serenity and beauty, watching traditional dhows sail by and glorious sunsets. The beaches are magical. Relaxing on the powder-white beaches and swimming in the turquoise waters of the coast, watching dhows and glorious sunsets.
- A fragrant spice plantation tour is a delightful highlight. Zanzibar is the Spice Island, and a spice tour is a delight for the senses. You visit a fragrant spice plantation, walking amid cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom and tropical fruit, smelling, tasting and touching the spices that made the island famous and shaped its history, with a knowledgeable guide, and enjoying a delicious spiced meal. The scents and flavours are delightful. Touring a fragrant spice plantation, discovering the cloves, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon that made the island famous, is a delightful and rewarding highlight of this journey through Zanzibar.
- Snorkelling the vibrant reefs of Mnemba Atoll is a magical highlight. Mnemba Atoll, off the north-east coast, is Zanzibar's finest snorkelling and diving spot, a beautiful marine reserve. You take a dhow or boat to Mnemba, snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs teeming with clouds of colourful tropical fish, turtles and, often, dolphins, in the warm, crystal-clear turquoise water. The reefs and marine life are magical. Snorkelling the vibrant coral reefs of Mnemba Atoll, teeming with colourful fish, turtles and dolphins in crystal-clear water, is a magical and unforgettable highlight of this journey through Zanzibar.
- Giant tortoises, dhow sails and warm Swahili culture are wonderful highlights. Zanzibar offers wonderful experiences. You meet giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island (Changuu), sail traditional dhows on the turquoise sea, especially beautiful at sunset, and experience the warm Swahili culture, blending African, Arab and Indian heritage, savouring delicious Swahili cuisine, fresh seafood and fragrant spices. The tortoises, dhows and culture are wonderful. Meeting giant tortoises on Prison Island, sailing traditional dhows at sunset, and experiencing warm Swahili culture and cuisine is a wonderful and rewarding highlight of this journey through Zanzibar.
- Above all, this journey offers the rich history, fragrant spices, beautiful beaches and vibrant reefs of the enchanting Spice Island. Zanzibar is a place of intoxicating beauty and rich history, and this journey takes in the very best. Over seven days you explore historic Stone Town, tour a fragrant spice plantation, relax on the powder-white beaches, snorkel the vibrant reefs of Mnemba, meet giant tortoises, and savour warm Swahili culture. The combination of rich history, fragrant spices, beautiful beaches, vibrant reefs and warm culture makes Zanzibar enchanting. For the traveller seeking history, spices, beaches and reefs on the Spice Island of the Swahili coast.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your Zanzibar journey begins as your flight arrives at Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in historic Stone Town. Zanzibar, the Spice Island of the Swahili coast, is a place of intoxicating beauty and rich history, and the atmosphere is immediately captivating. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll along the seafront to the Forodhani Gardens, and, in the evening, sampling the famous Forodhani night market, with its grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza and spiced treats, a delicious introduction to Swahili cuisine. As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, dhows silhouetted against the sky, you soak up the atmosphere of Stone Town. As you settle in, the beauty and history of Zanzibar work their magic. Rest well, ready to explore atmospheric Stone Town tomorrow.
Today you explore historic Stone Town and a fragrant spice plantation. You take a walking tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wandering its atmospheric labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with grand old houses, famous carved doors, bazaars and history, exploring the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the former slave market and Anglican Cathedral, and the bustling Darajani market. You then tour a fragrant spice plantation, walking amid cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and tropical fruit, smelling, tasting and touching the spices that made the island famous, with a delicious spiced meal. The history and spices are fascinating. As the day ends, you return to Stone Town. This evening, savour Swahili cuisine. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the beautiful beaches of the coast.
Today you journey to the beautiful beaches of the north coast. You transfer to the north coast, to Nungwi or Kendwa, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar, with powder-white sand lapped by warm, turquoise waters, and, unlike the east coast, ideal for swimming at all tides. You settle into your beach resort, and the rest of the day is yours to relax, swimming in the warm, turquoise sea, relaxing on the beautiful beach beneath the palms, and watching a glorious sunset over the Indian Ocean, dhows silhouetted against the sky. The beach and sunset are magical. This evening, dine on delicious Swahili cuisine, fresh seafood and fragrant spices. As you settle in, the beauty of the coast works its magic. Rest well by the turquoise sea, ready to snorkel Mnemba tomorrow.
Today you snorkel the vibrant reefs of Mnemba Atoll, Zanzibar's finest marine reserve. You take a traditional dhow or boat to Mnemba Atoll, off the north-east coast, snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs teeming with clouds of colourful tropical fish, turtles and, often, playful dolphins that come to swim and play, in the warm, crystal-clear turquoise water. You relax on the boat between snorkels, taking in the beautiful ocean, perhaps with a barbecue lunch. The reefs and marine life are magical. As the day ends, you return to your resort, enchanted by the underwater world and the dolphins. As the sun sets over the ocean in a blaze of colour, you savour the glorious colours. This evening, dine on Swahili cuisine. Rest well by the turquoise sea, ready for more of the beautiful coast tomorrow.
Today you enjoy the beautiful coast and giant tortoises. You might take a boat to Prison Island (Changuu), off Stone Town, home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old, walking amid these gentle giants and exploring the island's history and beaches, and snorkelling the reefs. Alternatively, you relax on the beautiful beaches of the north coast, swimming and snorkelling, enjoy water sports, or take a sunset dhow cruise. The tortoises and coast are wonderful. As the sun sets over the ocean in a blaze of colour, you savour the glorious sunset, perhaps from a dhow. This evening, dine on Swahili cuisine. Rest well by the turquoise sea, ready to relax and savour the coast tomorrow.
Today you enjoy a final, relaxed day on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. The whole day is yours to relax by the turquoise sea, swimming in the warm, clear water, snorkelling the reefs, relaxing on the powder-white sand beneath the palms, enjoying water sports, or indulging in a spa treatment, savouring the beauty and serenity of the Spice Island. You might take a final sunset dhow cruise, sailing the turquoise sea as the sky blazes with colour. It is the perfect blissful finale to your journey. As the sun sets over the ocean for the last time, you savour the glorious colours. This evening, enjoy a final dinner, savouring delicious Swahili cuisine, reflecting on your beautiful Zanzibar journey. Rest well by the turquoise sea, the beauty of the Spice Island vivid in your memory, ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final, relaxed morning on the beautiful beaches, perhaps a last swim in the turquoise sea, you are transferred to Zanzibar's airport for your onward departure. You leave deeply relaxed and enchanted, having experienced the very best of the Spice Island, historic Stone Town, the fragrant spice plantations, the powder-white beaches and turquoise waters, the vibrant reefs of Mnemba, the giant tortoises, and the warm Swahili culture and cuisine. The images stay vivid long after you land, the atmospheric lanes and carved doors of Stone Town, the fragrant spices, the powder-white beaches and turquoise seas, the vibrant reefs and dolphins, and the traditional dhows at sunset. Zanzibar offers rich history, fragrant spices, beautiful beaches and vibrant reefs in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the enchanting Spice Island of the Swahili coast.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation (Stone Town bed and breakfast, beach half board)
- Airport and island transfers
- Tours and excursions as per itinerary with local guides
- Services of expert local guides as per itinerary
- , a Stone Town walking tour, a spice plantation tour, a Mnemba Atoll snorkelling excursion, and a Prison Island tortoise visit
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners (to enjoy Zanzibar's Swahili cuisine)
- Optional excursions, water sports and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and most nationalities need a Tanzania visa, easily obtained as an eVisa online before travel or on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. A yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever country. We confirm the current process and help arrange the eVisa
- Health & malaria: Malaria is present in Zanzibar, so anti-malarial prophylaxis and insect repellent are strongly recommended; consult a travel clinic well ahead and ensure your vaccinations are up to date. Drink bottled or treated water, take sensible precautions, and carry comprehensive travel insurance including medical cover
- Currency: The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are very widely accepted (bring newer notes), and cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments. Carry some cash for markets, Stone Town, tips and small purchases; ATMs are available in Stone Town and main towns
- Best time to visit: The long dry season (June to October) is the most popular, with warm, sunny, less humid weather ideal for beaches and touring; December to February is hot and dry too. The long rains (March to May) and short rains (November) bring heavier showers, though beaches remain warm; it is warm year-round
- Dress & culture: Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim, conservative island with a rich Swahili culture; modest dress is important in Stone Town and villages (cover shoulders and knees; women may carry a scarf), while beachwear is fine at beach resorts. Respect local customs, especially during Ramadan, and always ask before photographing people
- Beaches & tides: The north-coast beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa) offer the best swimming at all tides; the beautiful east-coast beaches (Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu) have a large tidal range, so swimming is best around high tide, with seaweed farming and kitesurfing at low tide. We advise on the best beach and coast for your priorities
- Getting around: Touring is by private vehicle with your guide or driver; Stone Town is explored on foot, and dhow and boat trips reach the reefs, sandbanks and Mnemba. Zanzibar is reached by short flight or ferry from Dar es Salaam, or by direct international flights. We arrange all transfers, tours and any mainland-safari connections
- Alcohol & power: Alcohol is available at hotels, resorts and tourist restaurants (less so in local areas, out of respect for Islamic custom). Power is 230V with UK-style type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Swahili is the language and English is widely spoken in tourism; the warmth of Swahili hospitality is a joy of a visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stay on the north or east coast of Zanzibar?
Each has its charm: the north coast (Nungwi, Kendwa) has beautiful beaches ideal for swimming at all tides, a lively atmosphere, sunsets and easy access to Mnemba; the east coast (Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu) has stunning, wider beaches with a large tidal range (best swimming at high tide), a laid-back vibe, and superb kitesurfing. We choose the best coast and resort for your priorities, whether swimming, relaxation, kitesurfing or seclusion, and can combine Stone Town with the beach for a rounded stay.
Can Zanzibar be combined with a mainland safari?
Absolutely, and it makes the classic 'bush and beach' holiday. Zanzibar pairs perfectly with a mainland Tanzania safari, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and more, combining thrilling wildlife with idyllic beaches, linked by short flights. It is one of the world's great holiday combinations, especially good June to October. We can arrange a seamless safari-and-Zanzibar journey, tailoring the balance of bush and beach to you, for an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.
What meals are included?
This depends on the board basis chosen (bed and breakfast, half board, full board or all-inclusive), which we tailor to you and your resort. Many Zanzibar beach resorts offer half board or all-inclusive, while Stone Town is ideal for exploring the wonderful Swahili food scene, from the Forodhani night market to Swahili restaurants. Zanzibari cuisine is delicious, fresh seafood, fragrant spiced curries, coconut and tropical fruit, and we advise on the best board basis and dining.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Tours can be arranged privately, with your own guide and vehicle or boat, for flexibility and depth, or as shared/group excursions for value; we tailor this to you. Zanzibar's knowledgeable guides bring Stone Town's history, the spice plantations, the reefs and the culture vividly to life. Many highlights, from the spice tour and Stone Town walk to Safari Blue and Mnemba snorkelling, are easily and rewardingly arranged.
Do I need a visa and vaccinations for Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and most nationalities need a Tanzania visa (eVisa online or on arrival). Malaria is present, so anti-malarial prophylaxis and repellent are strongly recommended, and a yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from an endemic country. We confirm the current visa and health requirements for your nationality, help arrange the eVisa, and advise on precautions, so you travel prepared and reassured.
Is Zanzibar safe to visit?
Zanzibar is a welcoming island popular with visitors, and travel here is rewarding, with warm Swahili hospitality. Standard precautions apply, as anywhere: dress modestly in Stone Town and villages out of respect, take care with valuables, use trusted guides and drivers (as we arrange), and follow local advice. We monitor conditions and choose reputable resorts and operators. The warmth of the Zanzibari welcome is one of the joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
The long dry season (June to October) is the most popular, with warm, sunny, less humid weather ideal for beaches, Stone Town and reefs; December to February is also hot and dry. The long rains (March to May) and short rains (November) bring heavier showers, though it stays warm. We advise on the best timing for your interests, whether beaches, diving, or combining with a mainland safari (excellent June to October).
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can combine Stone Town, the spice plantations, and the north or east beaches in any way, add Mnemba snorkelling, Safari Blue, kitesurfing, Jozani Forest, a dhow cruise, and combine Zanzibar with a mainland Tanzania safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) for the classic bush-and-beach holiday. Every Zanzibar journey is tailored to you, matching the beaches, resorts, culture and experiences to create your ideal Swahili-coast escape.
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