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Ten Days in Zanzibar: An Itinerary for First-Timers

Located just off the coast of East Africa, Zanzibar is an archipelago with a fascinating and colorful history. Today, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous zone within the nation of Tanzania, after having experienced several different periods of colonization by a number of different world powers. Throughout this time, however, Zanzibar was a major hub for slavery in the African Great Lakes region, as well as Stone Town being a busy port city. 

Today, this history is reflected in the extensive cultural diversity among Zanzibari people, an ethnic mixture of backgrounds ranging from Persian and Arab to African. The vast majority of the population is Muslim, although there are small factions of other religions present in the archipelago, and Swahili is the locals’ first language.

Visiting Zanzibar offers you the opportunity to enjoy two major sides of what the archipelago has to offer – an incredibly rich cultural and historical experience, as well as a gorgeous seaside holiday. Of course, there are many destinations around the world where you can experience vibrant cultures, fascinating history, and pristine beaches, but there aren’t many places where you can tick all these boxes within 565 square miles. That’s the dream, right? 

My trip to Zanzibar was quite unlike anything else I’ve experienced before. I’d read a lot about the plethora of things to see and do, ranging from visiting the old slave market in Stone Town to swimming with dolphins off the north-eastern coast of the main island. However, when I was finally able to do these things myself, I found myself in awe of how incredibly multifaceted Zanzibar is as a holiday destination. 

The hustle and bustle of the busiest parts of Stone Town make you feel like you’re in a North African riad, while the white sandy beaches of the east coast are comparable to the picture-perfect honeymoon locations of Mauritius and the Seychelles – just quieter and a little more authentic! 

But the best part of all is that Zanzibar is relatively cheap. Whether you’re looking for a budget holiday or a middle-of-the-road type of trip, Zanzibar is a holiday destination that’ll allow you to have an epic experience and do plenty of activities without having to break the bank. I wrote a detailed guide on how to visit Zanzibar on a budget , if you’re interested.

Zanzibar has so many things to do that it can be overwhelming at first, but the good news is that because the main island is small, it’s absolutely possible to experience a little bit of everything without feeling like you’re being run off your feet. It’s all about striking a balance between experiencing the history and culture while also making time to sit back, relax and enjoy your gorgeous surroundings, and in my opinion, this is the perfect place to do just that.

Today, I’m going to share with you some things that I wish I’d known when first visited Zanzibar, along with a comprehensive itinerary of where to go, what to do, and where to stay during your ten days in Zanzibar. 

My itinerary will take you all over the island – you’ll start in Stone Town and see the most important historical sites and do a traditional spice tour, among other things. After that, I’ll guide you through the best way to see the whole island – from doing a dhow cruise in Nungwi to hanging out on the beaches in Kiwengwa, to exploring the legendary Jozani Forest, to finally enjoying a little bit of paradise in Kizimkazi. I’m going to give you advice on where to go, what to do, and where to stay so that you can have an epic trip without any bumps in the road (metaphorically, of course). 

Whether you follow my guide from A to Z or just pick out a few fun places or useful tips, I hope that my experience can help you plan the perfect holiday to East Africa’s most underrated tropical paradise. Now, let’s dive right into our 10-day Zanzibar itinerary!

Day 1: Exploring Stone Town

Prepare to be greeted by Stone Town’s bustling atmosphere the minute you arrive – you’ll be surrounded by friendly locals, bustling storefronts, and remarkable architecture. To be in and amongst the action is the best way to properly experience Stone Town, so I’d suggest exploring on foot as much as possible! I found that it allowed me to really appreciate the complexities of my surroundings – from the colonial buildings to the exquisitely designed wooden doors. The best part of this is that Stone Town is pretty small, so you can absolutely walk it!

Take the plunge and start your adventure at the Darajani Bazaar, arguably the biggest and most popular market in Stone Town. There’s nothing quite like wandering around a traditional market – surrounded by local merchants and families doing their grocery shopping, this is one of my favorite things to do in Zanzibar. There really is no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture! But remember, you will, most likely, stick out like a sore thumb as a tourist, so don’t allow any vendors to take advantage of you and charge you the world for produce or products. 

Next, take a quick stroll down Market Street to the Old Slave Market, probably the most important stop of your Zanzibar itinerary. Be warned – this is, as you may have anticipated, a somber experience. But, having said that, it was truly enlightening and educational too. I’d advise doing a proper tour, during which your guide will show you around the site and explain the distressing history of slavery in Zanzibar. 

The site includes several statues and memorials for the people who died during this period, and the atmosphere is palpable. The former slave market serves as a harsh reminder of the shadows of darkness that are cast by the island’s colonial history of oppression, appearing in stark contrast to the beautiful old colonial buildings that line the streets of Stone Town – but it’s an important reminder, nonetheless.  

Next up, on a slightly different note, head on over to Freddy Mercury House. Yep, you heard me! If you didn’t already know this, you may be surprised to hear that Freddy Mercury grew up in Stone Town and you can visit his former home. You can’t go inside, but you’ll be able to admire the beautiful, traditional door and read all about his life on the plaques positioned outside the house. I found this to be quite a fun and unexpected pitstop, but then again, I’m a bit of a Queen fan girl – so it may not be as much fun if you’re impartial to them (the greatest rock band of all time, cough, cough). Each to their own!

Making a jump to a bit more local history, wander up to the Old Fort, otherwise known as the Arab Fort. The oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort was built in 1699 and has been used as a prison and a train terminal, among other things, over the years. Today, it’s well set up for tourists and it even has a visitors’ center and a restaurant.

Across the street from the Old Fort, you’ll find the House of Wonders and the Palace Museum, two of Zanzibar’s landmark museums. They’re both culturally significant, the former being the most modern building in the archipelago at one point in time, and their architecture combines European and Zanzibari styles, adding to their sublime uniqueness. Make sure you take a moment to have a look at these buildings when you leave the Old Fort. Viewing them from the outside should be sufficient, however, because they’re not as well kept as the fort, so don’t waste too much time here!

End your day with a cultural experience that is sure to be an absolute blast! By now, you’re bound to be absolutely dying to try some local Zanzibari street food, and where better to do this than at a local night market? As the sun sets, the Forodhani Gardens, located at the Palace Museum, transforms into a hustling and bustling food market. 

Here, you’ll be able to spend the evening wandering around, meeting locals, and trying out some of the most interesting and delicious food! My favorite things are Zanzibari pizza (which is nothing like a typical pizza), Chapatti, and Urojo! My mouth is watering just thinking about these delicious treats.

Where to stay in Stone Town: Stone Town boasts loads of accommodation options, but I personally think that since you’re going to be doing a lot of exploring and spending significant time outdoors, it’s nice to have a really nice and comfortable place to stay – that’s why I’d recommend Sharazad Wonders Boutique . Its location is super central – only 150 meters from the main beach and close to the Old Fort – and it offers handy extra services like the use of free bikes and air-conditioning in the rooms. 

Day 2: Traditional Spice Tour from Stone Town

No trip to Stone Town is complete without a traditional spice tour! Now, I was a little bit skeptical when I was first told that I had to do a spice tour while in Zanzibar – I’m not particularly interested in spices, nor am I much of a cook (or so I’ve been told). Luckily, however, my curiosity got the better of me and I did it anyway, and boy am I glad it did! 

A Zanzibari spice tour is about more than just spices, it’s a full-on cultural experience. Not only do you get to see and try a vast array of traditional spices, but you get to spend the day with locals away from the business of the town, cook with them, and even share a meal.

Your morning starts at 9:00 where you’ll meet your guide at the entrance of the Old Fort – yes, the one you visited yesterday. From there, you’ll be driven out to the spice farm by means of their arranged transport, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Best of all, the journey is fairly quick, 20 to 30 minutes maximum, and you’ll get to see Stone Town from a different vantage point along the way.

When you arrive, your guides will show you around the farm, telling you all about their different spices – you can even taste them fresh from the fields which I’d highly recommend. You’ll see things like vanilla, cardamom, and nutmeg that ought to be familiar to you, as well as a few more unusual things as well, it’s all part of the fun. 

After the tour, you’ll be invited to take part in a cassava leaf harvest, a coconut milk-making tour, and finally, you’ll have an intimate cooking lesson with the locals, using a collection of local ingredients and spices. As if the cooking lesson wasn’t fun enough, you get to eat the final product! 

But in all seriousness, I really believe that few traveling experiences come close to sharing a meal with locals, no matter where you are in the world. And here, you get to (literally) break bread with people from a completely different walk of life as they share with you their culture and traditions. It really is an epic experience!

However, from a practical perspective, be warned that you’ll be spending much of the day in the sweltering sun. So make sure you take a hat, sun cream, water, comfortable shoes to walk in, and cash to buy some spices of your own afterward!

You’ll get back to the Fort in the afternoon and will most likely be rather knackered, so I’d suggest that you spend the rest of the afternoon chilling. But if you do feel up to doing something more, consider checking out the Persian baths, the Malindi Mosque, St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, or just going for walk along the beach.

When you’re ready for dinner, I found that the best way to find the most delicious food was to simply take a stroll around town until you found something you like the look of. The streets are bustling in the evenings, and you’ll have no trouble finding a place for dinner – whether you grab something from a street vendor or sit down at a proper restaurant!

Day 3: Changuu Island Day Trip from Stone Town

Get ready for a proper island-style day out when you do a day trip to Changuu Island . Meet at the Old Fort in the morning (yeah, it’s a common meeting place for tours) and you’ll be taken down to the coastline where you’ll hop on a little boat and your guide will drive you out to the island. Although the boat itself is nothing special, it’s always fun to be out on the water. And don’t panic if you get seasick, it’s not a long ride and you won’t spend any time bobbing around!

Changuu Island, colloquially known as Prison Island, is incredibly significant in Zanzibar, naturally, culturally, and historically. The island was purchased by Lloyd Matthews, Zanzibar’s first-ever British Prime Minister back in 1893, and its initial purpose was, you guessed it, to be a prison. However, these plans didn’t materialize and the island was later used as a location for local yellow fever patients to quarantine – yikes!

When you arrive, you’ll be able to wander around and learn about the local history from your guide. But it’s not all about colonial history! Animal lovers will be pleased to hear that the island is inhabited by at least 50 tortoises. In fact, some will be older than you, as there are even a few who are older than 100 years old! You’ll be able to see the local animals and even feed them if you’re brave. Your guide will give you some background as to what these little guys (who aren’t always so little) are doing there. And keep an eye out for peacocks and antelope too!

Once you’ve seen and learned about the island, wander back down to the beach to cool off in the picturesque waters. Your guides will even bring along snorkeling gear, so if you’re keen to check out what’s below you, grab some goggles, flippers, and a snorkel and hit the water!

When you’re tired, lunch will be waiting for you, cooked for you by your guides. You’ll have the pleasure of enjoying a traditional Swahili feast including local fare, a seafood BBQ, fresh fruit, and delicious cheeses.

After your lunch has settled, you’ll jump back on the boat and enjoy a leisurely ride back to the main island. You’ll probably be full from lunch, so if you’re not too tired, wander around and find a spot on the beach for some sundowners – I’d suggest 6 Degrees South or Mercury’s – and get an early night. 

Day 4: Chill Out on the Coast at Nungwi

Start your day bright and early and head up north to Nungwi. There are four ways to get there – by bus, shuttle, taxi, or rental car. When I did the trip, I hired a car and drove myself because I wanted the freedom to stop as I liked. But if you’d rather let somebody else do the driving, my recommendation would be to pre-order a taxi. You can take a bus or shuttle, but you may be in for some delays, multiple stops, and just a generally full and uncomfortable journey. Of course, it’s all about preference! But if you are going to take a taxi, make sure you book it in advance and settle on a price beforehand – this goes for the rest of your trip too!

When you arrive (the drive is only about an hour and fifteen minutes if you go directly), check into your accommodation and spend the day exploring the village and relaxing on the beach.

If you’re an active person, however, and sitting still just isn’t your cup of tea (I get it, I always need to be busy), there are loads of things you can do without going too far. Head down to Nungwi Beach and you’ll find loads of space to lay down your towel and read a book, as well as several operators offering cool things to do. This may include things like hiring snorkeling or diving gear or going surfing. 

For dinner, I’d highly recommend, um, Sexy Fish Restaurant. They serve the most delicious African-European fusion seafood made with locally sourced ingredients – it’s to die for. 

Where to Stay in Nungwi: Nungwi is a fairly touristy part of the island – by Zanzibar’s standards – but Canary Nungwi Hotel and Spa is the perfect escape from the business you may experience elsewhere. It’s only a few hundred meters away from Nungwi Beach and a few kilometers from Royal Beach and Kendwa Beach (which, by the way, is divine). 

Canary Nungwi Hotel is one of my personal favorites, not only because of its location but it’s got a laid-back vibe while still offering you all the amenities you need. It even has its own restaurant, so if you’re needing a quick and easy meal, you don’t have to go far. And their food is delicious too!

Day 5: Visit the Turtles and Go for a Sunset Dhow Cruise

You’ve seen local tortoises, and now it’s time to hang out with their aquatic counterparts! Visit the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond in Nungwi, a natural aquarium, and see these little local wonders with your very own eyes. 

At the conservation pond, you’ll be able to learn all about the local turtle population and the aquarium’s conservation efforts. If you’re keen, you’ll even be able to feed and swim with the turtles – a truly special experience! Entrance fee is $10 which goes towards their conservation efforts, which is pretty worth it if you ask me.

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach and in the sun before heading out on a sunset dhow cruise . In my humble opinion, this was one of the coolest things I got to do while in Zanzibar. Being out on the open ocean in a traditional Zanzibari dhow with a glass of wine – it doesn’t get better than that. Depending on the weather, you may even have the option of jumping in the water for a snorkel when you arrive at the reef, and you’ll be serenaded with local live music on the boat while you enjoy your sundowners. 

Day 6: Visit the Kiwengwa Caves on the Northeastern Coast 

It’s time to hit the road – you’re going to Kiwengwa! This is when it comes in handy to have hired a car, but don’t fret if you don’t – you can, once again, pre-order a taxi (for about $25) or catch a local bus. It’ll only take you about 45 minutes to get there.

Kiwengwa is a popular destination for tourists, and it’s no wonder why. It boasts a gorgeous beach and several cool attractions – also, the beaches in the North Eastern part of Zanzibar are known to be the best, and I can absolutely attest to that!

When you arrive, drop off your bags and enjoy a relaxing morning. Then put on some active clothes, comfy shoes, and get ready to do some exploring, because you’re going to the Kiwengwa Caves! 

There are actually two caves – one is 150 meters long and the other is 200 meters long – and they differ in shape and height. They’re a pretty awe-inspiring sight and when you get there, you’ll be surrounded by bats and exquisite birds, making this an epic excursion for animal lovers, especially ornithologists. The caves are full of massive trees and their roots, as well as stalactites hanging from the roof of the caves. 

Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby little village of Pongwe. It’s a quaint local village with a beautiful beach boasting pristine, calm waters and a protected coral reef. Wander around the village and meet the locals, and spend some time lazing around on the beach and in the water.

Head back to Kiwengwa and have dinner at La Base Jungelkite, a local seafood and fish restaurant. Now, don’t be thrown off when you realize it’s also a kitesurfing school – their food is excellent and there’s always a cool atmosphere! 

Where to stay in Kiwengwa: When you’re visiting Kiwengwa, you absolutely have to stay at Ndoto Africa Bungalows . Here, you’ll be treated to all the comforts of home along with a typical East African touch. The rooms are separate little bungalows so you can enjoy your privacy and there’s a lovely pool that you’re sure to want to use to cool off after long, hot days in the sun.

Their breakfasts are also an absolute must – they serve a variety of options, including an a la carte menu, continental breakfast, as well as several Italian-style options if you’d like to try something different. 

Day 7: Kiwengwa

Today is all about relaxing. After all, Kiwengwa, along with the rest of the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, is renowned for its sublime beaches and epic swimming spots. And after a busy week, you’re most likely aching for a day in the sun and the sand doing whatever the heck you want. 

So, start your morning in the most relaxing way possible and down to the Yoga Bar. Enjoy a yoga class at the beach at this special family-run establishment and stick around for a coffee and a healthy breakfast afterward.

Spend the rest of the day hanging out on the beach and taking a walk out on the sand banks at low tide. Hit the water and do some snorkeling, or, if you really feel like being active, why not try out a kite surfing lesson? I’d recommend either making your way back to La Base Junglekite or try out One Love Kite Surfing – they’re both popular kite surfing schools and you’re bound to have a fun day out! 

In the late afternoon, head to the Beach Lounge for sundowners and enjoy a laid-back evening.

Day 8: Visit Jozani Forest from Jambiani

Hit the road and head from Kiwengwa to Jambiani – the drive should take you just over an hour (if you travel directly) and a taxi will cost you between $35 and $40. Jambiani is a quaint little village, slightly quieter and less touristy than some of the northeastern parts of Zanzibar. It’s known as a fishing and seaweed farming village and wandering around the streets and up the seven-kilometer-long beach is a beautiful and fascinating experience.

Spend the morning exploring the village, enjoying the beach, and frolicking in the water before getting ready to head out for a little afternoon adventure. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothes head on out to Jozani Forest – either drive or hop in a taxi. The forest is located inside Jozani Chwaka National Park – Zanzibar’s only national park. 

For the full experience, I would absolutely recommend doing a guided forest tour. That way, you’ll be shown around the forest by a local guide, and they’ll tell you all about the natural vegetation and the wild animals that call the forest home. One of the most unusual animals you’ll see are Red Colobus Monkeys – they’re only found in Zanzibar, so they’re a pretty special sight!

After your day in the forest, head back to Jambiani to enjoy an evening on the beach. If you’re into seafood, I’d highly recommend going to Casa Del Mar – they serve Sea Cigal which is a local breed of lobster, and it’s absolutely to die for! And if you’re into Instagrammable settings, take a taxi up to the Rock for dinner: the instafamous restaurant that’s located on a rock in the ocean!

Where to stay in Jambiani: Since you’re only staying one night, why not treat yourself to a full-on resort experience? And there’s no better place to do it than at Zen Boutique Resort .

The resort offers visitors everything you could possibly dream of – from a pool with crystal clear water to a top-notch restaurant and vibey bar. Ideally, it’s only about 30 kilometers from Jozani Forest and there’s even a shared lounge, which I’ve always found is a really fun way to meet other travelers!

Day 9: Enjoy the Beach at Kizimkazi

The time has come for you to head to your final destination of your trip to Zanzibar – Kizimkazi. It’ll only take you about half an hour to get there (once again, either by driving yourself or by taxi) so have a slow morning in Jambiani before you head down south. 

Kizimkazi is the ideal place to relax and just enjoy the tropical paradise that is Zanzibar during your second last day on the island. My favorite beach to visit when I was there was Aya Beach – it may not boast the white sandy beaches you see on postcards, but I actually think that in many ways, it’s better! It’s a beautiful piece of shoreline and you can walk along the beach no matter the tides. 

Spend the day enjoying the outdoors and hanging out on the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not go snorkeling? The water is warm and it’s crystal clear! 

For dinner, head down to Mnana Lodge. Here, you’ll find an awesome spot that serves Italian-Zanzibari fusion food – it’s exactly what you never realized you’ve been missing in your life! Honestly, the food is incredible and it’s super well-priced, you simply can’t go wrong with Mnana Lodge. 

Where to stay in Kizimkazi: Last but certainly not least is Kamelon Blue in Kizimkazi – my favorite place that I’ve stayed at on the island! Kamelon Blue just has such a cool atmosphere. It’s relaxed but professional, and you’ll have access to a gorgeous pool and cool bar on the property (make sure to try out a few of their signature cocktails, they’re amazing). 

The setting is absolutely gorgeous, with the private rooms situated in and amongst greenery all around the property, so walking back to your room tonight makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the forest!

Day 10: Enjoy a Blue Safari 

It’s your last day in Zanzibar, but don’t let that get you down! Spend your final morning going on what the locals call a blue safari – a day trip on a boat to marvel at some of the island’s most incredible scenery and wildlife! Best of all, you’ll even get to hop in the water and come face-to-face with some of them. 

Now, before you head out, it’s essential that you’re properly prepared – it gets pretty darn hot out there, so make sure you pack a hat, sun cream, and clothing that won’t make you too hot. Definitely wear a swimsuit and if you have a second skin, take it along! The last thing you want is to get a gnarly sunburn just before you have to travel home.

When you’re deciding which tour operator to pick, my advice is to look carefully at what the tours include and make a decision based on how long you want to be out on the water and which activities most suit your interests. Some of the activities they include are visiting Menai Bay which is Zanzibar’s largest marine protected area, going snorkeling in special locations, viewing dolphins, and even swimming with dolphins. Some will offer all, especially if it’s a private tour, while others tend to focus on either sightseeing at Menai Bay and learning about the conservation side of things or swimming with the dolphins. 

Honestly, all these options are epic. But since you have limited time, I’d say you should prioritize swimming with the dolphins. I mean, how often do you get that kind of opportunity?

After a special day out on the water, surrounded by phenomenal scenery and beautiful animals, you ought to feel pretty fulfilled! And while you may be sad to leave, the one upside is that your trip back out to Stone Town, from where you’ll depart (either by plane or ferry) will only take you about an hour by taxi. 

Final Thoughts on How to Spend 10 Days in Zanzibar

Well, there you have it! I’ve done a fair bit of traveling in different parts of the world, but there’s just something special about Zanzibar. It’s the locals, the food, the incredible scenery, and the fact that the archipelago has such a rich and deep history just waiting to be explored. The true essence of Zanzibar is tangible wherever you go and whatever you do, and in my opinion, it’s something that everybody should experience. 

So, now that you’ve heard my take on the best way to see Zanzibar in ten days, all there’s left to do is start booking and pack your bags!

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Meet Lauren Juliff

The Ultimate One Week Zanzibar Itinerary

My one-week trip to Zanzibar was perfect. It ticked all the boxes: history and culture in Stone Town, relaxation in Jambiani Beach, and pristine beaches in Nungwi. It had a little bit of everything. As the island is so incredible, I wanted to put together my recommendations for a one week Zanzibar itinerary .

Zanzibar was so much more than I expected – it was otherworldly. From the snaking, medina-like streets to the celestial blue waters, I often felt like I was either time-traveling or in a beach resort commercial.

Note that this is not a backpacking itinerary . When I first started planning my trip to Zanzibar, I wanted to stay in hostels for half of the trip and boutique hotels for the rest. Zanzibar doesn’t really have hostels, and doesn’t lend itself well to backpacking (I would argue East Africa in general doesn’t have much of a backpacker scene).

So this itinerary is best for those who want to a true daiquiris-by-the-pool vacation, with a side of culture and adventure.

Table of Contents

An Epic One Week Zanzibar Itinerary

Day 1 – stone town.

Morning:  Arrive in Stone Town. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site whose winding streets are straight out of Aladdin . My advice for your first few hours? Just stroll. Take photos of the famed Zanzibari doors, enjoy a traditional Zanzibari lunch at  6 Degrees South , pop into a few shops.

RELATED: The 9 Best Things to Do in Stone Town

Afternoon:  In the afternoon, arrange a walking tour with your hotel. Most walking tours will take you to sites like the Old Fort and Christ Church Cathedral . Our tour cost $20 each for two hours.

Evening:  Have dinner at the magical  Tea House Restaurant , located on top of the Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel. Make sure to make reservations in advance! And arrive at 6 p.m. to watch the sunset over Stone Town and to enjoy a few sundowners.

NOTE: A word of warning to ladies traveling to Zanzibar – you may want to dress conservatively while in Stone Town . While Zanzibar as a whole is predominantly Muslim, Stone Town is more conservative than the rest of the island. I felt better having my shoulders and midriff covered in Stone Town.

Where to stay in Stone Town:   The Dhow Palace Hotel The  Dhow Palace Hotel  is a quaint historic hotel built in the traditional Zanzibari style. We loved it; it had free breakfast, airport pickup, a pool, and most importantly, air-conditioning. Rooms at the Dhow Palace Hotel start at $194 for a double room. For more Stone Town hotels,  check out current rates here .

Day 2 – Stone Town to Jambiani Beach

Arrange a taxi to go to Jambiani Beach – it will cost around $50 for two people. Jambiani Beach is a small village on Zanzibar’s southeastern coast. It’s relaxed and laid-back, and less touristy than other parts of the island.

RELATED: Jambiani, Zanzibar Guide: Where to Find the. Real Zanzibar

Note – before you leave Stone Town, take out cash from an ATM. There are no ATMs on Zanzibar outside of Stone Town.

Where to stay in Jambiani:   Red Monkey Beach Lodge The Red Monkey Beach Lodge is a small, budget beach lodge in Jambiani Beach. It’s not a luxury resort, but it’s a great place if you’re looking to save money without staying in a hostel. Rooms at the Red Monkey Beach Lodge start at $90 for a double room with AC. For more Jambiani hotels,  check out rates here .

Day 3 – Jambiani Beach

There’s not a lot to do in Jambiani, but that’s kind of the beauty of it. You can take a half-day cooking class at Tangawizi Bistro , learn how to play bao at Coral Rock , or just swim to your heart’s content in the beautiful aqua waters.

Basically just relax, drink a few beers, and eat seafood.

Day 4 – Lunch at The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi

You can’t go to Zanzibar and not have lunch at The Rock Restaurant! The Rock Restaurant is a tiny restaurant perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean, and it’s only a twenty-minute drive from Jambiani.

Make sure to make reservations in advance – it’s popular.

RELATED: Lunch at the Rock Restaurant on Zanzibar

Day 5 – Jambiani to Nungwi

Next, head to Nungwi for the island’s best beaches – picture miles of white sand and turquoise waters. Nungwi is more touristy than Jambiani but it’s for a good reason – the beaches are much better, and it’s nearby the island’s best dive spots.

Where to stay in Nungwi: Z Hotel Z Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel with an infinity pool and gorgeous views of the ocean. I absolutely LOVED Z Hotel – it was one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed at. Small enough to feel cozy, but big enough to have several restaurants and lots of activities, Z Hotel ticked all the boxes for me. Plus, the interior design is gorgeous. Rooms at Z Hotel start at $190 for a double room. For more hotels in Nungwi, check out rates here .

Day 6 – Snorkel or Dive Mnemba Atoll

The best snorkeling and diving on Zanzibar is at Mnemba Atoll. Mnemba Atoll is a beautiful reef with strong currents, so it’s the perfect place to try drift-diving.

I didn’t see any big sea life but I did see ghostly white pufferfish, turquoise parrotfish, grouper, small, white moray eel, unicorn fish battling, and sea stars. While the diving was good, I wouldn’t plan a trip to Zanzibar for the diving alone – it wasn’t mind-blowing.

But if you like drift diving, you will love Mnemba Atoll – I drifted so far on my dive that I completely lost my group, ha.

Note to all scuba divers – make sure to give yourself more than 24 between your dive and your flight! 

Which company to dive with: I enjoyed my experience with  Spanish Dancer Divers . Spanish Dancers charges $110 for two dives, and also charges a $30 supplement for Mnemba Atoll. Snorkeling Mnemba costs only $55. It takes about 45 minutes to get from Nungwi to Mnemba Atoll by speed boat.

Day 7 – Airport

Say goodbye to Z Hotel (sob) and head to the airport.

Other activities to add to your one week Zanzibar itinerary:

• Paje is a great place to learn how to kiteboard.
• If you’re looking for a super fancy, romantic resort, everyone seems to love Breezes.
• Kendwa Rocks hosts a Full Moon Party every month, so if you like to party, consider planning your trip around that.

More posts on Zanzibar you may find helpful:

The 9 Best Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar

Jambiani Beach: Where to Find the Real, Untouristy Zanzibar

Lunch at The Rock Restaurant on Zanzibar

Important info: When to visit Zanzibar – we visited in March, which marks the start of the rainy season which continues through April and May. However it didn’t rain at all during our stay, so I’d highly recommend visiting in March as flights and accommodation were much more inexpensive than during the high season. See more advice on when to visit Zanzibar here. Citizens from most western countries can get their visas on arrival for $50 on Zanzibar, payable by cash for credit. However it costs $100 for US citizens. Learn more about  visa information  here. Travelers to Tanzania must present proof of the yellow fever vaccination at the airport if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever – see  countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission  here. The malaria risk on Zanzibar is low, so I didn’t take medication. However, some travelers decide to. See the  recommended vaccines for Tanzania  here. Make sure to purchase travel insurance before your trip to Zanzibar.  I’ve used  World Nomads  for years and highly recommend it.

Have you ever visited Zanzibar? What do you think of this one week Zanzibar itinerary?

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About Ashley Fleckenstein

Ashley is a travel and lifestyle blogger who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since college she has au paired in Paris, backpacked the world solo, and lived in Uganda. Her work has been featured by Buzzfeed, Forbes, TripAdvisor, and Glamour Magazine.

16 thoughts on “The Ultimate One Week Zanzibar Itinerary”

Holy cow, adding Zanzibar to the travel bucket list. I planned to visit Africa, but since so few it seems travel there, I can never find many posts so it’s a big mystery still. Thank you for visiting and providing so much detail and guidance for Zanzibar! It’s nice to forgo hostels and backpacking for a luxury trip once in a while isn’t it? Can’t wait to visit–that restaurant is awesome!!

While I was bummed that there weren’t any hostels, in the end it turned out for the best – Z Hotel was AMAZING and we had an absolute blast :)

Ok so after reading this we definitely have to add Zanzibar to our bucket list. It look stunning.

It’s definitely gorgeous! I’d highly recommend :)

Oh my goodness, it looks like a locale the gods must have made way back when :) I’ve wanted to visit ever since a friend of mine finished her honeymoon there (they did the safari experience in Tanzania and then did some r & r there). The Maldives has always been my exotic bucket list beach destination and yet I think I’d like Zanzibar more since there’s so much history and the blending of cultures there. Beautiful photos although you probably can’t take a bad one either.

I definitely loved that Zanzibar had so much to offer in the way of beaches AND history, culture, and food. Safari or Kilimanjaro with a vacation on Zanzibar is the perfect combo I think :)

So damn Beautiful Zanzibar..

It’s seriously gorgeous :)

What a beautiful place! I can’t believe this Rock Restaurant – it looks unreal! And crazy cute :)

I can only imagine the trekking that can be done in such location…

Happy travels! Ioanna A Woman Afoot

Thanks so much, Ionna! You too.

What a magical trip, Ashley! I’m loving your new life in Africa. So dreamy.

It was seriously magical. You would love it!

Zanzibar has recently appeared on so many instagram pages that i follow that i had to move it to the top of my destination list. I cannot wait to get there and have my own stories to tell. It looks absolutely amazing.

It does seem to be on Instagram a lot these days!It´s really a special place – I´m sure you will love it.

Hey Ashley How much did your trip cost you in total?

It was a year and a half ago so I’m not completely sure. Sorry about that!

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One Week Itinerary For Zanzibar: The Ultimate Guide The Spice Island

A week in Zanzibar offers everything you could possibly want – palm-fringed beaches, powdery white sand, historical villages and towns, colourful markets, and. This offbeat island, just off the east coast of Africa, is ideal for travellers who enjoy going off the beaten path. Here’s a low-down on everything you need to plan an ideal week-long holiday in Zanzibar

Why Choose Zanzibar?

After spending 2 weeks in Zanzibar, we would say Zanzibar is ideal for 3 kinds of travellers

• Those who want to experience the gorgeous panoramas of places like Seychelles or Maldives, but on a budget. Unlike those 2 countries, Zanzibar has several all inclusive resorts that are quite budget friendly
• Those who love acquainting themselves with the rich culture and complex history of a new country but also want scenic panoramas and gorgeous beaches.
• Those who want a luxurious yet unique honeymoon destination or romantic getaway . There is no shortage of uber-luxurious resorts and hotels in Zanzibar. This ensures honeymooners have access to the best of amenities while exploring the little villages, spice plantations, and remote beaches of Zanzibar

  View this post on Instagram   How do I articulate the slow seduction of the present, as it unravels one moment at a time, under the African sun? ??? #lostforwords #nevercomingback A post shared by Savi and Vid (@bruisedpassports) on Nov 22, 2018 at 4:30am PST

Know before you go

• You need to furnish yellow fever vaccination certificates upon reaching Zanzibar, so make sure you have them on you upon reaching the country
• Tanzania offers Visa On Arrival to citizens of most countries including India, UK, and USA for a fee of USD50. You will be asked to fill a short form upon arrival, following which the visa is granted. It was a pretty seamless process for us and we were not asked for any supporting documentation.

Best time to visit Zanzibar

June to October is the best season to visit Zanzibar as the weather is cool yet dry. However December to February is a great period too. The weather is hotter but it is dry and crowds are lesser. We visited Zanzibar during November and while some afternoons got too hot, we enjoyed the overall experience.

Getting In To Zanzibar

A lot of tourists who are already on mainland Tanzania take the direct ferry from Dar es Salaam (3 hours) or a short flights (15 minutes). You can also take a short flight from Serengeti or other parts of Tanzania

But if you are flying directly to Zanzibar, you will find the island itself is pretty well connected to most countries. We were in India before this trip, so we flew from New Delhi to Zanzibar with Ethiopian Airlines (roughly GBP 500 per person for return flights) because of a convenient connection. However the plane was messy, the food bad, and the service well, non-existent! We’d recommend choosing another airline if you can find one that offers convenient connections to Zanzibar from your port of departure 🙂

Transfers within Zanzibar

It is best to have a taxi, which will take you from the airport to your hotel, booked before you land in Zanzibar! You can compare the prices offered by your hotel with a local taxi provider. Usually private transfers cost anywhere between USD 10 (Airport – Stone Town) and USD 50 (Airport – Chwaka Bay).

We booked all our transfers with Lukman after reading good reviews about him on Tripadvisor . It is best to contact him over Whatsapp at +255 776 416 155. We got his number from Tripadvisor – he was prompt in responding and punctual when it came to pick ups and drop offs. The prices he charged were competitive, so no complaints there. Would recommend him if you’re visiting Zanzibar. Say hello to him from us 🙂

Budgeting for your holiday in Zanzibar

You budget will depend vastly upon the kind of accommodation you choose. It is possible to book nice hotels starting at USD30 but if you’re there to spend a special occasion or a honeymoon, then there are some expensive but stunning luxury hotels too.

In addition to the cost of flights and hotel bookings, expect to spend about USD 70 per person per day (on transfers, occasional activities, and 2 meals per day) when you budget for your trip. Of course this indicative cost can increase or decrease depending on variables such as how much you intend to move around on the island, whether you enjoy fine dining or street food, or whether you are a heavy drinker on holiday.

One week Itinerary for a holiday in Zanzibar

When you are crafting your itinerary for a week long holiday in Zanzibar, we would suggest spending 2-3 days of the week in historic Stone Town and 4-5 days of the week in a beach-side hotel.

Staying in Stone Town

We’d highly recommend combining your stay at a beach-side hotel with a short stay in the historical and cultural capital – Stone Town, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Most tourists visit Stone Town on a day trip but we recommend spending at least 2-3 days absorbing it’s sights and sounds. There are plenty of hotels in the area. We suggest choosing a boutique hotel in the old town for a real experience. But do beware of the following factors:

• Due to historic buildings and risk, there are no electric kettles in the rooms
• You can expect lots of stairs and winding pathways as these are old buildings, so not disabled friendly
• There can be a lot of mayhem in the town, so expect to hear the sounds of Stone Town early in the morning

If none of these things bother you, then we would highly recommend a unique stay in Stone Town. It is an unparalleled feeling to be in the midst of so much history, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the market. There is no better option than Emerson on Hurumzi – this gem is a refurbished historic building with the most scenic terrace restaurant in Stone Town. Rooms are colourful and full of character. Try opting for a room with a private terrace but you could literally pick any room and you’ll fall in love. Their home-cooked breakfast is hearty and delicious but the Zanzibari feast ($35 per person, including a 4 course meal and entertainment) at their famous rooftop teahouse and restaurant is unparalleled – book a place and arrive before sunset. Watch the sun set over Stone Town and dig into scrumptious fare as local singers regale you with their tunes.

Staying at the beach

When it comes to choosing beach side properties, there is no dearth of options in Zanzibar. If you like partying, then choose a beach-facing hotel or guesthouse in the villages of Nungwi or Kendwa. If you’re on a budget and you like really quiet places, then Resort Filao Beach is a good option. The hotel is affordable and scenic and the staff is lovely. However there is absolutely nothing to do in the area and there are no shops or restaurants. This means you are confined to the premises of the hotel – great if you’re after some privacy but not for you if you’ want to explore the island. The only walking excursion here is a visit to Chwaka village and its fish market.

Mnemba Lodge – A Luxurious Haven

If you’re on your honeymoon or celebrating a truly special occasion (like us- we were there for our tenth anniversary!), then we’d recommend an exquisite private island getaway at AndBeyond Mnemba Island . Here barefoot luxury reigns supreme. Open-air villas are enveloped by trees and white sands. Both the colour of the water and beach sand at Mnemba Island are right out of a picture postcard – it’s easy to spend hours just relaxing by the beach, sipping on cocktails.

Each villa comes with its own private butler, so you can have said cocktails and all your meals wherever you want – by the beach, in your villa, lying down in a canopy in the middle of nowhere, or even on a float in the middle of the ocean. Everything from local delicacies and freshly-caught fish to continental salads and main courses is on offer.  We loved their desserts, especially their chocolate fondant. Just writing about it makes me want to go back for more

A stay here isn’t without its cons – open-air villas can get a tad hot during peak summer months, despite the fans. They are also not apt for light sleepers – there are plenty of doves on the island, which make for impeccable photographs but can be disturbing for light sleepers. For this reason we’d deem it ideal for adventurous luxury travellers. Other than that, AndBeyond Mnemba is the perfect island getaway in Zanzibar – an ideal way to relish an indulgent beach break with your partner in paradise.

Mnemba Atoll is ideal for water sports, especially snorkelling and diving. But we would also urge you to try their dhow boat cruise in the evening – watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean as you sip on sundowners and feel the wind in your hair.

Things to do in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a unique destination in the sense that there aren’t too many landmarks you would want to ‘see’. Instead some of the richest things here can be experienced just by staying in the middle of the action and wandering in the by lanes or by a beach. Having said that, here are ten things to do and experiences we would definitely recommend in Zanzibar

• Watersports – diving, snorkelling, boating – you can take your pick! Mnemba Atoll has some of the clearest waters for water sports
• Walk to the fishing villages in Chwaka bay (if you’re staying in the area) and interact with the locals
• Sample street food at Forodhani Market – try the Zanzibari pizza, samosas, and freshly-squeezed fruit juices or if you don’t have a strong tummy, just soak in the atmosphere
• Acquaint yourself with local spices and local fare at Darajani Market in Stone Town
• Book a meal at the scenic restaurant The Rock. To be honest, the location is gorgeous but the food at The Rock could be better for the price. For this reason, we’d suggest dropping by for a drink or starters.
• Walk around Stone Town exploring historic gems such as the Old Fort and shopping for souvenirs. Walk along the port at sunset
• Party the night away at the full moon party at Kendwa Rocks
• Make friends with giant turtles at Canguu (Prison Island) on a day trip
• Enrol yourself in an experiential activity such as a cooking class, a village walk, or a school visit
• Admire the sunset from a dhow cruise – did you know dhow boats have been used by merchants coming to Zanzibar since the Spice Route days? Even today, goods are transported from Tanzania’s mainland to Zanzibar on dhows each day. If you’re holidaying on the island, you MUST hop on an old-school dhow boat and sail on calm waters as the sun sets around you

That’s it. Everything you need to know about planning a week long holiday to Zanzibar. If you have any other questions, please leave them down below 🙂

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46 thoughts on “ one week itinerary for zanzibar: the ultimate guide the spice island ”.

wonderful write-up as-usual.. never knew Tanzania was so beautiful… you guys keep rocking and stay blessed 🙂

Thanks – this week in Zanzibar was a real surprise for us too 🙂

seriously guys.. you can make the worst places look the most fascinating.

Thanks Anjali. Zanzibar however is one of the nicest gems we’ve discovered in recent years 🙂

What a great guide- Zanzibar wasn’t even on my radar but after watching you guys there on Instagram and reading this blog it’s been added to the list for sure! What blue waters and what a beautiful historical town! And as usual, the way you describe destinations has me wanting to book a plane ticket immediately!

Thank you so much Adele – Zanzibar was quite a revelation to us as well 🙂

The article is too good and meaningful. Thank you for showing me the great value Zanzibar brings

Nice write up Savi..will it be too hot in December end??

Hey Vani – yes it will be hot but it’ll also be dry which is why December is one of the good months to visit Zanzibar (blue waters, no rain)

Hi savi n vid… I was waiting for your write up on Zanzibar. We will Be in Zanzibar for 3 nights after our Masai Mara visit. What all we must do in our time as we want to rest for 1 day at least at our beautiful resort The Zanzibari. Thanks ?

Hey Neha – you can pick and choose your favourites from the above but I’d definitely recommend a visit to the Old Town and some time to relax at the beaches 🙂

Lovely write up….? never knew this place even existed until read your blog!!!

Savi. I have one query. What currency is widely accepted in Zanzibar. Dollar or their shillings. Which is more convenient to use. And thank you so much for showing us a precious gem that we can visit.

Hey the local currency is more widely accepted in Zanzibar 🙂

Such a wonderful post guys. Thank you! Just one question-I have been reading up a lot on Tanzania and most guides ask to dress conservatively in Zanzibar. I totally understand that you need to respect the culture of the place you are visiting but do you think as a single woman there is any extra precaution to be taken?

Hey Akanksha – Not really. As long as your elbows and knees are covered and you’re not flashing very expensive equipment, you’re good 🙂

Not more than what you would take in a country like India 🙂

Other than that, just wear covered clothes when going to religious places

I wanted to ask if you decided to spend a week in Zanzibar instead of spending that week in mainland Tanzania? If so, was it worth it to spend the entire time in Zanzibar, having travelled all the way to Tanzania?

I am currently deciding on whether I ought to spend three/four days in Zanzibar, and three days near Arusha (to make short trips to surrounding safaris)

Hey Jin – Your plan sounds great. We had recently been on safari and wanted a relaxed break, hencewhy we opted to fly in and out of Zanzibar 🙂

Hi – Did you book the Dhow boat cruise ahead of time? I am planning my trip to Zanzibar right now, so appreciate any pointers on this!

Hey you don’t need not book the Dhow cruise in Zanzibar ahead of time. Just a day in advance works – so you can book it upon getting there 🙂

Moving around the island ends up being one of the biggest expenses for people visiting Zanzibar. Obviously using the dala dala would keep transport costs down, but for those people who don’t want to travel in hot, cramped buses for hours at a time there are shuttles instead! These effectively work like shared taxis, collecting you directly from your accommodation and dropping you at the next place. The price is only $10 p/p to go anywhere on the island and quite often you get the car to yourself anyway! Only downside is that departure times are set… so check the schedule fits with your plans.

Thank you! We have also included details for private transfers should someone wants that!!

Thank you for this guide, super helpful! Had a few questions, do you think Zanzibar is safe to travel alone for a female? Also did you tip daily? In terms of getting around the Island, is this difficult? Appreciate any tips 🙂 love reading your blogs from little NZ 🙂

Don’t think there should be any problems in solo travel. It seemed safe. You can get around the island either by private car hire or local transport which is not a hassle. Tipping is not expected but always appreciated 😉

Hey savi & Vid, I’ve read your articles on Zanibar a million times only in the hope to make it there one day. It’s finally happening next year, but do your tips and advice remain the same post covid?

Is it a good destination to travel now in such times?

Yes, just make sure that you follow the country specific Covid rules 🙂

Hey was wondering if I could club Zanzibar with safari trips in Tanzania… Will 8-10 days be sufficient to do both? Also have u heard or been to the animal safaris in Tanzania?

That’s the best plan and most people do that. 10 days should be enough for that. Unfortunately we haven’t been to any safaris in Tanzania

Lovely website, especially the photos. I am planning a trip in November, still haven’t finalised a destination but Zanzibar is definitely in the list. However, i wanted to know how safe is the stone town? is there a strict code of decorum to be followed here (i have heard they can be quite conservative)? I am someone who loves immersing myself in different cultures and Zanzibar does look enticing.

It’s safe. Not quite sure what you mean by strict code of decorum 🙂

It didn’t feel stifling or anything of that sort. We loved Zanzibar.

Hey, I was planning for a Honeymoon trip to Zanzibar in Feb’20. My only concern is temperature. Is it going to be really hot or if it is ok yo go in Feb.

Hey Aakash,

You might find more reliable information on Google weather 🙂 we went in November and the weather was beautiful at that time. Not quite sure about Feb

WONDERFUL POST AND FROM THE PHOTO YOU GUYS HAD A VERY GOOD TIME THERE.

Zanzibar is outstanding! I have visited Clove Island in Makunduchi Beach last year and I completely fell in love with the island!

Thank you very much for putting this post together. Savy, you should totally run an IG channel or something on the dresses you wear! They are stunning and I would buy them! I visited Zanzibar as the last destination before the world went into lockdown. I remember visiting Emerson on Hurumzi but they only allow people who had prior appointment (or least so was the case back in December 2019)! I plan to visit Koh Samui next and thanks again for all the suggestion you have put up on the post.

thanks for the ideas, these are handy. !

Would you recommend the company you went with for the sundowner ,dhow boat cruise ? Was it a private cruise ? any details would be appreciated.

Hey there – yes most hotels operate their own private cruises or have tie-ups with local dhow boat companies 🙂

Hi, has anyone here travelled to Zanzibar in March? all articles I have read say March is monsoon season, but I so badly want to be in Zanzibar on my 30th Birthday which is on the 12 March. Does it literally rain every single day in March?

Great write up!!

Would like to know about the dressing scene in Zanzibar. is the place a little too conservative to flaunt skin? Just an observation made in your photos ( using cover ups/pants)

Nothing of the sort in the beach facing hotels. But if you do go to the local markets etc, best to cover up 🙂

Beautiful one

Thanks for sharing the useful information with us. It will help me to rent a car in Zanzibar.

I love this!

Off the beaten path trips are my favourite so this is very helpful for planning our next trips!

thank you so much for sharing your tips! 🙂

I am visiting Zanzibar next month. Thanks for the write up. My grand father was a trader and he used to frequent Zanzibar often. I had heard stories of Zanzibar from him as a child. I am not 62, lol. Your write up was the same as depicted by him during bed time stories. Thanks and now I am planning Zanzibar, an ode to my grandfather. I shall looking out for his foot prints and follow his foot steps.

What a fascinating story! I hope you have the best time in Zanzibar

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Africa , Travel , Zanzibar & Tanzania · Updated on: January 20, 2024

Your Complete Zanzibar One Week Itinerary: what to do, and more!

So you’ve passed the part of thinking about it, actually buying the plane ticket, getting (or not) the vaccines and you find yourself landing at the Zanzibar Airport. What now? Here is my one week Zanzibar itinerary to help you out with suggestions for the best places to visit in Zanzibar, an easy-to-follow itinerary, and some of the best day trips to take.

Well, first of all, you should know that the airport in Zanzibar is…very interesting and not something you might be used to.

And now, it actually depends on what it is that you prefer to do on a holiday.

As an island, Zanzibar has a lot to offer when it comes to water-related activities, but you can also go for something else, such as a spice tour (the island is also known as Spice Island) where you can see how all your favorite spices grow and learn how they become what you love, or choose a trip on the Tanzanian continent, be it Dar Es Salaam (the former country’s capital) or one of the Game Safaris (and you sure have where to choose from).

But let’s take it one thing at a time.

Read next: Zanzibar travel tips – all the things to know before traveling

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it on our  disclosure page here .

Useful information for your Zanzibar itinerary

Why visit zanzibar.

The main reason why you should consider visiting the spice island is that Zanzibar can cater to any type of traveler.

Couples looking for an amazing exotic destination for their honeymoon will find luxurious hotels set on pristine beaches, and some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen. 

People looking to travel on a budget can plan for the perfect backpacking itinerary, choose from the countless budget accommodation options, and get around from one point to the other with the locals. 

If you are an adventure-lover, in Zanzibar you have plenty of water sports to choose from: kite surfing, snorkeling, and snorkeling, only to name a few. 

On top of that, the feeling you will get on the island is priceless and something I rarely found during my trips around the world. People are incredibly friendly and open to help you, and the food is delicious!

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

If you are contemplating visiting my favorite place on Earth (ok, I am exaggerating a little bit, I cannot make out my mind about this), there are two perfect times throughout the year to do it:

• from June to October
• from December to February

We have visited the island and went on a safari in Tanzania for New Year’s Eve and the first part of January . And the weather was perfect! 

Ok, the days might not be quite as long as during summer, but we sure had a great time and the New Year’s party was something we will always remember. Thus, if you can make it, you should do it!

Where to stay in Zanzibar

You will travel to Zanzibar especially for one thing: the beaches!

With long pristine white sandy beaches and deep turquoise water, Zanzibar island is amazing for those in need of some vitamin sea.

And choosing where to stay in Zanzibar could prove to be tricky, because of all the great options available out there. 

Here is a rough overview of some of the best Zanzibar beaches :

• Northern Coast – Nungwi beach , Kendwa  Beach, or Pemba island 

Luxury hotels : andBeyond Mnemba Island , Riu Palace Zanzibar  

Medium budget accommodation : DobleTree Resort by Hilton , Aluna Nungwi , Warere Beach

Budget accommodation: Makofi Guest House , Casa Carlotta & Villa

• North East Coast – look for accommodation in and around Kiwengwa and you will fall in love with the postcard beaches

Luxury hotels: Melia , Kiwengwa Beach Resort , Tikitam Palms hotel

Medium budget: Marafiki Bungalows , Kiwengwa Bungalow Boutique Resort

Budget: Sea Crest Hotel , Lazy Beach House

• East Coast –  this is where we chose to stay, even though the tides here are more prominent than in the Northern part of the island. Also, here is where you will want to stay if you want to try windsurfing. 

Luxury hotels : Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort , Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar , 

Medium budget: Paradise Beach Resort (where we stayed and loved it, read my review here ) , Uroa Bay Beach Resort

Budget: Samaki Lodge & Spa

Shall you stay at an all-inclusive hotel or not?

The answer to that question depends a lot on your travel style, budget, and how adventurous you feel. 

I would suggest a mix for your vacation in Zanzibar: choose a luxury retreat with a stunning beach and an all-inclusive package for the days you want to sit back and relax and go for the breakfast-only option on the days when you will, either way, be out exploring. 

How to get to Zanzibar?

Even though the island is relatively small, set in the Indian Ocean, on the Eastern Coast of Tanzania, it is very conveniently connected to some of the best airports. 

Depending on your starting point, you might find direct flights, or options with one layover in Dubai, Istanbul, or Qatar. 

In my opinion, the best flight options are offered by Qatar Airways, even though FlyDubai has low-cost options.

Check flight options with Qatar Airways!

See low-cost options with FlyDubai!

From the airport, we had a private transfer organized by the hotel, and even though the flight had a significant delay (because of a sand storm in Dubai), the driver was still there waiting for us. 

You can check with your hotel because they certainly offer this service, or you can book an affordable and reliable taxi service before leaving for your vacation. Book your transfer here!

Getting around the island during your Zanzibar itinerary

Even though we chose to go only on day trips in Zanzibar, some years have passed since our escape and I’ve seen many people renting cars and exploring the island on their own. 

The price for renting a car for a week in Zanzibar is affordable, you have the flexibility to make your schedule as you wish, and you can go wherever you feel like going. Discover hidden gems and feel like a local. 

My go-to option for renting cars is always Discover Cars.

It is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for renting a car during your trip, helping you save up to 70% on your car rental. They have a pretty good  cancellation policy that would give you options in case your flight or travel plans change. Get your offers here!

You will need a temporary Zanzibar driver’s permit to drive on the island, but this will be organized by the rental car company before your arrival when you book online. The temporary permit will be available for 3 months, and minimum documentation is requested (only your valid driver’s license and a photo). 

If you don’t feel like renting a car, as we did, opt for organized day trips. From all my research, Viator had the best and the most options for day trips in Zanzibar. Check out all the best day excursions in Zanzibar!

How many days do you need around Zanzibar?

We have spent a little bit over one week on the island, mostly because we have been there for New Year’s Eve. 

In my opinion, you can spend anywhere between 4 days and 10 days on the island without getting bored. Of course, when time and budget allow, you can stay here even longer!

Visa requirements for Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Depending on where you are traveling from, you will most likely need a visa .  Check your Visa requirements here!

The good news is you can easily apply online for your tourist evisa, and get it in no time. The visa price and duration is different depending on the country you come from (1 year and 100 USD for US citizens, 90 days and 5o USD if you are coming from France, and no fee for Romanians like myself).

The process is done online, and you also get all the information you might need (related to any testing, quarantine, or insurance needed). 

  Check your Visa requirements here!

My complete 1 week in Zanzibar itinerary & what to do in Zanzibar

This itinerary can be easily adjusted if you plan to stay 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days in Zanzibar. You can pick and choose your favorite activities based on your travel style, budget, and time spent on the island. 

Click on the below map and it will open in Google Maps to help you visualize the setting of the best things to do in Zanzibar. 

Day 1 – Get lost on the streets of Stone Town

Start your one week Zanzibar itinerary and admire the beautiful architecture that stands at the crossing of Swahili, Arab and Indian cultures, the Zanzibar door being the most memorable feature of Stone Town .

We went on a Stone Town walking tour with a guide and learned a lot about the local traditions and history. 

Here you can spend hours getting lost in the narrow streets, drinking delicious smoothies and eating traditional food at the local bars, shopping for souvenirs, and just feeling the local vibe.

One place you shouldn’t miss is the local market (Darajani Bazaar) , where you will be surrounded by all the oriental flavors you never thought about, just prepare yourself to bargain.

Just know that the market is split into 2 sections: the fish market, and the spice and vegetable section. If you’re like us, you will want to avoid the fish part and head directly to the spices. The stench is incredible and I couldn’t go inside. 

Here is where I’ve seen for the first time the gorgeous violate blue Tanzanite gemstone (please excuse my ignorance). There are tens of jewel shops where you can choose from thousands of rings, earrings, and a lot of other kinds of jewelry (if this is what you’re in for).

Stop by Freddy Mercury’s house – yes, he was born in the center of Stone Town, and see the Old Fort of Zanzibar . Get some traditional henna tattoos from the local ladies, and get to Forodhani Gardens after dark for some truly local food. 

We actually did not have the chance to do it because we left the city in the afternoon, but I’ve read so much about this and have heard it also from the guide we had in Stone Town.

Read next: What to pack for Zanzibar

The gardens are ideally placed overlooking the ocean, offering the perfect place for an early evening walk and why not, for savoring a local (both Swahili and Zanzibari) meal.

Having such a local print, and since it has become very touristic, the place can be of course liked or disliked.

Don’t leave without going on a food market and street food tour . 

Take the boat from Stone Town and disembark on Changuu Island 

Also known as Prison Island , although it has never been an actual prison, the island has played different roles throughout history: from the place where slaves were kept until they were sent away, to a coal mine, to a quarantine station for yellow fever.

Today, the buildings are used as a hotel and restaurants, offering tourists the chance to stay here and visit the former cells. Moreover, the trip from and to the island is very nice and you can enjoy both the panoramic view of the island and of Stone Town.

Book your tour in advance and create great memories!

In 1919 the British Governor of Seychelles sent a gift of 4 Aldabra giant tortoises to Changuu. Since then, they have had fluctuations in the numbers (mainly because during the time the tortoises have been bred but they have also been stolen) but are currently protected since they are considered a vulnerable species.

Tourists can now visit and feed the tortoises (the big one below was actually 157 years old – and I’m not talking about me) and trust me when I say, this is a novel experience since there are very few places in the world where you can kill time with this fellers.

Other things worth trying in Zanzibar’s capital

See the Palace Museum – or the Sultan’s palace, which occupies various buildings along the seafront. Outside the museum, you can still see the tombs of various sultans.

Visit the House of Wonders – From the Gardens , you can also admire the “ House of Wonders ” (being the first house in Zanzibar to have electricity and an elevator), formerly the Sultan’s residence, now functioning as a museum of Swahili culture and the old fort, built in the 17th century that hosts now cultural shops and workshops.

In the old fort, you will also see a small arena where music and theater shows are held daily and where once per year the Zanzibar International Film Festival is held.

Admire all the doors and take plenty of pictures with these impressive structures – they used to be a visual statement of the owner’s status in society, acting like a business card for the passerby.

Don’t miss out on the Slave market museum – now an Anglican Cathedral, this was the last legal slave market in the world. I know that sounds mind-blowing, but I think we shouldn’t take it for granted and learn about the past and always remember that if it’s legal, it doesn’t mean it’s ethical or human. 

Have a drink on the beach or at the Africa House Hotel , with the stunning blue sea under your feet and eyes. Or go for lunch or dinner at Lukmaan Restauran t or the Tea House Restaurant , both with unique local design and food. 

Afterward, try a cup of delicious coffee at the Zanzibar coffee house .

Day 2 – Go on a spice tour and ride a Dala Dala to the beach

One of the greatest experiences we had in Zanzibar was going on a spice tour . Before doing that, we had no idea about the magical world of spices, and honestly, the way they grow was a mystery to both of us. 

You can read here my full experience and you can book your tour in advance to make sure you take advantage of great prices and have your schedule and one-week itinerary planned. 

At the end of the tour, we even had lunch with some local traditional dishes, discussed with the locals, and had some coconuts directly from the tree. How much fresher could that get?

And just look how happy I was! I think, all in all, that was the effect Zanzibar had on me. 

Once you’re done with the spice experience, you’ll want to take a traditional local Dala Dala car and head to one of the beautiful beaches on the island. 

All countries have their names for the local buses, and you’ll want to try one at least once. 

Day 3 – swim with the dolphins and see the only national park on the island

We have thought about this a lot before going, partly because it involved waking up at 5:30 and having a one-hour drive to the other part of the island, without being sure that you will actually get to see the real wild dolphins (because yes, they are wild).

Taking all this into consideration, after hearing stories from other fellow tourists, we have decided to actually take the trip and we were lucky to find a group of dolphins, after “running around” the in the middle of the ocean for almost two hours.

You can also choose to jump in the water and try swimming with them, just keep in mind that they are, well…wild..and will simply swim away from the boats and people.

Even if we were back at the hotel just before 10 o’clock in the morning, I would totally do it once again, because not only I got to see the dolphins in their natural habitat, I have also seen another side of the island and enjoyed a lovely morning on the ocean.

You can check it out and book your adventure ahead of time here!

Visit Jozani Forest Reserve

This is the only national park in Zanzibar , where you can see Kirk’s red colobus , a local protected monkey species, a lot of bird species, and butterflies.

This will be just a relaxing half-day trip, making the best o nature and fauna that Zanzibar has to offer.

You can link both experiences together and have a day to remember with this tour . 

Day 4 – explore the underwater world

You don’t have to be a professional swimmer when thinking about trying to do some snorkeling, I myself have learned how to use the snorkeling mask without swallowing the whole ocean and I’ve come to really enjoy the experience.

I’ve had the chance to search for fish in some lovely places, but this experience was the BEST and one of the ultimate things to do in Zanzibar. The only thing I regret was not having a waterproof camera for taking pictures…but I guess memory also works pretty well the old-fashioned way 😉

So, if you are willing to risk a little bit (fighting the thought in your head who are holding you back), you will get the chance to see all sorts of colorful fish and coral (just please please be respectful with Mother Nature and don’t touch the coral, because it is very sensitive).

Oh, and by the way, we’ve done snorkeling near Mnemba Island, which is a private island where Bill Gates and Naomi Campbell spend their vacations in the past.

If you are interested in the experience (and have the money, or don’t need a kidney) you can be a guest at “ &Beyond Mnemba Island “.

Book your greatest experience in Mnemba Atoll and go snorkeling with some of the most colorful fish out there. And if you’re more adventurous, take a 3-4 days to open water diving course , something that will stick with you forever. 

Day 5 – Enjoy the incredible beaches!

Yes, here you can find never-ending white sand beaches and the water is not so bad either. Ok, I admit it, the water is crystal clear!

Around this island, I have seen everything from turquoise water to all the Pantone blue I didn’t think existed. It is also very easy to find someone with a boat willing to take you on the sea, just don’t expect a fancy boat, it will be a very local experience.

And when you just want to lay back and relax on the beach, there are plenty of amazing beaches with white sand where you can take your time and sit comfortably at the beach  or just a blanket and lay back for the day.

Day 6 – Visit the marine turtle conservation pond & see the sunset at Nungwi 

These are places where people take care of marine turtles and keep them safe until the age when they can lay eggs on the beaches of Zanzibar.

It is great to see these little fellows and also their larger brothers and see that they are actually taken care of, released into the wild once they are ready for it.

Check out the experience here!

Enjoy the sunset from Nungwi beach

If you haven’t booked a retreat on this part of the island, known to have some of the best beaches and also the best difference between tides enabling bathing throughout the whole day, you can always book a trip here from anywhere you are.

Of course, you can expect a rather crowded beach, as compared to all the other places we’ve seen on the island, but since it’s on the North-West side you can stay and enjoy a Stoney Tangawizi while watching the sunset.

The tour will get you here once you’ve seen the turtles and swam with them. 

Day 7 – Kitesurfing or relax on the beach

If you are into it, Zanzibar is a go-to place for kitesurfers (as you are aware, if you are into it ;)) ). Paje beach is located in the Southeastern part of the island and here you can find miles and miles of white sand and perfect conditions for kitesurfing.

You can try out also Jambiani beach , or any of the less crowded places on the Eastern side of the island. 

Finish off your last day of the one week Zanzibar itinerary with a dinner at the famous Rock Restaurant and a cave tour visit. 

What to eat in Zanzibar

I personally liked the food in Zanzibar very much, and I tried almost everything we had at the hotel or while exploring the island. 

Food is tasty and they use lots of flavors, after all, Zanzibar is the “spice island”, and for a good reason.

This being said, there are certain traditional dishes you should try on your vacation here:

• pilau rice – we had this delicious dish, filled with cinnamon, star Anais, and raisins, during our visit to the spices garden. 
• Biryani – another type of rice filled with spices and meat
• every kind of seafood
• plantains stew
• Swahili curries

And this is not all, Zanzibar island and Tanzania offer lots of opportunities to spend a vacation you will never forget and where you will always want to come back (at least I do, but.. hmm life is too short and unfortunately I get only 23 vacation days per year)!

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You’ll Also Love

March 1, 2017 at 7:53 am

I had to choose between visiting Zanzibar or going on safari after my Kilimanjaro hike so I chose the safari. While I don’t regret it I do wish I had made time to visit Zanzibar, even if it was just for a few days. I didn’t know you could see baby sea turtles there! Do they nest year round?

March 1, 2017 at 6:32 pm

Hi Christa! You definitelydid not make the wrong choice, the safari is a once in a lifetime experience. Related to the turtles, it takes actually them decades to reach maturity and lay eggs, but in the sanctuary they had turtles all ages.

March 1, 2017 at 8:06 am

The beaches in Zanzibar do look amazing so that would totally be my first port of call, and second? Well the conversation project with the turtles! Totally cool. My step dad kitesurfs so I’ll totally recommend this location for him to try.

March 1, 2017 at 6:34 pm

Hi Sam! Indeed, the beaches are incredible and you should give it a try. Take your step dad also, he will enjoy the kitesurfer community there 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 8:07 am

Thanks for your article. I was looking for a tour like this since since I’ve been gifted with a holiday to Zanzibar. The photo with the turtles looks so cool! The entire place looks magical. 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 6:36 pm

Hi Chiara! You are lucky to have been offered such a gift! You will fall in love with the island and the people….and of course, the turtles 🙂

March 1, 2017 at 6:37 pm

Hi Pascale! Oh yes, I feel you! The only thing I could not bear myself to do was enter the fish market. But maybe you are braver than me 😉

March 1, 2017 at 10:26 pm

You had me at beach! This looks like a paradise destination and your pictures really capture how beautiful it is.

March 2, 2017 at 7:52 am

Zanzibar looks fantastic- I would love the turtles and the tortoises! I also love a mooch around a local market! I have never thought of visiting Zanzibar but you have made me rethink! Certainly on my radar now!

March 2, 2017 at 6:14 pm

Happy to inspire you! You should definitely schedule a vacation on the island!

March 2, 2017 at 7:59 am

I miss Zanzibar so much it aches! Really in a one of a kind place

March 2, 2017 at 6:13 pm

I feel you, I did not want to leave that place

March 2, 2017 at 9:20 am

Some amazing ideas, I think I’d literally go through and do them all. I would love to see dolphins in the wild, and I always make a point of exploring a local market!

March 2, 2017 at 6:12 pm

Hi Stephanie! So glad you liked it, it is a mustr trip!

March 2, 2017 at 11:44 pm

That turtle is so cute! I used to have one as a pet. Is Zanzibar like that all year long?

March 3, 2017 at 5:57 am

Hi! Mostly yes, the climate in Zanzibar is perfect, the coldest month (if you could even call it cold) being July with an average temperature of 24 degrees. But for me even that would be ideal, avoiding to melt during the trips. Thanks for the interest!

April 21, 2017 at 11:51 am

There is a surprising amount of amazing things to do in Zanzibar! You make me want to go there! I love that they don’t promote swimming with captive dolphins

April 21, 2017 at 8:17 pm

you should go there! I fell in love with this place and I think anybody would 🙂

April 23, 2017 at 7:58 pm

This looks like an amazing adventure. I was completely seduced by the color of the sea and the beach with the shallow waters is breathtaking.

April 24, 2017 at 8:32 am

It sure is! I would recommend going there to just anybody, it just is an incredible place from all points of view

January 29, 2022 at 10:23 am

Thanks a lot for sharing this guide article about Zanzibar Island. This ar

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24 Awesome Things to Do in Zanzibar & Zanzibar Itinerary Tips

Home » Africa » Tanzania

Below is a guest post from Rita who has spent loads of time in Zanzibar, a beautiful region of Tanzania. I asked her to share with you guys the top things to do in Zanzibar as well as tips for getting around, her favorite hotels, and more!

Why You Should Travel to Zanzibar

Few places in the world can induce images of pristine turquoise waters, white powdered sandy beaches, and tropical palm-tree paradise like Zanzibar. It’s a semi-autonomous territory of Tanzania located just off the country’s coast but with its own unique heritage and cultural flavor. It feels like an entirely different world, offering a unique cultural experience while also being a tranquil setting for pure relaxation.  I can safely say that I found my personal slice of paradise here.

How Long to Plan Your Zanzibar Itinerary

There are plenty great places on the island so in order to get the best experience and see the highlights I would recommend spending three weeks or more. What I wouldn’t recommend is rushing around Zanzibar like many people do, as this is a destination worth exploring slowly.

Zanzibar is a relatively small island but it’s still big enough to the point where you have to decide where to go, and which destination will best suit your interests. That’s why it’s always important to have an itinerary planned before you start traveling and that being said I’ve done all the research for you and created this three-week Zanzibar itinerary that I can promise will be a holiday that you will always remember. 

Go in mid-October. The most touristy months are June – September, during the dry and windy season. January and February experience the highest temperatures.

Top Things to Do in Zanzibar by Area + Itinerary Tips

• Suggested time: 4-5 days

Stone Town isn’t just any town. It is a sensory experience not to be found anywhere else in the world that offers a unique look into the melting pot of cultures.

5 Things to Do in Stone Town

1. explore local markets.

Darajani Market is where you find locals hustling all day long. And what it makes it so authentic is the noise and the colors. It is also the place where you can find all possible spices.

2. Visit Prison Island

Prison Island is only 25 minutes away from Stone Town. Once used as a place for detention of rebellious slaves and people with deadly diseases, it is now converted into a tourist attraction with one of the main draws being giant tortoises. They’re not only ginormous but also as old as 192 years!

3. Dine at Forodhani Gardens

When it comes to street food, your visit to Zanzibar is not complete without experiencing the Forodhani night market. It’s by far the cheapest and busiest place to eat. You will find stands with fresh seafood, samosas and grilled vegetables. My favorites would be Zanzibar beef pizza and chicken shawarma. Finger licking good!

4. Get lost wandering narrow alleys

Stone Town is a where you’ll find a mixture of Arabic, Indian, African, and European cultures living comfortably together under one roof. The labyrinthine streets are the most beautiful of all the sights you can find. Wander the maze of narrow streets and dark winding alleys. This way you will get a glimpse into the sense of a local community.

5. Stay in Persian influenced hotel

One of the great things about Stone Town is the grand colonial architecture, which gives an opportunity to stay in Persian style hotels. And the best part is many of them have their own, unique character. It is worth researching and investing in authenticity. It’s like living museums dedicated to furniture, art and oriental ornaments.

Here are two of our favorite hotels in Stone Town Zanzibar: Zanzibar Palace Hotel – Cute boutique restored hotel in the heart of town with incredible service. Emerson on Hurumzi  –  Restored merchant’s mansion with a popular rooftop restaurant.

There are also many museums and other tours you can visit but what really made me experience the authenticity of this town is beyond the touristic route.

Nungwi/Kendwa

• Suggested time: 5 days

Nungwi and Kendwa (located just a 5 min drive from Nungwi) is said to have best full moon parties on the island therefore it attracts younger, backpacking crowd. It also has the best beaches in Zanzibar for swimming due to the tide that doesn’t head out too far.

3 Things to Do in Nungwi Kendwa

1. enjoy a famous sunset dhow cruise.

Dhow, a wooden built boat with a canvas sail, were originally introduced from Yemen hundreds of years ago. They still play a very important role of transportation and fishing on the island. You can arrange a private or group cruise via hotel or any ‘beach boy’. Like Stone Town, sunsets are absolutely incredible in Nungwi as well.

2. Enjoy seafood dinner

Nungwi has many options to feast on seafood. There is a fresh fish stalls at every restaurant, making it a perfect place to enjoy prawn or lobster dishes.

3. Stay at Kendwa Rocks

Our top choice of hotel in Nungwi Zanzibar area is Kendwa Rocks which is a very hip guesthouse that offers bungalow and wooden beach huts. They have parties here as well.

• Suggested time: 3 days

If you prefer some time alone, try Matemwe Beach. Here, you can really escape to serenity and walk on a beach for miles without meeting another soul. It’s the place where you’ll want to ditch your shoes and walk barefoot while enjoying the sand and admiring natural coastline.

3 Things to do in Matemwe

1. indulge in luxury holiday making.

Area is popular with private luxury resorts promising a relaxing stay as nearby village life goes at an attractively sleepy and quite pace. Here you can disconnect from outside world and spend a few days pampering yourself. I’ve stayed in Bahari Villas and loved every minute spent lounging by the pool and sipping virgin coladas.

2. Snorkel or dive around Mnemba Island

Zanzibar is excellent for its diving and snorkeling. Mnemba Atoll is one of the favorites amongst underwater lovers. Zanzibar is home to wide variety of fishes and colorful corals. Snorkel across shores of Mnemba Island and enjoy the stunning creatures living underwater. There is also a chance spotting dolphins on the way, as they are frequent guests in local waters.

3. Stay in one of these unique hotels

There are a couple great hotels in Matemwe to check out. We love both these unique boutique properties:

Matemwe Beach Retreat  –  The infinity pool at this property blows our mind! It doesn’t get better than this. Matemwe Lodge  –  This is set up next to the white sand up on some rocks. Very romantic!

• Suggested time: 7 days

Paje is located on the South East of Zanzibar. It is referred as a kite surfing mecca and is popular not only for the most beautiful beach on the island but also for water sports. It is by far my favorite spot in Zanzibar and place where I’ve spent longest. The atmosphere is nice and laid back, and it’s a perfect place to either meet new friends or to keep to yourself and just enjoy the beach.

6 Things to do in Paje

1. kitesurf.

Kitesurf is one of the most fun activities you can try out during your stay in Zanzibar. Due to reliable winds and large shallow lagoons on the east coast, Zanzibar became widely recognised as one of the best locations for kitesurfing in Africa. Whether you are a first-timer or an expert, professional surf schools will equip you with everything you need to catch the breeze.

2. Go reef walking

At low tide, waves recede more than a kilometer. It is a best time to go explore the far away reef. Be extra careful avoiding sea urchins as some areas fully covered with spikes.

You will see many sea cucumbers, starfishes and small octopuses. It is also a time when locals are spare fishing; they might even show you their methods and the catch of the day if you’re lucky.

3. Spend a day on a Safari Blue tour

The original Safari Blue tour is one of the most popular day trips from Stone Town but you can also find people offering very similar trips from Paje at much lower price. A Safari Blue day is packed with adventure; you will sail on traditional hand built mahogany sailing dhow, have a chance to snorkel around crystal clear turquoise waters, sunbathe on an isolated sandbank and feast on delicious grilled fresh seafood lunch. All of this can be bargained for $30pp.

4. Visit Rock restaurant

Try typing Zanzibar on google. What images do you get? A beautiful old little house built on a rock in water. That’s The Rock restaurant, which is situated only 12km from Paje. Take a taxi or catch a local dala-dala and visit this incredible place. Although, food is overpriced, choose a glass of wine instead and spend an hour on a terrace watching the ocean.

5. Watch wildlife at Jozani forest

Wildlife lovers may want to trek into the Jozani Forest in search of red colobus monkeys, a species that can only be found in Zanzibar. It is also home to Sykes monkey, Ader’s duiker, bush babies, over 50 species of butterfly, 40 species of birds and 100 species of trees.

6. Stay at Dhow Inn

There’s only one hotel we recommend here in Paje Zanzibar and that’s Dhow Inn . It’s modern, clean, and spacious plus it is just one minute walk to the beach.

• Suggested time: 2 days

This is a place where you can take it slow after vibrant Paje and indulge in relaxation and peacefulness. It’s great for swimming and water sports but also rich with local culture and village life. If strolling along the beach you will see women harvesting seaweed during low tide.

2 Things to do in Jambiani

1. go deep sea fishing.

You can arrange a deep-sea fishing trip via Red Monkey Lodge.

2. Stay at Indigo Beach

This guesthouse in Jambiana is good on the budget at just $60 a night: Indigo Beach in Bwejuu  is your perfect idyllic beach shack. You don’t need anything more than this paradise.

5 Foods to Try in Zanzibar

With its strategic location, Zanzibar has long been a melting pot. The result is a truly unique Zanzibar culture and a mixture of marvelous cuisines. Indulge and try their dishes.

Where the rice is cooked in a variety of spices, and paired together with a meat or fish curry, that always accompanies the rice. It is one of the most famous dishes to eat in Zanzibar.

2. Zanzibar pizza

As I’ve mentioned it before, it’s one of my favorites. It doesn’t look nor taste like a traditional pizza but nonetheless is absolutely delicious!

They basically thin out a ball of dough, put whatever ingredients you asked- like chicken or beef with mixture of vegetables, then add an egg and cheese on top and start frying it on a hot pan surface.

3. Mishkaki

In other words it’s like skewers or kebab smaller version. You’ll find people grilling them up in the late afternoon all over Zanzibar.

4. Chips Mayai

This is what we call French fries omelette. They go well with chilli and mishkaki skewers. You can get them anywhere on the street for less then a dollar.

5. Pilau rice

Unlike biryani, where the rice and dish are cooked separately, pilau is a combination of rice, meat and spices cooked together. It’s a bit drier than biryani but also has a bit more flavor.

I hope this itinerary has given you an idea of where to go and what to see during your time in Zanzibar. And you can soon get started thinking about this paradise as your next holiday destination.

For more travel in Africa

• The Best Restaurants in Pretoria, South Africa (markets, too!)
• The Perfect Morocco Itinerary for 2 Weeks: All the Best Things to Do
• Cooking Ugandan Dishes

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Rita blogs at Once Upon My Travel.   If you would like more detailed information for traveling around Zanzibar, complete with contact information and insider tips, feel free to check out her other articles.

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Hi there! What a great article — thanks so much for compiling all of this! My boyfriend and I are going to be in the Zanzibar area for about 7 days in early August. Unfortunately not 3 weeks, but hoping to still see a good amount of this :-) I’m curious as to your thoughts on using Stone Town as a hub where we stay, but to then still travel to some of the other areas you mentioned. Would you recommend that? Or perhaps choosing one other area in addition to Stone Town to split the time with? We’ll be coming from a 9 day Kilimanjaro climb and 7 day Serengeti safari, and are looking forward to experiencing the culture and nature that Zanzibar has to offer :-)

Looking forward to hearing back! All the best,

Which beach are you at in the top photo with the low tide/clear water?

Hey. Thanks a lot for this post! Lovely pics. I’m arriving in Zanzibar in January. Can’t wait!:) I will be staying in Makunduchi (Clove Island – cloveisland.com). The place itself is fantastic but I’m hungry for seeing new spots and doing a lot of different things. Your article inspires me!:)

Great post! I have visited Clove Island (cloveisland.com) last year, you should definitely see for yourself. I immediately fell in love with this place!

Great tips. Thanks for sharing! I had the best Chips Mayai in Paje a few years back. At my last visit I tried to find Pilau rice, unsuccessful. But there is always a next time :D

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COLORFUL SISTERS

10 Days in Paradise – Best Itinerary for First Time Travelers to Zanzibar

Zanzibar. Pristine beaches. Turquoise waters. White sands. It certainly feels like a little slice of paradise. Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach, discover the history, or explore the country, Zanzibar has so much to offer. We spent 10 days in this little paradise and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them.

Is this Zanzibar Itinerary Right for You?

Now I’m sure this itinerary is not for everyone. Our trips tend to be very memorable, and if you’re looking to spend all your time in the resort, then this is probably not for you. But, this itinerary is for you if you want….

• An epic and diverse trip
• A combination of some busy and some very relaxed days
• A well-rounded visit that includes a bit of history, sightseeing, and of course….LOTS of beaches
• Exploring different areas of the island
• Endless amazing memories

Things to Know Before You Travel to Zanzibar

Safety  – Zanzibar is extremely safe for tourists. The country’s economy relies heavily on tourism and you will generally be treated very well.

Clothing  – Although a majority Mulsim country, there is no particular need to dress modestly unless you are visiting a mosque or a very not touristic town. The locals are very accustomed to tourists and they do not take offense to non-modest dress.

Getting Around  – The easiest and most convenient way to get around the country is by taxi. Public transportation is nearly impossible to figure out unless you’re a local.

Costs  – Zanzibar is overall a relatively expensive destination. Hotel costs and food prices at non traditional restaurants are similarly priced to most western European countries.

Visa  – Most countries require a visa to visit Zanzibar. It costs $50 and you can apply directly at the airport (bring cash) or online with the e-Visa application .

For more details about Zanzibar Travel Tips check out the full article here: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ZANZIBAR | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP

10 Day Zanzibar Itinerary

I didn’t really have any expectations for Zanzibar, but it was an amazing surprise of delight. Although a fairly small place, it still has a lot to offer. The beaches, the interesting history, the lovely people, and the unmatched vibes. I really wish I could have stayed forever!

Days 1-3 Stone Town (2 nights)

First stop is Stone Town, the capital city of Zanzibar. Whether you’re arriving by airplane or by ferry (from the mainland Tanzania), you’ll still be entering through Stone Town. The airport itself is just about a 20 minutes drive from the center of Stone Town making this the perfect place to spend the first couple of days.

Also colloquially known as Zanzibar City, Stone Town is beautiful, full of history, and bursting with fun things to do. Countless yummy cafes and restaurants with lovely sunset views. A day trip to the infamous Prison Island or the pristine Nakupenda Island. The port, the tragic history of the slave trade, the spice market, it’s the main hub of the island.

The major downside of Stone Town is the beaches. Although they are swimmable, they are not the pristine white sand and turquoise water beaches that you picture of Zanzibar, which is why we would only recommend staying two nights in the city. Leaving just enough time to explore everything the city has to offer, but also adventure to the rest of the island.

For a full post of things to do in Stone Town, check out this post: Check all all the amazing things to do in Stone Town: VISITING STONE TOWN? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW -THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO EAT, WHERE TO STAY | ZANZIBAR TRAVEL

Where to Stay in Stone Town

Being the main city of Zanzibar, Stone Town certainly has no shortage of lovely, beachfront hotels with stunning views. We stayed at two hotels during our stay:

1. Serena Hotel – Perhaps one of the loveliest hotels we ever stayed in, Serena was a complete pleasure. We had a stunning beachfront view with an enormous balcony. The pool was delightful with a 30-second walk to a lovely beach. The food was a bit questionable, but centrally located to some lovely restaurants right nearby.

2. Tembo House Hotel . The main building was lovely and authentically decorated in Arabic style and the staff was very friendly and helpful. If staying at the Tembo Hotel , we would suggest requesting to stay in the main building and not the annex building. Besides horrible Wi-Fi (the main building wasn’t that much better, Stone Town Wi-Fi was challenging), the annex building had an incomplete vibe to the decor. Our room in the main building had a beautiful beachfront view and a rooftop pool.

Days 3-6 Nungwi (3 nights)

After a few days exploring Stone Town, head on over to the north coast’s Nungwi Beach. Famous for its idyllic crystal clear waters, white sands, and honeymoon accommodations, this is certainly what you picture when you think of Zanzibar. Always quite busy with tourists, there is no lack of things to do. Water sports, day trips to go snorkeling, endless long walks on the beach, even horseback riding! Nungwi has it all! The nearby Kendwa beach is also lovely and offers a very similar experience.

I would suggest spending at least three nights on the northern coast as it really offers a very different vibe than the other areas of Zanzibar. Although it can seem a bit touristy, there are really so many amazing things to do and the beaches are by far the best in the country. The tides are relatively consistent unlike some of the other beaches on the island.

It is also the perfect place to stay if you want to take a day trip to Mnemba Island for snorkeling! The stunning beaches offer the best snorkeling in the country.

Where to Stay in Nungwi

We spent three lovely nights in Nungwi at the Z Hotel . The resort itself was simply lovely with an infinity-like pool, a private beach, and a rooftop bar. The staff were absolutely AMAZING and they made our time there feel so special. If you’re looking to go horseback riding on the beach, they also have their own stables – Zanzibar Horse Club .

If you’re looking for a less expensive option or traveling solo, Nungwi also has many bungalows to rent and lovely hostels!

Days 6-9 Paje/Bwenjuu (3 nights)

Just a few hour’s drive from Nungwi, we couldn’t leave Zanzibar without also visiting the East Coast- to the small town of Bwenjuu. Famous for its peaceful, relaxing atmosphere, we certainly we not disappointed. Although very, very different from the North Coast, Bwenjuu offered that authentic, relaxed island vibe. There were far fewer people, much less to do (in a good way), and it was a lovely place to spend a few days.

The Eastern Coast is covered with lovely beaches and towns. Paje, one of the largest has many lovely clubs and lots of wonderful food. The biggest downside of the east are the beaches. The tides vary immensely throughout the day, and it’s nearly impossible to go swimming in the ocean in the morning as the tides go so far out.

However, what it lacks in beaches, the East Coast certainly makes up for with food. The best food in Zanzibar is certainly along the east coast, probably due to the prevalence of Italians on that side!

Although quiet compared to the other areas of the island, Bwenjuu and Paje offer so many amazing things to do. Whether its visiting the Jozani forest to see rare monkeys or eating at the world famous Rock Restaurant (its built on a rock in the middle of the ocean), it offers all the fun without the busy pressure of the other areas.

Where to Stay in Bwenjuu

The most important tip for where to stay on the East Coast…..Find a place with a pool. Realistically, you probably won’t be able to go swimming in the ocean until around 2pm, so a pool comes in very handy.

In general, the east coast is much less expensive than the northern coast (by about 1/3) and even stone town (about 1/2), but the same quality. We stayed at Sahari Hotel and absolutely loved it. The food was delicious, the pool was lovely, and the Wi-Fi was the best we had in all of Zanzibar (I was actually able to have full work meetings).

Days 9-10 Stone Town (1 night)

Although the island itself is very small and it only takes a few hours to drive anywhere, we thought it would be easiest to be in Stone Town the night before our flight. Shopping for last minute trinkets, finding ATMs to pay our taxi driver for the trip, and picking up Co-vid test results. Plus, the airport is just 20 minutes drive away from most hotels!

Our trip to Zanzibar was simply incredible. It was among the most amazing trips I had ever had and I honestly wish that I could have stayed there forever. Although I normally don’t like to repeat locations, I feel like Zanzibar may be an exception!

If you are looking for the best travel/tour operator within Zanzibar I would highly recommend Amnaf Shellah . He helped us so much to organize boat trips, provide us with reliable taxis, and so much more! It’s a small family business and they are really the best. Contact Amnaf at +255 777 45 4245.

To many more island adventures!

Check out some of our other tips and tricks for visiting Zanzibar here: 18 AMAZING THINGS YOU CAN’T MISS ON YOUR TRIP TO ZANZIBAR | THINGS TO DO

Also: BEST BEACHES IN ZANZIBAR – NUNGWI, STONE TOWN, PAJE, AND MORE

Lots of Love and Safe Travels,

Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters

Colorful Sisters

42 comments.

Loved reading it! 😀

Yayyy so happy 🙂

Vansh Tiwari

WoW, I am a first time visitor to the Colorful Sisters. I loved your concept of Traveling Fashion Designers, I personally hadn’t seen anything such till now. Secondly, I loved the way you had portrayed the 10 days Itinerary. Keep Going.

Awww wow thank you so much!! You made our day 🙂

Awesome post about a great trip. While I wasn’t there as long this bought but so great memories and starts my day in a positive place. Thank.

Happy that it brought back some good memories! Did you manage to travel around the country a bit?

I only spent 4 days in Zanzibar a small part of a 58 day Africa overland trip. So it was only Stone Town and Nungwi Beach unfortunately but love it. https://nathanburgessinsights.com/tag/zanzibar/

Wow 58 day Africa trip sounds amazing!! Happy it included at least a little bit of Zanzibar 🙂

jonicaggiano

Loved all the photographs which really enhances the tempting vacation. Great places. Thank you. ❤️🤗 hugs Joni

It really is a lovely place 🙂 Happy you enjoyed!!!

Oh it was so inviting and all the photos really make a difference. I loved your swim suit with the matching head piece, gorgeous. Love ❤️ J

Ooo thanks so much!! I made it just for my Zanzibar trip! I’m going to write a blog post about it soon 🙂

Yes it was really well done and very enticing to say the least. 😘💕🤗Joni

tshiamo lephale

Very informative! Definitely going up my bucket list.🙂

Yayyy hope you can make it there one day!! Definitely worth it 🙂

disturbedByVoices

So beautiful… Lovely photographs too. Thank you for adding another travel destination to my bucket list (wayyy up high).

Amazing!!! I hope you get the chance to visit sometime! It’s really an incredible place 🙂

travelling_han

Perfect! I am adding this to top of the post lockdown list! 🙂

nikkidiscovers

Looks like paradise my sister and I are planning to go one day. Thank you for the tips.

OOoo I hope you can!! It’s so amazing 🙂

Fingers crossed and thank you 🤞

ScubaHankNYC

Great information! Zanzibar is on the top of my list this is very helpful!

Yayyy how amazing! I hope you can visit sometime soon 🙂

lauren staton

Hiya can I share this article on my FB travel group?

Of course! That would be amazing 🙂

OK Done. Feel free to post on there anytime, TRAVEL MATES https://www.facebook.com/groups/368318694308462

I’ll definitely go take a look! Thanks so much for the share 🙂

sharmishtha basu

Amazing photography! Looks like a very beautiful place for sure!

Thank you so much!!! It truly is a little paradise 😍

Wow! What a lovely post! We have never been to that part of the world. It is certainly on the list!!

Thank you so very much!! It is really a lovely place and I hope you can make it to those parts one day 🙂

Thanks for that. Where are you two living?

We’re based in Israel now 🙂 But originally from Philadelphia area

Oh wow, how interesting. Haven’t been there yet either. I like your blog.😀👍I have a sister im pretty close with too. It’s nice to have that.

Yess it really is! I think anyone who has siblings that they are close with are super lucky. Your blog is lovely as well 🙂 So many adventures!

Aw thanks, we really appreciate it.

Jerry Garrett

Terrific content! I need to go there!

I hope you can one day! It’s an amazing place 🙂

Where is your lovely red and white swimsuit from if you don’t mind me asking? Such a great itinerary and lush photos!

I bought it online a while ago and it never fit properly, so I actually cut it up a bit and fixed it to look a bit different. So I don’t know where you could get one similar, unfortunately 🙁 Thanks though and I’m happy you enjoyed the post!

zanquickcars

Thank you so much for proper guidance. You blog make it easy to travel Tanzania.

Thank you as well! Happy you enjoyed 🙂

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Zanzibar Travel Guide & Tips – Everything You Need To Know

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Zanzibar is a dream destination, with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches surrounded by lush tropical forests. This Zanzibar travel guide will make sure that you get the most out of all that this east Africa archipelago has to offer.

Located off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar Island has captivated travelers with its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, the historical Stone Town, and vibrant culture.

Whether you’re looking to soak up some sunbathing on beautiful stretches of beach or explore ancient Stone Town which is steeped in history and tradition, Zanzibar promises an unforgettable vacation.

To help ensure your best trip possible, this Zanzibar travel guide offers insight into getting there, getting around during your stay, different beaches you can visit as well as attractions to check out along the way.

Plus recommendations for local restaurants and bars where you can sample delicious Swahili cuisine as well as travel tips to keep in mind while visiting!

• Overview of Zanzibar – History and Culture

Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, known for its exotic beaches, ancient culture, and unique cuisine.

The history of the Zanzibar Archipelago has been marked by significant events. Historians believe the islands have been inhabited for over 20,000 years; in the 12th century, it was part of a trading empire including Ramallah, Karachi and Mogadishu. The country has a rich culture comprised of African and Arabic roots, with influences from India, Persia and Europe.

Over many centuries Zanzibar served as a major trading port, which contributed to its distinctive cultural mix. Today locals go about their daily lives against the breathtaking backdrop of palm-fringed shorelines so beautiful you’ll just want to dive right in.

Zanzibar Visa

When to visit zanzibar, dala-dalas – public transportation, 10 days in zanzibar, places to stay, nungwi beach, kendwa beach, pingwe and michamvi beaches, jambiani beach, visit the house of wonders, stroll through the old fort, shop at the forodhani market, relax on nungwi beach, visit jozani forest, go snorkeling or diving, take a spice tour, visit stone town, go on a dolphin safari, prison island, sunset cruises, mafia island, pemba island.

The Rock Restaurant

Visit Markets

Local restaurant – luckmann restaurant, zanzibar travel guide: the tropical paradise, zanzibar travel tips.

How to Get to Zanzibar

Now, getting to Zanzibar is easier than ever with Zanzibar’s new international airport.

There are direct flights to Zanzibar from many African cities and the Middle East, direct flights from Europe, and flights from America with one or two stops.

Flights from Dar Es Salaam take 20 minutes and with just a little planning will be the same cost as the ferry.

A journey from Dar Es Salaam, on mainland Tanzania, to Stone Town is made easy with the four daily ferries, many of which are modern and spacious.

The ferry takes 1h 45min on board one of these vessels and you can sit back and relax and take in the breathtaking views.

Especially in the busy season, it is best to book ferry tickets in advance.

Note: As you arrive at the ferry terminal before departure (either Dar E Salaam or Stone Town, do not be intimidated by those offering to take your bags. A firm no thank you (or two) will suffice

Exploring the idyllic coral-sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters of Zanzibar is an unforgettable experience.

As Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, the visa entry requirements for Tanzania apply.

Fortunately, the Zanzibar visa situation for Western travelers is fairly straightforward.

Most Westerners will be able to obtain either an e-visa or a Visa on Arrival. The cost is $50 per visa, with US residents required to pay $100.

You can read more information on gaining a Tanzania/Zanzibar visa on arrival or an e-visa on the Tanzania Immigration website .

Zanzibar is an all-year destination with a tropical climate, thanks to its closeness to the equator.

With temperatures usually between 29 and 32 Celsius (even at night), it’s no wonder visitors flock here – especially during the dry season (also the high season) of July through September.

For those looking for both beach time plus safari fun in Tanzania, June or October are perfect shoulder seasons that also peak when on safaris.

Due to consistent heavy rains, the months of April and May are considered the low season, where many resorts close due to the combination of the rainy season and lack of tourists.

Getting Around Zanzibar – Transportation Options

Exploring the sights and sounds of Zanzibar is a must for any traveler interested in experiencing the best of this magical island. When figuring out how to get around, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the range of travel options available.

Taxis and minivan rides provide convenient door-to-door transport. Taxis are particularly useful for transfers from the airport or Zanzibar City to the beach hotels in the villages, especially with luggage.

Airport transfers can be arranged through your hotel, and many taxi drivers are waiting in the busier areas meaning some ‘shopping around’ is possible.

Dala-Dala’s are a unique and exciting way to travel around Zanzibar! These colorful minibus taxis zip through the streets, filled with locals commuting from one destination to another.

Given the stop-and-start nature of dala-dalas, the trip will take much longer than the same trip taken in a taxi.

Zanzibar’s vibrant streets are alive with the distinctive sound of tuk-tuks – a unique and colourful way to explore this remarkable African island.

Using tuk-tuks is a time and money saver when traveling around Stone Town.

How Many Days in Zanzibar?

7 to 10 days would be the perfect time to spend in Zanzibar. You can experience the beauty and culture of Zanzibar in just a few days, or extend the trip to a week or two and have a relaxing trip by the beach! From its powder-white beaches to exotic wildlife, this small island off Tanzania’s coast offers plenty to explore within your Zanzibar Itinerary. Perfect to blog Zanzibar.

Spending 10 days in Zanzibar is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and sightsee gorgeous beaches.

Start off by biking around Stone Town to get an introduction to the area and explore the largest ancient town in East Africa.

Then, while the day away on one of Zanzibar’s many secluded beaches, taking time to snorkel through coral reefs and lush tropical scenery.

If you’re looking for more of an adventure, book a guided tour into Jozani Forest Reserve where you can observe incredible wildlife like monkeys and elephants living off the land.

To end your trip on a calm note, take advantage of one of the countless spas offering relaxing massage treatments or enjoy a stroll along the Old Fort Walkway with its stunning views of terracotta rooftops and blue-washed alleyways. Regardless how you choose to spend your 10 days in Zanzibar it is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Where to Stay and Visit

Step back in time and explore the stunning city of Stone Town, located on the exotic island of Zanzibar. The narrow cobbled streets are filled with character and charm as you wander around traditional market stalls bustling with life.

Discover unique architecture from a bygone era that reflects both Arab and European influences within its many grand buildings adorned with ornately carved doors – providing an exciting insight into the cultural heritage.

Shaba Boutique Hotel

Best Beaches on Zanzibar Island

Nungwi Beach is a stunning coastal destination with its gleaming white sand and sparkling turquoise waters. In addition to its breathtaking beauty, Nungwi Beach is also known for being a hotspot for activities like windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling, with plenty of options to explore local wildlife.

Located on the north coast of Zanzibar, Kendwa Beach is a stunning stretch of sand perfect for relaxing or enjoying some exciting watersports. It is quieter than the nearby Nungwi, and is also home to full moon parties.

Unwind at the serene village of Pingwe and Michamvi nestled on a beautiful peninsula between the central and southeast coasts. Here, your soul will be soothed by untouched natural areas amid idyllic powdery white sand beaches with incredible sunsets – though beware of its drastic tides! Boutique hotels line this perfect getaway spot for those seeking peace away from busy cities.

Jambiani Beach is a stunning seaside paradise located on the east coast of Zanzibar. Its picturesque white sand, crystal-clear water and coral reef make it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging in the sunshine. Life moves at a slower pace here – visitors can enjoy strolling around the beach village, meeting friendly locals who offer homemade handicrafts and freshly caught seafood. Nature lovers will also appreciate its abundance of marine life, including turtles and manta rays.

Zanzibar’s east coast is an idyllic destination for backpackers and beach-goers alike. With a stunning strip of sand, surrounded by turquoise waters, this location offers the perfect backdrop for relaxation or adventure. From kitesurfing to sunbathing on its expansive shoreline – there truly is something here for everyone!

Things to do in Zanzibar

This Zanzibar travel guide includes more than 10 things to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The archipelago consists of two islands, Unguja and Pemba, each with its own distinct culture and sights to explore.

Due to its strategic location along historical trading routes over the centuries, visitors will find numerous interesting monuments sprinkled throughout the islands ranging from mosques, Arabic houses, and even ancient tombs.

Whether staying in Stone Town or basing yourself at a beach hotel, there is something to inspire everyone in this stunningly beautiful paradise

The House of Wonders is one of the most iconic buildings in Zanzibar, and a visit here is a must-do. The building was constructed in 1883 and served as the sultan’s palace. Today, it houses a museum that is well worth exploring.

The Old Fort is a great place to get a feel for Zanzibar’s history and culture. The fort was built by the Omanis in the 17th century, and today it houses several museums and art galleries. Be sure to wander through the atmospheric streets surrounding the fort as well.

Forodhani Market is the place to go for street-food, spices, some souvenirs, and our favorite local oddity – Zanzibar Pizza.

It is also a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmoshphere of Stone Town.

Nungwi Beach is one of Zanzibar’s most popular beaches, and it’s easy to see why. The water is crystal clear, and the beach is lined with palm trees. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some time in nature.

Jozani Forest is home to Zanzibar’s only national park, and it’s a great place to see some of the island’s unique flora and fauna. Be sure to keep an eye out for red colobus monkeys, which are endemic to Zanzibar.

With its clear waters and abundant marine life, Zanzibar is a great place for snorkelling and diving. There are many operators offering tours, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island,” so a spice tour is a must-do when visiting here. You’ll learn about the different spices grown on the island, and you’ll even get to sample some of them!

Stone Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, is the capital of Zanzibar, and it’s full of history and culture. Be sure to explore the narrow streets, visit the markets, and see some of the historic buildings such as the House of Wonders and the Old Fort.

One of Zanzibar’s most popular activities is dolphin watching, and there are many operators offering tours around Kizimkazi village. This is a great activity for nature lovers, as you’re sure to see some amazing wildlife!

Prison Island on Zanzibaar is an infamous place, attracting the attention of visitors from all over the world. at the centre of the island lies an imposing prison complex. Rumours abound about strange cults and dark rituals conducted within its walls, and visitors often report feeling mysterious energy emanating from the structure itself.

For centuries, East Africa has been graced with the presence of Dhows – majestic boats that have their roots in either India or Arabia. With an iconic single sail and crafted from wood, these vessels offer a beautiful sight to behold. Enjoy breathtaking views as you set off for a relaxing sunset cruise from many parts of the island.

For those looking for an alternative to Zanzibar, look no further than Mafia Island. Located off the coast of Tanzania, this remote island paradise is home to perfect white sand beaches and turquoise waters, as well as plenty of wildlife and nature spots to explore.

It’s a beautiful place for scuba diving and snorkelling, with its coral reefs offering unique and vibrant marine life, especially during the summer months when the ocean teems with diverse aquatic species such as green turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays and even humpface wrasse.

Whether you’re after some tranquil relaxation in a secluded beach setting or a thrilling plunge beneath the waves on a scuba dive adventure; Mafia Island has it all!

Pemba island near Zanzibar is a serene paradise full of magnificent ocean views and opportunities for exploration.

From beach-hopping to kayaking, there are many options for entertainment on this beautiful island. For the more adventurous travellers, some dive sites allow snorkellers and divers alike a chance to explore and discover life underwater.

Pemba island has deep cultural roots with nearby villages that offer a great insight into traditional Swahili customs and culture, such as the art of dhows (sailing vessels) building.

Lovers of nature will be in heaven here; the island is full of unique flora and fauna, such as exotic trees like wild mangoes and cashews, along with countless bird varieties.

The Rock Restaurant, just off the Michamwi Pingwe Peninsula, is not just a place to grab a bite to eat, but an experience worth having. This restaurant is literally built into a rock right at the edge of the Indian Ocean.

Take your seat on one of their terrace tables and watch breathtakingly beautiful sunsets. They serve seafood and a variety of other culinary delights in flavors that they claim only come from Zanzibar. Price-wise, it’s slightly higher than other restaurants nearby, but worth it for the unique atmosphere and terrific views.

There are many lively markets on the island, full of vibrant colors, exotic sounds, and delicious smells. A highlight is Darajani Bazaar in Stone Town, where you will find spices, tropical fruits , vegetables, and fresh seafood for sale.

Who knows what awaits someone prepared to explore this stunning part of the world?

Food in Zanzibar

Dining in Zanzibar is an unforgettable experience as the local cuisine is an exciting fusion of Indian, African , Middle Eastern, and other Southeast Asian flavors creating many distinctive dishes.

Whether exploring the street food scene or local restaurants, there are many must-try dishes on the menu.

Read here for a comprehensive look at the food in Zanzibar .

Must-try dishes include Pilau Rice, Zanzibari Biryani, Zanzibar Mix, Zanzibar Pizza, and a range of coconut curry dishes including octopus and shrimp.

Zanzibar is a destination for any traveler who is looking for a unique, unspoiled experience.

From the stunning beaches to the vibrant culture and fascinating history, there’s something in Zanzibar that will cater to every type of visitor.

With budget-friendly flights and secure accommodation, this island paradise is surprisingly easy to reach.

Accommodation options are plentiful and transportation around the island can easily be arranged, meaning getting around quickly become effortless.

Not only can you enjoy tanning on one of several beautiful beaches around Zanzibar, but you can also explore the local markets, check out historical attractions like Fort Jesus or spend your days strolling through Stone Town.

Eating local cuisine is a must-do activity in Zanzibar, with lots of options from street food to high-end restaurants.

For anyone looking for an exotic holiday destination with plenty of discovery opportunities, use this Zanzibar travel guide to make the most of your trip.

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How to Enjoy the Charms of Zanzibar, According to a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor

With delicious food markets, stunning beaches, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zanzibar is an island destination with universal appeal.

Darren Humphreys is a native South African and the founder of Travel Sommelier, a travel company that designs custom itineraries for a sophisticated clientele. Darren gives insider advice on food, beaches, and sites to see in his articles for Travel + Leisure .

Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa , is a unique crossroad of cultures. Disparate influences, like Swahili, Arabian, European and Asian all combine to deliver a heady mix of sights, sounds, and fragrances. The island is renowned as the birthplace of Farrokh Bulsara (aka Freddie Mercury) and has long been the culinary epicenter of the Indian Ocean and the Spice Islands .

As a travel specialist in East African safari and culinary trips, Zanzibar has long been one of my favorite destinations, and I recently returned from my latest visit with a renewed sense of appreciation. Here are my suggestions for how to experience the island's history, cuisine, arts and culture, and stunning scenery.

Start in Historic Stone Town

A visit to Zanzibar commences in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The city delivers a startling sense of place—it is a town to truly get lost in, a town of rooftops and alleyways. Commencing the day in the city's old quarter delivers historical context. From the ancient slave market to the Sultan's Palace, the House of Wonders, and The Old Dispensary, there is much history to absorb.

The city is just six degrees from the equator and has an enviably warm year round climate. Fresh Madafu—coconut water poured directly from just picked coconuts— keeps the heat at bay. The markets include a staggering array of offerings, like spices, fish, meat, produce, juices and coffee.

Make your home base the Emerson Spice Hotel , a restored merchant's house.

Embark on a Culinary Tour

Culinary experiences are a highlight, starting with a progressive lunch. First up is Lukmaan restaurant. Enjoy fresh frilled prawns and octopus over Kachumbari salad, while sitting beneath the vast courtyard boabab tree—a quintessential Zanzibar experience.

Not to be missed is the ginger-lime-sugarcane juice vendor as you exit the restaurant. This ice cold beverage sustains you through alleyways lined with antique doors and ancient facades, until you come upon one of the finest food cart vendors I have ever encountered.

On offer is Urojo, a turmeric-based soup with chickpea falafel, sweet potato balls, cassava chips, egg, crispy onions, sweet and sour spices, and more. The result is a mouthwatering dish I like to call "Zanzibar in a Bowl."

South African wines are a perfect complement to these eclectic dishes. There is a diverse offering on the island, and there is no better way to sample them than to board a traditional dhow bound for a sand bar offering a panoramic view of Stone Town, especially if a visiting winemaker happens to be curating the tasting.

As evening draws near, rooftop vantage points in Stone Town are unrivaled: gaze at the Indian Ocean and hover above a sea of corrugated iron rooftops and captivating architecture. The Emerson Huzumi rooftop provides an opportunity to remove shoes, settle on a floor cushion and enjoy Swahili cuisine and local music.

Related : Why This T+L A-list Advisor Decided to Go on Safari During Covid-19

An after-dinner aperitif is best enjoyed in the Secret Garden at Emerson Spice, so atmospheric I half expected Humphrey Bogart to emerge from the shadows.

Consider an Agricultural Day-Trip

The pace slows markedly upon leaving Stone Town. One rite of passage is to visit a community-owned spice farm. A walking tour is immersive and educational as you taste all manner of roots, shoots, and vegetation, plus familiar spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, turmeric, and cloves.

I also visited a bivalve and fin-fish hatchery, to learn about how overfishing has impacted local marine ecosystems and the hatchery's plan to reinvigorate the waters.

Explore the Beaches and Art Scene

Some of the most magical facets of the island are showcased on its beaches, whether it is the Robinson Crusoe-esque Mnemba private island or the ultra refined Xanadu retreat , where Zanzibar cuisine is taken to a new level altogether.

Days can be spent learning to kite surf, planning whale shark diving excursions to adjacent Mafia Island or enjoying the shimmering turquoise sea where the water temperature seldom dips below 80 degrees.

When not at the beach, explore the robust traditional and contemporary art scene. Zanzibar is ground zero for bohemian chic: vibrant textiles, ornately carved doors and frames, and tanzanite jewelry in all forms.

The CAGZ Arts Gallery is a must-visit. This is an artist-in-residence program that arranges exhibitions and visits to workshops and studios, rather than an expansive standalone gallery. I love this concept because you get to meet artists, and see finished pieces alongside works in progress.

Remember: However You Like to Travel, Zanzibar Has It All

The great appeal of Zanzibar is that it can be enjoyed in so many ways: as an addendum to an East African safari in Tanzania or Kenya; as a standalone destination to enjoy unique gastronomy and barefoot beach luxury; or as a remote work-cation destination for digital nomads (broadband is fast and cell service is ubiquitous).

Zanzibar will leave an indelible mark on you, not only from the intricate henna tattoo you are likely to get, but because it has a rhythm and sway all of its own, and tastes and flavors so unique you will pine to return.

Travel + Leisure A-List member Darren Humphreys , of Travel Sommelier , designs combination East African safari and culinary trips to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Zanzibar.

My 2 Week Trip to Zanzibar (beach huts, local food, activities and more)

Never did I think I would make it to this island off the coast of mainland Tanzania but somehow, like most of my travels, it just happened.

After bouncing around Kenya and Tanzania for a while, it was time to take it easy and catch up on work, and Zanzibar seemed like a logical, and nearby, option. All we hoped for was a relatively quiet beach in a tropical setting, close to a local village, and where accommodation wasn’t too expensive.

And it didn’t take long to find our ideal setup. For two whole nights at least.

The place we chose to stay at is the Promised Land Lodge , located on the very southern tip of Zanzibar. Beautiful setting on the wild coast, large jungle bungalows on a cliff overlooking the shining water, great local food, hammocks, a beach bar, a nice swimming pool and the village of Kizimkazi only 20 minutes walk away.

For $50 per night, with breakfast included, we were truly giddy over this gem of a find.

So, after two nights there, we packed up and left.

This is the downside of working online. The location of this lodge proved to be one of the last spots on Zanzibar without 3G internet coverage, so our SIM cards and data packages were useless. The internet provided at the lodge, as expected, didn’t work too well either. As a result, it was quite difficult for us to get our work done and we had no choice but to leave.

Off we went, quite bummed, in search of another option.

You can then imagine our surprise when, amazingly, with very little research and a lot of luck, we found another accommodation setup that rivaled, or at least matched, what Promised Land had offered.

Suddenly, our trip to Zanzibar took us to the village of Jambiani, on the southeast coast, where we happily threw down our bags at the welcoming and idyllic Mango Beach House .

We stayed here for eleven nights. And it was absolutely perfect.

Here’s how our stay went down…

If you’re looking for a quiet white sand beach with a laid-back vibe, local village life, perfect sunrises, warm ocean water, a good scattering of places to eat and that feeling of being in paradise, Jambiani is the place to go. I’ll admit that we didn’t really explore too many other parts of Zanzibar but once we found this ideal corner, we were more than happy to stay put.

What a crazy, beautiful beach! I have never, in all my travels, seen the ocean act as weirdly as it did in Zanzibar. In Jambiani at least, the tide would be one kilometer out when low and then, in what seemed like a remarkably fast period of time, the tide would suddenly be high, very high, covering almost all of the beach. And the colors changed all day long, with such an impressive array of blues and greens sparkling away. It was strange, mesmerizing and spectacular all at the same time.

When the tide was high, this beach was great for swimming. The only downside, at least in March, is that the water temperature was basically ‘hot’.

Go swimming in the morning though, before 9am, and in the evening, around 6pm, and it will be cooler at those times, offering a refreshing way to start and end your day!

Accommodation

There are probably 20 or so accommodation options to choose from along the three kilometers of Jambiani beachfront, ranging from inexpensive, basic rooms in a simple house (around $25 USD per night) to nicer guesthouses with tropical settings and more comfortable rooms (around $50 – $60 per night) and all the way up to fancier bungalows and hotels for $90 – $200 USD per night.

We must have checked out 15 of these places in our search for accommodation. In the end, though, as soon as we stepped through the gate of the Mango Beach House , we knew it was the place for us.

The local owner, Kiddo, was super kind, the rooms were spacious, colorful, airy, well-decorated and with a clear view of the ocean, the grounds were filled with palm trees and flowers, there were swinging beds, lounge chairs and raised platforms to hang out on and there was a cozy open-air cafe and restaurant.

Here’s a quick video tour I created:

The place was spotless, the entire team of four staff were extremely helpful and there were only four rooms, making it feel almost like a private retreat.

At around $50 USD per night (for 2 people), with breakfast included and a common kitchen to use, it was by far the best deal that we found in Jambiani. If I ever take another trip to Zanzibar, this is exactly where I would stay again.

At the Mango Beach House, like at most small accommodation on Zanzibar, if you let the staff know ahead of time that you want dinner, the in-house chef will cook you up some dishes. From fresh seafood to vegetable curries to grilled chicken, salads and more, for about $8 USD per person, we had an excellent evening feast several times.

On other nights, and for most lunches, we would venture out into the village or along the beach where we found:

Local restaurants ($5 – $7 USD per person) – Stone Culture was our favorite, right next to Mango Beach Guesthouse…we came here 4 or 5 times for inexpensive, tasty local dishes cooked by the friendly owner/chef

– Pishi Restaurant in the center of the village was another decent, cheap option

Other hotel restaurants ($7 – $10 per person) – The food at the Mamamapambo Boutique Hotel was wonderful, and great value, especially for lunch…try the masala iced tea and you’ll end up coming back every day (located next door to Mango Beach Guesthouse)

Western food ($5 – $10 per person) – Bahari Pizza is an Italian owned place with a perfect spot on the beach, great pizzas, excellent service and plenty of other quality dishes

– Mr. Kahawa in Paje (the next village up the beach, about 5 kms from Jambiani) serves fresh and delicious sandwiches, salads, wraps, fruit juices, coffees and pastries in a funky, minimalist beach cafe setting

Those are all the places where we ate. Not a ton of options, but definitely enough for a two week stay!

The Village

Jambiani is small and quiet, with about 1500 people spread out along a three kilometer stretch of beach. It’s a collection of sandy ‘roads’ and narrow sandy paths that weave between very simple homes and huts, some small shops and fruit stands and several mosques. The people are generally friendly, especially the younger generation who seem to have had more contact with foreigners. The locals working in the guesthouses and restaurants are really friendly and you can easily have a conversation with any of them. They are more than happy to discuss local life and answer any questions.

The village, like most of Zanzibar, is conservative and all local females have their arms and legs covered while outside. Most females, including young girls, also have their hair covered. Nobody seemed to mind travelers wearing more western clothing but you’ll definitely stand out and receive plenty of stares if you don’t dress somewhat conservatively while walking around the village. You don’t need to put on pants and a long sleeve shirt but wrapping a sarong around yourself while in the village seemed to be the method of choice.

On the beach itself, things were more relaxed and swimsuits were much more acceptable. Nobody appeared to mind beach clothing being worn at the beach.

We would go for a walk through the village once or twice per day more or less, usually to pop into a small store to buy water, snacks or bananas and to grab a local dinner. There isn’t much to do in the village apart from that but interacting with the kids, shopkeepers and others in the streets was always good fun while out and about.

Nearby Activities

Paje – The next village up the beach, here you’ll find a wider stretch of white sand, a smaller village, a lot of kitesurfing schools and a lot more foreigners. We preferred Jambiani but I did enjoy the 1 hour walk along the beach up to Paje every now and then for a change of scenery. You can also take a taxi for around 10000 TSH ($3 USD).

Jozani Forest – About 15 minutes by car away from Jambiani, this forest/national park is one of the last places in the world where you can encounter the red colobus monkeys.

You can always rent a car for around $30 USD per day to drive to other parts of the island. There are plenty of more beaches and villages out there than Jambiani so a couple of day trips would be a great option for those looking to explore during their trip to Zanzibar. Other popular areas are Nungwi (way up on the northern tip of Zanzibar), Matemwe (northeast coast), Pongwe (east coast) and Bweeju (about 11 kilometers north of Jambiani).

Additional Details

Internet – If you need internet like we do (to work every day!), the connections offered at most accommodation will be very poor at best. However, if you buy a SIM card in Zanzibar City (the capital and main entry point of Zanzibar), you can get solid 3G connection if you’re staying in an actual village on the island, such as Jambiani. We found Airtel offered the most reliable service on the island and was quite inexpensive (3 GB for around $8 USD).

Taxi costs – Getting from Zanzibar City/Stone Town to Jambiani or Kizimkazi or pretty much any of the main beach areas on the north, east or southern coast should cost between $25 – $40 USD. A taxi from the airport to the center of Stone Town should cost around $8 – $12 USD. There are also local trucks/vans that have set routes around the island. Often very crowded and much slower than a taxi, they are indeed cheap, allowing you to travel a good distance for just a dollar or two. If you do plan to visit many parts of the island during your trip to Zanzibar, you might want to look at renting a car instead of using taxis as it will save you a good amount of money.

Tours and activities – If you’re looking to be more active than just sitting on the beach, there’s a long list of possible activities on Zanzibar, including snorkeling, scuba diving , surfing, kitesurfing, dolphin trips, fishing, visiting outer islands, spice tours and more. Plenty of people will approach you on the beaches offering such tours. Keep in mind that these people are just middlemen and usually not connected in any way to the company that actually offers the activity. It’s worth talking to the staff at your hotel or guesthouse as they should have direct contacts with reliable tour operators, boatmen, drivers, etc and it avoids huge markups. It’s also perfectly acceptable to negotiate the price for any tour/activity.

Money – The main currency is the Tanzanian shilling but many prices are quoted in USD or Euros as well. Keep in mind that the only ATMs on the island are in Zanzibar City/Stone Town so it’s best to take out local currency there before you head off to your beach location. Otherwise, you’ll need to travel 45+ minutes back to Zanzibar City every time you need money and that can cost $60 USD roundtrip by taxi. Money exchange options are also limited on the beaches (Jambiani didn’t have any!) so if you don’t have enough local currency, you’ll have to pay in USD or Euros. Some restaurants and accommodation will accept visa credit cards but do add on a 3%-5% bank fee.

Stone Town – We also stayed in Stone Town, which is the old section of Zanzibar City, the capital of Zanzibar. And it’s definitely worth visiting. We spent one night there when we first arrived on Zanzibar and two nights at the end. You can spend an entire day getting lost in the winding maze of lanes, eating lunch at the excellent Lukmaan Restaurant , visiting the educational former slave market, spending time inside the House of Wonders (aka the best worst museum in the world ), wandering through the colorful main market and enjoying a refreshing drink on the beach at sunset. It’s a cool place to hang out for a couple of days.

In Stone Town we stayed at the incredibly friendly and comfortable Zenji Hotel and at the more centrally-located Tausi Palace . Both were excellent budget options and I’d simply choose whichever one has the best rate on any particular dates.

Overall Costs of a Trip to Zanzibar

On a tight budget, your trip to Zanzibar could cost you as little as $25 USD per day if you stay in a hostel or simple room/hut and eat at the most local of restaurants and food stalls.

For $50 USD per day, you can stay in a quality beachfront guesthouse or beach hut (such as Mango Beach House, when split between two people) and throw in an extra activity/excursion every few days.

At $70 USD per day, along with your beachfront room, you could also eat some more expensive meals/dishes and hire a car to really explore the island.

Zanzibar is one of those destinations that can fit into any budget!

Getting There

Getting to Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania is quite easy. There are several ferries per day to/from Dar es Salaam with the company Azam Marine . The journey takes around 2 hours and costs approximately $35 USD per person.

Before you book the ferry though, be sure to check out Precision Air , one of Tanzania’s local airlines. They offer Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam flights for as low as $40 USD per person. That’s what we paid for the 15 minute flight and it came with gorgeous views of the island and the Tanzanian capital en route!

Any questions about Zanzibar? Any additional advice from those who have already been to this island?

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86 Comments

Good day me and my boyfriend want to visit zanzibar we are a gay couple where will be the best place to book an 2week stay

Hey Adriaan – I only know the place where we stayed, which was awesome. I’m not too sure about all the other options on the island unfortunately.

Hey – I just found your information via the Every Passport Stamp presentation you just did. Lots of good info. Will be subscribing to your newsletter.

Question – it looks like you count Zanzibar as one of the countries you travelled to. Is it listed as an actually country? I’m not being nit picky – I’m just at the 98 country mark and am wondering to count it on my list o’ countries. I always just thought it was part of Tanzania. Thanks!

Hey Michelle – Thanks for signing up and I appreciate you watching the Q&A! As for your question, I’m honestly not trying to be too particular with my count. I generally talk about countries, territories, semi-autonomous regions and so on as separate entities but only because it seems clearer to do so. As for my actual count though, it’s only countries and fully autonomous regions that I include.

I travelled around Zanzibar a couple of years ago by hiring a scooter. Very cheap and lots of fun! But also pretty dangerous – the traffic is pretty crazy in Stone Town, and on the highways there are lots of trucks, surprise speedbumps and police roadblocks. Also it’s worth noting that the scooters may have one of two mechanical issues 🙂 We stayed at Paje after a day of riding, it made it absolutely worth it!

Not sure whether to stay Zanibar Town side of the island or the East side. Im there solo for 6 nights later this year but looking to book accom now as it is filling up fast. If you stay on the west side, is it easier access to amenities like food, ATMs, tours etc? If you stay East side, are you basically stuck to your own hotel other than when you walk along the beach and pretty much just have to hang by the pool and do nothing?? I intend to do a fair bit of that, but also still want to do a fair few activities like scuba, snorkel etc so whcih has better access to these?? Dont really want to be travelling in a $60USD cab each day to go do something.

Hey Tim – The difference is that on the west side, you’re in a small city. On the east side, you’re on the coast with a more beach/village atmosphere. You can rent a car over there, take day trips and there’s plenty of stuff to do if you stay on the east side. But overall, Zanzibar isn’t exactly a destination with a ton of activities. It’s more of a place to chill. If you want to scuba and snorkel, you should stay on the east side where the nicer beaches are located and there is more access to such activities. Stone Town is a good place to see, either on a day trip from the east side of perhaps spending 2 nights there and 4 nights somewhere else.

Hey. We are looking to go next week to Zanzibar. We really wanted to do some sort of a safari but we are on a budget. Do you have any recommendations of closer ones to Zanzibar? Also what would the weather be like now end of February time. Thanks!

Hey Farah – Since Zanzibar is an island, you won’t be very close to places that offer a safari. You would need to fly somewhere and to be honest, if you’re going to be in that region, you might as well go to the Serengeti for the safari as that is one of the best you can experience anywhere!

Hi, My husband and I are going on a Safari in Kenya and then flying to the Ocean Paradis Resort, Kijangwani, Zanzibar to extend our holiday. We have a choice of different board options and normally we would just go for the basic breakfast option but I have heard food and drink is quite expensive and that it isn’t that safe to go out at night. I am hoping that this is just scare mongering and that to go out and find restaurants at night would in fact not only be a great way to experience the culture but also to feel part of the local community. What are your thoughts? Thanks

Hey Janet – To be honest, I’m not too sure. Where we stayed was a small village in Zanzibar and so there really wasn’t much to do at night. We did walk along the beach to a restaurant a couple of times at night without any issues but there wasn’t much going on in this village. The restaurants in the village were great and not expensive at all, but I don’t know too much about the more touristy areas of Zanzibar. I’m sure in those areas the restaurant prices will be more expensive (usually happens around resorts where they know people are paying a lot of money per night) but I’m not sure about safety in those areas.

Derek, your article is so so perfect. We are spending 15 days with my wife in zanzibar on May 2021, just relaxing, and swimming on the white sand turquoise water, which beach or island u think has the best view, and its the best beach for you?. Also how far away is each beach from each other

Hey Juan – The island is full of beaches but it can take a couple of hours to get from one end to the other. The north part of the island is the more tourist part with resorts and bigger hotels and the south / southeast corner of the island is more relaxed and quiet. So I would choose based on the kind of experience you want. I personally like the southeast corner away from the crowds.

Awesome blog! I am looking to travel end of May into June for about 2 weeks. I haven’t decided weather to go North than south around the island or South around to North… Any suggestion is appreciated. Also what items are a must to take. Thank you!

Hey Yvie – Either one works. I wouldn’t spend too much time thinking about it as the island isn’t that big. South to north or north to south are both doable and should be great experiences! There really isn’t any reason why I would choose one over the other.

Great post! I have just came back from Zanzibar, I have stayed at Clove Island and I can say for sure that this was my best travel experience so far!

Hey Derek! Just came upon your article and now I’m even more confused 🙂 I’ve been tossing up which area to stay – Nungwi or something a little more “local” like where you stayed. The reason I’m still deciding is because I’ll be a solo female traveller. I’ll just have spent a month in East Africa by myself on a pretty full itinerary, so I know I’ll be ready for down time (and Mango Beach looks perfect for that!) but I’m also not sure about whether a beach like where you stayed is ok for a solo female traveller? Hope you are well – not sure if you remember but we met at TravelCon in Austin a few years ago (I was sitting at your table in the lobby bar the day before the conference started), was great to meet you after all these years of following your blog!

Hey Rebecca – Very nice to hear from you and yes, I do remember meeting you in Austin! As for your question, that’s a tough one. On one hand, Mango Beach is such an awesome place but on the other hand, it is a little isolated and might not be the best time for someone who’s looking to do more than just chill out by the beach. Being a solo female traveler wouldn’t be a problem as the people are very nice and there are other guesthouses and hotels around, on the same beach. It’s just much quieter overall than the more touristy parts of the island. Definitely a tough call! If you want more activity and to be around a bigger group of other travelers, another area might be best. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and a cool local, chill experience, Mango is the way to go!

Appreciate it, thanks Derek! I’ll have to see how I’m going after a few weeks travelling… I think by then I’ll probably be very ready to do absolutely nada, so Mango sounds perfect for that!! 🙂

Your Article is amazing. We would like to go to Zanzibar for our Honeymoon in November. How is the weather in November?

Thank you so muchh 🙂

Joanna and Alexis

Hey Joanna – It’s a decent time to go there but you can expect heavy rain for short periods during the day.

Hello Derek! Is there any vaccination required in order to get into a boat to Zanzibar? Thanks in advance!

Hey Olga – Nothing is required so it’s a personal decision. But there is a high risk of malaria and it’s always good to have your general Hepatitis vaccinations for any country.

Jambo Derek!;) Very informative article, thanks a lot! I’m arriving in Zanzibar next month. I will be staying in Makunduchi (Clove Island – cloveisland.com) and although the place itself is really awesome, I’m hungry for seeing new spots and doing a lot of different things. Your article inspires me!:) Thanks once again! Can’t wait 🙂

Hey Doris – Enjoy!! I’m sure you’ll love it over there!!

Hi there. I am going to Zanzibar in September and flying from the uk so I won’t go into any yellow fever risk countries. Will I still need a certificate?

Hey Harry – If you’re coming from the UK, you won’t need to show proof of a certificate.

Hi there, Thanks for the great informative post :-)Are scooter/motor bikes freely available for rental in Zanzibar in stead of a car? How much would a rental cost per day? Thanks so much.

There were scooter rentals available but I’m not sure how much it would cost per day. The island is quite large and the roads not that great, so I don’t think a scooter would be too comfortable for exploring. It would take a long, long time to get around. But there are definitely places to rent them, at least in the bigger tourist areas.

So we are flying to and from Zanzibar but have 3 weeks to play with during which we want to safari in Tanzania. What do you recommend!? Thanks Sara

Hey Sara – Well, that’s plenty of time of course but keep in mind that the safari areas of Tanzania are quite a distance from Zanzibar. You’ll most likely want to fly from Zanzibar to Arusha and then start your safari experiences from there.

we going to Jambiani in November. where we can hire a car? airport? we planning to be quite active so car would help us out a lot. and travelling between airport 4x as going to safari too in Tanzania can save us a lot. thank you Judit

Hey Judit – Just do a quick search on any car rental booking site and you’ll see your options. It’s probably best to rent a car from the airport or from Stone Town.

You can get a little suzuki or toyota 4 seater for $25 dollars a day from here https://www.ztrans.co.tz/cars.php . They are technically 4×4, but are not suitable for extreme terrain… will be fine for just cruising around Zanzibar though 🙂 You also need to get a permit to drive on Zanzibar (these cost $10) and watch out for corrupt traffic police – they are always after bribes, especially from tourists. An alternative to hiring a car is using the shuttle bus run by http://www.thezanzibus.com – these are door-to-door transfers and cost $10 per person to go to/from anywhere on the island. The shuttles are a good budget option, although if there are more than four of you it will be about the same price to book your own taxi. By the way, November is low season so try to negotiate a discount with your hotel!

hi there – just wondering if you could advise me re going with family (6) in December 2019 and if I really need to book in advance or would it likely be that I could just wander around and find something reasonable, I am much keener to follow my nose than book something in advance and be stuck with it, however don not want to get here and find no room at the inn ! many thanks for your time – Luke

Hey Luke – That depends on what kind of accommodation you’re looking for. If you have 6 people and need 3 rooms or so, it can be a little risky as places can easily fill up. December is one of the high tourist seasons. I would recommend booking in advance. You could probably find something if you didn’t but it will take much longer and you might only have a couple of options left.

Hi This is a great post. thanks for sharing ! We are looking to go somewhere a bit different with our 3 children 2, 7 and 9 years. would you say this was a good place to stay and is there anything we should consider. Sorry if this has been asked already. thanks lisa

Hey Lisa – It’s a great place if you’re looking for something laid back. You could easily book their family room or two of their regular rooms and you’d have plenty of space, right on the beach at a great price. There aren’t many amenities as it’s not a proper resort or anything like that but the staff are wonderful, the breakfast is great and if you want a relaxed experience, you’ll definitely have that here.

Hi Derek! Thank you very much for all the info and advice. I will be staying in Jambiani and I wonder if I can rent a car from there. I understand one can contact the car rental in Stone Town to deliver the car to Jambiani, but do you know if one can directly rent it from Jambiani village? I will be staying at the Mango Beach House. Thanks for your time in advance 🙂

Hey Marcela – There are no car rental companies in Jamibiani but if you ask Kiddo, the owner of the Mango Beach House, he will help you out I’m sure. Please tell him I say hello!

Hi Derek, all the information that you provided here are very helpful! Me and my fiance are planning to go there from 1st of May (for 10 days), but we are not sure about the weather conditions at that time. What is you suggestions for visiting Zanzibar on early May?!

Hey Bessy – May is a good time. There can be some rain though so that should be expected. But overall, if you don’t mind some rain, the temperatures are quite warm and the water should be quite warm too.

Hi Derek I am going for a week only. I already found a guesthouse but I was wondering what budget should I bring along. I wanted to visit 3-4days out of 7 and go to market to buy some local gifts. What budget would you advice me to take? I will be on my own. Thank you.

Hey Fatim – That is hard to say as it really depends on what you want to buy in the markets and also on how you will get around the island. Buses will cost much less than taxi for example. But for normal things – meals, water, general things you need to buy – I would say that $25 – $35 USD per day would work. This would be for good, simple meals. It does not include accommodation or transportation.

Be extremely cautious with nightlife as there is a lot of scam going on. I would not recommend you go out of the disco with the local girl as they might rob you. We met a guy who was robbed. Try to go with somebody you know as a suport. I does not mean it will happen to you, just be carreful. Good trip to you! Zanzibar and Tanzania are so exotic and beautiful!

Nice and helpful post Derek!

How about nightlife in Zanzibar? Are there some bars/clubs options and is it safe?

Hey Mario – Where we were there wasn’t any nightlife as it was a quiet village on a nice stretch of beach. There are a couple of areas up north where there are bigger tourist hotels grouped together and I’m sure there’s some options there. However, keep in mind that the main religion on the island is Islam and it’s very difficult to find alcohol in general as a result.

Hi Derek, I am going for 8 nights to Tanzania from Zambia. Wanted to spend 3 nights in Zanzibar and 3 nights doing game viewing. Would you suggest tours and a budget for a basic trip…no frills but clean comfortable time. Thanks Snigs

You’ll have to do some research for that. I simply visited Zanzibar for 2 weeks. But for a game drive, you can organize that out of Arusha and you don’t need a tour for Zanzibar. You can easily do that on your own.

HI Derek, What about mosquitos on zanzibar island? My girlfriend and me eventually stay in an Airbnb but we are not sure about getting bitten and so on.. What’s your experience due to Maleria/mosquitos =)

Honestly, I don’t remember many mosquitos. When there are mosquitos in a destination, we simply spray in the evenings and that’s about it. I don’t take malaria pills as I don’t like the side effects. It really comes down to covering yourself and spraying when the mosquitos are out and about!

Hi Derek Just making a little detour on the way home to SA – and stopping in Zanzibar for two weeks. Just wanted to thank you for all the great info. Just the sort of information, I was looking for !! 🙂 Many thanks again Regards Craig

Hey! Did you stay in Dar at all? If so, do you have any suggestions for places to stay?

Hey Sue – We just spent one night at a guesthouse near the Dar es Salaam airport before our flight out the next day. I don’t even remember the name as it was a simple place that had good reviews, about 1 mile from the airport.

Hi, does anyone know of spots where you can snorkel straight off the beach, rather than taking a boat trip?

Thanks for this, such an informative post.

We traveled to Zanzibar three years ago when living in Arusha and had a lovely time.

Is Uber available and did you have any issues driving on the roads? I know on Tanzania mainland Uber has a strong presence.

Thanks again,

Hey Nic – I don’t know if Uber is available. I don’t think so. Most people we met just hired a car or you can easily negotiate with locals you meet to take you places. The distances are quite large between towns/beaches/etc. But there were no issues driving on the roads. They were in pretty good condition.

good to read such blogs about affordable and safe options to visit Zanzibar. Last night we stumbled upon blogs and comments that only mentioned how expensive and how unsafe Tanzania in general is.

Let’s hope we can squeeze Tanzania in our budget 🙂 BTWm is it safe to drive on Zanzibar roads?

Hey Enzo – It’s quite safe to drive over there. Most of the roads are pretty good, paved and there’s not a lot of traffic outside of Stone Town. Enjoy it if you go!

Hi Derek, First of all, thank you so much for useful info’s and tips particularly on cost saving. I’m intrested in visiting Ngorongoro crater, tanzania. Need your opinion / rating art ngorongoro compared to masai marra? is it possible to big 5’s in ngorongoro? planning to visit with 7 yrs old daughter. is it safe to take my daughter? thanks in advance. Ravikumar.

It’s safe for sure, but it’s recommended to join a group or at least hire a driver to organize the trip for you. I personally prefer Masai Mara…I love that place as it is generally much less crowded than Ngorongoro. But yes, you do have a chance to see the Big 5 in both parks.

Hey! Great post. I booked tickets to Zanzibar from 24th of March and didn’t realize it was rainy season at that time. Do you think I will be strongly affected by the rain or do you still think Zanzibar will we be worth visiting? Thank you!

Hey Victoria – You should be fine. It can rain in the morning and evenings usually, but it shouldn’t rain all day. So you’ll probably face some wet weather but you should still have much of the day to enjoy. Of course, it’s difficult to actually predict but that’s the general idea.

could still be amaizing!!! mostly 9 hours of sunshine and about 6 rainy days in march..will be fun and worth visiting..Enjoy!!

Looks AMAZING! Thinking of heading to Zanzibar for a “working” holiday and just had an internet question. Did you tether the internet to your computer from the sim card? Or did you only use the internet on your phone for working? Do you remember if the wifi provided at Mango Beach House was decent?

Hey Vicky – Yes, we just tethered from our local SIM cards. The wifi at Mango Beach House was okay at best, which was pretty much how it is all over the island. We didn’t find any place that had fully reliable internet unfortunately. It’s best to get SIM cards from a couple of the networks that operate on the island so that you’ll be connected wherever you are.

Nice post! I went there in February. It was my first solo trip 🙂 I really enjoyed my stay there and felt safe the whole time (I’m a woman). I stayed in Stone town and did day tours to explore the Island. + 1 for Luukman restaurant! I mostly ate there and at fodorhani garden.

Hello Ayana Did you use a tour company? If yes what’s the name please? I am travelling solo in a couple of weeks and I am a bit apprehensive.

Great article; full of good and useful info. I am traveling to Kenya then on to Zanzibar in a few weeks. After researching, I am still confused about needing a visa for each country. Tanzania’s official website writes about a transit Visa, do you have any advice? Thanks!

It depends on your nationality but most countries do need a visa to travel to these destinations. But you can usually get the visa on arrival at the airport (for most nationalities).

Zanzibar sounds great! This is 2. or 3rd time i am reading this post and i know that i will definetely go there some day 🙂 Thank you for informing us about such great places Earl! I have been following you and learning a lot from your posts about 5 years now and you have been truly inspiring to me 😉 Go Earl, we will follow you!

Thanks for the comment! Looking forward to hearing about your travels to Zanzibar once you do make it there!

Great post Derek. I was in Zanzibar in January. Travelled by road from Kenya, stayed in Moshi for two nights then proceeded to Dar es Salaam to cross to Zanzibar by ferry. I only toured Stone Town though. I hope to go back soon to explore the East coast.

Fabulous place to stay for a week or two. Beach is looking just perfect. I am planning to take a break and relax at some place like this. Thanks for the details and recommendations 🙂

Just returned from Kenya and Tanzania….loved the latter in particular.

I have a friend who’s a small, Tanzanian-based tour operator; I live in Melbourne, Australia. He’s keen to grow his business and, given you’re probably a bit of an East Africa expert by now, I thought you might be about to give me/us some suggestions on how to do this, and also your thoughts on joint ventures/partnerships with Western-based companies.

Hey Rosemary – If you want to send me an email through my Contact link at the top of my blog, I’ll be happy to answer any questions and offer some suggestions!

Perfect timing… I’m going in three weeks! Was it easy to book things as you went along? We’ve booked three nights in stone town but that’s it so far.

You should be fine. We just walked up and down the beach in Jambiani, checked out each place and went with the one that was best for us. It’s also low season now…actually, many places close for the months April and May (restaurants, beach huts, etc.). So there might be fewer options but also fewer people, so you should be able to find something by just showing up!

Did you get a chance to visit Freddy Mercury’s childhood home while you were in Zanzibar? 🙂

Lukmaan! I love that place. And Zanzibar in general. I also stayed near Jambiani and mostly just went from the ocean…to lunch…to the pool…back to the ocean…to dinner… It was so relaxing. Good memories :).

Is it only nice for couples or are there more solo travellers? What about safety for women?

Hey Martha – There was definitely a mix of travelers, both couples and solo. In the village of Paje, there were more foreigners overall, so more solo travelers there too. As for safety, everyone we spoke with said the same thing – the island is very safe if you use the same common sense you would use pretty much anywhere. It’s best not to walk alone at night but apart from that, during the day, all was good. We didn’t hear of any problems or meet anyone who had any safety issues during their stay.

I stayed at Zenji when I was there about 2 years ago. I loved the hotel and its location! One of my favorite things to do was go to Fordhani Gardens in the evening, grab a few kabobs and a cup of sugar cane juice, and sit and smoke hookah while people watching. It was pretty incredible. Zanzibar remains one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to.

And, my boyfriend and I are already making honeymoon plans to visit more of that area. We’re thinking Madagascar, but I can’t wait to read your Seychelles article to see if it makes sense for us to go there as well.

So happy to have read this, Earl! I wanted to go to Zanzibar before (and actually looked at the options of having a wedding there) but then shied away. At Jambiani, were there often many people on the beach selling stuff? I mean those who don’t take no for an answer? From your photos it seems like a more secluded spot further from the resorts. Thank you!

Hey Veronika – There were a handful of people that would appear every now and then selling stuff but they left if we said ‘no’ once. I didn’t come across anyone who wouldn’t take no for an answer. It is a very laid-back beach/village and even the beach sellers were extremely relaxed and friendly.

That’s great to hear, thank you Earl 🙂

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Zanzibar Itinerary: How to Spend 12 Days in Zanzibar

Looking for Zanzibar itinerary ideas? What to do in Zanzibar? What are the best places to stay in Zanzibar , Tanzania? How to spend twelve days in Zanzibar to see all the major sites? I visited Zanzibar in August, as a solo female traveler to Zanzibar . Spending 12 days on Spice Island was the perfect amount of time to get the taste of an island 6° South of the Equator , full of culture, history, and stunning nature .

Find out how in my Zanzibar itinerary below. 

🦁 If you have been wondering “Which Disney movie did Anja watch first?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.

Zanzibar itinerary

In a bit more than 1 week in Zanzibar , you will learn about the interesting history of the islands of Unguja and Pemba, the differences between the best Zanzibar beaches, and admire the doors in the UNESCO World Heritage site Stone Town . If you are planning a trip to Zanzibar, this is a place where you will find where to stay, play, and eat. Inside this Zanzibar travel plan, you will have a perfect blend of beaches and culture, nature and animals, history, and sports activities. Try tons of delicious Zanzibari cuisine, and bargain for souvenirs. Do all of it in less than Zanzibar 2 week itinerary . From Paje/Jambiani beaches on the East Coast, visiting Jozani forest on your way to famous Nungwi/Kendwa beach on the North, learning about spices on a Spice tour to exploring Prison Island. This is the Zanzibar itinerary , I used for my solo Zanzibar holiday. This Zanzibar trip plan will detail how to spend twelve days in Zanzibar , to make your vacation memorable while relaxing on white sand beaches surrounded by turquoise ocean.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Plan to spend at least a week in Zanzibar, but if time permits, reserve 10 days in Zanzibar to have enough time to include different beaches in your Zanzibar itinerary.
• Consider dividing your time between different areas of the island: Stone Town for its historical significance, the northern beaches for relaxation and snorkeling, and the beaches on the East for kitesurfing and secluded holidays.
• Include must-see sights like Nungwi Beach, Paje Beach, Jozani Forest, Spice farm and Prison Island in your itinerary.
• Don’t skip Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend at least a day here and book a Stone Town guided tour for the best experience of the previous Spice Island capital.
• Indulge in delicious Zanzibari cuisine, a fusion of Swahili, Arabic, Indian, and Portuguese influences, and experience a lively atmosphere at Forodhani food markets.

for FUN and INTERESTING facts: • Zanzibar Quiz: How well do you know Zanzibar? • 23 Fun facts about Zanzibar you probably didn’t know for ITINERARY idea: • Zanzibar Itinerary: How to Spend 12 Days in Zanzibar for Zanzibar TRAVEL TIPS: • Where is Zanzibar located and How to get there • Is Zanzibar safe to visit? 15 Things to know • 15 Best Things To Do in Stone Town Zanzibar • WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES TO STAY IN ZANZIBAR • ZANZIBAR COST OF TRAVEL AND DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN • HOW TO BARGAIN ON YOUR TRAVELS: 17 ESSENTIAL BARGAINING TIPS • 73+ Essential Swahili Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download for ACCOMMODATION suggestions: • STAYING AT NEW TEDDY’S ON THE BEACH IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR • TOP 12 MOST AMAZING BEACH HOTELS IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR • 15 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN STONE TOWN, ZANZIBAR for CAPTION IDEAS: • 115 BEST ZANZIBAR CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – CUTE AND WANDERLUST • 107 FANTASTIC PALM TREE CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – LAVISH AND STRONG • 77 EPIC COCONUT CAPTIONS AND COCONUT PUNS – TROPICAL COCONUT BONANZA • 77 BEAUTIFUL PINEAPPLE CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – SWEET AND JUICY

for HALF DAY in … ITINERARY ideas: • Grand Canyon in half day: How to spend half day at Grand Canyon South Rim for 1 DAY or 24h in … ITINERARY ideas: • Best One Day in Amman Itinerary: How To Spend 24h in Amman • How to get from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon by car – One day road trip itinerary for multiple days ITINERARY ideas: • Dubai itinerary: How to spend 5 days in Dubai • Vanuatu itinerary: How to Spend 12 Days in Vanuatu • Zanzibar itinerary: How to spend 12 days in Zanzibar • Japan itinerary: How to spend 17 days in Japan

Table of Contents

Disclosure: This twelve days Zanzibar itinerary article may contain affiliate links. If you click it and buy something you like, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Read more in  Disclaimer .

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1. Breakdown of 12 day Zanzibar itinerary

This is a semi-relaxed itinerary for Zanzibar . If you are the type of person, who only enjoys spending time by the pool in a resort, then this is not for you. What I mean by semi-relaxed is that it offers a nice and steady pace to explore Zanzibar island. The itinerary offers a combination of busy days , full of sightseeing, half-day trips , and days to relax . There are also days when you can add some more activities or swap the days around. Following this Zanzibar blog, you will get an idea of how long to visit Zanzibar, to learn about Zanzibar’s history, experience its culture , explore best beaches in Zanzibar , meet their flora and fauna, and still have time to swim and sip a cocktail.

How many days in Zanzibar is enough? For your first visit to Zanzibar , I would recommend at least 2 weeks in Zanzibar. Spending some time on the beaches of South East (Paje or Jambiani), staying on the beaches in the North, and spending some time in the UNESCO World Heritage site Stone Town . Go to the South East first , to Paje or Jambiani (4 nights). Then to the more touristy and more developed beaches in the North , Nungwi or Kendwa (5 nights). Before leaving Zanzibar, spend some time in Stone Town (2 nights), get lost in the narrow streets, and improve your Bargaining skills when shopping for souvenirs. The itinerary can also be done in reversed order. SHORT ZANZIBAR ITINERARY OVERVIEW: Day 1: Arrival to Zanzibar and transfer to Jambiani Day 2: Jambiani beach and village Day 3: Half-day trip to Kizimkazi Day 4: Kuza cave and Paje Day 5: Jambiani – The Rock – Jozani Forest – Nungwi Day 6: Nungwi & Dhow boat sunset cruise Day 7: Mnemba atoll Day 8: Nungwi village & Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond Day 9: Nungwi & Kendwa Day 10: Spice tour – Prison Island – Stone Town Day 11: Stone Town walking tour & Forodhani market in the evening Day 12: Stone Town and Departure

Here is how Zanzibar itinerary looks on a map!

2. Be st time to visit Zanzibar

Being only 6° South of the Equator makes Zanzibar a destination that can be visited year-round . Temperatures are rather constant during the year, but the rainfall depends on the season.  There are two seasons in Zanzibar, dry season and wet season. Choosing when to visit Zanzibar archipelago will depend on a personal preference, but prices and the number of tourists will be higher during European summer. Below are some general factors you should consider when planning your trip to Zanzibar.

The best time to visit Zanzibar and neighboring islands is during the ‘ long dry season ‘. This is from June to October . There should be almost no rain and more sunny days. Since this coincides with the summer in the northern hemisphere, expect higher prices on flights and accommodation . I visited Zanzibar in August but I am happy with my spending budget . The months of November and December are somewhere good to visit. During this time you can expect a ‘ minor rainy season ’ with light rains and higher temperatures. Prices might rise in the busy holiday season, from Christmas and over New Years. The period from January to February and mid-March is considered a ‘ short dry season ‘. You can expect hot weather and sunny days interrupted by rain showers. Rainfall will increase coming more toward March. March to May is the rainy season , known also as ‘long rains ‘. While temperatures will still be high you can expect rain during the whole day or more days in a row. Humidity level will be high. This is considered low season so prices might be lower than at other times of the year.

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3. How to get to Zanzibar

There are two ways how to get to Zanzibar Island , by plane or by ferry . If you are flying to Zanzibar (Unguja island), you will land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), which is around 10 km (6 miles) or 15-20 minute drive away from Stone Town. Only a few airlines fly to Zanzibar directly, without the transfer in Dar es Salaam. Amongst those are Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai. Many others have a stopover in Dar es Salaam. Between Dar and Zanzibar is a short 20-minute flight. A ferry ride from Dar es Salaam usually takes a bit less than 3 h. If you decide to go with a ferry it will cost between $35 to $60 USD. The ferry terminal is in the north of Stone Town, close to the Old Dispensary.

4. How to save money when planning a Zanzibar itinerary

Do you want to travel more and spend less ? I have created a list of Zanzibar travel resources for you. This is a collection of the best travel resources when it comes to transportation, accommodation, travel insurance, and more.

All of these are products that I personally use and recommend to others. Choosing the best travel resources from the beginning will save you time and money . Trust me, by using these travel resources, you will be able to travel further than you ever imagined.

5. Things to know before visiting Zanzibar

• TANZANIAN VISA For visiting Zanzibar you need a Tanzanian visa . If you’re flying straight into Zanzibar you’ll get your Tanzania visa there. Tanzania visa cost varies. It covers Zanzibar and the mainland and vice versa. Citizens from most Western countries can get them on arrival. It costs $50 for a single entry . You can pay by cash or card. For US citizens the visa costs $100 but it is a multi-entry visa. Learn more about Tanzanian visa .
• YELLOW FEVER If you’re flying to Tanzania and Zanzibar from places without a Yellow Fever risk (Europe, USA, Australia etc.) you shouldn’t need a Yellow Fever certificate. BUT if you are transiting through a country with a risk of Yellow Fever (Kenya, Ethiopia) for more than 12 hours – sometimes even less, you might need one . You can see the countries with the risk of yellow fever (YF) here.
• VACCINATIONS YELLOW FEVER If you’re flying to Tanzania and Zanzibar from places without a Yellow Fever risk (Europe, USA, Australia etc.) you shouldn’t need a Yellow Fever certificate. BUT if you are transiting through a country with a risk of Yellow Fever (Kenya, Ethiopia) for more than 12 hours – sometimes even less, you might need one . You can see the countries with the risk of yellow fever (YF) here. Besides Yellow fever, and even with exceptions, there are no obligatory vaccinations . There are recommended ones from World Health Organisation (WHO) but consult your doctor before your visit. Recommended vaccinations are hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, rabies, meningitis, tetanus … Have a look at the recommended vaccines for Tanzania .
• MALARIA The risk of getting malaria in Zanzibar is low . I didn’t take medication but some travelers – especially the ones coming from safari – were taking them. Others were having them just in case if they get sick. To prevent mosquito bites , use mosquito bite prevention measures: – ensure your accommodation has mosquito nets; – use an insect repellent with 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin; – wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) clothing and long sleeves at dusk and at night; – apply sunscreen first followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).

• MONEY Tanzania’s currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) . In Stone Town, Dar Es Salaam and some resorts, you can use credit cards but with a hefty surcharge. ATMs are rare in Zanzibar. Bring enough cash since ATMs get out of money fast, and the highest amount you can withdraw is around $150. When withdrawing money from the ATM, take out as much as possible to ‘lower’ the withdrawal charges. Bargaining is common in markets, particularly in tourist areas, but tipping is not necessary. Beaches in Zanzibar are free, but many tourist attractions, such as national parks and cultural sites, require an entrance fee.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE Make sure to purchase travel insurance before your travel. I have seen two people needing medical assistance in Zanzibar. One was because of heat stroke. Another sprained her ankle. Seriously, you never know, so better be safe than sorry. Without travel insurance, this can be REALLY expensive. Buy one from your home country provider or find the best option with Safety Wing . In case you forgot, with Safety Wing you can get one when already abroad!
• SAFETY TIPS Is Zanzibar safe? Zanzibar is safe , even for solo female travelers , but it still doesn’t hurt to use common sense. Don’t flash your valuables and walk alone after dark.
• DRESS CODE The majority of the population is Muslim . Respect their culture and dress accordingly , by covering your legs, midsection and shoulders. This is especially true when visiting local villages or walking around the streets in Stone Town. Wearing a bikini on a beach is perfectly fine.

6. Twelve days in Zanzibar itinerary

Day 1: arrival to zanzibar and transfer to jambiani.

Arrive in Zanzibar/Stone Town . No matter if you will be flying into Zanzibar from overseas or from Tanzania mainland, you will arrive at Stone Town airport. If you are coming with a ferry from Daar Es Saalam, then you will also be arriving to Stone Town. If you are coming from the United States or Canada or from Japan or Australia , this is likely going to be a hectic day, spent in the company of jet lag . If you are coming from Europe, the journey to Zanzibar should not be that bad, since Zanzibar is in GMT+3 time zone. Which means from 1 to 3 hours ahead of European time.  After the formalities, exchange some money into Tanzanian shillings or get some cash from ATM at the airport. Outside of Stone Town ATMs are limited and get out of cash fast.

PRO TIP If you plan to travel around Zanzibar, always carry some local currency on hand. The local shops or restaurants might not accept foreign currency (€ or $) or Credit Cards.

After you have some cash on you, grab a taxi and drive to Jambiani . Price for a taxi should be around $40 . If you arrive in the morning and are feeling adventurous, you can also use dala dala. My flight with Qatar landed in the morning. I exchanged € to TNZ and got into a taxi organized by accommodation. It was already waiting for me outside to drive me to Jambiani. For the rest of the day, I was chilling by the pool on one of the most beautiful tropical beaches .

Where to stay in Jambiani, Zanzibar: • There are many beautiful beach hotels in Jambiani . I’ve stayed at an affordable, beachfront accommodation with a private beach and pool. New Teddy’s On The Beach is a travel-sustainable property, with a ‘living room’ full of daybeds to relax and enjoy the view of the turquoise Indian Ocean. Read my hotel review here.

WANT MORE OPTIONS? Visit this page to see all available Jambiani accommodations to book online.

Pin the one you like more!

Zanzibar itinerary Zanzibar

DAY 2: Jambiani; beach and village

Jambiani is a really relaxed and laid-back village . It is located on the East side of Zanzibar , where the difference between high and low tide is significant. During low tide, the ocean is far away, which pushes you to do other activities. What I love about Jambiani is that tourists and locals are as one . It is less touristy and here you get the feel of the real Zanzibar . High tide: During high tide go for a swim in the ocean. If you want, you can even go diving, rent a stand-up paddle board or sign up for kitesurfing lessons. Conditions for kitesurfing here are perfect, even for beginners. Or you might want to go on a dhow sailing boat tour. Low tide: At the time of low tide, you can still explore the beach. Maybe you would want to walk all the way to the reef, only go and observe local women manning their algae plantations. It could also happen you will see ladies dig shells for dinner from the sand.

ALSO READ: • What are the best beaches to stay in Zanzibar

DAY 3: Half-day trip to Kizimkazi

On this day you can go on a half-day tour to Kizimkazi . Beaches there are not the best for swimming but the place is known for dolphin spotting and mosque . Dimbani mosque is the oldest mosque in East Africa , dating back to 1107 AD. I went to Kizimkazi to go on a dolphin tour . If you decide to join a tour, please, do your part and research a tour provider. Always choose an Ethical Dolphin encounter . You might want to check out Kizimkazi Ethical Dolphin Tours offered by African Impact . I was happy with their approach, which was similar to the one I experienced in Kaikoura, New Zealand. We followed their swimming, watch them swim by , without disturbing or interacting with them . You can swap the dolphin encounter and instead go on a Blue safari tour . Back at Jambiani just relax, have a few cocktails or mocktails, try Zanzibar Dawa and enjoy.

ALSO READ: • 15 Best hotels in Jambiani Zanzibar for a perfect holiday

DAY 4: Kuza cave and Paje

Explore Jambiani and Paje surroundings. Today is the day for an adventure and a bit of exploring. Visit Kuza Cave , which is 10-minute drive or 30 min walk from Jambiani. Kuza cave is a limestone cave with cold and clear water where you can swim in. You can also enjoy Swahili music , learn Swahili cooking or search for monkeys and birds in wildlife sanctuary. Before or after go to Paje . At low tide, you can walk from Jambiani to Paje on the beach. Walk will take around 1,5 hour. In Paje, explore their food stalls and restaurants , have a dip in the ocean (at high tide) or go kitesurfing . Don’t leave before stopping at Mr Kahawa for an award-winning coffee, and a delicious meal with a view. If you decide to walk, don’t forget to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen !

ALSO READ: • Best Zanzibar captions for Instagram and Zanzibar quotes

DAY 5: Jambiani – The Rock – Jozani Forest – Nungwi

After a few days on a more relaxed East Coast, head over to the North West Coast . To Nungwi or Kendwa , where you will find the best beaches on the island . To maximize your time and transportation costs, instead of going directly, do a little sightseeing. Taxi drive from Jambiani to Nungwi lasts from 2 to 2,5 h , and costs from $50 . I paid $70 because of the detours. From Jambiani, firstly go to The Rock Restaurant . This is a tiny restaurant built on a rock in the Indian Ocean. During low tide you can walk to it and at high tide, you will be transferred there by boat. If you wish to dine there, make sure to book in advance ! This is a popular spot! After The Rock, stop at Jozani Forest . It is on the way to Nungwi and your driver will wait for you there. This is a national park where you will walk through the mangroves, learn about plants in the forest, and (hopefully) see the Zanzibar red colobus monkey .  Fun fact about them is that they are unable to digest the sugars found in ripe fruit. Continue to Nungwi, where you arrive just in time for sunset and dinner. Nungwi is touristy and more things are going on. Where to stay in Nungwi, Zanzibar: There are many luxury resorts in Nungwi and Kendwa. One of the best is Z Hotel with an infinity pool on the beach! Amazing! • I stayed in more budget-friendly accommodation, Makofi Guesthouse , with an amazing BBQ and the best burgers in Zanzibar. They are super close to the beach. They have nice little swings, a lovely common area, and a dedicated spot for digital nomads.

WANT MORE OPTIONS? Visit this page to see all available Nungwi accommodations to book online.

DAY 6: Nungwi & Dhow boat sunset cruise

Spend the day on one of the best beaches in Zanzibar . In Nungwi you can swim in the ocean the whole day. During low tide walk around the beach and count how many different starfish you will find. For lunch, go to one of the local restaurants like Mama Africa, Kings Restaurant on the main street, or MJ cafe. At sunset go on a sunset cruise or go on a Z hotel rooftop and enjoy the view. Watching a sunset in Nungwi is one of the must be included things in Zanzibar itinerary.

ALSO READ: • Zanzibar Quiz: How well do you know Zanzibar?

DAY 7: Mnemba atoll

Mnemba Atol is around 1h boat ride from Nungwi. Mnemba , a privately owned island , is considered to be the best diving and snorkeling spot in Zanzibar . At least that is what they say. I visited Mnemba on a snorkeling tour and was not impressed . Firstly, I was put off by the tour on our way there since the boat drivers were chasing dolphins like it is a sort of competition. On Mnemba Island there were at least 50 other boats. Corals were mostly dead and there were not many fish. If you haven’t had a chance to see ‘corals’ or fish, go and see for yourself. But if you are coming here just because of that, I would skip it. Mnemba Island is privately owned by andBeyond . The island is only accessible for exclusive guests staying in one of the 12 luxury bungalows. The maximum capacity of the island is 24 guests. Plus 2 staff members per guest. Celebrity guests who stayed here in the past, like Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell, Paul McCartney, Tom Cruise, Bill Gates … can give you an idea of how exclusive it is. If you decide to go diving , make sure to give yourself at least 24 h between your last dive and the time of flight !

Just in case, so you won’t forget! Pin those.

DAY 8: Nungwi village & Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond

Spend a day exploring Nungwi village and visit Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond . In this turtle sanctuary , you can learn about sea turtles, feed them, and swim with them. During low tide, you can get to the sanctuary on the beach, but at high tide, you will have to take the village roads.

🦁 “Which Disney movie did Anja watch first?” It was The Lion King, with Simba, Nala and Zazu.

ALSO READ: • How to bargain on your travels

DAY 9: Nungwi & Kendwa

Spend a day at Nungwi beach or walk to Kendwa , around 45 min – 1h walk. There is more of a resort feel in Kendwa. Spend a nice and relaxed day swimming. A lot is going on in Kendwa and Nungwi, so you can do as much as you want. For some amazing tropical photos, book a transparent kayak photoshoot . Or go on a relaxing massage, have a cooking class, watch people, buy some souvenirs … Enjoy your time by drinking cocktails and eating delicious food.   When walking by the beach it is easy to forget how strong the sun is. Always wear a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water .

DAY 10: Spice tour – Prison Island – Stone Town

Today you are going to say goodbye to Nungwi and head back to Stone Town . this is the beginning of the last part of Zanzibar itinerary. To maximize your time and transportation costs, just like on Day 5, you will do sightseeing along the way. You can not visit Zanzibar, or Spice Island, without visiting a Spice farm and a visit to Prison Island . Taxi drive from Nungwi to Stone Town lasts around 1 h, and costs from $50 . I shared a taxi with 2 other travelers and paid $50, which included both of the tours and a transfer to historic Stone Town .   Morning: After breakfast say goodbye to Nungwi and head to Stone Town. On the way down stop at the Spice farm . On a Spice farm , you will learn about the variety of spices that grow here and see why Zanzibar is called Spice Island. You will see how many of the spices grow, like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and learn about their usage and health benefits . I highly recommend this tour . After the Spice tour, you will arrive in historic Stone Town. Here you will have time for a quick lunch before visiting Prison Island.

Afternoon: After lunch go to Prison Island , or Changuu Island. It is a short 30 min boat ride away from Stone Town and a popular day trip. Here you will learn about the history of the island (hint: it was NOT used as a prison, but for quarantine purposes). On Prison Island, you will also be able to see a population of Aldabra Giant Tortoises . They were brought to Zanzibar from Seychelles. Evening: Have dinner at one of the best restaurants in town. I went to Cape Town Fish Market Zanzibar with an amazing ambiance, stunning sunset, and great seafood and sushi selection. Portions were the right size, food was fresh and delicious. Their wine selection was great and well worth the price. Another great option is to have a meal at 6 degrees South . They offer seafood, amazing steaks, and traditional Swahili dishes.  Where to stay in Stone Town, Zanzibar: UNESCO World Heritage Site Stone Town doesn’t lack amazing places to stay . From Freddie Mercury’s house to top-notch resorts, and the historic Zanzibari tea house. • I have stayed opposite Freddie Mercury Museum, in Lost & Found . It is on a well lit street, and withing walking distance to Forodhani market, beach and Stone town alleys. Their beds are superb. Big and comfortable!

WANT MORE OPTIONS? Visit this page to see all available Stone Town accommodations to book online.

DAY 11: Stone Town Itinerary & Forodhani market in the evening

Spend a day winding the streets of Stone Town . Stone Town is a historic center of Zanzibar City, the capital of Zanzibar. This fine example of an East African coastal trading town was added to UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Stone Town is also the birthplace of Queen lead singer , Farrokh Bulsara, known as Freddy Mercury . Morning: If your accommodation is not serving breakfast, I highly recommend visiting Stone Town Cafe . It is right in the center, close to Freddy Mercury Museum, post, and currency exchange office. It is also close to Memories shop , where they sell souvenirs at fixed prices. No bargaining there. After breakfast go on a guided walking tour of Stone Town . It will take around 2 hours and it costs $20. Tour is great and will take you to all must do Stone Town attractions. Among others you will visit the cathedral, Jews Corner, Old Slave Market, Darajani market, and Old Fort.  Keep in mind that the majority (more than 99%) of the population is Muslim . So when in Stone Town, dress conservatively . Have your shoulders covered, don’t have cleavage, and cover your knees .

Afternoon: You can have lunch at well-known local Swahil restaurant Lukmaan’s , serving traditional Zanzibari food at affordable prices. Or you can stop at the top of Emerson Spice Tea House . Tea house offers amazing 360°panorama views, where you can see Prison Island, the old and the new Stone Town. After lunch explore more hidden alleys of Stone Town. Take some more photos of famous Stone Town doors or relax on the beach and watch locals practicing their craft or playing soccer. Evening: Have dinner at Forodhani Food Stalls . It is a food market that comes to life each night around 5 pm. They sell a variety of street food, from Zanzibar pancakes to seafood, grilled corn, and chicken. You can also get sugarcane juice or other types of juices. It is a nice experience but in my opinion, the prices are rather high for what you get. 

ALSO READ: • Zanzibar cost of travel and detailed budget breakdown

DAY 12: Stone Town and Departure

This is last day in your Zanzibar itinerary. As you will see Zanzibar is a rather small island . It only takes a few hours to get from one side to another but for various reasons, I always stay close to the airport before the departure . Because you just never know. Depending on your flight time, have a nice breakfast in one of the restaurants. If you have some time left after it, use this as time for last-minute souvenir shopping , or another walk in the Stone Town alleys. When it is time, grab a taxi, dala dala or tuk-tuk and make your way to the airport. My flight out was in the evening hours (and postponed three times). So, after my breakfast at Stone Town Cafe, I did some more shopping and walked in the narrow alleys of Stone Town. then I took a tuk-tuk to Jungle Paradise Beach Resort & Spa where I spend the day as a day guest. After dinner, I grabbed boda boda to get to the airport. 

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7. Final thoughts on How to spend 12 days in Zanzibar Itinerary

This Zanzibar itinerary is perfect for a first-time visitor to Zanzibar . It is a perfect combination of beaches, sightseeing, nature, and history. You will have enough time to relax and explore what Zanzibar Island has to offer.  12 days in Zanzibar will be plenty of time for you to experience the vibe on various Zanzibar beaches . So you will be able to decide if you like the ones in the Southeast, like Jambiani, more or are the ones in the North, like Nungwi, a better option for you. I am positive you will be amazed at how impressive the difference between low and high tide is . Despite that, I still prefer Jambiani Beach more than Nungwi. This Zanzibar travel itinerary gives you enough time to experience Zanzibar’s animal world . From seeing Red Colobus monkeys , swimming with dolphins, snorkeling and seeing at least a dozen different starfish. You will also have the time to see sea turtles and Giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island . You will have enough time to visit some of the must-do places on Zanzibar. Already mentioned Jozani Forest , learn about spices on a Spice tour , and to explore the streets of UNESCO Stone Town. You can see all the historical spots by following a Stone Town itinerary as described on day 11. 

7.1. Possible Zanzibar itinerary alternations

I would probably spend more time in Jambiani than in Nungwi. But you should experience both. Since this is a relaxed itinerary, you could see all the major sites in one week itinerary . You can also shorten your days in Nungwi and add an extra day to Stone Town if you wish to visit Nakupenda island . Blue Safari and Nakupenda Islands have a very similar concept; sailing, snorkeling, and lunch on a sand bank. If you are a fan of kitesurfing I would also extend my stay in Jambiani to get more kitesurfing or surfing lessons there. If you don’t have 12 days to spare in Zanzibar and are wondering “ How long to stay in Zanzibar? ” I would say, to have at least one week in Zanzibar , and if you are coming to the island after a safari, try to get in an extra two. Regardless of how many days in Zanzibar itinerary you have planned, make sure that you enjoy every moment watching the beautiful turquoise water of the Indian Ocean. Hakuna Matata, Anja

8. BONUS: Zanzibar travel planning guide

8.1. do i need travel insurance for zanzibar.

YES Enjoy peace of mind on your travels with a plan from SafetyWing . You can choose between monthly coverage or insurance for specific travel dates . They are one of the biggest names in the travel insurance world, and also give you the option to get insured while already abroad! Stay and be safe!

8.2. Do I need to book my accommodation in advance?

NO, BUT IT IS RECOMMENDED There is plenty of accommodation options in Zanzibar . During shoulder and low season, there is no need to prebook. But to avoid any unwanted stress, I would recommend booking places to stay before you arrive in the summer. Booking.com has a great feature on some stays, where you can reserve your room and cancel it for free if your plans change.

8.3. Will my phone work in Zanzibar?

MAYBE It depends on your mobile provider and the plan you are on. I would say that the WiFi on this tropical island is really good. You can buy a local Sim card once there or travel carefree and buy an Airalo eSim before your travels.

8.4. Is it safe to rent a car in Zanzibar?

YES Renting a car in Zanzibar is safe with some precautions. Check the rates at Discover Cars to make sure renting pays off. It depends on how much of an explorer you are, but I have found no need to have a car.

8.5. Do I have to book tours in Zanzibar before I arrive?

NOT NECESSARILY You can explore areas of Zanzibar without a tour, like Jambiani, Paje, Nungwi, and Kendwa. You can go to Jozani Forest with a taxi, but will get their guide when you purchase an entrance ticket. For others like Spice Tour , Mnemba Island , Prison Island , Nakupenda , I would book a tour. One tour you have to book, is a Stone town walking tour ! You will learn and see a lot! Viator offers similar tours in Zanzibar than GetYourGuide .

➤ What you should read next …

• 15 Best Places to Stay in Stone Town Zanzibar • 15 Best Things To Do in Stone Town Zanzibar • 15 Best hotels in Jambiani Zanzibar for a perfect holiday • 73+ Essential Swahili Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download • How to bargain on your travels: 17 essential bargaining tips

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✈ Travel Resources | Travel more & Spend less

Are you ready to travel like a PRO? Save time and money with these travel tips and resources . I personally use these companies to save time and money. They do the work by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews from actual guests, for anywhere I am traveling worldwide. ✈️ FLIGHTS: I use Skyscanner in combination with Google Flights to find amazing flight fares (try the Explore feature). I book directly with an airline or pair it with Iwantthatflight for the best deals. 🏨 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals. They return the best rates and reviews are from actual guests! 🚘 RENTAL CARS: Discover Cars are my go-to, when planning an epic road trip. 🗽 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group, skip the line with an entrance ticket, I book it with GetYourGuide or Viator . ❤️‍🩹 TRAVEL INSURANCE: I never, under any circumstances travel without insurance. In most cases, I use yearly global travel medical insurance. But, if you don’t have that and some impromptu travel plans occur, use SafetyWing . With them, you can buy travel insurance even when you are already abroad. Better be safe, than sorry! 📲 ONLINE SAFETY: NordVPN keeps your devices’ browsing safe and malware-free. Stream shows from around the world, access social media in countries where they are blocked and buy cheap flights by changing your virtual location. 🛜 STAY CONNECTED WITH eSIM: Ditch the plastic SIM cards and waiting in lines at the airport! Airalo eSIMs allow you to connect as soon as you land at your destination. They have eSIMs for over 190+ countries worldwide.

🗨 FAQ related to Zanzibar itinerary

Do i need a visa for zanzibar, tanzania.

Most probably yes. For visiting Zanzibar you need a Tanzanian visa. If you’re flying straight into Zanzibar you’ll get your Tanzania visa there. It covers Zanzibar and the mainland and vice versa. Citizens from most Western countries can get them on arrival. It costs $50 for a single entry. You can pay by cash or card. For US citizens the visa costs $100 but it is a multi-entry visa.

For more Zanzibar travel tips, Zanzibar itinerary ideas, like Zanzibar 1 week itinerary, and things to do in Zanzibar visit Anja On Adventure travel blog.

What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

From June to October. Weather in Zanzibar by month changes. Best time to visit is during the long dry season. There should be almost no rain and more sunny days. Since this coincides with the summer in the northern hemisphere, expect higher prices on flights and accommodation. Second best time is from January to mid-March.

For more travel Zanzibar tips, Zanzibar itinerary ideas, like 2 week itinerary Zanzibar, and things to do in Zanzibar visit Anja On Adventure travel blog.

What to wear in Zanzibar?

Dress conservatively. The majority of the population is Muslim. Respect their culture and dress appropriately. When visiting local villages or walking around the streets in Stone Town, have your shoulders covered, don’t have cleavage, and cover your knees. Wearing a bikini on a beach is fine but don’t be topless. For more Zanzibar travel tips, Zanzibar itinerary ideas, like Zanzibar 1 week itinerary, and things to do in Zanzibar visit Anja On Adventure travel blog.

How many days to spend in Zanzibar?

Try to plan for at least 7 days but ideally two weeks in Zanzibar. You should spend at least a week or 7 days in Zanzibar. That way you will be able to explore East and North-West Beaches, go on day tours, spend a day in Stone Town and have a day to relax. If you are coming to Zanzibar after a safari, plan a day or two more. For more travel itinerary Zanzibar ideas, ideas for how long to visit Zanzibar for, Zanzibar itinerary 14 days, Zanzibar 10 day itinerary, Zanzibar 7 day itinerary, visit Anja On Adventure Zanzibar blog.

Is Zanzibar safe for solo female travelers?

Zanzibar is generally a safe country for solo female travelers, with a warm and welcoming local population. I never felt unsafe and locals were extremely friendly and helpful. But take necessary safety precautions. For more Zanzibar travel tips, Zanzibar itineraries and things to do in Zanzibar visit Anja On Adventure Zanzibar travel blog.

❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester. Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me .

About the author: Anja

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Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar Island is a jewel in the ocean, surrounded by beaches that rate among the finest in the world. Here you can swim, snorkel or just lounge the hours away, while shoals of luminous fish graze over nearby coral gardens and pods of dolphins frolic offshore.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

House of Wonders

Zanzibar Town

An icon of Stone Town, the House of Wonders rises in impressive tiers of slender steel pillars and balconies overlooking the waterfront. Its enormous…

ZALA (Zanzibar Land Animals) Park was founded as a project to help local people appreciate the value of wildlife, with funds raised by tourist visits. The…

Forodhani Gardens

One of the best ways to ease into Zanzibar life is to stop by this waterfront public space. It's a social hub for tourists and locals alike; there's a…

Old Dispensary

With its peppermint-green latticework balconies and sculpted clock tower, this 19th-century charitable dispensary is one of the most attractive landmarks…

Princess Salme Museum

Carefully curated by the renowned historian Said al Gheithy, this delightful little museum tells the story of Princess Salme, a sultan's daughter who…

Anglican Cathedral

The tall spire and grey-yellow walls of the Anglican cathedral dominate the surrounding streets in this part of Stone Town, while the dark-wood pews and…

Palace Museum

Occupying several large buildings along the waterfront, this was the palace of Sultan Seyyid Said from 1828 until it was largely destroyed by the British…

Jozani-Chwaka National Park

Jozani Forest is the largest area of indigenous forest on Zanzibar Island. Situated south of Chwaka Bay on low-lying land, the area is prone to flooding,…

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MY ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EXPLORING STONE TOWN, ZANZIBAR

by Lee Litumbe in Guides

If ever you find yourself in Zanzibar, Stone Town is likely where you'll start. And while some travelers choose to skip spending much time here in favor for Zanzibar's more well known and gorgeous beaches (I made the same mistake the first time I visited a few years ago), I highly recommend you spend at least two days exploring this beautifully enchanting old town. 

What I found most intriguing about this UNESCO World Heritage site was how rich the culture and history is. Once a flourishing trade hub (which unfortunately included slave trade), it continues to be a melting pot of traditional African, Arab, Indian and some European cultures. As you walk through the narrow, winding streets, you're bound to experience some sensory overload: children playing football in the narrow alleyways, early morning calls to prayer and Hindu ritual bells, an intoxicating smell of spices lingering in the air, beautifully and colorfully dressed women, and men deeply engaged in mancala.  What's not to love about that?

But don't take my word for it - I encourage you to go experience Stone Town in all it's glory for yourself. I hope this guide will help you fall in love with Stone Town as I did and see why it's one of my favorite African cities.

SOME GENERAL TIPS:

Always haggle and negotiate  when buying anything in the market. Never accept the first price given to you.

Cash is king.  As with most African cities, always carry cash (in local currency), however USD and Euro are also widely accepted.

Languages spoken  are mostly English and Swahili, though most tour guides and operators speak a wider range of other languages.

For women, keep your shoulders and legs covered.  Since this is a predominantly muslim country, cultural norms and practices should be observed so as not to not draw unwanted attention to yourself, so definitely be careful in your outfit choices.

Be careful where you get your henna applied.  In the bustling markets, vendors may try to cut costs by switching up the mixture so always do a small test patch first to check for an allergic reaction. I believe the red henna is of higher quality here, but always assess your surroundings and the actual henna before you get painted.

Where to stay

The best hotels in Stone Town are those that have renovated traditional Swahili style homes into small, intimate hotels. I highly recommend Emerson Spice or Emerson on Hurumzi for this, though Park Hyatt is also a great option for a modern and luxurious experience.

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where to eat

Lukmaan Restaurant came highly recommended when I asked the staff at my hotel where they like to go for lunch. It's great for a taste of authentic Zanzibari food for very cheap - you can eat a feast for under $10 - and I love that both locals and travelers eat here casually. You'll have to be a bit assertive when ordering though, because it can get pretty chaotic during the lunch or dinner rush.

The Silk Route was incredible for Indian food. It's just around the corner from Forodhani Gardens and was sensational experience. 

Forodhani Gardens in the evenings to try all the local delicacies and dishes on offer from a wide array of market vendors. This is where you can try everything from a sweet or savory Zanzibari pizza to a fresh sugar cane/lime/ginger juice. There are several stalls to choose from, so be sure to walk around the whole market and look around before you commit anywhere. Eat where the locals are or at stalls with a long line to get the freshest food and avoid food poisoning (the meat and seafood are not always fresh). It's also one of the best places in Stone Town to people watch, so definitely dedicate an evening here.

Rooftop Tea House Restaurant at Emerson Spice or Emerson on Hurumzi .  Food is a bit of an event at both properties, and they always incorporats seasonal and local foods.The rooftop Tea House restaurants at both properties are slightly different. The one at Emerson Spice has a table and chair setting, while the restaurant at Emerson on Hurumzi offers seated cushions on Persian rugs, with a "shoes off" policy. Another bonus of the rooftop dinners was the live music from a local band. For both restaurants, I highly recommend you call ahead and make reservations because they are very popular and fill up quickly. Dinner typically is served promptly at 7pm, but make sure you get there at around 6pm to watch the sunset with a cocktail and make the most of the experience.

A Spice Workshop. I had the opportunity to take go on a Spice tour as a guest of Destination Zanzibar and Zanzibar Different where I visited a local spice farm and learn some traditional recipes and culinary practices from a husband and wife duo. After learning about all of the most popular spices Zanzibar produces, it was great to make a delicious meal that I otherwise would never have had. 

Get lost in the alleyways , strolling around and taking in the culture, admiring the beautiful (yet crumbling) architecture, and daily life. While I'm all for self discovery and getting intentionally lost, it’s also great to have a guided walking tour of Stone Town see highlights you might otherwise overlook and learn about it's history. Avoid anyone on the street offering to show you around and go with an organized guide from either Destination Zanzibar or your hotel.

Shop. Some of my favorite places were Daranjani market for super cheap produce and woven goods, Moto + Dada Shop which is a run and operated by a women's cooperative, and Abeid Curio Shop for beautiful and ornate wooden chests. 

A day trip to Chumbe Island or Prison Island . Prison Island is known for being home to over a hundred gigantic tortoises that you can interact closely with, while Chumbe Island is a small private island known for its ecological innovation and exceptional coral reefs.

Visit the landmarks. You can visit the former slave market and learn about it's very sobering history, or any one of the other historical sites like the Old Fort, Old Dispensary, Palace Museum, or St. Joseph's Cathedral.

Watch the young boys do acrobatics into the water at sunset. It's become somewhat of a tradition, and groups of people (locals and visitors alike) crowd around to watch as they each fling themselves off the clifftrying to outdo the other with flips, dives and twists. The joy and laughter paired with the beautiful African sunset is something I find hard to put into words. It's truly a special scene.

Market GOODS TO BUY

It wouldn't make sense for you to come to Stone Town and not buy a few market goodies. A few items I would highly recommend are:

A Kofia or other traditional garb

Brass, copper, and other beaded jewelry

Traditional towels or hand carved wooden chests

Local Spices and Handmade Soaps

Organic hand-mixed mosquito repellant

Woven baskets, fans, and totes

For a detailed guide on how best to explore and experience Zanzibar, be sure to get my detailed guidebook covering everything you need to know below!

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Africa , TANZANIA

The ultimate guide to paje, zanzibar.

WELCOME TO PARADISE!

That’s what a huge sign as you enter the town of Paje on the island of Zanzibar should say!

Yep, I’ve been to some stunning beaches in my time people, but this one takes the biscuit!

Well, it at least takes a top 4 biscuit!

I mean there’s some stiff competition out there with Australia’s Turquoise Bay , Nicaragua’s Little Corn Island and Kenya’s Diani Beach ranking pretty high as well!

But what all these serious beauties have in common is their stretches of white sand, swaying palm trees, gorgeous turquoise oceans and stunning sunsets.

So, if you’re into any of these as much as me, I can highly recommend getting Paje, Zanzibar on your list!

Read on to discover more about this secluded paradise…

Related Posts

• The 21 Best Things to Do in Zanzibar’s Stone Town
• The Best Camera for Africa Travel
• Diving Zanzibar : Buccaneer Scuba Reviewed

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Where is paje, zanzibar.

Located off the coast of Tanzania, Paje is situated on the island of Zanzibar, which can succinctly be summed up as Indian Ocean amazingness (yes, I’m using that word!)

Situated on the east coast of this fabulous island, Paje is essentially a huge, long strip of white sand bordered by a small village on one side and a collection of beachfront accommodation services and eateries, as well as turquoise waters on the other.

There’s a huge tidal range here and often a good breeze, so Paje is fast becoming a mecca for water sports… but not yet!

Yes, right now, Paje is delightfully peaceful and quiet; and while it is on the map many tourists prefer the busier, more developed north beaches of Zanzibar.

I have friends that visited the north instead of the east of Zanzibar and after hearing their experience and seeing their photos, I’m so glad I chose Paje as my beach destination in Zanzibar… just saying!!

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Otherwise, check out these great Tanzania tours that include time in Zanzibar, or shoot Absolute Africa an email!

Yup, I’m currently offering my readers an exclusive discount on all Absolute Africa tours, meaning you can now travel even more in this amazing continent for even less!

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How to Get to Paje

The first step to reach Paje is to get to Zanzibar in Tanzania itself.

This can be done via an expensive flight from various African or European destinations (check out Skyscanner for the best rates) or via a cheaper ferry option from Dar Es Salaam to the capital Stone Town.

CHECK OUT MY TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN DAR ES SALAAM IF YOU’RE HEADING TO THIS CITY

From Stone Town, you can either get a private taxi – priced at around 25,000 Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) and taking 1 hour – or you can catch 2 local buses.

No surprises for guessing which option I batted for!

Here in Tanzania, the local buses are called dala dalas and this phrase is used to describe anything from a new-looking minivan to an old, open-air pick-up truck.

No surprises which sort of dala dala I got to Paje!

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Yep it was a bumpy 2.5 ride, but at least it was fun and cheap – costing only 2000 TZS … and no doubt I still overpaid!

Actually, if you go for the dala dala option to get to Paje, you actually have to change vehicle just outside of Stone Town, but this is straightforward and there’s always someone to wave the clueless tourist in the right direction!

Otherwise, ask for details at your accommodation in Stone Town.

I highly recommend the great hostel Lost & Found , which is located in the heart of Zanzibar’s capital and has some very knowledgeable staff.

Where to Stay in Paje

Ebb and Flow Apartments is the perfect spot if you want to be close to the beach in Paje. They’re also linked with the dive school, so you may be able to swing yourself a discount here.

TAKE A LOOK AT SOME PICS OF MY STAY IN THESE BEAUTIFUL APARTMENTS HERE .

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit cheaper, you’re more likely to be on fringes of the action, but New Teddy’s Place , as well as Drifters, are both top budget accommodation spots I recommend in Paje, Zanzibar.

Things to Do in Paje

As I said before Paje is known for its water sports, most commonly its excellent scuba diving opportunities.

In fact, if you are looking to dive Zanzibar, Paje is absolutely the place to come.

The clear, warm waters are a scuba diver’s heaven and I got to see turtles, starfish, trumpet fish, moray eels and octopus among a heap of other colourful marine creatures.

I completed my diving experience in Paje with Buccaneer Diving , who I can’t recommend enough for their professionalism, safety and excellent customer care.

The leading dive centre in East Africa and with a 5 Star PADI rating, these guys are definitely the people to breath bubbles with in Zanzibar. CHECK OUT MY ARTICLE ABOUT DIVING WITH BUCCANEER IN PAJE HERE .

As well as scuba diving, there’s also good surfing opportunities and excellent kitesurfing opportunities in Paje.

In fact, this stretch of sand is quickly becoming something of a kitesurfing mecca!

As such, it’s obvious this place is going to take off, so I definitely recommend getting in before the crowds!

DON’T HEAD TO PAJE WITHOUT THESE…

#1 Bikini or Swimsuit – How else are you going to enjoy the sun and sea?!

#2 Sunscreen & Sunhat – Things get hot here so do be prepared!

#3 Good Camera – An absolute must if you’re looking to capture the incredible beauty of this beach. I love my mirrorless Sony A6000 , which is light, compact and robust – ideal for Africa travel.

#4 Sarong – Whether it’s covering your shoulders when you go into the village or making into a beach dress when you hit the sand, this is a great multi-purpose travel item for Zanzibar. 1 World Sarongs have a great collection if you’re looking for some inspiration.

#5 Tanzania Lonely Planet – Incredibly useful for the maps and accommodation recommendations, the Tanzania Lonely Planet is a must-have for travelling in Zanzibar as well as elsewhere in the country.

#5 Insect Repellent – Malaria is a big risk in here in Zanzibar, so cover up at night and pack at least 30% DEET spray .

How Long to Spend in Paje?

I would honestly suggest a 4 night minimum stay in Paje!

I mean you could easily spend a week here if you’re a beach person or looking to learn to kitesurf.

I sadly only got to stay 2 nights here in Paje and felt really short-changed!

Don’t underestimate the power of Paje’s beauty people!

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Eating and Drinking in Paje

With a number of good local, as well as ex-pat eateries, Paje is well-stocked when it comes to keeping you fed and watered!

My 2 favourites were Mr Kahawa and B4 .

Mr Kahawa is a stunning beachside (literally, as in your beachbag seat is on the sand!) café open for lunch and breakfast.

Not having had western food for a while when I got here, I was beyond delighted to enjoy a hummus & falafel wrap, a stunning green smoothie and the best coffee I’ve had outside of Australia – no exaggeration!

B4 is more of an evening joint open for dinner and disco fun!

Specialising in burgers, I had a yummy mozzarella veggie option here complete with some scrummy thick potato wedges.

After dinner, the beats get going and the good times roll in with the ocean.

If you’re sticking to a super tight budget, then your best option will be to head into the local village of Paje for supplies and snacks.

Things to Know about Paje

While I would definitely consider Paje safe, you do have to be careful about walking along the beach at night.

This is especially true for solo women. My advice… DON’T.

There’s also the usual collection of beach boys hustling the sandy strip in Paje, but they were all very friendly and harmless in my experience.

Zanzibar’s population are predominantly practising Muslims, which means dress standards are conservative.

On the beach it’s ok to wear bikinis and shorts, but if you head into the village I’d suggest exercising a bit more modesty.

You’ll likely see local women collecting seaweed at low tide in Paje. One of the uses for this is to make soap, which is sold locally via a women’s cooperative.

A good way to sustainably support the community here, this soap is fantastic, comes wrapped in a banana leaf and can be bought in local shops.

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

So that’s my ultimate guide to Paje, Zanzibar people.

Have you got any more questions about this fantastic spot?

Anything I didn’t cover?

Hit me up in the comments below and I’ll do my best to fill you in.

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

38 thoughts on “ The Ultimate Guide to Paje, Zanzibar ”

Can you explain a bit more of why the beaches didn’t feel safe at night? I’m a solo female traveler and will likely be traveling to Paje next month. 🙂

Hi Jules, thanks for your question. It’s not so much that they didn’t feel safe, just that I was advised not to walk along them at night alone. That was the recommendation of where I was staying, so I took their warning.

Hi Steph I am going next Friday for 10 days to Kitesurf (I have all my own equipment). Was wondering how much cash in dollars I should take? I do like a few beers in the evening etc…

Hi Philipp, thanks for the great question, but this is a really hard one for me to answer. Beers aren’t too expensive – although more expensive than elsewhere in Tanzania, mostly because of the island factor, the religion factor and the fact you can only really buy them in resorts / hotels / restaurants / hostels etc in Paje. I guess the other big things to consider when it comes to money are, whether you’ve already paid for your accommodation and if you’ll be having any kitesurf lessons? Your Tanzania visa is likely to be $50 USD and transport out to Paje from Stone Town – if you are getting a private taxi and not a public bus – can be pricey. There’s a few small shops in the town and some places to stay with kitchens, but you might also be eating out a lot while there and many of the tourist places have prices that cater to Westerners… of course! Sorry, but I’m really struggling to give you a figure here… maybe you can give me a few more parameters

Hi Steph Acomodation is paid and it includes breakfast. I have a taxi already organised and I on a south african passport so we do not need to pay for holiday visas. I have all my own kiting equipment and have already done lessons etc. So I just really need money for food and beers in Paje

Thanks for the info Philipp that’s great, so in general, beers are around $2.50 USD and it’s about $5-10 USD for food. Sometimes there is local fare available to eat for around $2 USD, but the western-style cafes tend to be that little bit more… obviously. It just depends how and what you like to eat 🙂

I’m on the way to Paje tomorrow, thanks for this article! I’ve been told a couple of times that malaria is NOT a risk here in Zanzibar.

Hi Heidi, so excited you’re off to Paje, you’ll love it! I think Malaria is a risk on Zanzibar and I would recommend the relevant precautions, but I’m not a medical professional of course!

therea been no cases of malaria in zanzibar….and paje is on the east of the island so you dont get sunsets….

Thanks Gareth

Hi Steph well done for your professional articles .We are heading to zanzibar and one stop is in Paje aswell for 3 days ….Beach and Nightlife is on our itenary !!! What bars or club beach parties you recommend !!!! PATrick from lovely island of malta

Hi Patrick, thanks for your kind words and so excited to hear you are headed to Paje. I have to be honest, I really didn’t do much partying in Paje – I was more about beach chilling, diving and catching up on work, but there are several bars along the beach where you can have fun (although nothing too major – remember the local population is predominantly conservative Muslim.) Honestly, once you get there, you’ll walk along the beach and find the spots easily. Hope you have a great time 🙂

Calling hummus and falafel wrap “western food” is probably as wrong as calling Paje “the place to come” for scuba diving in Zanzibar 🙁

Hi Mugo – good point, hummus and falafel are not western foods – I guess I meant rather that the style of cafe where they are served in Paje is western. Thanks for pointing that out – I stand corrected. Would love to hear your ideas about where the best scuba diving in Zanzibar is. Thnaks 🙂

Hi, We arranged private taxi from Stone Town to Paje beach and back to Zanzibar airport for 50’000 TZS = 20 USD each way. All other drivers asked +/- twice us much. This was our taxi guy phone nr valid also for whatsup +255776203233. I guess his name is Homiud Issa. We were in Paje beach at the end of November 2018.

Really helpful information. Thank you so much 🙂

Thanks for advice regarding bar/restaurant “B4”. Good atmosphere, good drinks and food. It is worth to go to this bar.

Totally agree and glad you do too. Thanks 🙂

Good article… thanks for all that. We’re going to Zanzibar in September, still not sure which side of the island we’re going to go for. I’m just wondering about the tides in Paje, is it true the water can be gone very far away for large portions of the day?

Hi Niamh, great to hear from you and delighted you’re planning on heading to Zanzibar. Yes it is true that the tide movement is huge in Paje – it’s one of the biggest I’ve ever seen and certainly the water can be very far away for large portions of the day. Hope that helps with your decision making 🙂

Jambo!;) Very informative article, thanks a lot! I’m arriving in Zanzibar next month, my first time in Tanzania. I will be staying in Makunduchi (Clove Island – cloveisland.com) and although the place itself is really awesome, I’m hungry for seeing new spots and doing a lot of different things. Your article inspires me as I really want to visit Paje as well!:) Thanks once again! Can’t wait 🙂

Hey Bridget, so great to hear this! Happy travels and enjoy Paje 🙂

Hello! Thanks for this useful information. 2 Questions – are there any spice shops, shops for local items like dashikis, soaps, shoes, jewelry, foods etc? Are there any large supermarkets or chemists/pharmacies to get things like extra sunscreen/mosquito spray? Any snorkeling in the are?

Hi Hetal, yes there’s lots of snorkelling, which can be arranged with the dive shops if you need – normally you are taken to the marine park area, which is a boat ride away. There are not any large supermarkets, but a few small basic shops that should sell sunscreen or bug spray. My advice, however, would be to bring your own. There is a local market that will sell the local items you name, otherwise you can certainly get these in Stone Town. Happy travels, Steph 🙂

Can you tell me if you know of course, where is the panel with all the destinations, by paje which is in your pictures on your page

Thank you very much

Hi Melanie, thanks for leaving the question. Yes the signpost with all the destinations and distances is right on the beach in Paje – at the top end near Buccanneers Diving. Hope that helps. Best, Steph 🙂

I definitely have to comment this because paje is for sure a lot of things but not a paradise. It is already ridiculous to call it a village. It is just a bunch of super ugly 3rd world cottages where you have maybe 1% nice touristic places in between. Not sure why someone would like to spend its holidays there?

Hey Andre, thanks for your input here, but I’m wondering if we’re talking about the same place?! Beautiful beaches, kitesurfing and diving are just some of the reasons I enjoyed my travel time in Paje. Best, Steph

Hi Andre, I stayed in one of those “third world cottages” and i found it absolutely stunning and refreshing that they incorporated local architecture into their designs. The villas are in perfect harmony with the landscape but, I guess that is ugly for your narrow “first world” mindset.

And just to add, I agree with Steph – Paje beach is beautiful with white sands and no crowds. Throw in kite surfing and snorkeling and you get a wonderful experience.

Hi Steph, informative article, really inspiring! You mentioned catching up on work: I need to have a few TEAMS meetings while Im there (going next week). How is the wifi/4g availability? And you mention surfing: can you say elaborate? 🙂

Hi there, bad news I’m afraid, the wifi was pretty patchy when I was in Paje, but hopefully it’s improved! There’s no surfing here, but kitesurfing is really popular. You’ll find loads of options for gear and lessons along the beach. Enjoy, Steph 🙂

Hi there We are a family travelling to Zanzibar in July and we have booked 5 nights in Nungwi and are considering Padje for 5 nights afterwards. But I have heard that it’s quite windy in Paje. Is it like storm and blowing the hole day or are there times during the day when it’s not windy?

Hi Kim, it really depends on what the weather is like at the time you visit – which is almost impossible to guess! I definitely didn’t find it too windy in Paje, when I was there, but it is a kite-surfing hotspot, so you have to expect some breeze! Also, I wasn’t there in July. A quick Google reveals that “July is Zanzibar’s windiest month, with a more or less constant, stiff breeze blowing from the south.” Hope that helps and happy travels. Best, Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, I really enjoyed your article, thank you. I have heard that sea urchins can be an issue in Zanzibar – is this something that you came across? We will be in Paje over Christmas if it helps to know what season we will be there.

Hi Eilidh, so glad to hear you enjoyed the article and delighted to learn you will travel to Paje. I didn’t hear about sea urchins when I was there, nor did I encounter them, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a problem. As you’re in the tropics in Zanzibar, it’s quite likely they can be a problem. Getting a pair of sea shoes might be a good solution. Happy travels, Steph 🙂

Bonjour et merci pour ton article. Nous sommes actuellement à paje au nord de la ville. Où faire du snorkelling exactement ?

Hi there, thankfully I can read French, although not reply in it, so forgive the English response! Snorkelling takes place in the national marine parks around Paje, so you’ll need to take a boat trip to enjoy the best of this activity. Details are in the post along with my other Zanzibar content on this blog. Hope that helps. Best, Steph 🙂

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27 Mar ZANZIBAR TRAVEL GUIDE

Tanzania’s tropical getaway has gained massive popularity this past year so it was time to check it for ourselves! Curious about what Zanzibar has to offer? We found out and created this brand new Zanzibar Travel Guide for 2023.

Holiday guru Corendon — whom we travelled to Greece with, invited us on their first-ever media trip to Zanzibar Island and we’re so grateful they did! Find out exactly where to stay, where to be, and what not to miss with our Zanzibar Travel Guide!

Getting to Zanzibar

Since December 2021, Corendon is offering flights to Zanzibar with partner Turkish Airlines . With a brief stopover in Istanbul (which has the prettiest airport btw), it takes about 10 hours to fly there. We flew business class to make the trip complete and especially since the Pandemic we found it very worthwhile booking business class seats, making the flight extra comfortable and enjoyable. Currently, you only need a negative PCR result and you need to fill out a form online and inside the plane. Arriving at Zanzibar’s airport is well…a happening to day the least. It’s tiny, but you need to go through several steps before you can enter. Our advise is to arrange your tourism via online to safe the extra time. Take some cash out at the airport as there are (hardly) no cash machines on the island.

If you want the full experience, we advise you to combine your visit with a Safari tour in Tanzania. From Zanzibar it’s only a 45 minute to Selu where you can spot the big five! You can even book a tour that departs at 4am and returns at 5pm the same day, how cool! But let’s explore Zanzibar first, shall we?

Zanzibar in a nutshell

First of all, Zanzibar is very different from other parts in Africa. Surprisingly, it even reminded us of Asia sometimes. The climate is hot and dry until the end of March, then it becomes hot and wet but temperatures stay between 27ºC – 35ºC. No wonder life on the island is slow and relaxed. The population is primarily Muslim (let’s say 90 precent) therefore it’s advised to bring some clothes that will cover your shoulders and knees, especially when walking around in Stonetown. The best way to get around in Zanzibar is by car as it takes a while to get from one place to another. If you’re a confident driver you can hire a car but people also book a chauffeur for a couple of days. If you stay in one village/region, there are taxi’s to take you places nearby.

By all means, Zanzibar feels safe and relaxed but important to realise is that people live in very different conditions that you may be used to. Bring some candy for the kids and buy something to support the locals with — such as the person who cleans your room, they will be so grateful.

The phrase Hakuna Matata is used a lot and people on Zanzibar life by its meaning

Where to Stay

Most hotels are located near the beaches but you can also find some in Stonetown. If you’re the All Inclusive kind of type — you like to relax, not having to think about what and where to eat every day, the Kiwengwa Beach Resort might be for you! Located by the beach in East Zanzibar, this hotel has three large pools, two restaurants and a lot of palm trees! Rooms are basic but spacious and the beds are comfortable and large. The hotel had a newer part on the left side of the entrance and offers family rooms with 2 bedrooms. My room was located near a quiet poolside and overlooking the beach, not a bad view right?

Start your day with the breakfast buffet and enjoy a workout in the gym, followed by a massage in the spa. This resorts offers theme nights like African Night, Italian night and even an Egyptian night so you can enjoy different flavours at the buffet. That being said, if you prefer to primarily use the hotel for a good night sleep and some relaxing, it’s also perfect. Spend the rest of your day exploring Zanzibar, there is plenty to do as you continue reading.

Another resort worth checking out is Kendwa Sunset Bungalows located in far Northside of Zanzibar. You’ll find white sand and turquoise water here and the vibe is relaxed. We came here for lunch and I wasn’t disappointed by the food! Besides the many food options, Sunset Bungalows also serves fresh juices (try the watermelon with lime), and ice-coffees.

Spice it up

Did you know that Zanzibar is home to the most amazing spices and herbs? Because of the climate, they grow cinnamon, turmeric, gloves, cardamon, vanilla and tropical fruits. With this in mind, you should definitely book one of the many spice tours on the island. We booked ours at Zito Spice Farm , located next to a field full of palm trees. Your guide will tell you all about the spices they grow and you get to smell, taste and feel them all! You’ll love the fresh coconuts that you can drink and taste and the guys who work there will entertain you with a song and dance while you receive jewellery made from palm leaves. Eventually, you end the tour (which takes about one hour) with a home cooked lunch that consist of delicious vegetables, fish and vanilla coffee.

Another must visit in Zanzibar is Stonetown. Get lost by walking around or hire a bicycle like we did at Bluebikes ! A few highlights in are:

• Freddy Mercury House , did you know that the famous Queen frontman was born in this house?
• The Old Fort
• House of wonders , is the largest and tallest building of Stone Town but  construction at the moment 
• The Africa House for a perfect sunset restaurant. Queen Elisabeth used to stay here! Definitely an unique place in our Zanzibar travel guide.
• Forodhani Park transforms into a delightful night market after the sun sets. Locals and travellers mingle and eat local street food, especially fresh fish and grilled octopus.

Prison Island

Changuu Island − its local name, has a scary ring to it but this island only used to be a place where they would keep sick prisoners in quarantine for a while back in the 1800’s. To get there you travel by traditional Dowa boat which you can book with several companies (we used Flash Tours). It take about 30 minutes to get there from Stonetown. You can find giant land turtles here, once gifted by the sultan of Oman. The turtles have a lot of space, enough food and shade but it’s still a tourist attraction, which always feels a bit off for me personally. Then again, tourism is one of the most important incomes for the locals here, so choose your battle..Entree costs 9 dollars per person.

Visit the Nakupenda Sandbank

In like manner you must visit this pretty uninhabited island. You can easily combine this with your trip to Prison Island which we booked at Flash Tours . This includes the boat trip, snorkeling and the best local lunch on the beach at Nakupenda. TIP : bring your own snorkeling mask if you can, equipment is not in the best condition. During the high season, you won’t have the beach to yourself, as many tours stop here but it never feels too crowded. The water is amazing and you can see bright coloured starfish and other species in the water. Best to bring some waters hoes as the Indian Sea can be full of sea urchins.

Maluum Zanzibar

Secret spot alert! It’s yet to be discovered by the masses so completely off the beaten track (just how we like it). This natural pool is a must visit if you get the chance! Located in trendy Paje, a beautiful spot on the island where you can find a combination of local and touristy spots. This underground water cave reminds us of the coyotes in Mexico! ready to jump in?

Where to eat & drink – Zanzibar travel guide

The question on everyones mind right? Luckily, Zanzibar offers a very tasty cuisine! By no surprise, the seafood is main thing to go for. From fresh lobster, king crab and shrimps to homegrown veggies and spices, you’ll love it! Here’s a list of the Zanzibar travel guide you should save for later!

The ROCK Restaurant

Probably the most famous restaurant in Africa and not without reason. This Zanzibar travel guide shows: The Rock is situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean and you can get there by boat when the tide is high. They offer food & drinks but expect to pay double the price. TIP : around 5pm the light is incredible and if you’re lucky the tide is high (the tide changes every time so get informed before you go there). A reservation is advised if you want to go inside!

This would definitely classify as a trendy restaurant! Find it at Paje Beach where you can find more beach bars and restaurants. Go for the shared tapas platter if you eat here, it’s surprisingly good! 

Cape Town Fish Market

This restaurant is fairly new and stylish! Obviously you can eat a lot of fish here, hence the name. From decent sushi, to seafood platters, funky cocktails and located next to the Forodhani Night Market. 

Boho Social

This restaurant is part of a boutique hotel and has a Bali/Tulum vibe to it. This place is located right next to the Rock restaurant but the food is suppose to be better! On Sundays they host a Boho Social Brunch from 11 till 5pm. 

Right in the middle of Stonetown, you can find this 3 story high restaurant/bar, near the beach the boats leave from. They serve cold drinks, coffee and fresh seafood! Walk a little further and you’ll find the Baboo Beach Café where they serve decent coffees!

Dance the night away

If you think Zanzibar is boring, think again! Many hotels throw full moon parties and there are plenty of cute beach bars to enjoy tunes until the early hours. Here are some we think you should know about.

This beach beach bar is open 24/7 and during sunset they throw a little African show including limbo dancing. Guest DJ’s play funky tech-house while you can chill in your hammock. We could have spend  the whole night here!

Techno music is central here so if you’ve missed the festival season for the last couple of years, nothing get’s better on the beach! Enjoy kite surfers during the magic hour while you enjoy drinks, bites and tunes from Tuesday until Saturday.

Kwenda Rocks

This hotel throws a full moon party each month so if you want to dance, this is your spot. On the other hand, don’t stay here if you want an early night. It’s particularly popular with young travellers who come here to party.

So should you visit Zanzibar? Hell yes you should! Expect to go back to basic a little bit, embrace the local and authentic atmosphere but ultimately, enjoy the island life. Corendon is now flying to Zanzibar and offers a very affordable package deal which includes a hotel stay for one week! With this Zanzibar Travel Guide you know the best things the island offers.

Hakuna Matata,

Wander-Lust

I am planning to do my honey moon there at the end of the summer i am so excited thank you for your article

Wander-lust

Wonderful, I hope you can use our tips!

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The Ultimate Travel and Kitesurfing Guide to Paje, Zanzibar

• Last Updated On: September 10, 2023

Having spent many weeks traveling through Zanzibar , Paje was probably my favorite area. Not only is it the kitesurfer’s paradise with some of the most beautiful and flattest water to kite in, but it’s maintained a chilled vibe that other areas in Zanzibar can’t claim.

Having stayed in numerous other areas of Zanzibar like Nungwi in the very north, and Matemwe in the northeast, I can say that my favorite beach is in the area around Paje. While Nungwi has the most dramatic water colors by traditional beach standards, I was completely mesmerized by the incredibly wide beaches that Paje has to offer.

The difference between low tide and high tide in Paje are absolutely astounding. At low tide, it’s like a beautiful beach desert, and once the water slowly rushes in as high tide approaches, the colors are amplified leaving in a sense of awe at how nature can be so beautiful.

In addition, make sure to read my comprehensive guide on traveling Zanzibar if you are planning to visit!

The beaches of Paje

The beaches of Paje are something else. They are probably the most visually stunning beaches in Zanzibar. Some might argue Nungwi has the nicest beaches but I would say the area in the southeast where Paje is reigns supreme.

The east coast is in my opinion the best coast in Zanzibar. The beaches are much more beautiful on the east side. The wind also blows from east to west affording you a breeze at most times of the day. I stayed on a west facing side of the beach at the Residence Hotel and was sweating half of the time.

The beach in Paje stretches for many kilometers of pure white sand bliss. At low tide, you can see the water receding for hundreds of meters and you can even walk out to the furthest stretches of the beach.

At certain times of the day, you can even see the local herds of cow on their rush hour commute home.

How to get to Paje?

Paje is located on the southeast side of Zanzibar. This is the best area of the island in my opinion.

From Stone Town , it is roughly one hour by car from the airport or ferry terminal. The going rate for a private taxi is  always negotiable . Most taxi drivers will rip you off without a doubt so make sure to bargain hard.

As of 2020, I think the acceptable rate for a taxi transfer is probably $30-40 (or 70,000 to 80,000 shillings).

If you’re on a budget, then your best bet will be to take the dala dala from Stone Town’s main bus station. These are local mini buses where you can expect to have little space. They aren’t as bad as local buses I’ve taken in other countries but obviously you’re getting what you pay for.

The price for the dala dala to Paje is 2,000 shillings (~$1) from Stone Town. Being a Muzungo (foreigner), don’t be surprised if you are charged double this rate. If you have a lot of luggage, they might make you buy a second seat to store your stuff which isn’t a bad idea anyhow if you want more room to stretch out. The dala dala takes over two hours from Stone Town to Paje.

Where to stay in Paje?

Paje has no shortage of accommodations to choose from. Even though it’s not a traditional luxury beach getaway destinations, there are accommodations of all budgets here. Being a Kitesurfer’s paradise, you will find everything from hostels to luxury 5 star resorts.

When is the high season?

During the high season with the strong winds, expect to pay much more as kitesurfers descend in huge numbers. The strong winds which make kiting amazing is between the months of June and August, as well as December to February. Expect accommodations to be much more expensive during this period.

I visited in November during COVID times so not only was the wind weak, but prices were a fraction of what they would normally be. They told me that during normal years at high wind season, you could see 300 kites out in the water a day!

If you are not a kitesurfer and have no plans to try it out, I’d recommend visiting in the low wind season otherwise it will be packed with kiters and you’ll pay much more for accommodation for no reason.

Where did I stay? Mr. Kahawa

I stayed at Mr. Kahawa during my five nights in Paje. Kahawa (which means coffee in Swahili) is an eclectic cafe and restaurant located right on the beach. It’s kind of a hang out spot for local expats and tourists alike. The coffee and Wifi is great here so you can expect to see all types of people here.

They also have five different rooms on the beach. I stayed in the Sea view apartment which was absolutely amazing. The room has a luxurious rustic Middle Eastern vibe with the insides being crafted out of stone. The room came with a huge outdoor patio with direct views of the beach. The patio had comfortable couches and lounge chairs. The views of the beach here are absolutely incredible.

They also had another two loft style rooms that face the ocean. These rooms are significantly bigger and have a huge lounge space right in front of their balcony. However, they don’t have the same ridiculous balcony I had. Both rooms are amazing and you can’t go wrong with either one.

Where to eat in Paje?

One of the things I liked about Paje is that there is a small beach community here with many restaurants and bars where you can choose where to eat. The food here is similar to that of local restaurants in Nungwi offering familiar dishes like grilled seafoods, curries, chapati, etc.

Fisherman’s Restaurant

A locally run restaurant on Paje Beach that I frequented many times. The prices are cheaper than other places with most dishes around $6 to $9. Beers were 5000 TZS which is roughly $2. They also are right on the beach with great views of the ocean.

Mr. Lecker Lecker

Another local restaurant located next to Bucaneers Diving, Lecker Lecker had the best food out of everywhere. It was hard to find at first but I randomly stumbled upon them on a Friday night when they set up some tables on the beach.

This is a locally run restaurant and prices reflect so. They offered all the typical seafood dishes you’d want at favorable prices. I ate the grilled chicken and grilled prawns here and they were cooked to perfection. I heard they also make a delicious lobster for slightly more but did not have enough time to try it.

B4 is one of the most popular spots in the area. It’s a hotel that has a big kite shop and you’ll see many kiters hanging out here. The restaurant faces the beach and serves some of the best burgers you can find on Zanzibar. No joke, having not had a burger for weeks, this burger was absolutely delicious. At $9, it’s pricey but this is East Africa so Hakuna Matata.

I ate burgers here on numerous occasions because they were just so damn good. Their fries and mayo were also incredibly tasty. They also accept credit card payments with a standard 5% fee.

This place turns into a bit of a party late at night and in high season, you can expect the beats to be pumping late.

I stayed at Mr. Kahawa and their beautiful loft apartments. They also have an amazing restaurant and cafe that everyone frequents. They are a veggie + seafood spot with amazing smoothies to boot.

I tried numerous wraps they had on their menu which were great. This is definitely a hipster style hangout with food to match.

Oceans Restaurant

Ocean’s restaurant is in the same complex as Bucaneers Diving. Their food was also tasty with delicious Chapati wraps stuffed with fish or chicken for $5.

Kitesurfing in Paje

Kitesurfing is without a doubt the main draw of Paje. It’s beautiful endless beaches are nice, but you can also find the same thing in Jambiani down south without the kite scene. Paje has become the Kite capital of Zanzibar due to its favorable winds, shallow water, and lack of sea urchins.

Peak season for kiting is from Jun to August and Dec to Feb. Other times you will of course have windy days but not the constant wind that these months bring. I visited in November and only had one day out of five where I saw some kites out.

Where to Kite in Paje?

There are countless shops on Paje where you can book private lessons or rent gear. I didn’t go to all of them because the winds weren’t so good when I was there in November.

Nevertheless, they were all open and looking for business. There are kite shops run by foreigners and kite shops run by locals. I found that the local shops offered significantly cheaper prices. While I already learned my kiting in Dakhla, Morocco , I still went around to ask for prices.

At the local shops like Kite Exotic or the kite shop by Fisherman’s Restaurant, they were charging $30 per hour for private lessons. This is actually very cheap by any standards. I can’t attest to the quality of these local shops but I met someone that took lessons from one of these places and was able to get up on the kite within a day or two.

For non-local shops, B4, Kite Paradise, Kite Center, and Airborne were shops that I found. They are quite a bit more pricey at around $50 per hour for private lessons which is actually the normal rate in most of the world. The equipment at these places looked newer and of higher quality. Nevertheless, if you are new to the game, I think going with a local shop to save money is an okay move.

Is Paje Worth staying if I’m not a kitesurfer?

Some people might be deterred from staying in Paje because it caters so much to kiting. I’m here to say, that there’s no need to fear this. Paje has one of the nicest beaches in all of Zanzibar. Being seaweed and sea urchin free, it has perhaps one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar.

The white fluffy sand stretches for many kilometers. The water is crystal clear transitioning from a light turquoise to an aqua depending on the tides. It’s also completely safe to swim in with no sea urchins. At low tide, you can walk out all the way out hundreds of meters where you will find just stunning beaches and even the occasional sand bank.

Paje also has a chilled vibe unlike Nungwi which is trying to be crazy party central. There are still beach boys in Paje but they are much less aggressive than the ones in Nungwi.

Whether you are on a backpacker or a five star budget, you will find lodging options of all types here.

Continue Reading:

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The Ultimate Zanzibar Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

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Great post and absolutely love Paje! It’s such a beautiful place.

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WHIAANHPI and SmithsonianAPA Unveil Joint Theme for 2024 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: ‘Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future’

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center issue call for intergenerational connection, action, and reflection.

The White House and WHIAANHPI will convene over 1,000 AA and NHPI leaders on May 13 for a landmark celebration at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.

Today, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center are proud to present our joint 2024 theme for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month: “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future.”

Since the late 1970s, our country has recognized the invaluable contributions of AA and NHPI communities each May. For more than a decade, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and WHIAANHPI have collaborated to identify a national theme for AA and NHPI Heritage Month in consultation with the White House and community partners. Previous themes such as "I Am Beyond" (2014) and "Visible Together" (2023) have been warmly embraced, both by federal agencies and community-serving organizations, and have served as catalysts for meaningful dialogue around AA and NHPI identity.

The 2024 theme is an homage to our ancestors and invites all Americans to delve into the legacies, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped AA and NHPI communities. It embodies the spirit of our collective journey – one rooted in resilience and hope – and encourages us to forge intergenerational connections to honor our past and pave a durable path forward.

The White House and WHIAANHPI will use this theme to foster discussions during our May activities, including a landmark celebration on May 13, 2024, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC. This historic convening, uniting over 1,000 AA and NHPI leaders spanning five presidential administrations, will mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the White House Initiative and the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders during the Clinton Administration. Sign up to receive the livestream link here .

About Our 2024 Theme: “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future”

As the Nation observes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month in May, we reflect on our rich heritage and storied past. From Indigenous Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities whose wisdom and knowledge helped to shape this country and continue to guide us today, to the immigrants and refugees who came to our shores in search of better opportunities, to the trailblazers who paved the way for progress across generations – our communities’ journey has been one of tragedy and triumph, adversity, and resilience.

Knowing our histories gives us power. Throughout the month, let us embrace the interconnectedness of our stories and honor the visionaries who came before us. Let us commit to spotlighting the myriad ways diverse AA and NHPI communities have enriched every facet of American life. And let us endeavor to build bridges across generations, experiences, and cultures to forge a future where all of us can thrive.

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), established by President Joe Biden through Executive Order 14031, is charged with coordinating a whole-of-government agenda to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities. Learn more at hhs.gov/whiaanhpi.

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC), established in 1997, strives to ensure the comprehensive representation and inclusion of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the Smithsonian’s collections, research, exhibitions, and programs. Through education initiatives, publications, and public programs, APAC provides new avenues to document, celebrate, and share the rich and diverse history, art, and culture of AA and NHPI communities. Learn more at apa.si.edu.

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Could Trump Go to Prison? If He Does, the Secret Service Goes, Too

Officials have had preliminary discussions about how to protect the former president in the unlikely event that he is jailed for contempt during the trial.

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By William K. Rashbaum

The U.S. Secret Service is in the business of protecting the president, whether he’s inside the Oval Office or visiting a foreign war zone.

But protecting a former president in prison? The prospect is unprecedented. That would be the challenge if Donald J. Trump — whom the agency is required by law to protect around the clock — is convicted at his criminal trial in Manhattan and sentenced to serve time.

Even before the trial’s opening statements, the Secret Service was in some measure planning for the extraordinary possibility of a former president behind bars. Prosecutors had asked the judge in the case to remind Mr. Trump that attacks on witnesses and jurors could land him in jail even before a verdict is rendered.

(The judge, who held a hearing Tuesday morning to determine whether Mr. Trump should be held in contempt for violating a gag order, is far more likely to issue a warning or impose a fine before taking the extreme step of jailing the 77-year-old former president. It was not immediately clear when he would issue his ruling.)

Last week, as a result of the prosecution’s request, officials with federal, state and city agencies had an impromptu meeting about how to handle the situation, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

That behind-the-scenes conversation — involving officials from the Secret Service and other relevant law enforcement agencies — focused only on how to move and protect Mr. Trump if the judge were to order him briefly jailed for contempt in a courthouse holding cell, the people said.

The far more substantial challenge — how to safely incarcerate a former president if the jury convicts him and the judge sentences him to prison rather than home confinement or probation — has yet to be addressed directly, according to some of a dozen current and former city, state and federal officials interviewed for this article.

That’s at least in part because if Mr. Trump is ultimately convicted, a drawn-out and hard-fought series of appeals, possibly all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, is almost a certainty. That would most likely delay any sentence for months if not longer, said several of the people, who noted that a prison sentence was unlikely.

But the daunting challenge remains. And not just for Secret Service and prison officials, who would face the logistical nightmare of safely incarcerating Mr. Trump, who is also the presumptive Republican nominee for President.

“Obviously, it’s uncharted territory,” said Martin F. Horn, who has worked at the highest levels of New York’s and Pennsylvania’s state prison agencies and served as commissioner of New York City’s correction and probation departments. “Certainly no state prison system has had to deal with this before, and no federal prison has had to either.”

Steven Cheung, the communications director for Mr. Trump’s campaign, said the case against the former president was “so spurious and so weak” that other prosecutors had refused to bring it, and called it “an unprecedented partisan witch hunt.”

“That the Democrat fever dream of incarcerating the nominee of the Republican Party has reached this level exposes their Stalinist roots and displays their utter contempt for American democracy,” he said.

Protecting Mr. Trump in a prison environment would involve keeping him separate from other inmates, as well as screening his food and other personal items, officials said. If he were to be imprisoned, a detail of agents would work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, rotating in and out of the facility, several officials said. While firearms are obviously strictly prohibited in prisons, the agents would nonetheless be armed.

Former corrections officials said there were several New York state prisons and city jails that have been closed or partly closed, leaving wings or large sections of their facilities empty and available. One of those buildings could serve to incarcerate the former president and accommodate his Secret Service protective detail

Anthony Guglielmi, the spokesman for the Secret Service in Washington, declined in a statement to discuss specific “protective operations.” But he said that federal law requires Secret Service agents to protect former presidents, adding that they use state-of-the-art technology, intelligence and tactics to do so.

Thomas J. Mailey, a spokesman for New York State’s prison agency, said his department couldn’t speculate about how it would treat someone who has not yet been sentenced, but that it has a system “to assess and provide for individuals’ medical, mental health and security needs.” Frank Dwyer, a spokesman for the New York City jails agency, said only that “the department would find appropriate housing” for the former president.

The trial in Manhattan, one of four criminal cases pending against Mr. Trump and possibly the only one that will go to a jury before the election, centers on accusations he falsified records to cover up a sex scandal involving a porn star. The former president is charged with 34 counts of felony falsifying business records. If convicted, the judge in the case, Juan M. Merchan, could sentence him to punishments ranging from probation to four years in state prison, though for a first-time offender of Mr. Trump’s age, such a term would be extreme.

If Mr. Trump is convicted, but elected president again, he could not pardon himself because the prosecution was brought by New York State.

Under normal circumstances, any sentence of one year or less, colloquially known as “city time,” would generally be served on New York City’s notorious Rikers Island, home to the Department of Correction’s seven jails. (That’s where Mr. Trump’s former chief financial officer, Allen H. Weisselberg, 76, is currently serving his second five-month sentence for crimes related to his work for his former boss.)

Any sentence of more than a year, known as state time, would generally be served in one of the 44 prisons run by New York State’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

The former president could also be sentenced to a term of probation, raising the bizarre possibility of the former commander in chief reporting regularly to a civil servant at the city’s Probation Department.

He would have to follow the probation officer’s instructions and answer questions about his work and personal life until the term of probation ended. He would also be barred from associating with disreputable people, and if he committed any additional crimes, he could be jailed immediately.

Maggie Haberman contributed reporting.

William K. Rashbaum is a Times reporter covering municipal and political corruption, the courts and broader law enforcement topics in New York. More about William K. Rashbaum

Our Coverage of the Trump Hush-Money Trial

News and Analysis

The criminal trial of Trump featured vivid testimony about a plot to protect his first presidential campaign  and the beginnings  of a tough cross-examination  of the prosecution’s initial witness, David Pecker , former publisher of The National Enquirer. Here are the takeaways .

Dozens of protesters calling for the justice system to punish Trump  briefly blocked traffic on several streets near the Lower Manhattan courthouse where he is facing his first criminal trial.

Prosecutors accused Trump of violating a gag order four additional times , saying that he continues to defy the judge’s directions  not to attack witnesses , prosecutors and jurors in his hush-money trial.

More on Trump’s Legal Troubles

Key Inquiries: Trump faces several investigations  at both the state and the federal levels, into matters related to his business and political careers.

Case Tracker:  Keep track of the developments in the criminal cases  involving the former president.

What if Trump Is Convicted?: Could he go to prison ? And will any of the proceedings hinder Trump’s presidential campaign? Here is what we know , and what we don’t know .

Trump on Trial Newsletter: Sign up here  to get the latest news and analysis  on the cases in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C.

Parramatta Eels suffer second half collapse to Manly, as Maika Sivo sent to sin-bin for 'stupid' forearm

Sport Parramatta Eels suffer second half collapse to Manly, as Maika Sivo sent to sin-bin for 'stupid' forearm

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has called Maika Sivo's forearm to the head of Manly's Reuben Garrick "dumb" as the Eels collapse for the second time in seven days.

The Eels gave up a half-time lead to lose 32-18, having two players sent to the sin-bin in the final 23 minutes.

Maikia Sivo, who scored a hat-trick at Brookvale Oval on Friday night, encapsulated the Eels capitulation when he was sin-binned for hitting Manly's Reuben Garrick with a forearm to the head.

Parramatta trailed by two points, despite scoring four tries to three at that stage, when Sivo hit a defenceless Garrick on the ground after the Eels winger had made a tackle.

Poetically, Garrick scored twice in the next five minutes for Manly, where Sivo should have been defending.

"One of the most egregious things I have ever seen," former Manly player John Gibbs told ABC Sport in relation to Sivo's forearm.

Eels captain Clint Gutherson and coach Brad Arthur were clearly frustrated by the second half collapse when they fronted their post-match press conference. 

Arthur called Sivo's forearm "dumb" while Gutherson lamented the action, especially after Parramatta had just returned to 13 men following Will Penisini's return from a previous sin-bin.

"Just stupid. We were right in the game, 10 minutes left, we just got Will back on," Gutherson said.

"Just silly things at the moment which are hurting us. Just missed tackles, penalties against us. Can't do that in NRL games, doesn't matter who you're versing."

The Eels held a 14-6 lead at half-time, scoring three tries in the opening 40 minutes.

Manly's Haumole Olakau'atu was put on report and sent to the sin-bin, the first of three made by referee Gerard Sutton, for a lifting tackle on Parramatta's Shaun Lane in the fifth minute.

Sivo had two tries in the first half, becoming the first opposition player to score a double in three consecutive matches at Brookvale Oval.

Tries to Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans in the opening 10 minutes of the second half gave Manly their first lead of the night.

Will Penisini was sin-binned in the 57th minute for tackling Trbojevic without the ball, denying what could have been a try-scoring opportunity.

But Sivo's third try, while Parramatta was down to 12 men, breathed new life into the Eels who trailed 20-18 with 13 minutes to play.

Sivo's forearm to Garrick then ended the Eels charge as they fell away in the final 10 minutes.

While the attention rested with Sivo post-game, the Eels had already given up their half-time lead.

Their second half was littered with errors and penalties, while Gutherson and Dylan Brown combined to successfully kick just one of five shots for goal. 

"We're just having lapses in concentration," Parramatta's J'maine Hopgood told ABC Sport.

"It's one play in one set, it's having a ripple effect and it's killing us at the moment."

Parramatta has the bye next week, while Manly stays at home for a Friday night clash with the Canberra Raiders.

Catch up with the action from Friday's match with our blog.

• 12:31 PM 12:31 PM Fri 26 Apr 2024 at 12:31pm Coach and captain are not happy with Maika Sivo
• 12:05 PM 12:05 PM Fri 26 Apr 2024 at 12:05pm Daly Cherry-Evans speaking with ABC Sport
• 12:04 PM 12:04 PM Fri 26 Apr 2024 at 12:04pm FT: Manly overrun the Eels to win 32-18

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Live updates

By Michael Doyle

That is all from us tonight

What an evening of NRL.

This game was fabulous for the neutral.

A close contest, plenty of drama and A LOT of talking points coming out of it.

We will be back tomorrow for two more matches this Anzac Round in the NRL.

Daly Cherry-Evans makes a profound point on Anzac Round

We are giving the final word from Brookvale to Daly Cherry-Evans, who told this to ABC Sport.

"It’s a real privilege to play in Anzac week and to represent the Anzacs. "We don’t take that lightly and that part we definitely draw on, but there are very little similarities between war and sport, so we certainly don’t try and compare ourselves to anything war-related. "But we certainly do try and tap into the spirit that they showed as Anzacs."

J'maine Hopgood tells ABC Sport concentration is hurting the Eels

Parramatta forward   J'maine Hopgood has spoken with John Gibbs.

A clearly disappointed Hopgood told ABC Sport that the Eels' good work is being undone too regularly.

"We're just having lapses in concentration. It's one play in one set, it's having a ripple effect and it's killing us at the moment."  

What do you say to Sivo?

Brad Arthur has been asked what he will say to Maika Sivo following the loss — and the sin-bin.

Arthur has a measured response for a coach who looks frustrated.

"There's no point in saying too much tonight on emotion, we'll just let it settle" he says.

"He doesn't need me to tell how silly it was.

"Because we put him back in the team, and he showed why we put him back in the team, because he scored a couple of tries that probably no-one in our squad can score."

Coach and captain are not happy with Maika Sivo

Brad Arthur was asked about Sivo's sin-bin.

"It's dumb, isn't it? It's 20-18, we're up four tries to three," he said.

Captain Clint Gutherson was not impressed either, especially since the Eels had just got Will   Penisini back on the field from his sin-bin.

"Just stupid. We were right in the game, 10 minutes left, we just got Will back on," he said.

Brad Arthur and Clint Gutherson are holding their post game press conference

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has said his team, like last week, need to play well for the whole 80 minutes.

"We've got to decide if it's full-time, everytime, with that effort," he said.

"If we keep doing that we'll fight our way out of it.

"I thought in the second half we probably beat ourselves."

Plenty of reaction after Sivo's sin-bin

Andrew Moore has seen more games of footy than the average fan.

"Maika Sivo who I love as a football player does some really dumb things. If I'm Brad Arthur, I'm nearly dropping him again."

Daly Cherry-Evans speaking with ABC Sport

Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans has joined John Gibbs for ABC Sport.

"Definitely a weird game, but we'll take it," he said.

"We're certainly not playing the most clinical footy at the moment.

"We are there abouts, but we have some work to do."

FT: Manly overrun the Eels to win 32-18

Parramatta impoded again.

They were on top for a lot of that contest, but it all folded late.

As we said before the game, Manly find ways to win.

They found another way tonight.

78' NO TRY: Manly denied try by the Bunker

Manly thought they had a try, but Turbo was offside from a grubber kick.

It was a scrappy play, and among a few grubber kicks, Turbo was offside.

78' TRY: Manly are in again

75' try: garrick again scores where sivo should be.

Manly are going to win.

They are targeting Parramatta's left-edge, where Maika SIvo no longer is.

Daly Cherry-Evans throws a cut-out ball, picked up by Garrick, Parra's defence is at sixes-and-sevens and, and Garrick scores.

71' TRY: Manly scores through Reuben Garrick

It's almost poetic.

Reuben Garrick has scored where Maika Sivo should have been defending.  

Eels' coach Brad Arthur must be fuming.

70' SIN BIN: Maika Sivo has been marched for a forearm to the head

Maika Sivo has been sent to the bin.  

He tackles   Reuben Garrick. Fine tackle.

But then slams a forearm into his head — and he goes for it again.

He won't come back until 20 seconds to go.

"Blatantly dumb and blatantly deliberate," says caller Andrew Moore for ABC Sport.

"One of the most egregious things I have ever seen," says John Gibbs.

68': Gutherson sacks himself as goal kicker?

Gutherson has missed all conversions, so Dylan Brown takes this shot from the touchline.

Brown cannot kick the goal either.

Parramatta have scored 4 tries to 3 — but they trail by 2 points.

67' TRY: Sivo has three tries and Parramatta hit back

Maika Sivo has a hat-trick.

Oh no. We have gone to the Bunker.

Wait … the Bunker is going to uphold the try.

There was a high kick, followed by a collision between an Eels and a Sea Eagle (the Bunker clears the contact) Parra get the ball, flung it to the other side of the field.

Sivo scores!

63': A contentious call from the Bunker give Parramatta the ball

Jason Saab has been called for a knock-on from the Bunker, after the ball appeared to be knocked out by Parramatta's Maika Sivo.

The ref says Sivo knocked on, but the Eels challenge the play.

The Bunker thinks Sivo either hit Saab's hand or Saab knocked-on first.

Either way, premiership-winner Luke Lewis is not convinced.

"I don't know what a knock-on is anymore," Lewis tells ABC Sport.

59': Manly make it 20-14 with a penalty goal

After the sin bin,   Reuben Garrick kicks a penalty goal for Manly.

The ABC of SPORT