Discover the Best of Zanzibar in 7 days

  • Day 1: Stone Town
    20 minutes (6.3 miles) from Zanzibar International Airport

    Start your adventure with a visit to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the narrow streets lined with enchanting buildings, bustling markets, and historical landmarks such as the House of Wonders and the Old Fort. Don't miss the opportunity to taste some Zanzibari street food along the way.

  • Day 2: Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
    1 hour (21.5 miles) from Stone Town

    Discover the unique flora and fauna of Zanzibar at the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. Walk along the forest trail and spot the endangered red colobus monkeys, as well as other wildlife such as bushbabies, duikers, and over 50 species of butterfly. The park also offers guided tours of the mangrove swamps.

  • Day 3: Nungwi Beach
    2 hours (42.2 miles) from Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

    Relax and unwind at one of the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach. Lounge on the soft white sand, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and take in the stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The beach also offers various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

  • Day 4: Spice Tour
    1 hour (25.9 miles) from Nungwi Beach

    Experience the island's rich history and culture with a Spice Tour. Walk through the lush spice plantations, learn about the various spices such as cloves, vanilla, and cinnamon, and taste some of the unique fruits and spices. The tour also includes a visit to a traditional village to see the local way of life.

  • Day 5: Mnemba Atoll
    1 hour 15 minutes (25.6 miles) from Spice Tour

    Discover the stunning underwater world of Zanzibar at Mnemba Atoll. The coral reefs surrounding the island are home to a variety of marine life such as colorful fish, turtles, and dolphins. Take a snorkeling or diving tour to explore the reefs and witness the beauty of these incredible creatures.

  • Day 6: Prison Island
    1 hour 30 minutes (30.8 miles) from Mnemba Atoll

    Take a boat ride to Prison Island and spend the day relaxing on the clear waters of the beach, or explore the island's rich history. Visit the giant tortoise sanctuary, the old prison ruins, and take a guided tour to learn about the island's past. Make sure to stay until sunset to witness the stunning views of the ocean.

  • Day 7: Forodhani Gardens
    20 minutes (6.1 miles) from Prison Island

    End your Zanzibar adventure on a high note with a visit to the Forodhani Gardens. This public park is famous for its nightly food market, where you can taste a variety of Zanzibari street food and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Don't miss the chance to try some local delicacies such as Zanzibari pizza and grilled seafood.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Stone Town (2-3 hours, free)
  • Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park (3-4 hours, $30 per person)
  • Nungwi Beach (full day, free)
  • Spice Tour (3-4 hours, $20 per person)
  • Mnemba Atoll (full day, $100 per person including snorkeling or diving)
  • Prison Island (half day, $20 per person)
  • Forodhani Gardens (1-2 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $170 per person

Transportation

Most of the attractions are accessible by car or taxi. It's recommended to negotiate a price with the driver beforehand to avoid overcharging. Some hotels and tour operators also offer transportation services. The estimated cost for a one-way trip is around $25-$30, depending on the distance. Travel time can vary due to traffic, so it's best to plan ahead and leave early.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can extend your stay at Nungwi Beach or visit other nearby beaches such as Kendwa or Paje. For a unique experience, consider a cultural tour to a local village, or a sunset dhow cruise. If you have less time, you can combine some of the attractions in one day or skip some of the less interesting ones. Make sure to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.

Airports

Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is the main airport serving the island. It's located in the town of Kisauni, about 6 miles south of Stone Town. The airport offers flights to various domestic and international destinations, including Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Dubai, and Amsterdam.

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