After the dust of a Serengeti safari, Zanzibar is the perfect reward — turquoise water, powder-white sand, fragrant spice farms and the time-warp alleys of Stone Town. Here's a relaxed but full 6-day plan.
Day 1 — Arrive & Stone Town
Settle in and explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage maze of coral-stone buildings, carved doors, bustling bazaars and Swahili-Arab-Indian history. Catch sunset at Forodhani Gardens with street food.
Day 2 — Spice farm & history
Take a spice farm tour — Zanzibar is the original "Spice Island," and you'll taste and smell cloves, vanilla, cardamom and nutmeg straight from the plant. In the afternoon, visit the former slave market memorial for the island's sobering history.
Day 3 — North to Nungwi/Kendwa
Transfer to the northern beaches (Nungwi or Kendwa) — the best sand and swimming on the island, with tides that stay swimmable. Unwind.
Day 4 — Snorkelling & Mnemba
Snorkel or dive the reefs around Mnemba Atoll — clear water, turtles and tropical fish. Afternoon at leisure on the beach.
Day 5 — Dhow cruise & The Rock
Sail a traditional dhow at sunset, and if you can, lunch at the famous The Rock restaurant perched in the sea. Optional: Jozani Forest to see the rare red colobus monkeys.
Day 6 — Departure
A final morning swim before your flight home (or back to the mainland).
When to go
June–October and December–February are the driest, sunniest months — peak beach season. The "long rains" (March–May) are quieter and cheaper but wetter.
Tips
- Zanzibar is conservative and predominantly Muslim — dress modestly in Stone Town and villages (beachwear is fine at resorts).
- Combine it with a mainland safari for the classic "bush and beach" Tanzania trip.
On SafariEA, the Zanzibar Beach & Spice tour is run by a verified operator — clear USD pricing, reserve now and pay by transfer. The ideal way to end an East Africa adventure.
