Zanzibar Tanzania 7 Day Itinerary

Zanzibar, Tanzania 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Stone Town

Morning

  • Arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
  • Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel in Stone Town (~15-20 minutes, ~$10-$15)

Afternoon

  • Check-in at Tembo House Hotel (or similar) and freshen up
  • Explore Stone Town’s narrow alleys and historic architecture
  • Visit the Zanzibar Museum of History and Culture to learn about the island’s rich past

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Africa House Restaurant, offering stunning sunset views and international cuisine
  • Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, admiring the dhows (traditional boats) and local life

Day 2: Stone Town and Prison Island

Morning

  • Visit the famous Darajani Market for a taste of local culture and shopping
  • Take a ferry to Prison Island (~30 minutes, ~$5-$10), also known as Changuu Island
  • Explore the island’s beaches, coral reefs, and historic prison ruins

Afternoon

  • Return to Stone Town and visit the Old Fort, now housing the Zanzibar Cultural Centre
  • Wander through the bustling streets, discovering local shops and cafes

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Tea House Restaurant, serving delicious international and local dishes
  • Relax with a sunset cocktail at The Africa House Hotel’s rooftop bar

Day 3: Nungwi

Morning

  • Take a taxi or shuttle to Nungwi (~1 hour, ~$20-$30), a picturesque fishing village on the north coast
  • Check-in at Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel (or similar) and enjoy the beach

Afternoon

  • Relax on the stunning beaches of Nungwi, snorkel or swim in the crystal-clear waters
  • Visit the nearby Kendwa Rocks, a scenic spot for swimming and sunbathing

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel Restaurant, offering seafood and international cuisine
  • Take a romantic sunset stroll along the beach

Day 4: Mnemba Atoll

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Mnemba Atoll (~1 hour, ~$50-$70), a stunning coral reef system
  • Snorkel or swim in the crystal-clear waters, exploring the atoll’s marine life

Afternoon

  • Return to Nungwi and relax on the beach or by the pool

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The LangiLangi Beach Bungalow Restaurant, serving local and international dishes
  • Take a leisurely walk around the village, interacting with locals and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere

Day 5: Paje

Morning

  • Take a taxi or shuttle to Paje (~1 hour, ~$20-$30), a scenic beach town on the southeast coast
  • Check-in at Paje Beach Bungalows (or similar) and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere

Afternoon

  • Relax on the stunning beaches of Paje, swim, or try kitesurfing or paddleboarding
  • Visit the nearby Jozani Forest, home to the endangered Kirk’s red colobus monkey

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Paje Beach Bungalows Restaurant, offering seafood and international cuisine
  • Take a peaceful sunset stroll along the beach

Day 6: Kizimkazi

Morning

  • Take a taxi or shuttle to Kizimkazi (~30 minutes, ~$10-$20), a picturesque fishing village on the southwest coast
  • Visit the historic Kizimkazi Mosque, one of the oldest in East Africa

Afternoon

  • Explore the village’s narrow alleys and interact with locals
  • Enjoy lunch at The Kizimkazi Restaurant, serving local seafood dishes

Evening

  • Return to Stone Town and enjoy a farewell dinner at The 236 Restaurant, offering international cuisine
  • Take a leisurely walk around the town, reflecting on your amazing Zanzibar experience

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning relaxing at your hotel or exploring Stone Town’s markets and shops
  • Take a taxi or shuttle to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for departure

Transportation

  • Taxi fares are negotiable; agree on the price before starting your journey.
  • Shuttle services can be booked through your hotel or a local tour operator.

Tips and Essentials

  • Zanzibar is a conservative society; dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or rural areas.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhats to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Insect repellent and mosquito coils can help prevent bug bites.
  • Learn some basic Swahili phrases to interact with locals.
  • Be prepared for occasional power outages and limited internet connectivity.

Things to Know

  • Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania; you may need to purchase a separate visa upon arrival (check with your airline or tour operator).
  • The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS); USD, EUR, and credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Respect the marine environment and coral reefs when snorkeling or swimming.

Accommodation

  • Tembo House Hotel (Stone Town): A historic hotel with comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel (Nungwi): A beachfront hotel offering stunning views, comfortable rooms, and excellent service.
  • Paje Beach Bungalows (Paje): A tranquil beach resort with cozy bungalows and a peaceful atmosphere.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, relaxation, and adventure, giving you a well-rounded experience of Zanzibar’s beauty and charm. Enjoy your trip!