Zanzibar Tanzania 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Stone Town Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) and take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel in Stone Town (approx. 15-20 minutes)
  • Check-in at Tembo House Hotel or similar
  • Visit the Zanzibar Museum to learn about the island’s history and culture

Afternoon

  • Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its narrow alleys, historic buildings, and bustling markets
  • Visit the famous Forodhani Gardens for stunning sunset views

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Africa House Restaurant, serving local and international cuisine
  • Take a stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the lively atmosphere

Day 2: Prison Island and Sunset Cruise

Morning

  • Visit Prison Island, a former prison turned into a beautiful island getaway (book a guided tour)
  • Relax on the island’s stunning beaches or take a swim

Afternoon

  • Return to Stone Town and explore its local markets for souvenirs and spices
  • Visit Darajani Market for a taste of local life

Evening

  • Embark on a romantic Sunset Cruise around the coast, enjoying stunning views and refreshing cocktails
  • Dine at The Tea House Restaurant, serving delicious local and international dishes

Day 3: Nungwi Beach Relaxation

Morning

  • Take a taxi or shuttle to Nungwi (approx. 1 hour) and check-in at Nungwi Village Beach Resort or similar
  • Spend the morning relaxing on the stunning beaches of Nungwi

Afternoon

  • Take a snorkeling or diving trip to explore Zanzibar’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life (book with a reputable operator)
  • Visit Nungwi Aquarium to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The LangiLangi Beach Restaurant, serving fresh seafood and local dishes
  • Relax with a sunset cocktail on the beach or at your hotel’s bar

Day 4: Jozani Forest and Village Tour

Morning

  • Visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to explore the island’s unique flora and fauna (book a guided tour)
  • Take a stroll through the beautiful Jozani Forest, home to the rare Kirk’s red colobus monkey

Afternoon

  • Visit a local village to experience Zanzibari culture and hospitality
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, serving traditional dishes like urojo (a spicy soup) or madafu (a rice dish)

Evening

  • Return to Stone Town and enjoy dinner at The Spicy Octopus, serving seafood and international cuisine
  • Explore the night market in Stone Town for some last-minute souvenir shopping

Day 5: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning at leisure, relaxing at your hotel or exploring Stone Town’s local markets
  • Check-out of your hotel and take a taxi or shuttle to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (approx. 15-20 minutes)

Things to Know

  • Zanzibar is a conservative island; dress modestly and respect local customs
  • The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, but US dollars are widely accepted
  • Be mindful of your water usage and respect the island’s limited resources

Transportation

  • Taxi: available at the airport and around Stone Town (approx. 10-15 minutes to most destinations)
  • Shuttle: book with your hotel or a reputable operator for transfers between destinations
  • Walking: explore Stone Town’s narrow alleys and historic sites on foot

Tips

  • Negotiate prices when shopping at local markets
  • Be prepared for occasional power outages and limited internet access
  • Respect the island’s beautiful beaches and marine life; avoid littering and touching coral reefs

Other Interests

  • Water sports: Zanzibar offers excellent opportunities for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding
  • Yoga and wellness: several resorts offer yoga classes and spa treatments
  • Day trips: consider visiting nearby islands like Mnemba or Changuu (Prison Island) for snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing on the beach