Zanzibar Town 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Stone Town

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Start your day at Darajani Market, a bustling marketplace filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. Try some local fruits and snacks, and get a feel for the island’s vibrant culture.
  • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Visit the Zanzibar Museum, located in the Old Fort, which showcases the history and cultural heritage of Zanzibar.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Take a stroll through the narrow alleys of Stone Town, exploring the historic architecture and taking in the sights and sounds of the old town. Be sure to visit the famous House of Wonders, a stunning example of Zanzibari architecture.
  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Relax at Forodhani Gardens, a beautiful waterfront park with great views of the sea.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Africa House Restaurant, located in a historic building and serving up delicious seafood dishes.
  • 10:00 PM: Return to your accommodation, such as Tembo Hotel Stone Town or Warere Beach Hotel, both of which offer comfortable rooms and excellent service.

Things to Know

  • Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting mosques or other cultural sites.
  • Bargain when shopping at markets - it’s all part of the fun!
  • Try some local cuisine, such as urojo (a spicy soup) or mandazi (fried doughnuts).

Transportation

  • Take a taxi or walk to get around Stone Town - it’s easy to navigate and you’ll want to take in the sights.

Day 2: Beaches and Water Activities

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Head to Nungwi Beach, located on the north coast of Zanzibar, for a day of relaxation and water activities. Take a dhow (traditional sailing boat) trip to Mnemba Island for snorkeling or swimming.
  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at The Nungwi Beach Restaurant, serving up fresh seafood and local dishes.

Afternoon

  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Take a sunset cruise around the coast, offering stunning views of the island.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The LangiLangi Beach Restaurant, located right on the beach and serving up delicious international cuisine.
  • 10:00 PM: Return to your accommodation, or stay overnight in Nungwi at a hotel like Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel.

Things to Know

  • Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Respect local marine life and avoid touching coral reefs.
  • Try some water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, for an adrenaline rush.

Transportation

  • Take a taxi or bus from Stone Town to Nungwi Beach (around 1 hour).
  • Book your dhow trip and sunset cruise in advance to ensure availability.

Day 3: Prison Island and Sunset

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Visit Prison Island, also known as Changuu, which was once a prison but is now a popular tourist destination. Take a guided tour of the island and see the old prison cells.
  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at The Prison Island Restaurant, serving up fresh seafood dishes.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Return to Stone Town and explore the local shops and markets, such as the Zanzibar Curio Shop.
  • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Find a spot on the waterfront to watch the sunset, or head to Forodhani Gardens for a relaxing evening.

Evening

  • 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Enjoy a farewell dinner at The 236 Restaurant, serving up delicious international cuisine.
  • 11:00 PM: Return to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Things to Know

  • Prison Island is a great spot for snorkeling and swimming, so be sure to bring your gear.
  • Respect the local environment and wildlife on the island.
  • Try some local desserts, such as madafu (coconut rice pudding) or kashata (sweet potato cake).

Transportation

  • Take a taxi or walk to get around Stone Town.
  • Book your Prison Island tour in advance to ensure availability.

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Be sure to try some local fruits, such as mangoes or pineapples.
  • Learn some basic Swahili phrases, such as “jambo” (hello) or “asante” (thank you).
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting mosques or other cultural sites.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Try some water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, for an adrenaline rush.