Zanzibar Town 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Zanzibar Town

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Stone Town

  • Morning: Arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) and take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel in Stone Town.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the famous Forodhani Gardens, a waterfront park with great views of the sea.
    • Explore the narrow alleys and historic buildings of Stone Town, including the Old Fort and the House of Wonders.
    • Stop by the Zanzibar Museum to learn about the island’s history and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Tea House Restaurant, which serves a mix of local and international cuisine.

Day 2: Markets, Beaches, and Sunset

  • Morning:
    • Visit the bustling Darajani Market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
    • Explore the nearby Malindi Street, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Afternoon: Head to Nakupenda Beach, a beautiful stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Relax and enjoy water activities like snorkeling or kayaking.
  • Evening: Watch the sunset at Africa House, a historic building with stunning views of the sea. Then, head to The Night Market for some street food and souvenir shopping.

Day 3: Prison Island and Snorkeling

  • Morning: Take a ferry to Prison Island (also known as Changuu), where you can see old prison cells and explore the island’s beautiful beaches.
  • Afternoon: Go snorkeling or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the island. Look out for sea turtles and colorful fish!
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Fisherman Restaurant, which serves fresh seafood dishes.

Day 4: Spice Tour and Local Cuisine

  • Morning: Take a guided Spice Tour to learn about Zanzibar’s famous spices, such as cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Afternoon: Visit a local cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Zanzibari dishes like urojo (a spicy soup) or madafu (rice with coconut milk).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Mama Lishe Restaurant, which serves authentic local cuisine.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • Afternoon: Head back to the airport for your departure flight.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Stay at Paprika Place, a cozy guesthouse with dorms and private rooms.
  • Mid-range: Choose Asmini Palace Hotel, a historic hotel with comfortable rooms and a beautiful courtyard.
  • Luxury: Treat yourself to Essque Zalu Zanzibar, a luxurious boutique hotel with stunning ocean views.

Transportation

  • Taxis are widely available, but you can also hire a car or take a shuttle service from the airport.
  • For shorter trips, consider hiring a bicycle or taking a walk.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Swahili and English are widely spoken, but it’s always helpful to learn some basic phrases in Swahili.
  • Currency: The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the local currency, although USD and EUR are also accepted.
  • Culture: Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting mosques or rural areas.
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to stay safe, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables secure.

Other Things of Interest

  • Water Sports: Zanzibar is a popular destination for water sports like surfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding.
  • Day Trips: Consider taking day trips to nearby islands like Pemba or Mafia for snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing on the beach.
  • Festivals: Check if you’re visiting during festival seasons, such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) or the Sauti za Busara music festival.