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So, you are finally, crossing Tanzania off your bucket list?
You can dive straight into island life by arriving in Tanzania via flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Beachfront hotels offer stunning ocean views and easy access to Zanzibar’s top attractions. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a must-visit for its history, spice markets, and overall culture.
A sunset dhow cruise and fresh seafood at Forodhani Gardens add to the experience. Nungwi and Kendwa have amazing crystal-clear waters and white sand for pristine beaches.
Don’t forget to book your activities and swim with the turtles and dolphins HERE!
For travel inspiration, check out Instagram accounts like @visit_zanzibar. Zanzibar blends history, relaxation, and adventure into an unforgettable trip, so let’s get you started!
Estimated Cost: You should plan to spend around TZS106,260 ($46) per day on your vacation in Zanzibar. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, TZS34,288 ($15) on meals for one day and TZS23,362 ($10) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Zanzibar for a couple is TZS101,136 ($44). So, on average, a trip to Zanzibar for two people for one week costs TZS1,487,639 ($641).
Accommodation Cost: The average price for one person’s accommodation in Zanzibar is TZS50,568. The average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is TZS101,136.
Itinerary
First Day: Arrival and Relaxation
Upon arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Stone Town, the island’s historic city. Spend the day exploring the city’s winding streets and alleys, admiring the colonial architecture, and soaking up the atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the many local restaurants.
Second Day: Stone Town Tour
Take a guided tour of Stone Town’s highlights, including the Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, and the Old Fort. In the afternoon, visit the lively Darajani Market and enjoy a sunset dhow cruise in the harbor.
Third Day: Spice Tour and Jozani Forest
Sign up for a guided tour of Zanzibar’s famous spice plantations. You’ll learn about the island’s history as a major spice producer. In the afternoon, visit the Jozani Forest Reserve. It is home to the endangered red colobus monkey. The reserve also hosts a variety of other wildlife.
Fourth Day: Beach Day at Nungwi
Spend the day relaxing on the white sand beaches of Nungwi, a picturesque fishing village on the island’s north coast. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and indulge in some fresh seafood for lunch.
Fifth Day: Prison Island and Snorkeling
Take a boat trip to Prison Island, a former prison-turned-tourist attraction with a population of giant tortoises. After exploring the island, go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters around it. You can spot a variety of colorful fish and coral there.
Sixth Day: Kiteboarding and Surfing
Zanzibar is a popular destination for kiteboarding and surfing, and there are several great spots around the island. Spend the day trying your hand at these adrenaline-pumping sports, or relax on the beach and watch the action.
Seventh Day: Departure
On your final day in Zanzibar, transfer back to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively, continue your travels in Tanzania or elsewhere in East Africa. I highly suggest this because you are already in Africa. So why not?
Note: Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island. Visitors should respect local customs and dress modestly when in public. Some parts of the island are more conservative than others. It’s a good idea to research the cultural norms of each area before visiting.
Travel Resources
Resources to Use While You Plan
These are core guides and tools you can use for almost any trip, from picking a destination to mapping your route and making more time to travel.
All Itineraries & Trips
A central hub of long-weekend guides, Detty December routes, solo trips, and country itineraries you can copy and tweak.
Open itineraries hub →Solo Travel Starter Guide
A full solo travel hub with safety tips, destination ideas, and resources if you’re planning to travel on your own.
Open solo travel guide →Group Travel & Hosted Trips
Explore hosted group trips and trusted partner trips if you’d rather join a group instead of planning alone.
See travel options →COI Travel Network
A central page for solo, group, agency, and travel update links, so you can plug into my wider travel ecosystem.
Explore the network →How to Take More Time Off
A practical guide on stacking weekends, holidays, and smart PTO so you can travel more without quitting your job.
Read time-off tips →Trip Consultation Call
Need help with route, timing, or where to stay? Book a call and we can walk through your trip plan together.
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