7 days, 6 nights
Min 6-Max 12
18+
Zanzibar Airport
Idyllic waters of Indian Ocean, white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, a mix of cultures and interesting history from Arabian princesses to slave trade, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed maze of Stone Town, local villages. spice farms, mangrove forests, and an impressive array of marine life – to name only a few of the countless attractions on the island of Zanzibar, already make this stunning jewel a rewarding travel destination.
This is a relAction (semi-relaxed) trip that explores the best of the island in only 7 days, 6 nights at a decent pace leaving still ample time to sip on a cocktail or two by the pool. At the end of your week, you’ll have learned about Zanzibar’s history, experienced its culture, explored the best beaches and snorkeling sites.
We understand that you are on holiday, so we take care of all the hassle of planning to ensure you don’t miss out on the full Zanzibar Island experience.
This trip combines well with our mainland Marathon + Safari program, but it’s also perfectly suitable for a quick winter break.
Ready to book? Please read our tour specific Essential Information/FAQ page first.
* If you are joining both safari and Zanzibar trip, we can arrange your domestic flight at an additional fee as per booking form. Please select the option accordingly.
Welcome in tropical paradise!
From the Zanzibar airport, you will be transferred to Stone Town and check in to our traditional Zanzibari hotel in the cultural capital of the island.
Depending on the time of arrival, you may want to explore the narrow streets of the historic Stone Town and try some local food.
If you are joining the tour after our mainland safari program, you will arrive before sunset. In the evening, we will visit the Forodhani Gardens, nightly food market, where we can pick up some local delicacies such as sugar cane juice and a must-try, the Zanzibar pizza.
Today after breakfast, we will be picked up at 09:30 am for a special journey in history of Zanzibar while following the footsteps of the legendary Princess Salme.
We'll start with a morning sailing cruise on a traditional dhow along Stone Town's seafront to the Mtoni Palace ruins, home of the first Sultan of Zanzibar and the birthplace of his daughter Salme. Our guide will bring this important part of Zanzibar’s history to life for us. We will be treated to a traditional coffee or tea ceremony and enjoy Zanzibari sweets before a short drive takes us to the island's spice farm area.
A leisurely walk around a lovely spice plantation, where we will learn about, and taste the abundance of spices, fruits and herbal remedies grown in Zanzibar. To round off the experience, we will be served a delicious home-cooked lunch (water and fresh juice inclusive), surrounded by the sights and sounds of Zanzibar’s countryside.
Tide permitting, our tour includes a visit to Princess Salme Museum in Stone Town at the beginning or end of the tour. Once back in Stone Town, we'll have some down time to relax by the pool or to get lost in the colorful maze of the town.
In the early evening, we’ll gather at one of Stone Town’s best rooftop restaurants for a Swahili dinner with local Taarab music, a truly magical Zanzibari experience.
Today after breakfast, we will be picked up at 8:45am and transferred to the South Western corner of the island where we will jump onto traditional wooden dhow (sailing boat) and explore the crystal clear waters of Menai Bay Conservation Area.
On this full day ocean safari excursion, we will be snorkeling in pristine waters where conservation efforts have allowed dolphins to flourish (snorkeling gear and qualified snorkeling guide included), relaxing on a tidal sandbank, explore the reefs and swimming in a mangrove lagoon. The blue safari will be topped off with a delicious Swahili seafood BBQ buffet for lunch (including lobster, fish and calamari as well as chicken and vegetarian options) and seasonal fruits. Drinks (soft drinks, water, beer) and snacks are included throughout the day.
After a rewarding day of adventures, we will then be transferred to the small town of Paje on the East Coast of Zanzibar, known for its shallow and crystal-clear waters.
Today is a free day at your leisure: swim, relax, kiteboard, chill, bike, kayak, and so on.
An activity we highly recommend is renting a bike or e-bike and exploring the white sandy beaches of the East Coast on two wheels. Stop at the most famous restaurant, The Rock, swim in the Blue Lagoon with starfish or head for a sundowner at Chwaka Bay for a relaxed vibe at sunset.
For those who wish to experience something off the beaten path and a truly authentic Zanzibari/African village, we can recommend a bike tour to Makunduchi village passing through areas dotted with baobab, banana and mango trees and red clay huts. Please note we don't sell any extra tours but we can help you organize any additional activities and provide insider tips.
Today we will be picked up early, at 07:30 am for a fantastic day in nature heading to Jozani Forest & Pete Village.
Accompanied by our private guide throughout the day, we will explore the mangrove forest on a nature trail, and try to spot Red Colobus Monkeys endemic to the forest. We will pay a visit to the nearby Butterfly Center and a coral cave. In Pete inlet, we'll canoe through the mangroves on a simple wooden dugout canoe. A typical Swahili lunch with fruits and soft drinks will be served in the village.
Then later in the day, we will be transferred to our hotel in the North West of the island. This part of the island is minimally effected by the tidal changes, hence the best beaches to swim are found here. The area is lined with beautiful restaurants overhanging sharp cliffs and overlooking the most crystal-clear ocean one could imagine. Beaches are bustling with African energy and there is always something to see and do.
We will make sure to enjoy a sundowner at one of the West facing restaurants - perfect end to any day!
There is one not-to-miss activity left on our agenda, that's snorkeling in the mind-blowingly clear waters of Mnemba Atoll, another iconic Zanzibar adventure.
We will embark on a scenic boat trip around the north of Zanzibar, and once in Mnemba Atoll, we will jump off the boat and snorkel around the pristine reefs. You are guaranteed to be mesmerized by colorful reefs, fish and turtles. If we are lucky, we may even encounter dolphins. Snacks included between snorkel stops.
Please note: Scuba diving is optionally available at an additional fee. Please inform us while booking if interested in scuba diving so that we can arrange the trip accordingly. The difference in rate is to be paid directly to the dive center. We do not sell extra tours.
The afternoon is at your own leisure. Simply relax or take on one of the many beach activities.
Sadly it's time to say goodbye after so many wonderful experiences.
If you have time, it’s worth to stay on for a couple of extra days in Zanzibar to relax a bit more, delve deeper into the culture or underwater.
If you are flying out today, you will be transferred from the lodge to Zanzibar International Airport.
If you would like to have any additional services to the above itinerary, let us know and we will be happy to help in this regard.
Please read our tour specific Essential Information/FAQ page for further details before booking.
Please note that the itinerary is subject to minor changes due to circumstances beyond our control. This is Africa, but whatever happens, we'll always do our best to ensure you have an amazing experience!
* All thumbnail and gallery images used in the itinerary section above are taken from promotional sites.