6-Day Zanzibar Explorer
Overview
The definitive Zanzibar experience — six days that capture every dimension of the Spice Island, from the historic alleys of Stone Town to the aromatic spice plantations of the interior, from the vibrant marine life of Mnemba Atoll to barefoot luxury on the finest beaches. This comprehensive itinerary balances culture, adventure, and relaxation, giving you the full spectrum of what makes Zanzibar one of the world's most intoxicating destinations. If you only visit Zanzibar once, this is how to do it.
Highlights
Image Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Stone Town
Arrive at Zanzibar airport and transfer to Tembo House Hotel on the Stone Town waterfront. Drop your bags and step directly into the labyrinth — narrow lanes lined with coral stone buildings, carved Zanzibari doors telling stories of merchant families, and the mingled scents of cloves, grilled seafood, and oud. Your guide takes you on an introductory walk through the city's most atmospheric quarters. As evening falls, Forodhani Gardens transforms into an open-air food market where everything is cooked fresh over charcoal. Try the Zanzibari pizza with nutella and mango — it sounds improbable but is unforgettable.
Accommodation Options
Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort
Upendo Beach Zanzibar
Tembo House Hotel
Dinner
Day 2 — Stone Town Tour & Spice Farm
After breakfast, a comprehensive guided walking tour of Stone Town's historical and cultural landmarks. Visit the poignant former Slave Market and its underground chambers, the Sultan's Palace Museum, the Old Fort, and the Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the old slave whipping post. Mid-morning, drive to a working spice plantation in the island's lush interior. Here, your guide leads you through groves of cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and exotic tropical fruits. Smell, touch, and taste your way through the very spices that made Zanzibar the fabled Spice Island. A Swahili lunch prepared with farm-fresh spices follows. Return to Stone Town for a free evening.
Accommodation Options
Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort
Upendo Beach Zanzibar
Tembo House Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 — Jozani Forest & Transfer to Zuri Zanzibar
After breakfast, check out and drive to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park — the last remaining indigenous forest on Zanzibar and home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, found nowhere else on Earth. Walk beneath the forest canopy on elevated boardwalks, spotting monkeys, birds, and butterflies. Continue through the mangrove boardwalk to the tidal zone. Late morning, transfer to Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort on the northwest coast. Check in, immerse yourself in the Indian Ocean, and spend the afternoon doing precisely nothing. Dinner is served at the resort's oceanfront restaurant.
Accommodation Options
Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort
Upendo Beach Zanzibar
Tembo House Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 — Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling & Sunset Dhow Cruise
An early start for the day's marine adventure. Depart by boat for Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine reserve ringed by pristine coral gardens. Snorkel among clouds of brilliant tropical fish, search for green turtles gliding through the blue, and watch for dolphins that frequent these waters. A freshly prepared seafood barbecue on a sandbank is the midday highlight. Return to the resort by early afternoon to rest and refresh. Later in the afternoon, board a traditional dhow for a sunset cruise — the lateen sail catching the trade winds, the sun melting into the horizon, and the day's adventures settling into a perfect, golden memory.
Accommodation Options
Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort
Upendo Beach Zanzibar
Tembo House Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 — Full Resort Day
Today is entirely yours at Zuri Zanzibar. Sleep in, enjoy a long breakfast, and let the day unfold without any agenda. Swim in the infinity pool, snorkel the house reef, kayak along the shore, or simply occupy a beach lounger and let the sound of the waves lull you into a state of profound calm. The resort's spa offers treatments ranging from traditional Swahili massage to full wellness journeys, and the bar makes an excellent passion fruit daiquiri. As the fifth sunset arrives, you will find it difficult to imagine anywhere else you would rather be.
Accommodation Options
Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort
Upendo Beach Zanzibar
Tembo House Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 — Departure
Savor one final breakfast with your toes in the sand, take a farewell swim in the impossibly clear water, and check out. Transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. As your plane climbs above the turquoise waters and the coast of Zanzibar falls away below you, the colors, scents, warmth, and slow, measured rhythm of the Spice Island will already be calling you back.
What's Included
- Airport transfers to/from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
- Two nights accommodation at Tembo House Hotel (Stone Town)
- Three nights accommodation at Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort
- Daily breakfast and dinner (lunch on Stone Town tour and Mnemba day)
- Guided Stone Town walking tour
- Spice plantation tour with traditional Swahili lunch
- Jozani Forest visit including boardwalk and mangrove tour
- Mnemba Atoll snorkeling excursion with seafood barbecue lunch
- Sunset dhow cruise
- All applicable taxes and service charges
What's Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Water sports and diving excursions (beyond those listed)
- Lunch (except on tour days indicated)
- All beverages and drinks
- Tips and gratuities
Plan Your Zanzibar Holiday
Bring Your Dreams into Reality
Fill in the form below to create your custom itinerary. Our highly experienced team of professionals will go through your request and get back to you.
Plan My Trip
Stay Updated on Exclusive Adventures
Sign up to get the latest travel tips, exclusive destination highlights, and early access to new adventures.