Zanzibar Island Holidays: 7-Day Sample Beach Extension

Zanzibar is famous for its white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, world-class water activities at the and turquoise sea, and the colorful blend of Swahili and Arabic cultures. It is definitley a must-see destination for many visitors to East Africa – whether as a stand-alone trip or add-on to the end of your safari. Lean back, enjoy the warm evening breezes, taste sweet exotic fruits, juices and sea treasures. Our sample itinerary below is just one of many possibilities but gives you a good overview. Sounds like your ideal Zanzibar Island Holidays destination?

Tour Style

> private beach extension

Tour Duration

> 7 days, 6 nights (start: day of your choice)

Expectations

> combination of beach & cultural encounters
> accommodations with character and Swahili charm
> variety of activities on land and in the water
> variety of beaches and holiday styles

Beach Getaway

> Zanzibar Island
> offshore island in Tanzania – opposite Dar es Salaam
> reachable by plane & ferry
> size: 1,660 km²
> capital: Zanzibar City

Activities

> Enjoy a rooftop dinner at sunset with a view over Stone Town
> Explore the winding streets of Stone Town on a historic tour
> Meet spices & taste new fruits on a spice farm visit
> Set sail on a traditional dhow with snorkeling & sandbank BBQ

Interested? Talk to an expert!

Sandra

As an adventurous European travel is in my blood! Tanzania is a fascinating country with so much to explore! It’s a pleasure to share my insider knowledge and offer first-hand advise. I take the time to listen to your ideas and create a unique safari & beach adventure out of these – tailored to your indivudal requirements and designed just for you!

Not sure if Zanzibar Island is the right beach destination for you? You have questions or missing any informations? Don’t worry we are here to assist!

Reach out

Phone/Whats App +255 788 391 600

Not sure – Talk to an expert

Michael

Let me show you my stunning home country and discover the true Tanzania – authentic and first-hand with a native at your side! As a Tanzanian myself, I am intimately familiar with the local conditions. With my years of experience and my passion for Tanzania, I will happily design an itinerary based on your travel interests.

You have any questions about Zanzibar Island or wonder what to do there? Get in touch for a first chat to discuss your requirements!

Reach out
 
Phone/Whats App +255 787 298 159

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day - Welcome to Zanzibar Island & tasty rooftop dinner

Arrival at Zanzibar Island – either internationally or by a light aircraft plane from the mainland (usually a Cessna with 12-seats). After you have collected your luggage, you will be met by your transfer driver outside the terminal. Transfer to Stone Town (driving distance depending on your overnight choice between 15 to 30 minutes.

In the late afternoon prooced to Emerson on Hurumzi – the highest rooftop restaurant in Zanzibar with a breathtaking 360° view of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a first sundowner drink at 6:00 PM soaking in the atmosphere. Afterwards enjoy a set 3-course menu – a cuisine fused with oriental Persian and Omani influences as well as traditional Taarab performance.

Accommodation at a Stone Town Hotel according to your preference.

Day 2: Spice Farm, Stone Town City Tour & Sunset Cruise

Start your day by visiting one of the local spice farms near-by. Zanzibar is well know for its variety of spices. In fact the islands prosperity is built on spice trade! Take a stroll through the farm and gain insights into tropical fruits, spices and rare species of plants. Depending on the season you will see and taste vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, lemon grass, ginger, coriander, and many others. Your guide will also explain more about the origins of each spice. Be sure to touch, smell and taste everything on offer! Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch cooked by the women on the farm.

Return to Stone Town for your guided city tour. Stone Town is a vibrant and historical city, where ancient cultures mix with modern life. The life in Stone Town is active and exciting as the inhabitants live their lives in a riot of colors – people cooking food in the alleys, playing bao – a traditional board game on the winding streets, keeping their hens, hanging out on the benches, and tending their shops – an cultural encounter not to be missed.

Your day ends by setting sail on a traditional dhow for a sunset cruise on the Indian Ocean – a truley special and memorable experience. With wind in the sail and a cold drink in your hand you cruise around while the sun casts amber gold and red over the land and sea. Various dinning options are available.

Accommodation at a Stone Town Hotel according to your preference.

Day 3 - 4: Relaxtion at the beach

Unwind and relax on the shores of Zanzibar Island. Zanzibar has a number of exquisite beaches and overnight options each with their own personality – from the bustling nightlife and minimal influenced beaches at Nungwi & Kendwa; to authentic beach resorts along the North-East Coast; the remote lagoon of Michamvi; and the easygoing island vibes along the South-East Coast with a lot of activity options in Paje and Jambiani. While planning, we will find the ideal spot to meet your needs!

Day 5: A Paradise Excursion: Dhow Sailing, Snorkeling & Beach BBQ

Our all-time favorite Zanzibar Excursion: head out on a full day dhow excursion on the Indian Ocean. Your adventure starts at the shores of Kizimkazi on the southern tip of Zanzibar. After about 1,5-hours sailing and enjoying the sound of the waves, we reach the Pungume – one of Zanzibar’s incredible snorkeling spots. Enjoy the underwater world before we continue to a deserted beach or a near-by sandbank that comes up at low tide with an unparalleled view. While you rest and soak in the atmosphere, your captain and crew prepares a delicious beachside BBQ with freshly caught fish and more. For the rest of the day we will sunbath, swim and relax by the sea.

Day 6: Another day at the beach

Soak in the sand, sea and sun on your final day on Zanzibar as you relax at the beach. If you get bored, we can arrange for more activities – how about a biking adventure to experience rual village life; or a traditional cooking class, or a wildlife encounter with the islands famous red-colobus monkeys.

Day 7: Departure Day

Transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your outbound flight. If you are departing from Dar es Salaam, we can also arrange for a connecting domestic flight.

You may also like to explore…

Activities & Daytrips

Maybe relaxing and sunbathing at the beach sounds a bit boring? Zanzibar Island has lots of activities to offer: for water enthusiasts and travelers interested in ancient ruins. Check out our favorite ones here!

Overnight Options

Scroll through our selection of beach resorts on Zanzibar Island – each personally visited and reviewed! Depending on your travel preferences and budget, we will recommend the perfect accommodation stay for you!

Mafia Island

Mafia Island is a sleepy island located just south of Zanzibar – an exclusive hideaway if you wish to escape the crowds. It is a diver’s paradise with a large variety of diving options. Highlight is the whale shark season from September to March.