Zanzibar – the island of spice, sun and stunning coastline – definitely has the potential for an unforgettable experience. After conquering Mount Kilimanjaro /which was an absolutely extraordinary adventure/, I went to explore Zanzibar and to get to know the famous Spice Island, walk barefoot foot the white-sand beaches and give my body a proper rest. I had plenty of time to travel around and explore every corner of the island, so let me introduce the Zanzibar itinerary that goes beyond the typical tourist trail—one that will help you experience the authentic soul of Zanzibar while ensuring you don’t miss any of its spectacular highlights.
The best Zanzibar itinerary for first timers!
After years of exploring hidden corners of the world, Zanzibar remains one of those rare destinations that manages to be both wildly exotic and incredibly welcoming -the warm smile of locals greeting you with “Jambo!” at every turn.
Travel tips for Zanzibar.
- Dress respectfully, especially in Stone Town, and keep your knees and arms covered. The majority of Zanzibaris are muslims.
- Stay hydrated: Drink only bottled water, or water that has been boiled or purified.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Zanzibar can be very hot and humid, and the sun is very aggressive even in cloudy days – thus, use sunscreen and reapply it often.
- Hire local guides for cultural tours.
- Try water sports – it’s a must in Zanzibar’s turquoise waters!
Do you need visa for Zanzibar?
- Yes, most visitors require visa for Zanzibar, which functions as a visa for all of Tanzania.
- Visa for Tanzania can be obtained online.
- Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
- A yellow fever vaccine card is required if you are traveling from any other country in Africa.
- Additional travel insurance for Zanzibar is mandatory – Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), which can be obtained online for ~ 45 USD and be prepared to show the QR code upon arrival.
- Just in case have your return or onward ticket ready to show immigration officers
ATM in Zanzibar!
There are ATMs in Zanzibar; however, most of them are constantly out of order. There is a security guy next to every cash machine, so no need for any safety concerns.
There is quite a high service fee for any withdrawal ~ 13,500 TZS /Tanzanian shilling/.
The exchange rate is: 1 USD ~ 2,500 TZS
MONEY EXCHANGE: There are many exchange points in Zanzibar; make sure you have new banknotes, as the old ones have a lower rate.
- US dollars and Tanzanian Shillings are both accepted
- Bring small bills; change is often limited
- Credit cards are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants but carry cash for markets and local eateries
- Bargaining is expected in markets
Why visit Zanzibar - the Spice Island?
Before we dive into the Zanzibar itinerary, let’s talk about what makes the island truly special. This isn’t just another beach destination. Zanzibar is where East African, Arab, Indian, and Persian cultures have blended over centuries.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town tells stories of sultans and spice traders, while the surrounding Indian Ocean offers some of the world’s most amazing coral reefs and marine life.
The island’s nickname—the Spice Island—isn’t just for show. Zanzibar produces cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla that perfume the air and flavour every meal. Add to this mix some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable journey.
Best time to visit.
Timing is everything for the best Zanzibar itinerary. It is best to plan your visit during the dry season from June to October. These months offer guaranteed sunshine, minimal rainfall, and temperatures hovering around a perfect 28-30°C (82-86°F). The sea is calm, the skies are brilliantly blue, and it’s ideal for all water activities.
If you can’t make it during those months, the short dry season from December to February is another excellent window, coinciding with the festive period and offering great conditions for water sports and diving. Just avoid the long rainy season (March to May) when heavy downpours can disrupt your beach plans.
Transportation in Zanzibar.
TAXIS: I highly recommend booking your airport transportation online in advance – otherwise you’ll get stuck with airport taxis, which charge twice as much for any trip! Book here for Affordable and reliable Taxi Transport in Zanzibar. We used taxis and the fares were as follows:
Taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Paje: $30.
Taxi from Paje to Nungwi: $40.
Zanzibar itinerary for 7 days.
DAY 1: Stone Town - the heart of Zanzibar.
Stone Town – the historic heart of the archipelago is located 15 minutes drive from the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
The architecture tells the story of centuries of trade and cultural exchange. Take a walk along the coastline from the Old Fort and the tiny streets of Stone Town.
Must-Visit Sites:
- The House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib): the largest and tallest building of Stone Town – this magnificent palace was the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator. While currently under renovation, its imposing presence dominates the waterfront.
- The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe): Built by Omani Arabs in the 17th century, this fort now hosts cultural events and has a charming open-air theatre.
Freddie Mercury Museum – NOT recommended.. It’s small and not very interesting. Yes, the legendary Queen frontman was born in Zanzibar 😉 But can you imagine that most Tanzanis have no idea who Freddy was?
Take a Spice Tour!
At first, I didn’t understand the spice significance in Zanzibar but I highly recommend going on a privately guided top-picked Zanzibar Spice Tour or one combined with Stone Town and the Prison Island!
Half-day tour (typically 3-4 hours) takes you to an organic spice farm in the countryside to see how cloves, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, lemongrass, and dozens of other spices grow. You’ll smell them, taste them, and learn about their medicinal and culinary uses. Some tours include a traditional Swahili cooking demonstration where you’ll prepare dishes like pilau rice and coconut curries using fresh spices.
TRAVEL TIP: Have lunch or sunset dinner at one of the rooftop restaurants in Stone Town. The prices in most places are very affordable. overlooking the ocean. Then explore areas you might have missed:
You may visit Darajani Market, where locals shop for everything from spices to fresh fish.
DAY 2: Prison Island.
This island is now home to a population of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old! You can feed them, photograph them, and learn about conservation efforts.
The island is also a great place for snorkeling in crystal waters teeming with tropical fish.
Recommended tour: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour With Lunch.
DAY 3: Nungwi - explore the best beaches in Zanzibar.
Nungwi is a must-stop in your 7-day Zanzibar itinerary. It is one of Zanzibar’s most famous beach destinations (about 1.5 hours by car from Stone Town).
Evening: Nungwi comes alive after dark with beach bars and restaurants, serving fresh seafood, local dishes, beer and amazing smoothies at very affordable prices.
Nungwi is a paradise for water sports and snorkeling with dolphins. Here are a few top-rated tours; if you decide to go for a cheaper option /which are widely available/ be prepared, the tour might be poorly organised or unethical. There are hundreds of boats going deep sea every day, and in most cases, the tours are overcrowded with multiple boats chasing the dolphins.
We spent a lot days in Nungwi and tried out a few hostels, here are my top recommendations:
- Kilimanjaro Hostel – an amazing place with great atmosphere, lovely breakfast and 2 minutes from the beach. Rooms have AC and private bathrooms, and there’s even a swimming pool.
- Then we moved to the 4-star Ocean Breeze Boutique Hotel at Nungwi Road – top-rated on agoda, available at a similar price to hostels.
- Amazing Villa: Casa Carlotta & Villa in Nungwi offers a 3-star villa with a garden and terrace.
- DADA GARDEN NUNGWI Private villas in Nungwi.
- If you are looking for a hotel, Canary Hotel & Spa is perfect.
- Uhuru Hotel & Restaurant in Nungwi offers apartments with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden or pool views.
- or browse on Booking.com for other deals.
DAY 4: Mnemba Island.
Mnemba Island is a small island located off the northeast coast of Zanzibar. It’s a very popular destination for snorkelling around the coral reefs and swimming with dolphins; however, please read the following information before booking the tour.
MNEMBA ISLAND SNORKELING BOAT TOURS: usually 5 hours: dolphin watching + reef snorkelling + lunch on a paradise beach: $50 + per person.
Be aware that many tours involve multiple boats chasing the dolphins, and some operators provide overcrowded snorkeling experiences with poor-quality gear and a lack of respect for the animals. Here are a few top-rated TripAdvisor tours:
DAY 5: Beach Hopping!
If you came to Zanzibar, you must be a beach-lover 😉 so here is everything you need to know about 10 BEST BEACHES IN ZANZIBAR.
The best way to explore nearby beaches is by renting a scooter or hiring a driver to visit Kendwa Beach, just 10 minutes south of Nungwi. Kendwa is even more laid-back and it doesn’t experience dramatic tides like other parts of Zanzibar, so you can swim anytime.
Scooter can be rented at $25 per day, but check for the additional driving permission. A taxi can take you around for about $20.
DAY 6: Transfer to Paje and Jozani Forest
Before heading to Paje on the east coast, visit Jozani National Park for a short but beautiful hike through mangrove swamps and mahogany forests. This is Zanzibar’s only national park and home to the endemic and endangered Red Colobus monkeys—you’ll see them swinging through trees,
Paje is only 1 hour drive and has a completely different vibe from Nungwi—more bohemian, more adventurous, and famous for one thing: kitesurfing.
I highly suggest staying north of Paje, where the village atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
Best accommodation options in Paje:
- We stayed in Zanzibar Dream Lodge – an exceptional place, affordable with very good breakfast and location near Tiki Beach.
- Two exceptional stays: The Garden in Paje with swimming pool and Maisha Matamu Boutique in Paje with direct beachfront access.
- Hakuna Matata Boutique
- Hi Zanzibar in Paje with a rooftop swimming pool.
- Villa Serenity, Tanzania Unforgettable offers villas with view of the Indian Ocean and the beach.
PAJE Unique Experience: At low tide, the water recedes dramatically in Paje, creating a vast shallow lagoon. It was lovely to walk out onto the sandbanks and watch local women harvesting seaweed (it’s an important industry here). The photo was taken near Tiki Beach /north Paje/, where we stayed in a lovely, quiet hostel.
DAY 7: Kitesurfing in Paje.
Paje is the kitesurfing capital of Zanzibar, with perfect conditions especially during the windy season (June-March). Even if you’ve never tried kitesurfing, Paje’s shallow lagoon makes it an ideal place to learn. Numerous schools offer lessons for beginners.
Not into kitesurfing? Paje offers plenty of alternatives that will fill out your Zanzibar itinerary:
- Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
- Kayaking through the lagoon
- Visit Kuza Cave: A natural limestone cave with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. It’s also a cultural site with local guides sharing stories.
- Beach volleyball (my favourite) and yoga: Many spots offer daily yoga sessions on the beach.
Getting around Zanzibar.
- Dala dalas (local minibuses) are cheap but crowded and follow unpredictable schedules,
- Private taxis or hired drivers offer more comfort and flexibility,
- Scooter rentals are popular but roads can be rough; only for confident riders,
- Tours often include transportation.
What to pack for Tanzania Zanzibar itinerary?
- Reef-safe sunscreen (protect those beautiful corals!)
- Light, breathable clothing,
- Snorkel gear if you have your own,
- Waterproof phone case,
- Motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to seasickness,
- Insect repellent for evenings /malaria and dengue is still present in Zanzibar/.
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