Zanzibar, Tanzania 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Stone Town Exploration

Morning:

  • Depart from Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) and head straight to your hotel in Stone Town. Some recommendations include The Zanzibar Palace Hotel, Emerson Spice Hotel, or Kholle House.
  • After settling in, enjoy a traditional Tanzanian breakfast at Mercury’s or Jambo Jambo Restaurant.

Mid-Morning:

  • Start your Stone Town tour. Visit the Forodhani Gardens, the Palace Museum, and the Old Fort. Don’t miss the House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib) and the Arab Fort.
  • Explore the narrow, winding alleys of Stone Town, filled with historic buildings, souvenir shops, and local food stalls.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at 6 Suites Restaurant & Roof Terrace or The Rocca.
  • Visit the slave trade sites like the Slave Market Museum and the Chambers of Wonders.
  • In the late afternoon, take a spice tour to learn about Zanzibar’s famous spices at a local farm.

Evening:

  • Enjoy sunset at Prison Island, where you can visit the giant tortoises.
  • Dine at The Rock Restaurant, an iconic eatery built on a rock just offshore.

Day 2: Beach and Jozani Forest

Morning:

  • After breakfast, head to one of Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches like Nungwi Beach, Kendwa Beach, or Jambiani Beach.
  • Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, or taking a dhow sailing trip.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at a beachfront restaurant like Sunshine Seafood Restaurant or Maru Maru Beach Bar & Restaurant.

Late Afternoon:

  • Visit the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to see the Red Colobus Monkeys and other indigenous wildlife.

Evening:

  • Return to Stone Town for a farewell dinner at The Kilimanjaro Restaurant or Fish House.
  • Explore the nightlife in Stone Town, perhaps visiting The Hood or Selim’s Palace.

Things to Know:

  • The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, but US Dollars are widely accepted.
  • Bargaining is common in local markets and shops.
  • Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly.
  • Mosquito repellent is a must, as malaria is present in Zanzibar.

Transportation:

  • Taxis and dala dalas (local minibuses) are common modes of transportation within Stone Town and to the beaches. You can also rent bicycles or motorbikes.

Tips:

  • Negotiate prices before starting any tours or safaris.
  • Support local businesses whenever possible.
  • Respect the local culture and environment, and leave no trace.