Zanzibar, Tanzania 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Zanzibar, Tanzania

Day 1: Stone Town Exploration

• Morning: Arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Zanzibar. Transfer to your hotel in Stone Town. Check-in and freshen up.

  • Hotel: Emerson Spice or Zanzibar Serena Hotel for a luxurious stay.
  • Budget Option: Sunshine Hotel Zanzibar or Kisiwa House.

• Afternoon: Start your Stone Town exploration with the House of Wonders, a unique architectural wonder and an important historical site. Visit the Palace Museum (Peoples Palace) to learn about the Sultan’s life.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch at 6 Degrees South Restaurant or The Rock Restaurant.

• Evening: Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Stone Town and experience its vibrant nightlife at places like Jambo Jambo or Fushi Beach Bar.

Day 2: Spice Tour & Prison Island

• Morning: Embark on a guided spice tour to experience the rich aromas and flavors of Zanzibar’s spice farms. Taste exotic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, and more.

  • Lunch: Traditional buffet lunch at a local farm.

• Afternoon: Visit Prison Island (Changuu Island) to see the giant Aldabra tortoises. You can also enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters around the island.

  • Dinner: Return to Stone Town and dine at The Foodie’s Garden or Ali Baba Restaurant.

Day 3: Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park & Beach Relaxation

• Morning: Visit the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home to the endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus monkeys and other unique flora and fauna.

  • Lunch: Packed lunch provided by your hotel or enjoy a meal at Zanzibar Coffee House.

• Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day relaxing on one of Zanzibar’s stunning beaches. Nungwi Beach in the north or Kizimkazi Beach in the south are great options.

  • Dinner: Dine at a beachfront restaurant like Sunset Bar & Restaurant or The Beach House.

Day 4: Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling in Kizimkazi

• Morning: Head to Kizimkazi for a morning of dolphin watching and snorkeling. Enjoy the opportunity to swim with these amazing creatures.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at one of the local restaurants near Kizimkazi, like Kizimkazi Coral Gardens Restaurant.

• Afternoon: Return to Stone Town and spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs in the bustling markets or exploring more of the city’s attractions like the Old Fort and the Arab Fort.

  • Dinner: Dine at Fish House or Mama Yusufu’s Kitchen.

Day 5: Relaxation & Departure

• Morning: Spend your final hours in Zanzibar relaxing on the beach, visiting any sights you may have missed, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of Stone Town.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a farewell lunch at your favorite restaurant from the previous days.

• Afternoon/Evening: Transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your departure.

Things to Know:

1. Zanzibar’s primary language is Swahili, but English is widely spoken.
2. The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, although USD and Euros are often accepted in tourist areas.
3. Mosquito nets and repellent are essential due to the presence of mosquitos.
4. Haggling is common when shopping in markets.
5. Always ask permission before taking photos of locals.
6. Respect local customs and traditions, especially during Ramadan.
7. Tap water is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled or filtered water.