Zanzibar Town 5 Day Itinerary

Zanzibar Town 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

  • Arrival: Fly into Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). You’ll need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a risk area.
  • Check-in: Settle into your accommodation, recommended: The Park Hyatt Zanzibar or Emerson Spice Hotel. Both offer luxurious stays with authentic Swahili architecture and excellent service.
  • Lunch: Visit Kuisi Kuisi Restaurant & Cafe for a taste of local Swahili cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore Stone Town, Zanzibar’s UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with historic mosques, bazaars, and the famous Beit el Amani & Palace Museum.
  • Evening: Relax at the Forodhani Gardens as vendors set up stalls selling local food, known as Zanzibar Stone Town Night Food Market.

Day 2: Prison Island & Spice Tour

  • Morning: Take a boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu Island), home to giant tortoises and coral reefs for snorkeling.
  • Lunch: Return to Stone Town and dine at The Rock Restaurant, an iconic eatery built on a large piece of coral off the coast.
  • Afternoon: Embark on a guided spice tour to learn about Zanzibar’s most famous exports - nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and more. Zanzibar Spice Farm Tours is a popular choice.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at 6 Degrees Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, offering a range of international cuisines.

Day 3: Jozani Forest & Beach Time

  • Morning: Visit the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to see the Red Colobus Monkeys and other unique flora and fauna found only in Zanzibar.
  • Lunch: Dine at Maruhubi Cafe, a charming restaurant located near Jozani Forest.
  • Afternoon: Head to one of Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches - Nungwi Beach on the north coast or Kendwa Beach on the west coast for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  • Evening: Dine at a beachfront restaurant like The Coral Garden Restaurant & Bar in Nungwi.

Day 4: Dolphin Watching & Day Trip to Mnemba Island

  • Morning: Take a boat tour for dolphin watching in the waters off Kizimkazi Village.
  • Lunch: Return to Stone Town and dine at The Coffee House, a beloved café with delicious sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
  • Afternoon: Embark on a day trip to Mnemba Island, a private island known for its pristine beaches and abundant marine life. Snorkeling, sunbathing, and beach walks are popular activities here.
  • Evening: Return to Stone Town for dinner at Jaffer’s Restaurant or any other restaurant that catches your fancy.

Day 5: Shopping & Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning exploring the bustling bazaars of Stone Town, shopping for spices, textiles, souvenirs, and antiques.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a final meal at your favorite restaurant before departure.
  • Afternoon/Evening: Transfer to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) for your flight home or onward journey.