7 Days in Zanzibar: The Complete Itinerary

A week in Zanzibar is enough to experience the very best the island has to offer — without rushing. You'll have time to wander Stone Town's labyrinthine streets, laze on the finest beaches in East Africa, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and explore spice farms that have traded with the world for centuries.

Day 1 & 2: Stone Town

Arrive into Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) and head straight to Stone Town, the island's historic heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two days here barely scratches the surface, but you'll cover the essentials.

• ✦Walk the labyrinth of narrow alleyways at dawn before the crowds arrive
• ✦Visit the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), the oldest standing building on Zanzibar
• ✦Explore the Palace Museum and the House of Wonders
• ✦Browse the Central Market for fresh tropical fruit and local spices
• ✦Catch sunset from the famous Forodhani Gardens night food market
• ✦Try a Zanzibar pizza (stuffed flatbread) — a local street food icon

Day 3: Spice Farm Tour

Zanzibar is called the Spice Island for good reason. A half-day spice farm tour takes you through plantations of cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, black pepper and cinnamon. Your guide will show you each plant, let you taste and smell the spices fresh from the source, and often fashion you a hat or bracelet from palm fronds.

In the afternoon, visit the Persian Baths at Kidichi — ruins of bathhouses built in 1850 by the Sultan of Oman for his Persian wife.

Day 4: Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll

Mnemba Atoll is one of the best snorkelling and diving sites in the Indian Ocean. The clear turquoise water teems with sea turtles, dolphins, and hundreds of species of tropical fish. Most tours depart from Nungwi or Kendwa on the northern tip of the island.

Day 5 & 6: Nungwi Beach

Head north to Nungwi, widely considered the best beach on the island. Unlike the East Coast, Nungwi's beach is swimmable at any tide due to its location on the northern tip. The vibe here is relaxed but sociable — beach bars, fresh seafood grills, and spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

• ✦Sunrise dhow cruise — sail the Indian Ocean on a traditional wooden boat
• ✦Visit the Mnarani Natural Aquarium — a natural tidal pool with sea turtles
• ✦Try kite surfing or stand-up paddleboarding
• ✦Eat freshly grilled lobster on the beach at sunset — budget around $15–25

Day 7: Prison Island & Departure

On your final morning, take a short boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu Island), home to giant Aldabra tortoises — some over 100 years old. You can hand-feed them before snorkelling the surrounding coral. Return to Stone Town in the afternoon for last-minute shopping for spices and handcrafted souvenirs before your flight.

Practical Tips

• ✦Best time to visit: November–February (short dry season) or June–October (long dry season)
• ✦Visa: Available on arrival for most nationalities — approx $50 USD
• ✦Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). USD widely accepted in tourist areas
• ✦Getting around: Dala-dala minibuses are cheap and local; taxis and private transfers are more comfortable
• ✦Dress code: Dress modestly when visiting Stone Town out of respect for local Muslim culture