Zanzibar
Seven Shores of Zanzibar: Nature, Spice & Sea Adventure
Spice‑scented streets, wild forests and endless turquoise horizons
Planning a trip to Zanzibar?
A 7‑day, comfort‑focused Zanzibar itinerary blending wild beaches, spice farms, historic Stone Town and gentle adventures on land and sea. Designed for a couple seeking balanced days with nature, wildlife, local food, photography spots and time to relax by the Indian Ocean.
Highlights
Wander UNESCO‑listed alleys, courtyards and historic buildings steeped in Swahili and Arabic architecture.
Visit a working spice farm to see, smell and taste cloves, vanilla and cinnamon where they are grown.
Sail by dhow to Changuu (Prison Island) to meet Aldabra giant tortoises and snorkel clear waters.
Walk shaded trails in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and spot rare red colobus monkeys in the canopy.[3][4]
Relax and photograph iconic white‑sand beaches like Paje and Jambiani with steady ocean breezes.[3]
Spend a day at Nakupenda Sandbank, swimming and snorkeling in shallow turquoise seas with a beach barbecue lunch.[1][3][4]
Where to Stay
Tembo House Hotel
Historic, mid‑range beachfront hotel on the Stone Town seafront with traditional decor, pool and easy access to the Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens.
$90-140/night
B4 Beach Club
Trendy but relaxed set of bungalows right on Paje Beach with an on‑site restaurant and bar facing the ocean.
$100-160/night
DoubleTree by Hilton Zanzibar – Stone Town
Comfortable international‑brand hotel with modern rooms in the heart of Stone Town, a short walk from the seafront and main sights.
$100-170/nightGood to Know
Plan Around Tides and Heat
Schedule more active things like forest walks, sandbanks and Stone Town tours in the morning when it is cooler, keeping midday for shaded cafes or pool time, and always ask local operators about tides before booking beach and snorkeling trips.
Use Licensed Guides and Boats
Book tours such as Prison Island, Nakupenda, Jozani Forest and Mnemba snorkeling with established operators or via your hotel so that life jackets, boat conditions and guiding standards are reliable.
Respect Marine and Forest Wildlife
Keep a respectful distance from monkeys, turtles and fish, avoid standing on coral, and never feed wild animals during your forest walks and snorkeling trips.
Dress Modestly Off the Beach
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so when in Stone Town or villages, wear tops that cover shoulders and avoid very short shorts or skirts; you can bring a light scarf or sarong to cover up between beach and town.
Bargain Politely in Markets
At souvenir and spice stalls, initial prices may be high; respond with a friendly counter‑offer and be prepared to walk away if it does not feel right, keeping the tone light and respectful.
Cash, Cards and ATMs
Carry some Tanzanian shillings for small purchases and markets, but expect that mid‑range restaurants and hotels will usually accept major cards; ATMs are concentrated around Stone Town and larger beach centers.
Connectivity and SIM Cards
Local SIM cards with data are inexpensive at the airport and in Stone Town; once outside main towns, speeds can drop, so download offline maps and keep essential info saved.
Tipping and Service Culture
Small tips for guides, boat crews and restaurant staff are appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% is common in restaurants if service is not already included.
Your Week Itinerary
Lukmaan Restaurant
Casual local favorite serving Swahili dishes like biryani, pilau and coconut curries; arrive a bit early for a table.
1h · $8-15 per personPuzzle Coffee Shop
Light breakfast with good coffee, juices and simple pastries or eggs in a calm courtyard setting.
45m · $6-10 per person
Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Restaurant
Multi‑course Swahili‑inspired set menu on a rooftop with sunset views over Stone Town’s minarets and sea.
2h · $30-45 per person
Stone Town Walking Tour
Guided walking tour through labyrinthine alleys, historic houses, carved doors, Old Fort, and key architectural landmarks of this UNESCO World Heritage site.[3][4]
2h 30m · $20-30
Old Fort and Forodhani Seafront
Explore the Old Fort courtyard, seafront promenade and harbor views, with time for casual photos along the waterfront.[4]
1h 30m · Free or small entry fee
Freddie Mercury Museum
Small museum in Mercury’s childhood home with photos and memorabilia about the Queen frontman’s early life in Zanzibar.[1][3][4]
1h · $8-12
Forodhani Night Food Market Stalls
Street market by the seafront serving grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizzas, sugarcane juice and skewers; walk around and pick what looks good.
1h 30m · $8-15 per person
6 Degrees South Grill & Wine Bar
Seafront restaurant with a mix of seafood, grills and Swahili‑inspired dishes plus sunset cocktails.
1h 30m · $20-35 per personStone Town Free Explore & Shopping
Unstructured time to wander alleys, photograph carved doors and shop small boutiques for fabrics, carvings, spices and souvenirs.
3h · Free (plus shopping)29 activities across 7 days
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