Zanzibar, Tanzania · Route map
Zanzibar's Historic Streets and Idyllic Beaches
Focusing exclusively on the archipelago allows you to deeply experience Zanzibar's rich Swahili history and pristine coastlines without the rush of mainland transit.
- 1
Stone Town
3 nights
Atmospheric winding alleys and rich spice history
- 2
Jambiani
3 nights
Laid-back local village life and turquoise waters
- ✦2 stops · 6 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to Historic Stone Town
Arrive into Zanzibar International Airport
Flight · Morning · Zanzibar Airport
Land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Private transfer to Stone Town
Transfer · Afternoon · Stone Town
A short 15-minute drive into the heart of the old city.
Keep small bills handy for the local porters who navigate the narrow alleys with your bags.
Orientation walk through the ancient labyrinth
Excursion · Afternoon · Stone Town
Skip the maps and let yourself get lost; every corner reveals a carved Omani door.
Overnight in Stone Town
Accommodation · Evening · Stone Town
Sultans, Spices, and Street Food
Historical walking tour of Stone Town
Excursion · Morning · Stone Town
Visit the Anglican Cathedral, slave market site, and Palace Museum.
Ask your guide to point out the subtle differences between Indian and Arabic door carvings.
Sensory spice tour at Tangawizi farm
Excursion · Afternoon · Kidichi Forest
Touch, smell, and taste fresh cloves, nutmeg, and lemongrass.
Buy the fresh vanilla pods here; they are incredibly fragrant and much cheaper than at home.
Local street food at Forodhani Gardens
Excursion · Evening · Stone Town Front
Avoid the seafood skewers on display and queue where locals buy Zanzibar pizzas or Urojo soup.
Overnight in Stone Town
Accommodation · Evening · Stone Town
Mangroves and Untouched Islets
Traditional dhow sail to Prison Island
Excursion · Morning · Changuu Island
Board a wooden boat to meet the giant Aldabra tortoises.
Go early at 8:30 AM to feed the tortoises before the mid-day crowds arrive.
Relaxed afternoon around Jaw's Corner
At leisure · Afternoon · Stone Town
Sip a tiny cup of strong, ginger-spiced black coffee with the elders playing checkers.
Overnight in Stone Town
Accommodation · Evening · Stone Town
Through the Forest to Jambiani
Scenic transfer to the southeast coast
Transfer · Morning · Zanzibar Island
Travel across the island from west to east.
Guided walk in Jozani Chwaka Forest
Excursion · Morning · Jozani Forest
Search for the rare, endemic Red Colobus monkeys.
Do not touch the monkeys, but look closely at their unique pink-lipped faces.
First swim on Jambiani’s powder sands
At leisure · Afternoon · Jambiani Beach
Jambiani has a dramatic tide; enjoy the massive shallow lagoon when the water recedes.
Overnight in Jambiani
Accommodation · Evening · Jambiani
Local Seaweed and Coastal Rhythms
Join seaweed farmers at low tide
Excursion · Morning · Jambiani Beach
Walk out with local women to learn about seaweed harvesting.
Wear hard-soled water shoes to protect your feet from sea urchins in the shallows.
Lazy beach walks and palm shade
At leisure · Afternoon · Jambiani
Buy fresh coconut water from the local boys climbing palms right on the beach.
Overnight in Jambiani
Accommodation · Evening · Jambiani
Sailing and Coral Reef Snorkelling
Snorkel safari by wooden Ngalawa outrigger
Excursion · Morning · Jambiani Reef
Sail to the outer reef barrier with a local fisherman.
The handmade wooden outriggers offer a beautifully quiet, motor-free sailing experience.
Sunset beers on the beach front
At leisure · Afternoon · Jambiani
The tiny beach bars here serve ice-cold Safari and Kilimanjaro lager with sand underfoot.
Overnight in Jambiani
Accommodation · Evening · Jambiani
Farewell to the Spice Island
Depart Jambiani for Zanzibar Airport
Transfer · Morning · Zanzibar Airport
A cross-island drive back to the airport terminal.
Depart Zanzibar International Airport
Flight · Afternoon · Zanzibar Airport
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