7 Days Zanzibar Beach Holidays
A full week in Zanzibar covering Stone Town, a Kizimbani spice tour, Jozani Forest, dolphin spotting at Matemwe and snorkeling near Bawe Island.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Route
- Zanzibar Airport – Stone Town – Kizimbani – Jozani Forest – Matemwe – Bawe Island – Stone Town – Zanzibar Airport
- Start / end
- Starts and ends at Zanzibar Airport.
- Best time
- Zanzibar can be visited year-round, though the dry months from June to October and December to February usually offer the best conditions for snorkeling and boat trips.
- Trip style
- A week-long beach and culture holiday with hotel accommodation, airport transfers and guided excursions in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
Tour overview
Planning a Zanzibar beach trip and wondering how to spend a week on the island? Our 7 Days Zanzibar Beach Holidays itinerary brings together the most important things to do in Zanzibar in just one week, so you do not have to spend hours searching for information online.
This coastal cultural tour and beach holiday combines historic Stone Town, the spice plantations of Kizimbani, the mangroves of Jozani Forest, dolphin spotting and snorkeling off Matemwe, and a sandbank excursion near Bawe Island, with time left over for relaxing and souvenir shopping.
Highlights
- Guided Stone Town city tour with the House of Wonders and Sultan's Palace
- Kizimbani spice tour, Kidichi Persian Baths and Maruhubi Palace ruins
- Jozani Forest walk and mangrove swamp exploration
- Dolphin spotting and snorkeling from Matemwe Beach
- Coral reef snorkeling near Bawe Island and a sandbank visit
- Free time for souvenir shopping on your last day
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Flight to Zanzibar
Upon arrival in Zanzibar, our representative will warmly greet you and transfer you to your choice of accommodation, either Dhow Palace Hotel in Stone Town or Karafuu Resort. Take time to settle in and enjoy your first impressions of the island, then enjoy a delightful dinner and an overnight stay, immersing yourself in the charm of Zanzibar.
Day 2Zanzibar City Tour
After breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel for a city tour of Stone Town. Experience the vibrant culture of Zanzibar as you visit the famous House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace, the old museum and the bustling old market. Explore the cathedral church and the historic Old Dispensary, stroll through the charming alleys, interact with the locals and savor the aroma of coffee and spices. There is also time to browse the many shops of Stone Town.
Day 3Zanzibar Spice Tour
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up and transferred to Kizimbani Village for the Spice Tour. See cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg and turmeric growing in the plantations, taste tropical fruits like jackfruit, custard apple and rambutan, and learn about plants such as the henna bush, lipstick tree and lemongrass. Visit the Kidichi Persian Baths and the Maruhubi Palace ruins for a glimpse into Zanzibar's history. Enjoy a delicious lunch before being transferred to Pakachi Beach Hotel for leisure.
Day 4Exploring Jozani Forest
After a hearty breakfast, your guide will accompany you to Jozani Forest. This unique experience offers fantastic photo opportunities and sightings of rare forest creatures, and our knowledgeable guides, passionate nature enthusiasts, will share fascinating information along the way. Explore the mangrove swamp and take a leisurely stroll through the mangrove forest. Afterward, enjoy some free time for spontaneous adventures before heading back to Stone Town.
Day 5Matemwe Beach and Dolphin Encounter
Following breakfast, your guide will escort you to Matemwe Beach for a 15-minute boat ride. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins as the boat makes a short diversion to spot these incredible creatures, and if you are lucky, you might even swim alongside them. Next, enjoy a snorkeling session in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Relax on the beach, savor fresh fruit and take in the breathtaking surroundings before returning to Nungwi.
Day 6Snorkeling and Island Exploration
After breakfast, get ready for a snorkeling trip near Bawe Island, where you can admire the colorful coral reefs and tropical fish beneath the clear waters. After about an hour of snorkeling, sail to a picturesque sandbank where you can observe the birdlife. Return to Stone Town in the afternoon and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Day 7Souvenir Shopping and Departure
Your last day in Zanzibar is your own. Use the time to shop for souvenirs and mementos of your journey, and take in the sights and sounds of the island one last time. At the agreed time, our team will ensure a smooth transfer to the airport for your flight home, concluding your 7 Days Zanzibar Beach Holidays.
What is included
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Return airport-hotel transfers
- Transport during excursions in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Entrance fees
- Drinking water during excursions
- Professional driver-guide
- All taxes and VAT
Not included
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Meals other than those mentioned
- Tours and activities other than those mentioned above
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and telephone calls
- Flights
Good to know
- You can choose between Dhow Palace Hotel and Karafuu Resort for the first nights of the trip.
- Dolphin sightings near Matemwe are likely but never guaranteed, and swimming with them depends on conditions.
- Bring swimwear, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen for the boat and snorkeling days.
- Flights, visas and travel insurance are not included in the package.
Frequently asked questions
Where will I stay during the 7 days?
The first nights are at your choice of Dhow Palace Hotel or Karafuu Resort, and on Day 3 you transfer to Pakachi Beach Hotel. Let us know your preference when you request a quote.
Will I definitely see dolphins?
The boat from Matemwe Beach makes a short diversion to look for dolphins, and with luck you may even swim alongside them. As they are wild animals, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Are flights included?
No. Flights are not included, but return airport-hotel transfers in Zanzibar are, along with excursion transport, entrance fees and a professional driver-guide.
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