4 Days Zanzibar Beach Holiday
A short, sweet Zanzibar escape: a night in historic Stone Town, a spice farm visit, then two relaxed nights on the white sands of Nungwi.
- Duration
- 4 days
- Route
- Zanzibar Airport – Stone Town – spice farm – Nungwi – Zanzibar Airport
- Start / end
- Starts and ends at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Zanzibar (ferry port pick-up also possible)
- Best time
- Zanzibar is warm year-round; the driest months are usually June to October and December to February, while the long rains typically fall from about March to May.
- Trip style
- Private transfers and guided tours; comfortable mid-range hotels with en-suite rooms, on a bed and breakfast basis in Stone Town and half board at the beach.
Tour overview
Short on time but craving the Indian Ocean? This four-day holiday gives you the best of Zanzibar in a compact package. Start in Stone Town, the island's historic heart, with time to wander its alleys and watch the sunset from the seafront, then head north to Nungwi for turquoise water, white sand and tropical sunsets.
On the way to the beach, stop at a spice farm to taste cloves, nutmeg and vanilla where they grow. Once at Nungwi, your time is your own: swim, snorkel, take a sunset dhow cruise or simply relax with a book under a palm tree.
It is a perfect add-on after a safari or Kilimanjaro climb, and suits couples, friends and families looking for an easy, well-organized island break.
Highlights
- One night in UNESCO-listed Stone Town
- Sunset and street food at Forodhani Gardens
- Spice farm tour on the way to the beach
- Two nights on Nungwi beach in the north
- Free time for swimming, snorkeling or a sunset dhow cruise
- All transfers arranged by private vehicle
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Zanzibar and Stone Town
Welcome to Zanzibar. Your driver meets you at the airport or ferry port and takes you on the short transfer of about 20 minutes to your hotel in Stone Town. After checking in and resting, head out with a local guide for an introductory walk through the old town's narrow lanes, past carved doors, the Old Fort and the seafront House of Wonders. As the sun sets, stroll to Forodhani Gardens, where food stalls grill seafood, Zanzibar pizza and sugarcane juice. The evening is free to enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant or simply relax.
Day 2Spice farm tour and transfer to Nungwi
After breakfast, check out and drive about 30 minutes inland to a working spice farm. Your farm guide shows you cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper and vanilla growing, with plenty of tasting along the way, followed by seasonal tropical fruit. Continue north for about 1 to 1.5 hours to Nungwi, at the island's northern tip, known for its clear water, white sand and lovely sunsets. Check in at your beach hotel, settle in and take your first swim in the Indian Ocean before dinner at the hotel.
Day 3Free day on Nungwi beach
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Swim at high tide, walk the beach toward Kendwa, or relax by the pool. Popular optional activities include a half-day snorkeling trip to the Mnemba Atoll conservation area, a visit to the Mnarani turtle aquarium, or a traditional dhow cruise at sunset with drinks on board. Nungwi village is also worth a stroll to see dhow builders at work on the beach. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel or try one of the seafront restaurants.
Day 4Departure from Zanzibar
Enjoy a final breakfast and a last morning swim, depending on your flight time. At the agreed time, your driver collects you from the hotel for the transfer of about 1 to 1.5 hours to Zanzibar Airport or the ferry port for your onward journey. If you have a late flight, we can arrange a day room or a stop in Stone Town for some last-minute shopping. This is the end of your Zanzibar beach holiday; we hope you leave relaxed and refreshed.
What is included
- Airport or ferry port pick-up and drop-off
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
- 3 nights' accommodation as listed or similar
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Guided Stone Town introductory walk
- Spice farm tour with guide and fruit tasting
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and tours
- Government hotel levies and taxes
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Visa and travel insurance
- Zanzibar's mandatory visitor insurance
- Lunches and drinks
- Optional excursions such as Mnemba snorkeling or sunset cruises
- Tips for drivers and guides
- Personal expenses
Good to know
- Zanzibar is a mostly Muslim island; cover shoulders and knees away from the beach.
- Nungwi has small tides compared to the east coast, so swimming is possible most of the day.
- Optional excursions can be booked in advance or arranged locally through us.
- Extra beach nights can easily be added.
Frequently asked questions
Can this holiday follow a safari?
Yes. Most guests fly from Arusha, Kilimanjaro or the Serengeti to Zanzibar after their safari, and we time the airport pick-up to your flight.
Why Nungwi rather than the east coast?
Nungwi has deeper water close to shore, so you can swim at most times of day, and it faces west for beautiful sunsets. We can switch to an east coast beach such as Kiwengwa or Paje on request.
Can we upgrade the hotels?
Yes. We can suggest boutique or luxury alternatives in both Stone Town and Nungwi to suit your style.
Similar tours
10 days10 Days Zanzibar Beach HolidayTen unhurried days exploring Zanzibar: Stone Town history, Nungwi sunsets, Mnemba snorkeling, Jozani's red colobus and the wide beaches of Paje.From $1,270 ppView tour →3 days3 Day Mafia Island Whale Shark TripFly to quiet Mafia Island to snorkel alongside gentle whale sharks, then explore the reefs and islands of Mafia Island Marine Park.From $760 ppView tour →
5 days5 Day Zanzibar Honeymoon EscapeStone Town romance, a sunset dhow cruise, three nights in a private pool villa, a couples' spa treatment and snorkeling the reefs of Mnemba Atoll.From $1,010 ppView tour →