The Ultimate Zanzibar Itinerary: 7 Days in Paradise

Zanzibar is the kind of place that stays with you forever—where the ocean glows turquoise, the air smells like cloves and salt, and every sunset looks like a painting. But with so much to see, how do you plan the perfect Zanzibar itinerary?

After multiple trips to this Indian Ocean gem, I've crafted the ideal 7-day Zanzibar itinerary that mixes adventure, culture, and pure relaxation.

7 Days Zanzibar Itinerary

Table of contents

• 7 Days Zanzibar Itinerary
• Zanzibar Itinerary
• Final Tips for Your Zanzibar Itinerary
• Zanzibar Itinerary: In Conclusion

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Whether you're a honeymooner, solo traveler, or family, this guide covers:

• The best beaches & hidden gems
• Where to stay (with exclusive booking deals!
• Cultural must-dos in Stone Town
• How to swim with sea turtles (my favorite experience!)

Let's dive into your dream Zanzibar itinerary!

Zanzibar Itinerary

Let's dive into my best 7 days Zanzibar Itinerary, I will share everything I know to make sure you enjoy your adventure in this paradise.

Zanzibar Itinerary: Days 1-2: Stone Town – Where History Comes Alive

No Zanzibar itinerary is complete without immersing yourself in Stone Town's enchanting blend of Swahili, Arab, and European influences. This UNESCO-listed labyrinth of coral stone buildings and spice-scented alleyways deserves at least two full days to explore properly. Here's exactly how to make the most of your time:

Morning of Day 1: Historic Landmarks & Culture

8:30 AM – Breakfast at Zanzibar Coffee House
Start your day at this charming café in a 19th-century building. Order their famous spiced coffee and mandazi (Swahili donuts) on the rooftop terrace.

10:00 AM – Walking Tour of Stone Town
Hire a local guide (or join a group tour) to uncover hidden stories behind:

• The Old Fort (a 17th-century Portuguese fortress)
• House of Wonders (Zanzibar's first building with electricity)
• Freddie Mercury's Birthplace (the Queen singer was born here!)
• Darajani Bazaar – The vibrant market where locals shop for spices, seafood, and tropical fruits

Look up! The intricate Zanzibari doors (over 500 remain) tell stories through their carvings—Indian doors have floral patterns, Omani doors feature geometric designs.

Afternoon of Day 1: Beaches & Sunset

1:00 PM – Lunch at Lukmaan Restaurant
Try authentic Zanzibari dishes like urojo soup (spicy mango curry) or octopus curry with coconut rice.

3:00 PM – Relax at Forodhani Gardens Beach
Dip your toes in the ocean at this small but lively beach right in Stone Town.

5:30 PM – Sunset Dhow Cruise
Book a 2-hour sail on a traditional wooden dhow. Sip fresh coconut water as the sun melts into the Indian Ocean.

7:30 PM – Forodhani Night Market
Return to Forodhani Gardens when it transforms into a foodie paradise. Must-tries:

• Zanzibar pizza (stuffed with meat, egg, and veggies)
• Grilled lobster with garlic sauce
• Sugar cane juice with ginger

Day 2: Slave History & Spice Immersion

8:00 AM – Breakfast at Emerson Spice Tea House
Their rooftop offers stunning views over the city with a Swahili breakfast spread.

9:30 AM – Slave Market Tour
A sobering but essential visit to:

• Anglican Cathedral (built over the old slave market)
• Slave Chambers (underground cells where enslaved people were held)
  Your guide will explain Zanzibar’s dark but pivotal role in the East African slave trade.

11:30 AM – Spice Tour
Head to a working spice farm (20-min drive from town). Smell, taste, and learn about:

• Cloves (Zanzibar was once the world’s #1 producer)
• Vanilla (see how it grows on vines)
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper
  You’ll leave with a handmade spice bouquet!

2:00 PM – Lunch at Tea House Restaurant
Dine in a 150-year-old merchant’s house with breezy rooftop views.

4:00 PM – Prison Island Excursion
Take a short boat ride to this historic island to:

• See giant Aldabra tortoises (some over 100 years old!)
• Snorkel in crystal-clear waters
• Explore abandoned prison ruins

7:00 PM – Dinner at Emerson on Hurumzi
Splurge on a rooftop Swahili feast with live taarab music. Reserve ahead!

Pro Tips for Stone Town

• Wear modest clothing (shoulders/knees covered when not at the beach)
• Carry small USD bills (widely accepted, but change is scarce)
• Bargain politely at markets (start at 50% of asking price)
• Download offline maps – Google Maps gets confused in the alleys!

These two days will leave you enchanted by Zanzibar’s living history. Next up: beach paradise!

Continue reading: Days 3-4: North & East Coast Beaches & Turtles

Stone Town doesn’t just tell history—it lets you walk through it, taste it, and breathe it in with every spice-filled breeze.

Days 3-4: North & East Coast – Beaches & Turtles

After soaking up Stone Town's culture, it's time for Zanzibar's world-famous beaches and marine adventures. These two days will take you to the island's most breathtaking coastlines, where turquoise waters meet powder-soft sand, and sea turtles glide through coral gardens.

Day 3: North Coast (Nungwi & Kendwa) – The Classic Zanzibar Beach Experience

Morning: Beach Bliss & Snorkeling

7:30 AM – Sunrise at Kendwa Beach
Start your day with a quiet walk along Kendwa's mile-long stretch of white sand, famous for its tidal consistency (swimmable any time of day). Grab fresh passion fruit juice from a beach shack.

9:00 AM – Breakfast at The Rock Restaurant (on the way north)
Stop at this iconic oceanfront restaurant (yes, the one on the tiny island!) for coconut pancakes with tropical fruit.

10:30 AM – Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling Trip
Book a private boat (better than crowded tours) to this marine sanctuary where you'll:

• Swim with wild dolphins (early morning sightings are most reliable)
• Snorkel in coral gardens bursting with parrotfish, clownfish, and eagle rays
• Float above the "Aquarium" (a shallow reef teeming with life)

Pro Tip: Bring an underwater camera! Many boats include GoPro rentals.

Afternoon: Nungwi Village & Sunset

1:30 PM – Lunch at Cholo's Beach Bar
Try their famous octopus curry while lounging on daybeds right on the sand.

3:00 PM – Visit the Nungwi Turtle Sanctuary
At Mnarani Natural Aquarium, you can:

• Learn about sea turtle conservation
• Feed rescued green turtles by hand
• Snorkel with juvenile turtles in their lagoon enclosure

5:30 PM – Sunset Dhow Sailing
Join a traditional wooden dhow from Kendwa Rocks Hotel (the best sunset spot) with cocktails served onboard.

7:30 PM – Moonlight Beach Dinner at Essque Zalu
Indulge in a seafood platter under the stars at this luxury resort's beachfront tables.

Day 4: East Coast (Paje & Jambiani) – Kite Surfing & Culture

Morning: Adventure & Local Life

7:00 AM – Sunrise Kite Surfing (or Learning) in Paje
The east coast's constant trade winds (June-Aug & Dec-Feb) make it a kiteboarding mecca. Options:

• Beginners: 2-hour lesson at Kite Center Zanzibar (~$70)
• Experienced: Rent gear and ride the waves

10:00 AM – Jambiani Village Walk
Stroll through this fishing village to see:

• Seaweed farms (women harvest it daily at low tide)
• Traditional makuti-thatched houses
• Local craftsmen carving dhow boats

Afternoon: The Rock & Secret Beaches

12:30 PM – Lunch at The Rock Restaurant
Time for that iconic Instagram moment! Book ahead for a table on the tiny islet. Try their lobster linguine.

2:30 PM – Paje Beach Relaxation
Claim a hammock at Kae Funk Beach Lounge or try stand-up paddleboarding in the shallow lagoon.

4:00 PM – Kuza Cave Swimming
A hidden gem! Swim in this natural freshwater cave with stunning light beams. Less crowded than the famous "Blue Lagoon."

6:00 PM – Sunset at Michamvi Pingwe
Head to The Sands Hotel's beach bar for sundowners with the best view of the sun setting over the sea (rare on the east coast).

Where to Stay: North vs. East Coast

North Coast (Nungwi/Kendwa) – Best for:

• Vibrant beach scene
• Calm swimming waters year-round
• Luxury resorts

Top Picks:

• Luxury: The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive → Book via Booking.com
• Boutique: Zuri Zanzibar (eco-chic bungalows) → Booking.com rates
• Budget: Kendwa Rocks (beachfront bungalows) → Booking.com deals

East Coast (Paje/Jambiani) – Best for:

• Kite surfing/windsurfing
• Cultural immersion
• Fewer crowds

Top Picks:

• Luxury: The Palms (private villas) → Booking.com
• Boutique: Paje Beach Lodge (bohemian vibe) → Booking.com
• Budget: Coral Rock (cliffside views) → Booking.com

Pro Tips for Beach Days

• Tides Matter: East coast beaches can disappear at high tide—plan activities accordingly.
• Cash for Beach Massages: $10 gets you an hour-long coconut oil massage under a palm tree.
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Mandatory to protect Zanzibar's coral reefs.

Don’t Miss: The full guide to swimming with Zanzibar’s sea turtles → Sea Turtles in Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s beaches don’t just dazzle your eyes—they awaken your soul with their rhythm of crashing waves, rustling palms, and fishermen’s songs at dusk.

Day 5: Spice Tour & Jozani Forest – A Sensory Journey into Zanzibar’s Heart

After days of beaches and ocean adventures, Day 5 of your Zanzibar itinerary takes you inland to experience the island’s lush, fragrant soul. This is where Zanzibar’s nickname, the “Spice Island,” comes to life—through winding spice plantations and a mystical forest teeming with rare wildlife.

Here’s how to make the most of this immersive day:

Morning: Spice Farm Tour – A Feast for the Senses

7:30 AM – Breakfast with a View

Start early at Stone Town Café with their famous spiced coffee and coconut bread, fueling up for a day of exploration.

8:30 AM – Guided Spice Tour (3-4 Hours)

Head to a working spice farm (most are a 30-minute drive from Stone Town). Your guide—often a local farmer—will lead you through dense groves, letting you touch, smell, and taste the spices that made Zanzibar famous.

Highlights:

• Cloves – Zanzibar was once the world’s largest producer. Learn how they’re harvested and dried.
• Vanilla – See how vanilla orchids grow and why Zanzibar’s vanilla is so aromatic.
• Cinnamon – Peel fresh bark straight from the tree and taste its sweetness.
• Nutmeg & Mace – Discover how one fruit produces two distinct spices.
• Turmeric & Cardamom – Key ingredients in Zanzibari cuisine.

Interactive Fun:

• Try climbing a coconut palm (locals make it look easy!)
• Taste fresh jackfruit, lychee, and starfruit straight from the trees
• Get a “spice crown” woven from palm leaves and flowers

Best Spice Farms to Visit:

• Kidichi Spice Farm (most famous, near Stone Town)
• Kizimbani Spice Estate (less touristy, more authentic)

Buy spices directly from the farm—they’re fresher and cheaper than in town!

Afternoon: Jozani Forest – Into the Wild

1:00 PM – Lunch at a Local Swahili Café

Stop at a roadside mama’s kitchen for pilau rice (cooked with spices from the farm) and grilled red snapper.

2:30 PM – Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

This 50-square-kilometer forest is Zanzibar’s only national park and home to its most famous residents: the endangered red colobus monkeys.

What to Experience:

• Red Colobus Monkeys – These playful, ginger-furred primates are found nowhere else on Earth. Guides will help you spot them leaping through the trees.
• Mangrove Boardwalk – A serene 30-minute walk through towering mangroves, where you might spot crab-eating sykes monkeys and rare birds.
• Peek into the Forest Floor – Look for chameleons, bushbabies, and giant millipedes.
• Guided Tour Essential: A park ranger (included in the entry fee) will explain the ecosystem and point out wildlife you’d easily miss alone.

Evening: Sunset & Relaxation

5:00 PM – Return to Your Hotel or Beach

Head back to your resort for a spice-infused cocktail (try a clove mojito or cardamom gin tonic).

7:00 PM – Dinner at Spice Fusion Restaurant (Stone Town or Paje)

Savor a Swahili fusion feast where every dish incorporates the spices you learned about:

• Coconut-crusted octopus with turmeric aioli
• Clove-infused chocolate dessert

Pro Tips for Day 5

• Wear closed-toe shoes (forest paths can be muddy, and spice farms have ants).
• Bring small USD bills for tips and buying spices.
• Monkeys are wild! Don’t touch or feed them.
• Best time for photos: Late afternoon light in Jozani is magical.

Why This Day is a Must in Your Zanzibar Itinerary

This isn’t just a tour—it’s a full sensory immersion into what makes Zanzibar unique. From the perfume of fresh cinnamon bark to the playful chatter of rare monkeys, Day 5 connects you to the island’s land, history, and flavors in a way beaches alone can’t.

Next Up: Day 6-7: Hidden Gems & Ultimate Relaxation

Zanzibar’s spices don’t just flavor its food—they tell stories of sultans, sailors, and a trade that once ruled the world

Days 6-7: Relaxation & Hidden Gems – Zanzibar’s Best-Kept Secrets

After days of adventure, spice tours, and turtle encounters, it’s time to slow down and discover Zanzibar’s quieter, more exclusive side. These final two days are all about barefoot luxury, hidden beaches, and unforgettable sunsets—the perfect way to end your Zanzibar itinerary.

Day 6: Private Island Escape & Underwater Wonders

Morning: Chumbe Island Coral Park (A Marine Sanctuary)

7:30 AM – Boat Transfer to Chumbe
This eco-reserve and private island (just 30 mins from Stone Town) is a protected marine park with:

• Pristine coral reef (some of the best snorkeling in Zanzibar)
• Historic lighthouse (panoramic Indian Ocean views)
• Only 7 eco-bungalows (no day-trippers = total serenity)

What to Do:

• Guided snorkeling among 300+ fish species and rare corals
• Forest walk to see coconut crabs (the world’s largest land crab!)
• Lunch on the beach (fresh seafood grilled over coconut husks)

How to Visit:

• Day trip (book through WayAway)
• Overnight (ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience → Trip.com)

Afternoon: Michamvi Peninsula’s Secret Beaches

3:30 PM – Visit the "Tides of Paje"
At low tide, walk 500 meters into the ocean on sandbars near The Rock Restaurant.

5:00 PM – Sunset at The Secret Beach (Kizimkazi Dimbani)
A local fisherman might show you this hidden cove where dolphins often swim close to shore.

7:30 PM – Starlit Dinner at The Cave (Paje)
Dine inside a natural oceanfront cave lit by lanterns. Book weeks ahead!

Day 7: Luxury Relaxation & Cultural Farewell

Morning: Spa Day with Ocean Views

9:00 AM – Floating Massage at Essque Zalu
Their overwater treatment rooms let you hear waves beneath you as you unwind.

11:00 AM – Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga (Paje)
Find your balance on crystal-clear waters with Kite Center Zanzibar.

Afternoon: Final Cultural Touches

1:00 PM – Lunch at Emerson Spice’s Secret Garden
A tranquil courtyard serving slow-cooked Swahili dishes.

3:00 PM – Dhow Sailing with Local Fishermen
Help raise the sails on a traditional wooden dhow (tip: bring USD 10 for fresh coconut rewards).

5:30 PM – Sunset at Kendwa Rocks
Toast your trip with a spiced rum cocktail as drummers play.

Pro Tips for Days 6-7

• Pack reef shoes for Chumbe’s coral walks
• Bring a waterproof phone case for cave dining
• Book The Cave & spa treatments early

Final Thought: "Zanzibar’s magic isn’t just in its places—it’s in the moments between them: the spice-scented breeze, the fisherman’s wave, the last golden light on the sea."

Missed something? Here’s our full Sea Turtles in Zanzibar guide!

Final Tips for Your Zanzibar Itinerary

• Best time to visit: June-Oct (dry season)
• Getting around: Taxis & private drivers
• Don’t miss: Sunset dhow cruise

Ready to book?

• Find flights & hotels on Trip.com
• Best Zanzibar deals on WayAway

Zanzibar Itinerary: In Conclusion

After seven unforgettable days exploring Zanzibar's beaches, spice farms, and hidden gems, you’ll leave with more than just a tan—you’ll take home the scent of cloves, the taste of fresh seafood, and memories of sunsets that look like liquid gold.

Why This Itinerary Works

• Balanced pacing – Mixes adventure (snorkeling, spice tours) with relaxation (private beaches, spa days)
• Authentic experiences – From Stone Town’s alleys to swimming with turtles in Mnemba
• Local secrets – Includes off-the-radar spots like Kuza Cave and Kizimkazi’s secret beach

One Last Thing…

If you do just ONE activity from this itinerary, make it swimming with sea turtles—it’s pure magic.

Zanzibar doesn’t just change your passport stamps—it changes how you see the world. From spice-filled breezes to ocean blues you never knew existed, this island stays with you long after you leave.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments—I’m happy to help plan your dream trip!

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If you have any questions, leave a comment below or send me a message!