Zanzibar Beach & Culture

The afternoon walking tour takes you through the narrow alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Sultan's Palace and the spice bazaars. The evening ends at Forodhani Night Market, where you can try Zanzibar's street food. It's a good introduction to the island's history on your first day.

On the morning of day two you visit a spice plantation to learn why Zanzibar is called the Spice Island. You smell, taste and learn about cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg growing in their natural state. It's a relaxed, hands-on visit, followed after lunch by a drive to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.

There's a good chance. The afternoon of day two is at Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home of the Zanzibar red colobus, a monkey found nowhere else on earth. You look for them in the mangrove and coral rag forest. It's one of the island's few wildlife outings and a nice contrast to the beach days that follow.

You stay on the north coast, at either Nungwi or Kendwa beach, known for turquoise water and white sand. The north coast has some of the island's best reefs, and you can snorkel the house reef close to shore among coral and tropical fish. Our Arusha team can suggest a beach resort to suit your style and add extra beach nights.

Your first two nights are at a hotel in the centre of Stone Town, so the old town and Forodhani Night Market are easy to reach on foot. The hotel is chosen with you, and our Arusha team can suggest options to suit your budget and style. On day three you move to a beach resort on the north coast.

Yes. This trip works well on its own or after a safari on the mainland, as a few days of rest by the sea. Our Arusha team can connect your safari with the island, arrange the onward travel to Zanzibar and add beach days if you want more time. Tell us which parks you're visiting and your dates.

The drier months, roughly June to October and December to February, are the most popular for beach time, with good conditions for snorkelling. The long rains around April and May bring heavier showers. There are no fixed departure dates, so ask us for yours, especially if you're combining Zanzibar with a safari.

No separate visa is needed. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the Tanzanian tourist visa applies, available through the official eVisa portal or on arrival. Pack light cotton or linen clothes, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a sun hat and sandals. In Stone Town, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for local customs.

The Zanzibar Beach & Culture is 5 days and 4 nights. The day-by-day itinerary on this page shows where you go and stay each day.

This trip visits Zanzibar Archipelago.

It runs for groups of 2 to 12 travellers.