What will we see on the Stone Town walking tour?
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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 famous street food. It is a good introduction to the island's history and culture on your first day.
What happens on the Zanzibar spice plantation tour?
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On the morning of day two you visit a spice plantation to learn about Zanzibar's Spice Island heritage. You smell, taste and learn about cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg growing in their natural state. It is a relaxed, hands-on visit, followed after lunch by a drive to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.
Can we see the Zanzibar red colobus monkey?
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Yes, 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 moving through the mangrove and coral rag forest. It is one of the island's few wildlife experiences and a nice contrast to the beach days that follow.
Which beaches do we stay on in Zanzibar?
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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, sea turtles and tropical fish. Our Arusha team can suggest a beach resort to suit your style and add extra beach nights.
Where do we stay in Stone Town?
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Your first two nights are at a hotel in the heart 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.
What optional activities are there on the beach days?
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Day four is a free beach day, with optional paddle-boarding, scuba diving or deep-sea fishing if you want to be active. In the late afternoon you board a traditional wooden dhow for a sunset cruise along the coast, with fresh tropical juice and Swahili snacks on deck. Snorkelling on the house reef is also easy from the resort on day three.
Can I add Zanzibar to a Tanzania safari?
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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, handle the onward travel to Zanzibar and add beach days if you want more time. Tell us which parks you are visiting and your dates.
Where does the Zanzibar trip start and end?
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The trip starts and ends at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on Zanzibar. After arrival you transfer to your Stone Town hotel, and on the last day, after a final breakfast and swim, you transfer back to the airport. Depending on your flight time, there may be time for a village stop or a last browse in Stone Town's curio shops.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
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No fixed departure dates are listed, so ask us for dates. In general, 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. Our Arusha team can advise on timing, especially if you are combining Zanzibar with a safari.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar, and what should I pack?
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No separate visa is needed, because Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and the same Tanzanian tourist visa applies. Most visitors need one, available through the official eVisa portal or on arrival. Pack light cotton or linen clothes, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a sun hat and sandals, and in Stone Town dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for local customs.
How long is the Zanzibar Beach & Culture?
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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.
Which parks and places does the Zanzibar Beach & Culture visit?
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This trip visits Zanzibar Archipelago.
What is the group size on the Zanzibar Beach & Culture?
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It runs for groups of 2 to 12 travellers.
