Quick answer: For 7 days, spend 2 nights in Stone Town (old town, Prison Island, spice tour), then 3 nights in Nungwi or Kendwa and 2 nights in Paje or Michamvi. With 5 days, do 1–2 nights in Stone Town and the rest on one beach. With 10 days, add Mnemba snorkelling, Safari Blue and plenty of beach time.
Day 1: Arrive in Stone Town
- Transfer from the airport (15–20 minutes). See Zanzibar airport transfers.
- Walk the old town alleys in the late afternoon.
- Sunset drinks on a rooftop, then dinner at the Forodhani night market.
Day 2: Stone Town tours
- Morning: guided Stone Town walk: the former slave market and cathedral, Darajani Market, the Old Fort.
- Afternoon: boat to Prison Island for the giant tortoises, or a spice farm tour.
- Evening: dinner in a rooftop restaurant.
Days 3–5: The north (Nungwi or Kendwa)
- Transfer north (about 1–1.5 hours), with a stop at Jozani Forest if you’re going via the east.
- Swim at any tide, take a sunset dhow cruise and snorkel at Mnemba Atoll.
- Visit the Mnarani turtle aquarium in Nungwi village.
Days 6–7: The east coast (Paje or Michamvi)
- Learn to kitesurf in Paje, or relax on the long white beaches.
- Lunch or dinner at The Rock (book ahead and check the tide).
- Walk on the sandbanks at low tide.
Days 8–10 (if you have more time)
- Full-day Safari Blue trip in Menai Bay.
- Jozani Forest and the mangrove boardwalk.
- A day trip to Mafia or Pemba Island for diving, or simply more beach time.
Itinerary at a glance
| Trip length | Plan |
|---|---|
| 5 days | 2 nights Stone Town + 3 nights Nungwi or Kendwa |
| 7 days | 2 Stone Town + 3 north + 2 east coast |
| 10 days | 2 Stone Town + 4 north + 4 east coast with day trips |
Combine with a safari
Many travellers start with 4–7 days on safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire, then fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar to relax. Domestic flights take about 1–1.5 hours.
Tips
- Check tide times on the east coast: at low tide the sea can be hundreds of metres away.
- Book transfers through your hotel or a trusted driver and agree the price in advance.
- Choose your beach with where to stay in Zanzibar.
More Zanzibar guides
- Zanzibar travel guide
- 15 best things to do in Zanzibar
- Where to stay in Zanzibar
- Best time to visit Zanzibar
- Zanzibar airport transfers
- Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar ferry
- Tanzania visa and Zanzibar insurance
FAQ: Zanzibar itinerary
Is one week enough in Zanzibar?
Yes. It’s enough for Stone Town, a few tours and two different beaches.
Should I stay in Stone Town or on the beach?
Both: 1–2 nights in Stone Town for culture, then the beach for relaxing.
Which side of Zanzibar is best?
The north is best for swimming and sunsets; the east is quieter and better for kitesurfing.
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