Zanzibar, a captivating island in the Indian Ocean and a proud part of Tanzania, offers a truly exotic holiday destination. It boasts a rich history and culture, significantly influenced by diverse peoples and civilizations over centuries.
Key Facts About the Spice Island
- Crucially, Zanzibar is also famously known as Unguja or the Spice Island.
- Furthermore, while Zanzibar joined with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania, it retains its own semi-autonomous government.
- Geographically, the island covers an area of approximately 600 square miles (1,554 square km), supporting a population of about 713,000 people.
Ultimately, if you are looking for a relaxing and exotic holiday that blends cultural depth with pristine natural beauty, Zanzibar provides the perfect escape. Book your unforgettable Zanzibar holiday today.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Immediately upon landing at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, a friendly representative from Superior African Safari will warmly greet you. Subsequently, you will take a short drive to Stone Town, also known as Zanzibar City and the island’s largest urban center.
The Dhow Palace Experience
First, we check you in at the historic Dhow Palace Hotel, located right in the heart of the action. This hotel, a former mansion, has successfully retained its stately elegance and historical character, making it the ideal base for the next few days. Afterward, you gain the afternoon at your leisure.
Afternoon Leisure and Cuisine
Therefore, you should use this time to explore the nearby bustling markets and try your first authentic taste of Zanzibar’s famously spicy cuisine.
Day 2: Stone Town Visit
First, start your day by watching the stunning sunrise from the rooftop terrace of the Dhow Palace Hotel. Following this, we join a fascinating walking tour of Stone Town to get a firsthand look at its distinctive mosques, historical forts, lively marketplaces, and narrow streets lined with colorful shops. Crucially, because traditional vehicle traffic is largely absent, Stone Town offers one of the world’s most rewarding cities to explore entirely on foot.
Afternoon Cruise to Prison Island
Later this afternoon, we take a short cruise to nearby Changuu, also known as Prison Island. The island originally earned its name from a prison the British once constructed here, though they ultimately utilized the facility as a medical quarantine center instead.
However, the island now serves as a protected refuge for Zanzibar’s endangered giant tortoises. Therefore, our visit affords you the excellent opportunity to both photograph and hand-feed these colossal reptiles.
Day 3: Jozan Forest walk & Dolphin watching
Our adventure in Zanzibar continues this morning with an exciting quick jaunt to the fishing town of Kizimkazi. Immediately, we hop aboard a small boat to search the waters for playful bottlenose dolphins. Watching these intelligent mammals at play is always a treat, and you might even get the thrilling chance to swim alongside them!
Trekking through Jozani Forest
After we dry off, we next head north to the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, famously known as the Jozani Forest. Zanzibar’s only national park, this area serves as a prime example of what makes this Tanzanian paradise so ecologically special. In the company of an experienced guide, you will trek through the rain-forest in active search of brightly colored birds, striking butterflies, and the rare, endemic red colobus monkeys.
Finally, this evening, we return to the Dhow Palace Hotel to enjoy one last night immersed in the unique atmosphere of Stone Town.
Day 4: Safari Blue Dhow Cruise
On our final morning in Stone Town, we embark upon one of the island’s most popular activities: a spectacular cruise in a traditional Arabian dhow. These distinctive sailboats, easily identified by their triangular sails, gracefully skim the waters just offshore.
The Safari Blue Excursion
Specifically, we join a local tour operator, The Safari Blue, to enjoy our own unforgettable sailing excursion. Initially, you visit nearby deserted islands and drift through atmospheric mangrove swamps. Furthermore, you can actively snorkel amongst vibrant stands of coral teeming with tropical fish. To cap off this amazing tour, we will enjoy a mouthwatering seafood buffet, expertly prepared and cooked right on the beach.
Farewell Stone Town and Hello Nungwi
Later this afternoon, we bid a fond farewell to historic Stone Town and strike out for the northernmost tip of Unguja: the tranquil fishing village of Nungwi. Finally, your accommodations for the next few nights will be at the ocean-facing Amaan Beach Bungalows, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and coastal charm.
Day 5: Nungwi Beach & Ocean Exploration
Today, you enjoy the stunning location of your beachside bungalow to its fullest! First, after a hearty breakfast, take your leisure on the white sands of Zanzibar’s most beautiful coastline. Spend your morning soaking up the sun and watching the elegant dhows drift back and forth across the waves. Indeed, if you seek rest and relaxation, Nungwi presents a dream come true.
Optional Ocean Adventure
Alternatively, if you prefer something more exciting, we can easily arrange a scuba diving or snorkeling tour departing from Jambo Square. Below the surface, an entire world of vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish awaits you. Furthermore, especially lucky swimmers may even encounter playful dolphins or majestic humpback whales!
Sunset and Evening Tranquility
After dinner, you can choose to take a refreshing evening dip in the pool or simply watch the sun dramatically set over the still waters of the Indian Ocean.
Day 6: Leisure,Spice farm Visit & Coastal Relaxation
With no prearranged activities, this is another languid, unhurried day on Tanzania’s Island of Spice. Initially, you can spend your time reading a captivating book by the water or simply watching residents and visitors stroll across the picturesque sands.
Optional Adventures and Cultural Immersion
To break up your day, we can always book another sailing or snorkeling expedition. Alternatively, another excellent option exists right here in Nungwi: touring a local spice farm.
Aromatic and tasty spices, including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, and lemongrass, are actively cultivated on various farms just on the outskirts of town. We can easily arrange a visit to one of them, allowing you to learn firsthand how these spices are grown, harvested, and cooked—ultimately becoming an indispensable part of Zanzibar’s famous cuisine.
However you choose to spend your day, we will return to the Amaan Beach Bungalows in the evening for one more magical night.
Day 7: Departure
After watching a final, breathtaking sunrise from the northernmost point of Unguja, it is finally time to take your reluctant departure from the glittering beaches of Nungwi.
Subsequently, your dedicated guide will comfortably transport you to the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, ensuring you arrive well in time for your outgoing flight. We sincerely hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your unforgettable sojourn in Zanzibar with us, and we eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you back once again.
