Zanzibar Town-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Abeid Aman Karume International Airport in Zanzibar Town
  • 9:00 AM: Check-in at Hotel Dhow Palace or similar, a beautiful hotel with a rich history and stunning views of the sea.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), a 17th-century Portuguese fort that now serves as a cultural center. Explore its impressive architecture and learn about Zanzibar’s history.
  • 12:30 PM: Head to Forodhani Night Market, a bustling night market that offers delicious seafood, fresh fruits, and local snacks. Try some grilled lobster or fish, and don’t forget to try the coconut water!
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Seafood Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the sea.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at Forodhani Night Market.
    • Try to avoid eating at restaurants with a lot of flies, as they might be a sign of poor food hygiene.

Day 2: Stone Town and Beyond

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with breakfast at The Coffee Pot, a cozy cafe serving excellent coffee and delicious pastries.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the House of Wonders (Beit el-Saheli), a beautiful 19th-century building that showcases Zanzibar’s rich history and culture. Explore its impressive architecture and learn about the island’s significance in the Indian Ocean trade.
  • 12:30 PM: Head to The Zanzibar Market, a bustling marketplace where you can find everything from spices and textiles to souvenirs and local handicrafts.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Zanzibar Museum, which showcases the island’s rich history, culture, and natural environment. Learn about the island’s unique biodiversity and its significance in the world of botany and zoology.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Zanzi Wine Bar, a cozy wine bar serving excellent wines and delicious tapas-style dishes.

Day 3: Beach Day and Water Sports

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning relaxing at Nungwi Beach, one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun.
  • 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at The Beach Restaurant, which serves excellent seafood and stunning views of the sea.
  • 2:00 PM: Engage in some water sports, such as snorkeling, diving, or kayaking. Explore the beautiful coral reefs and marine life that Zanzibar has to offer.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Seafood Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the sea.

Day 4: Cultural Experiences

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Zanzibar Slave Market, a poignant reminder of Zanzibar’s dark past and the transatlantic slave trade.
  • 11:00 AM: Head to The Hamamni Prison, a 19th-century prison that showcases the harsh conditions faced by prisoners during Zanzibar’s colonial era.
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at The Jafferjee Restaurant, which serves excellent local cuisine and stunning views of the sea.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Zanzibar National Museum, which showcases the island’s rich history, culture, and natural environment.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Forodhani Night Market, where you can enjoy some of the island’s best seafood and local delicacies.

Things to Know

  • Language: Swahili and English are widely spoken in Zanzibar.
  • Currency: The Tanzanian shilling is the local currency, but US dollars are also accepted in many places.
  • Transportation: Taxis and motorbikes are widely available for transportation around the island. Be prepared to haggle prices!
  • Weather: Zanzibar has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C throughout the year. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Tips

  • Respect local customs: Remember to dress modestly when visiting mosques or cultural sites.
  • Be prepared for crowds: Zanzibar can get busy, especially during peak season.
  • Try local cuisine: Be adventurous and try some of the island’s best seafood, fruits, and local delicacies!

Additional Tips

  • Book in advance: Popular restaurants and accommodations tend to fill up quickly. Book your reservations in advance!
  • Learn some Swahili: Show respect for the local culture by learning a few basic phrases like “Jambo” (hello) or “Hakuna matata” (no worries).

Accommodation

  • Hotel Dhow Palace or similar is a great option for those looking for luxury and history.
  • Paje Beach Hotel is another excellent choice for those seeking relaxation and stunning views of the sea.

Getting Around

  • Taxis are widely available, but be prepared to haggle prices!
  • Motorbikes are a popular mode of transportation around the island.
  • Walking is also an option, especially in Stone Town.