Zanzibar Town-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Stone Town

  • Arrive at Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
  • Transfer to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Stone Town Zanzibar (approx. $200/night) or similar
  • Visit the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), a 17th-century fort that now houses a museum and art galleries ($10-$20 entry fee)
  • Walk through the narrow streets of Stone Town to explore local shops and markets
  • Lunch at Dhebwa Restaurant, known for its Zanzibari cuisine ($15-$25 per meal)
  • Visit the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Sahel), a 19th-century museum showcasing Zanzibar’s history and culture ($10-$20 entry fee)

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Breakfast at Café Italia, a local café serving Italian-style coffee and pastries
  • Visit the Zanzibar Museum (Beyt el-Amani), a museum dedicated to the history of Zanzibar ($5-$10 entry fee)
  • Explore the Kidichi Ruins, a 17th-century Portuguese fort ($10-$20 entry fee)
  • Lunch at The Old Dispensary Restaurant, known for its Indian and Mediterranean cuisine ($15-$25 per meal)
  • Visit the Slave Market Site, a somber reminder of Zanzibar’s history as a slave-trading hub

Day 3: Beach Day

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café
  • Spend the day relaxing on Nungwi Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar (free admission)
  • Snorkel or swim in the crystal-clear waters ($10-$20 for snorkeling gear rental)
  • Lunch at a beachside restaurant, such as The Rock Restaurant ($15-$25 per meal)

Day 4: Stone Town and Night Market

  • Breakfast at Dhebwa Restaurant
  • Visit the Cotton House, a historic house turned museum showcasing Zanzibar’s textile industry ($10-$20 entry fee)
  • Explore the Darajani Market, one of the largest night markets in Africa (free admission)
  • Dinner at The Old Town Café, serving local and international cuisine ($15-$25 per meal)

Day 5: Day Trip to Prison Island

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café
  • Take a ferry to Changuu Island (Prison Island), known for its historic prison and beautiful beaches (approx. $20-$30 per person)
  • Snorkel or swim in the waters surrounding the island ($10-$20 for snorkeling gear rental)
  • Lunch on the island or return to Zanzibar Town

Day 6: Departure

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Transfer back to the airport for your departure flight

Transportation:

  • Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available in Zanzibar Town ($5-$10 per ride)
  • The ferry to Prison Island runs regularly (approx. $20-$30 per person return)

Tips:

  • Bargain when shopping at local markets
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional dishes
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
  • Don’t drink tap water

Other things to know:

  • Zanzibar is a Muslim island, so dress modestly when visiting mosques or other cultural sites
  • The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), although USD is widely accepted
  • Credit cards are not always available at local businesses
  • The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season (June-September)