Zanzibar Town 7 Day Itinerary
7-Day Itinerary for Zanzibar Town
Day 1: Arrival and Island Orientation
- Morning: Arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
- Transportation: Transfer to your hotel via taxi or shuttle service
- Accommodation: Check-in at a beachfront hotel, such as the Zanzibar Grand Hotel or similar
- Lunch: Try some local cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant or head to the nearby Stone Town Cafe for fresh seafood and views of the harbor
- Afternoon: Visit the Zanzibar Museum to learn about the island’s history and culture
- Evening: Explore the narrow streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and get lost in the vibrant atmosphere
Day 2: Historical Landmarks and Markets
- Morning: Visit the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ahadith), a former colonial government building now housing a museum
- Lunch: Enjoy a seafood lunch at the For You Restaurant, with stunning views of the harbor
- Afternoon: Explore the Darajani Market, one of Zanzibar’s busiest markets selling everything from spices to souvenirs
- Evening: Watch the sunset at the beachfront of the Zanzibar Grand Hotel or a similar location
Day 3: Prisons and Slave History
- Morning: Visit the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) and the nearby Prison Island, which served as a quarantine station for yellow fever
- Lunch: Have a light lunch at the nearby prison cafe
- Afternoon: Learn about Zanzibar’s slave history at the House of Memories Museum
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at the Jaffer Restaurant, known for its local dishes and live music
Day 4: Beach Relaxation and Water Activities
- Morning: Spend some time relaxing on the beach or trying water activities like snorkeling or kayaking
- Lunch: Have lunch at a nearby beach restaurant, such as the Kisa Kids Cafe
- Afternoon: Take a ferry to Stone Town for some shopping or sightseeing
- Evening: Enjoy dinner and a relaxed evening at your hotel or in town
Day 5: Fishing Village Visit
- Morning: Visit the nearby fishing village of Mizingani, where you can see fishermen unloading their catch and selling it at the market
- Lunch: Have lunch at the local eatery, serving fresh seafood dishes
- Afternoon: Explore the surrounding area on a boat trip or by walking along the beach
- Evening: Enjoy dinner and live music at a local restaurant
Day 6: Cultural Experience and Island Tour
- Morning: Visit the Living Stone Museum to learn about Zanzibar’s history, culture, and way of life
- Lunch: Have lunch at the nearby museum cafe or head back to Stone Town for some shopping
- Afternoon: Take an island tour, visiting local villages, plantations, and other attractions
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner and live music at the Jaffer Restaurant
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Check-out of your hotel and transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
- Departure: Depart from Zanzibar, bringing back memories and experiences of this enchanting island.
Things to Know
- Language: Swahili is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
- Currency: Tanzanian shillings (TZS) are used, although US dollars are also accepted in many places.
- Weather: Zanzibar has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.
Tips
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting mosques or traditional villages.
- Bargain: When shopping at markets or from street vendors, be prepared to bargain.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration in the hot tropical climate.
Transportation
- Airport transfers: Use a taxi or shuttle service for transportation to and from the airport.
- Walking: Explore Stone Town on foot to experience its narrow streets and vibrant atmosphere.
- Ferry: Take a ferry to Stone Town for some shopping or sightseeing.
Accommodation
- Zanzibar Grand Hotel: A beachfront hotel with comfortable rooms and stunning views.
- Similar hotels: Consider other beachfront hotels, such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Zanzibar or similar options.