Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches) 5-Day Itinerary

How this 5-day Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches) plan works

Zanzibar classic 2+3

Each day below is grouped geographically so you spend your time in Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches) rather than in transit. Domestic flights (Coastal, Auric, ZanAir) hop from Dar es Salaam + Arusha for US$70–150. On-island: private drivers US$40–80 per day, dala-dala local buses TSh500, taxis need pre-negotiated fares (Stone Town–Nungwi US$40, ZNZ airport–Paje US$50). Rent scooter TSh30,000/day with international permit (check licence rules changing frequently).

Day by day

• Day 1

  Day 1–2 — Stone Town (Freddie Mercury house, spice tour, Prison Island).

• Day 2

  Day 3 — Transfer east coast (Matemwe or Pingwe).

• Day 3

  Day 4 — Mnemba Atoll snorkel + kite-surf lesson Paje.

• Day 4

  Day 5 — Jozani Forest red colobus + spa + departure.

Where to base yourself

• Stone Town

  UNESCO capital — Freddie Mercury birthplace, Forodhani night market, Old Fort, House of Wonders — Emerson on Hurumzi, Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Zanzibar Serena.

• Nungwi (north)

  Party + non-tidal beach, sunset dhow port — Zuri Zanzibar, Riu Palace, The Royal Zanzibar.

• Kendwa

  Sister beach to Nungwi with famous Kendwa Rocks full-moon party — Gold Zanzibar, Riu Jambo.

• Matemwe (northeast)

  Reef-fringed calm — Zawadi, Kilindi Zanzibar (private-island vibe), &Beyond Mnemba.

Best time to run this itinerary

June–October is the dry cool season — 25–28°C, low humidity, best diving + kite-surfing in Paje (Kaskazi winds). December–February is dry hot — 28–33°C, holiday premium prices. March–May is long rains — many resorts close, cheapest rates otherwise. November is short rains — brief showers, still good value.

Before you go

• Cover shoulders + knees in Stone Town + villages — Zanzibar is 99% Muslim; bikinis on beach only.

• Cash US$ for tips + small vendors; ATMs in Stone Town + Nungwi only.

• Avoid seafood on land after long midday sun — stick to reputable resort kitchens.