5 Days Zanzibar Island Experience

5-Day Zanzibar Island Experience

This 5-day Zanzibar Island safari and beach tour offers a perfect mix of historical exploration, cultural immersion, nature walks, and relaxation by the beautiful Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is a place where history and tropical beauty meet, with an intriguing past shaped by the spice trade, slave trade, and vibrant Swahili culture. You’ll have the chance to explore Stone Town, spice plantations, and the Jozani Forest, and also indulge in Zanzibar’s stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar & Spice Plantation Tour

• Morning:

  • Arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. Your guide will greet you, assist with transfers, and brief you on the itinerary.

  • Transfer to your lodge for check-in and enjoy a delicious lunch.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit a spice plantation for a tour of Zanzibar’s famous spice farms. Zanzibar is renowned for its rich history in the spice trade, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the island's variety of spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla.

  • The tour lasts for about 3 hours. Along the way, you’ll taste fresh fruits directly from the farm and discover how these spices are grown and harvested.

  • Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Stone Town Tour & Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, embark on a half-day Stone Town tour, exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the narrow alleys and vibrant markets, and soak in the historical architecture and cultural landmarks.

  • Key attractions will include:

    • The Old Fort, the oldest building in Zanzibar.

    • The House of Wonders, a grand palace with stunning views of the town.

    • The Slave Market, an important historical site telling the story of Zanzibar’s role in the African slave trade.

  • Enjoy shopping for local crafts and spices from the bustling markets.

• Afternoon:

  • After lunch, head to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, Zanzibar’s only national park, home to the famous Zanzibar red colobus monkeys.

  • Spend 2-3 hours tracking the monkeys and other wildlife such as duiker, Zanzibar servaline genet, and various bird species in the forest.

  • Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Prison Island Tour & Sunset Ocean Boat Cruise

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, take a boat trip to Prison Island, a small island located off the coast of Zanzibar.

  • Explore the historical prison that once housed slaves and visit the giant Aldabra tortoises, which are native to the Seychelles. Some of the tortoises are over 100 years old!

  • Learn about the island's history as a quarantine center for yellow fever victims.

• Afternoon:

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch on the island before returning to the main island.

  • In the evening, embark on a sunset ocean boat cruise, where you’ll sail along Zanzibar’s coast, witnessing a stunning African sunset over the Indian Ocean. It’s a perfect time for photos and relaxation.

• Evening:

  • Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Beach Exploration & Water Sports

• Morning:

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast before heading to one of Zanzibar’s famous white-sand beaches. Spend a relaxing morning at the beach, soaking up the sun and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

  • Enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where you can explore vibrant coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish. Professional guides will assist you in this water adventure.

• Afternoon:

  • After a fun-filled morning, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the beach: swim, take photos, or simply relax by the shore.

  • Lunch will be served at the beach or your lodge.

• Evening:

  • Continue relaxing on the beach and enjoy the serene atmosphere as you watch the sunset.

  • Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Departure

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, check out of your lodge. You can either opt for a boat transfer to the mainland or a flight from Zanzibar back to Arusha.

  • If you choose the boat option, your company representative will meet you upon arrival in Arusha to ensure your safe transfer for onward travel to the airport or your next destination.

• End of Safari:

  • Departure from Arusha or Zanzibar for your onward journey or flight back home.

End of Safari

This 5-day Zanzibar Island experience offers a perfect balance of history, nature, culture, and relaxation, ensuring you leave Zanzibar with unforgettable memories. From learning about its historical spice and slave trade heritage to relaxing on beautiful beaches and exploring tropical forests, Zanzibar truly has something for everyone.