Your Complete Zanzibar One Week Itinerary: what to do, and more!

So you are considering a holiday in Zanzibar. What now? Based on our personal experience, here is my suggestion on what to do for one week in Zanzibar.

In short, it depends on how you prefer to spend your vacation.

Being an island, Zanzibar has a lot to offer in terms of water-related activities, but you can also go on a spice tour (the island is known as the Spice Island for a reason).

Since Zanzibar is part of the African country of Tanzania, you can visit Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania’s capital) on the mainland. Better still, go on an unforgettable safari!

But let’s take it one thing at a time.

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Table of Contents

  1. Useful information for one week in Zanzibar
    1. Where to stay in Zanzibar
      1. Northern Coast
      2. North Eastern Coast
      3. Eastern Coast
    2. When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
    3. Shall you stay at an all-inclusive hotel or not?
    4. Getting around the island during your Zanzibar itinerary
    5. How many days do you need around Zanzibar?
    6. Visa requirements for Zanzibar (Tanzania)
  2. My complete 1 week in Zanzibar itinerary & what to do in Zanzibar
    1. Day 1 – Explore the streets of Stone Town
      1. Take the boat from Stone Town and disembark on Changuu Island 
      2. Other things worth trying in Zanzibar’s capital
    2. Day 2 – Go on a spice tour and ride a Dala Dala to the beach
    3. Day 3 – swim with the dolphins and see the only national park on the island
      1. Visit Jozani Forest Reserve
    4. Day 4 – explore the underwater world
    5. Day 5 – Enjoy the incredible beaches!
    6. Day 6 – Visit the marine turtle conservation pond & see the sunset at Nungwi 
      1. Enjoy the sunset from Nungwi beach
    7. Day 7 – Kitesurfing or relax on the beach
    8. What to eat in Zanzibar

Useful information for one week in Zanzibar

Where to stay in Zanzibar

Choosing where to stay is probably the most important decision when planning a vacation.

With long sandy beaches and deep turquoise water, Zanzibar is an amazing place for those who need some vitamin sea.

This being said, let me share a selection of accommodation options near each of the island’s good beaches.

Northern Coast

The best beaches on this side are Nungwi Beach, Kendwa Beach, and Pemba Island.

Luxury hotels: Riu Palace Zanzibar ; Zuri Zanzibar

Mid Range hotels: DobleTree Resort by Hilton, Aluna Nungwi, Warere Beach

Budget hotels: Makofi Guest House, Casa Carlotta & Villa

North Eastern Coast

Look for accommodation in and around Kiwengwa, and you will fall in love with the postcard beaches.

Luxury hotels: Melia, Kiwengwa Beach Resort, Tikitam Palms hotel

Medium budget: Marafiki Bungalows, Kiwengwa Bungalow Boutique Resort

Budget: Sipano Beach Lodge Kiwengwa, Zan View Hotel

Booking.com

Eastern Coast

We chose this side even though the tides are more prominent than in the northern parts of the island. Also, here is where you will want to stay if you are into windsurfing.

Luxury hotels: Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort, Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar

Medium budget: Paradise Beach Resort (it is where we stayed, and we loved it), Uroa Bay Beach Resort

Budget: Moonshine Uroa Boutique Hotel, Antonio Beach Tree House Hotel & Spa

Zanzibar itinerary
Paradise Beach Resort / Ingrid

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

The best periods to visit are:

  • from June to October
  • from December to February

We celebrated New Year’s Eve and spent the first part of January in Zanzibar (including a safari on mainland Tanzania). And the weather was perfect!

We had a great time, and the New Year’s party was something we will always remember. Thus, if you want to spend your Winter Holidays under the sun, Zanzibar is a great place to do it!

Shall you stay at an all-inclusive hotel or not?

The answer to that question depends a lot on your travel style, budget, and how adventurous you feel. 

We spent the first part of our stay in a mid-range, all-inclusive resort on the island, including the New Year’s party. Then, we went on a safari on the mainland for a couple of days and returned to the resort in Zanzibar for the remainder of our vacation. Since time was short, we preferred not to take any risks.

However, we have friends who booked breakfast-only accommodation and tried lunch and dinner at different places outside the resort. You should keep in mind, though, that you might have limited choices for eating out unless you stay in or near a larger settlement, such as Stone Town or Nungwi.

Getting around the island during your Zanzibar itinerary

Usually, we prefer to rent a car and go around at our own pace. This is an option worth considering, and it is becoming more popular nowadays.

My go-to option for renting a car is always Discover Cars. You can save up to 70%, and they have a flexible cancellation policy in case something comes up.

Please note that you’ll probably need a temporary Zanzibar driver’s license, but the rental car company will arrange this if you book in advance.

Uncharacteristically for us, we went for the guided tours during our stay. Alex had a long year behind him, with almost 40 weeks of business travel under his belt, so we preferred the comfort of being driven around. Check out all the best day tours in Zanzibar!

How many days do you need around Zanzibar?

We spent a little over one week on the island, mostly because we were there for New Year’s Eve. 

In my opinion, you can spend anywhere between 4 days and 10 days on the island without getting bored. Of course, when time and budget allow it, the more you stay, the better!

Visa requirements for Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Depending on your nationality, you will most likely need a visa.

The good news is that you can easily apply online for your tourist e-visa and get it quickly. The visa price and validity are different depending on your country of origin. Check the requirements on your foreign office’s / state department’s website to get the latest info.

Check your Visa requirements here!

My complete 1 week in Zanzibar itinerary & what to do in Zanzibar

I prepared a map to help you visualize your one week in Zanzibar. The itinerary focuses on the island, and it doesn’t include trips to the mainland. I will share our safari experience in a different post.

One week Zanzibar itinerary and things to do

Day 1 – Explore the streets of Stone Town

Start your one-week Zanzibar itinerary in Stone Town. Admire the unique architecture; it is a melting pot of Swahili, Arab, and Indian cultures. The Zanzibar door is the most memorable feature of the island’s capital.

We went on a Stone Town walking tour with a guide and learned a lot about the local traditions and history. 

Here, you can spend hours getting lost in the narrow streets, drinking delicious smoothies and eating traditional food at the local bars, shopping for souvenirs, and just feeling the local vibe.

One place you shouldn’t miss is the local market (Darajani Bazaar), where you will be surrounded by exotic aromas and flavors. Just prepare for a bit of bargaining.

The market has two sections: the fish market and the spice and vegetable section. If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid the former; the smell is awful.

I saw the gorgeous violet-blue Tanzanite gemstone for the first time here. The city hosts dozens of jewelers, where you can choose from thousands of rings, earrings, and other kinds of jewelry.

Stone Town market

Stop by the house in which Freddy Mercury was born – yes, the brilliant musician from Queen was born in the center of Stone Town.

Go to Forodhani Gardens after dark for some authentic local food.

The gardens are ideally placed overlooking the ocean, offering the perfect place for an early evening walk and, why not, for savoring a local (both Swahili and Zanzibari) meal.

Unfortunately, we had to leave the city in the afternoon, and I still regret not enjoying this experience.

Take the boat from Stone Town and disembark on Changuu Island

Also known as Prison Island, Changuu has played different roles throughout history, from the place where slaves were kept on their way to the coal mines to a quarantine station against yellow fever.

Today, it hosts hotels and restaurants, offering tourists the chance to stay here and visit the former cells. Moreover, the boat trip from and to the island is pleasant, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of Stone Town.

Book your tour in advance and create great memories!

In 1919, the British Governor of Seychelles sent Changuu a gift of four Aldabra giant tortoises.

Tourists can now visit and feed the endangered tortoise species. Yeah, I mean, some of the actual tortoises gifted by the Governor are still around. At the time of our visit, the oldest one was 157 years old.

Other things worth trying in Zanzibar’s capital

Visit the Palace Museum—or the Sultan’s Palace—which occupies various buildings along the seafront. Outside the museum, you can still see the tombs of various sultans.

From the Gardens, you can also admire the House of Wonders, formerly the Sultan’s residence. It got its name because it was the first building in the city to have electricity and an elevator. Today, it hosts a museum dedicated to Swahili culture.

Zanzibar’s Old Fort was built in the 17th century and hosts cultural shops and workshops. There’s also a section where music and theater shows are held, including the yearly Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Admire all the doors and take plenty of pictures—they used to be a visual statement of the owner’s status in society, acting like a business card for passersby.

Don’t miss the Slave Market Museum – now an Anglican Cathedral. It has the dubious honor of being one of the last legal slave markets in the world. We should learn about the past, as shameful as it was sometimes, and always remember that the fact that something is permitted doesn’t mean it’s ethical or human. 

Have a drink on the beach or at the Africa House Hotel, with the stunning blue sea under your feet and eyes. You can also go for lunch or dinner at Lukmaan Restaurant or the Tea House Restaurant, both with unique local designs and food. 

Afterward, try a cup of delicious coffee at the Zanzibar coffee house.

Day 2 – Go on a spice tour and ride a Dala Dala to the beach

One of the greatest experiences we had in Zanzibar was going on a spice tour. Before doing that, we had no idea about the magical world of spices, and honestly, the way they grow was a mystery to both of us. 

You can book your tour in advance to make sure you take advantage of great prices and have your schedule and one-week itinerary planned. 

At the end of the tour, we even lunched on traditional dishes, discussed with the locals, and ate coconuts picked directly from the tree. How much fresher could that get?

And just look how happy I was! I think, all in all, that was the effect Zanzibar had on me. 

Spice island experience

Once you’re done with the spice experience, you’ll want to take a traditional Dala Dala truck and head to one of the beautiful beaches on the island. 

Day 3 – swim with the dolphins and see the only national park on the island

We had thought about this a lot before going, partly because it involved waking up at 5:30 and traveling for one hour to the other side of the island without being sure that you would actually see the wild dolphins.

Considering all this, and after hearing stories from other tourists, we decided to take the trip. After chasing dolphins for almost two hours, we were lucky to catch up with a group of them.

You can jump in the water and try swimming with them, just keep in mind that they are, well…wild.

Even if we were back at the hotel just before 10 a.m., I would totally do it once again because not only did I get to see the dolphins in their natural habitat, but I also saw another side of the island and enjoyed a lovely morning at sea.

You can check it out and book your adventure ahead of time here!

Visit Jozani Forest Reserve

This is the only national park in Zanzibar. It is home to Kirk’s red colobus, a protected monkey species, many bird species, and butterflies.

This will be a relaxing half-day trip during which you will explore the best of Zanzibar’s nature and fauna.

You can book a package tour that includes both experiences.

Day 4 – explore the underwater world

You don’t have to be a professional swimmer to snorkel. I have learned how to use a snorkeling mask without swallowing too much water in Zanzibar, and I’ve come to really enjoy the experience.

I’ve had the chance to search for fish in some lovely places, but this experience was the BEST and one of the ultimate things to do in Zanzibar. The only thing I regret is not having a waterproof camera for taking pictures. But I guess memory also works pretty well; I am an old-fashioned girl. 😉

So, if you are ready to walk on the wild side, you will get the chance to see all sorts of colorful fish and coral (just please, please be careful and don’t touch the coral; they are very sensitive).

Oh, and by the way, we’ve snorkeled near Mnemba Island, a private island where celebrities like Bill Gates and Naomi Campbell have spent their vacations in the past.

If you are interested in the experience (and own a thick wallet), you can be a guest at “&Beyond Mnemba Island.”

Book your greatest experience in Mnemba Atoll and go snorkeling. And if you’re more adventurous, take a 3-4 days open water diving course, something that will stick with you forever. 

Day 5 – Enjoy the incredible beaches!

Yes, here you can find never-ending white sand beaches, and the water is not so bad either. Okay, I admit it—the water is crystal clear!

Around this island, I have seen everything from turquoise water to all the Pantone blue I didn’t think existed. It is also very easy to find someone with a boat willing to take you on the sea, just don’t expect a fancy boat, it will be a very local experience.

And when you just want to lay back and relax on the beach, there are plenty of amazing beaches with white sand where you can take your time and sit comfortably at the beach or just a blanket and lay back for the day.

One week in Zanzibar

Day 6 – Visit the marine turtle conservation pond & see the sunset at Nungwi

These are places where people take care of marine turtles and keep them safe until they are old enough to lay eggs on the beaches of Zanzibar.

It is great to see these little fellows and also their larger brothers. It is touching that they are actually taken care of and released into the wild once they are ready for it.

Check out the experience here!

One week in Zanzibar

Enjoy the sunset from Nungwi beach

If you haven’t booked a retreat on this part of the island, which is known to have some of the best beaches and also the best difference between tides, allowing bathing throughout the whole day, you can always book a trip here from anywhere.

Of course, you can expect a rather crowded beach compared to all the other places we’ve seen on the island. However, due to its location on the northwest side, you can stay longer and enjoy a Stoney Tangawizi while watching the sunset.

The tour will get you here once you’ve seen the turtles and swam with them. 

Day 7 – Kitesurfing or relax on the beach

If you are into it, Zanzibar is a go-to place for kitesurfers.

Paje Beach is located in the Southeastern part of the island, and here, you can find miles and miles of white sand and perfect conditions for kitesurfing.

You can also try Jambiani Beach or any of the less crowded places on the Eastern side of the island. 

Finish off the last day of your one week in Zanzibar with a dinner at the famous Rock Restaurant and a cave tour visit. 

One week in Zanzibar
Source: Pixabay

What to eat in Zanzibar

I personally liked the food in Zanzibar very much, and I tried almost everything we had at the hotel or while exploring the island. 

Food is tasty, and they use lots of flavors; after all, Zanzibar is the Spice Island.

This being said, there are certain traditional dishes you should try on your vacation here:

  • pilau rice – we had this delicious dish, filled with cinnamon, star Anais, and raisins, during our visit to the spices garden. 
  • Biryani – another type of rice filled with spices and meat
  • every kind of seafood
  • plantains stew
  • Swahili curries

And this is not all. Zanzibar Island (and Tanzania, in general) is truly a place for unforgettable vacations.

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One week in Zanzibar itinerary and everything you want to know bwfore traveling to Zanzibar. All the things to do in Zanzibar and why I loved the island so much.

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