Zanzibar is a fabulous island which epitomizes the Indian Ocean. From the pristine beaches and quirky boutique hotels to friendly locals and the hustle bustle of Stone Town, this island oozes with charm. Right from private islands off the coast, to luxury beach shack there is something for everyone and for all kind of travelers. So a week in Zanzibar offers everything you could possibly want right from powdery white sand beaches which stretch into glistening turquoise waters, historical villages, colorful markets, rich Swahili coastal culture and an indescribable atmosphere. We highly recommend if you are planning a trip for Tanzania Safari make sure you don’t leave the country without leaving your footprints on this fabulous island. Here is our Ultimate Zanzibar Travel Guide with break-down on everything you need to plan an ideal Zanzibar Travel Itinerary 7 Days and spent some of the best days on East African coasts.
How To Reach Zanzibar
We flew directly from Nairobi to Zanzibar International Airport. We’d recommend choosing direct or via airlines according to the country you are departing from that offers convenient connections. However, if you are already in Tanzania you can consider a short 30-minute flight from the mainland through Dar es Salaam airport and reach Zanzibar.
Also you can avail the ferry that leaves from the port from Sokoine Drive to Zanzibar which arrives directly in Stone town and takes about 2-3 hours to reach.
The main ferry company is Azam Marine – Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries and they are generally very reliable and fast. You can check the link here. There are 4 ferries in each direction per day, leaving at: 07.00am, 09.30am, 12.00pm & 16.00pm respectively.
The Zanzibar ferry can get very busy, so it’s advisable to book your ticket beforehand. You can either book your tickets online or directly from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar ferry terminal and also can book through an approved agent(but do not buy from anyone in the street claiming to be an agent).
Transfers within Zanzibar : Zanzibar Travel Itinerary 7 Days
You can travel across Zanzibar by public bus, the very iconic Dala-dala or by a hired vehicle from Zanzibar Town and its absolutely economical.
We booked all our transfers through Suma +255654341465. He was super helpful and gave us great deals. Can highly recommend him– he was prompt in responding and punctual when it came to pick-ups and drop off’ s and also had a great historical knowledge about his land.
Things To Know before you go : Zanzibar Travel Itinerary 7 Days
1. Vaccination:
First thing first, so if you are travelling to any African countries( for most of the countries) you need a jab for yellow fever vaccination so make sure you take them a month before landing, which is strictly checked at the immigration counters.
2. Visa:
Tanzania offers single entry Visa On Arrival to citizens of most countries for a fee of USD50. To avoid any queue and hassle we would suggest it is better to apply and get e-Visa done before departure. You can also get a Tanzania visa on arrival at the airport, but you might end up lining in a queue which can be time consuming.
On reaching we were asked to fill a short form upon arrival, and also went through formal supporting document check. However, it didn’t consume much time and we got our passports stamped.
3. Zanzibar Estimate Trip Cost
Well let’s get it straight, Zanzibar is not at all an expensive country in any aspect. If you are planning of Zanzibar it would satisfy you in every possible way be it food or stays, either you are a luxury or budget traveler.
Here is our rough ballpark to give you an overall budget estimate of per day.
- Stay: Mid-Range: 100$-200$, Budget – 30$-60$ Per Day for 2 pax
- Meal: 3$ per meal per person
- Transport: Airport – Stone Town: 10$, Airport/Stone Town – Nungwi: 40/50$, Stone Town – Michamvi: 50$
4. Tanzanian Currency:
You can either use The Tanzanian Shilling but US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas. If possible, try to carry some hard cash as most of the local shops don’t accept plastic money apart from few big stores. You would even find many ATMs around all corners so don’t have to worry much if you run short of cash.
Please note: ATMs charge a considerable transaction fee hence it’s best to minimize usage and plan accordingly.
5. Language in Zanzibar:
Swahili is the national and official language of Tanzania. Local residents also speak Arabic, English, Italian and French. We didn’t find any difficulties in communicating as everybody, kids- adults speaks and understands English.
6. Is Zanzibar Safe:
Zanzibar as an island is very safe to travel around be you are a solo traveler or with family. Still you must take good care of yourself and people around with you as safety should always be the first priority.
7. Best time to visit Zanzibar
The best time of year to visit Zanzibar is the dry season which comes in two waves; the first is from December to March, and the second from July to October. We visited in April and at days it rained cats and dogs. March, April and May are the long rainy season. However, it went sunny with only a few afternoon showers and we could enjoy everything at the most after the downpour.
Accommodation in Zanzibar
For every trip we plan, what storms our mind first are the hotels and stays. Accommodation is hugely varied on Zanzibar and here you can expect authentic beach lodges to 5 star hotels and everything in between. Trust us Zanzibar would not disappoint you in terms of choosing hotels, be it a luxury or budget stay.
You can also check out our recommendations of stays in the links given below.
Best place to stay in Zanzibar Nungwi
Best place to stay in Zanzibar Stone Town
Things to do in Zanzibar
Most travelers visit Zanzibar to simply relax on a beautiful white beach and to soak in the East African rays, and in between taking a dip in the ocean. Either you are in your honeymoon trip or with family and friends you would have an unforgettable experience at the exotic Zanzibar’s turquoise shores, we can assure you that!
However, there are lots of underwater activities for those who are water babies like us.
So here is our list of top recommendations for things to do in Zanzibar. Click on the links below.
Amazing things to do in North Unguja, Zanzibar(around Nungwi)
Best things to do in Zanzibar Stone Town
Best Places To Eat in Zanzibar
Food in Zanzibar is varied and interesting which is a place full of history and multicultural heritage. With huge Arabic influences and home-grown spices, we found everything we tasted to be delicious.
So here is our list of top recommendations for best places to eat in Zanzibar. Click on the link below.
Best Places to Eat In Zanzibar
Our Zanzibar Travel Itinerary 7 days
- Day 1: Reach Zanzibar Airport and transfer to Nungwi. Day at leisure. Overnight at Nungwi
- Day 2: Visit Baraka Aquarium. Explore Kendwa and go for an evening Dhow Cruise. Overnight at Nungwi
- Day 3: Visit Nungwi beach and enjoy water sports activities. Overnight at Nungwi
- Day 4: Go for Mnemba Island Snorkeling Trip. Overnight at Nungwi
- Day 5: Transfer to Stone Town. Visit Prison Island and Stone Town Walking Tour. Overnight at Stone Town
- Day 6: Visit Jozani Forest. Visit East Coast beaches – Jambiani, Paje & Michamvi. Evening dinner at The Rock Restaurant. Overnight at Stone Town
- Day 7: Go for Spice Tour and enjoy street shopping. Overnight at Stone Town or catch your return flight.
And that’s all about it. If you have any other questions, please leave them in the comment section below. We would be glad to answer.
Hope you find this blog helpful to decide how to design your vacation, you are looking forward to.
Thanks!!
