The Best of Zanzibar - 7 Days Local Tours Package

Day 1: Get lost on the streets of Stone Town

Start your one week Zanzibar itinerary and admire the beautiful architecture that stands at the crossing of Swahili, Arab and Indian cultures, the Zanzibar door being the most memorable feature of Stone Town. 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 all the oriental flavours you never thought about, just prepare yourself to bargain. Take the boat from Stone Town and disembark on Changuu Island; Also known as Prison Island, although it has never been an actual prison, the island has played different roles throughout history: from the place where slaves were kept until they were sent away, to a coal mine, to a quarantine station for yellow fever.

Day 2: Go on a spice tour and Beach

On this 2.5-hour guided tour, immerse yourself in the heady world of the spices of Zanzibar. This tour will clarify for you why Zanzibar is called “spice island”: on this small plantation, you’ll see where spices grow, among them cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, Zanzibar’s cardamoms, cinnamon, curry, menthol, pepper, tamarind, and ginger. You’ll also see tropical fruits such as papayas, mangoes, and jackfruit. You’ll also learn the origins of spice plants and herbs, as well as some uses they are put to. For example, the neem tree leaves were used locally as a traditional cure for malaria and indigestion, while the iodine tree is still used to fight infections in wounds. The tour ends with a visit to the spice shop on the farm, where you can buy fresh spices to use in your cooking at home.

Day 3: Swim with the dolphins and see the only national park on the island

Get picked up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and head to the Kizimkazi village, where you will be met by the captain. Here, start your journey to meet and have a chance to swim with dolphins. The captain will take the boat to locations well-known for dolphin spotting while maintaining a respectful distance. The well-equipped boat will travel to several spots to ensure time for dolphin watching and scenic snorkelling. Enjoy the beauty of the coral and the brightly coloured fish. Along the way, savour some delicious snacks and fruits. After the tour, you will be brought safely to shore before being dropped off at your hotel. The trip to Zanzibar Jozani Forest national park involves a visit to the high, dense groundwater forest. Home to the red colobus monkey, a rare species only found in Zanzibar, take the opportunity to get up close to the wild animals. Other animals within the park include blue monkeys, elephant shrews, and bushbabies.

Day 4: Explore the underwater world

After pickup at your hotel on Unguja, Zanzibar, hop in your private boat toward Mnemba Island. Depending on conditions, reach the coral reef of the Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve is up to 20 minutes. Once there, explore a reef that is big enough for everyone so you won't feel crowded, even on busy days. Keep your eyes peeled for yellow snapper, barracuda, turtles, and much more. After snorkelling, enjoy a snack stop on a sandbank. Relax under the sun as you savour seasonal fresh fruit and other small bites. Later, head back to shore on Unguja. See local fishermen coming back from the sea and selling their day's catches before being transferred back to your accommodation.

Day 5: Safari Blue

Safari Blue is a tour trip on beautiful traditional dhows around Menai Bay. Each dhow carries about 20 people, and each trip includes swimming, snorkelling (equipment provided), seafood lunch on a remote island beach and time to relax on a sandbank. It's a great activity for families (kids under six years go free).

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

The most popular beaches of Zanzibar are in Nungwi. This is mostly because the tides do not have such a huge impact on the beach. But, did you know that Nungwi is also the capital of local dhow manufacturing? Find out all about how these impressive sailing vessels are made and get the chance to see local craftsman in action. Later, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. After that, experience a real turtle sanctuary. Here, turtles are treated and healed of any illnesses before being released to the ocean. Get the chance to swim with these incredible animals and feed them. All fees paid here contribute towards turtle welfare and the education of tourists on their impact on the local environment.

Day 7: Kitesurfing or relax on the beach

If you are into it, Zanzibar is a go-to place for kitesurfers (as you are aware, if you are into it. 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 try out also Jambiani beach, or any of the less crowded places on the Eastern side of the island. Finish off your last day of the one week Zanzibar itinerary with a dinner at the famous Rock Restaurant and a cave tour visit.