1 week itinerary in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a heavenly destination which makes more than one dream. In fact, travelers often benefit from a trip by Tanzania (Safari, Kilimanjaro) and then make a short stop on the Zanzibar archipelago.

Although many organizations and travel agencies offer all-inclusive tours, I do offer XNUMX week itinerary ideas in Zanzibar to make the most of it.

Indeed, I had the chance to spend two months on this archipelago to do volunteer work in particular and I share with you the best plans here.

1 week itinerary in Zanzibar: some information

Before you fly to Tanzania and more particularly Zanzibar, here is some information that is good to keep in mind.

What currency in Zanzibar?

The local currency is tanzanian shilling but you can pay in dollars if you prefer. However, be aware that paying in dollars costs you more. You should also know that credit cards are not widely accepted. You can easily withdraw from vending machines but these are rare. There aren't many on the island. They are mainly in Stone Town. Regarding the exchange rate it is around $ 1 = 2500 Tanzanian shillings.

What's the cost of living in Zanzibar?

Le cost of living in Tanzania and Zanzibar is very low. However, as in all tourist places, the prices are different for tourists. Indeed, if you go to eat in the villages and small local restaurants, you can get by for 2000 to 5000 Tsh. On the other hand, the tourist restaurants practice prices close to our European habits (15 $ -20 $). Also, tourist activities and excursions have relatively European prices (mainly between $ 10 and $ 50).

How to get around Zanzibar?

To get around you can opt for the taxi with a relatively large budget or move around in dala-dala, which are heavily discounted local buses ($ 2 to $ 5 to cross the entire island). Some trips will cost you just 30/40 cents.

What is the language in Zanzibar?

La official language in Tanzania and Zanzibar is the swahili. Of course, in tourist agencies, hotels or tourist restaurants you will have no trouble making yourself understood in English. English is relatively well mastered. However, when you move away from tourist spots or want to chat with locals, it is very difficult to make yourself understood. For it I advise you to learn some notions of Swahili.

One week itinerary in Zanzibar

Let's get to the heart of the matter, if you decide to go to Zanzibar for a week, here is the itinerary that I recommend. Of course, this one can change according to your desires and the activities you want to do or not. Also, know that there are many things to do in Zanzibar and if you have less time for example 4 days, follow this link and you will find another route that might suit you.

Day 1 in Zanzibar - Arrival in Zanzibar and installation

For your first day on the Zanzibar archipelago, simply take the opportunity to visitSettle in to your hotel in peace and enjoy the beach to rest.

Day 2 in Zanzibar - North Beaches (Nungwi / Matemwe)

The next day, discover the north of the island et enjoy the beautiful beaches that we find there with in particular Nungwi, a well-known and quite festive destination or if you are looking for a little more calm, opt for Matemwe. Take the opportunity to get off the beaten track and discover the small villages of the inhabitants.

Zanzibar is a destination made for relaxation and idleness so enjoy the sunny beach and the local tranquility on your weeklong Zanzibar itinerary.

Day 3 in Zanzibar - Snorkeling or diving around Mnemba Atoll

The archipelago of Zanzibar is well known for its seabed. Indeed, this destination makes more than one diver dream. If you like to dive and discover the incredible depths that nature offers us, you will be delighted.

Once there, you can very easily organize a half-day or full-day excursion to go diving in snorkeling or with the bottles according to your level and your preferences.

For my part, I took advantage of my stay in Zanzibar to take the PADI, I can only advise you 🙂

The most famous and famous place to go exploring the seabed is to go around Mnemba Atoll.

For this, such an excursion will cost you about $ 30- $ 45 per person for snorkeling.

You may be lucky to see reef sharks, turtles, dolphins but also many colorful fish and corals.

Day 4 in Zanzibar - Jozani Forest & Seaweed farming

Direction the Central / South part of Zanzibar to do two main activities:

Jozani Forest: Jozani Forest is the largest in Zanzibar. It is a forest that can be visited by taking two types of path (short path or long path). You will also have the option of taking a guide for this tour. There you will meet the red colobus monkeys which are unique in the world. This getaway will take you a few hours so you can easily combine this activity with any other.
For the second part of the day I advise you to head towards the village of Paje with its famous beach. You can also take the opportunity to visit the seaweed farms with all the explanations to understand this very widespread local culture. Then take advantage of the end of the day to swim in Paje or Jambiani.

Day 5 in Zanzibar - Swim with Dolphins & Safari Blue

On the fifth day, if you haven't had the chance to see dolphins on your little snorkeling trip around Mnemba Atoll, get up early to go to the southern end of the island to go swimming with the Kizimkazi dolphins. Indeed, a group of dolphins has settled in the surroundings and it is almost always possible to see them when you go on an excursion that will take you half a day.

For the rest of the day you have the choice between relaxing on the beach in Jambiani for example if you haven't been there yet (it's personally one of my favorite beaches on the island) or if you are motivated and your budget allows it board a typical Zanzibar boat for the Blue Safari in the southwestern part of the island. You can discover beautiful small wild islands, go snorkeling and see beautiful seabed etc.

Day 6 in Zanzibar - Visit Stone Town & Prison Island

Obviously, the Stone Town visit is a must if you go to Zanzibar for a week. The city / capital of Zanzibar is rich in history and culturally. It is a place that you can easily visit by walking alone or with a guide. There you will find a real mix of culture with Indian, Middle Eastern, African and European influences. For more details on the subject I advise you to read my dedicated article.

You can easily combine the Stone Town visit to Zanzibar with the half-day Prison Island visit. Indeed, this island located about 5km from Stone Town currently hosts a protection center for giant turtles but this island is also rich in history. To learn more about Prison Island and this activity, go to this article.

Day 7 in Zanzibar - The Spice Route & Return

For your last day if you have at least half a day before leaving the island, I advise you to take the spice route. Indeed if you did not know Zanzibar is also nicknamed the spice island. You will find many spices on this island. Among the possible activities during your weeklong itinerary in Zanzibar, I advise you to take the spice route. You will leave discover typical spice plantations. Take a guide to learn as much as possible about all plants. After that you would have the right to tastings and you can also bring back spices as a souvenir to come and spice up your meals when you are back home.

Obviously there are many activities to do in Zanzibar, these are only suggestions depending on what you like or not you can easily adjust the 1 week itinerary that I have suggested.

2 Replies to “1 week itinerary in Zanzibar”

Laurence Vomero said:

27/02/2022 à 18:27

Hello, thank you for all this information about Zanzibar. We are going to stay there for 7 days and your 7 day program is great. We ask ourselves the question of whether to land in a place and move from this place or change accommodation 2 or 3 times a week. We are 4 including 2 children of 11 and 14 years old. We also wonder about transport. Thank you for your comeback. Lawrence

1. Margaux said:
  
  04/03/2022 à 14:44
  
  Hello Laurence
  That depends on you. It's quite possible to stay at the same hotel and take a day trip anywhere on the island. It's not very big distance level 😉
  But doing 2 different hotels would allow you to see different villages so it can be nice. For example a hotel towards the north of the island and another towards the south (paje / Jambiani..)