10 Day Zanzibar Itinerary

Many travelers are, each year, attracted to visit the paradise archipelago of Zanzibar. Some take the plunge by taking the opportunity to make a combined circuit between Tanzania and safaris with a little getaway under the coconut palms of Zanzibar. However, you never really know how long to stay in the Zanzibar archipelago and what you can do there. Depending on the length of your stay, I offer different routes: for 4 days in Zanzibar, 1 week in Zanzibar, 15 days in Zanzibar or a 10 day itinerary in Zanzibar. Obviously these are only suggestions, but having spent 2 months on the Zanzibar archipelago, here are the essentials in my opinion.

10-day Zanzibar itinerary: some practical information

Before you fly to Tanzania and Zanzibar, here is some information that I think is important to know :

Language : the official language is Swahili and I advise you to learn the basics because not everyone speaks English. However, in tourist areas such as hotels, tourist restaurants or agencies offering activities, you should not have too much trouble making yourself understood.
Currency : the official currency is the Tanzanian shilling. However, in most 'touristy places you can easily pay in dollars.
Culture : la religion is very important in Zanzibar. Indeed, the archipelago is 98% Muslim. It is therefore important to respect certain traditions and in particular cover the legs and shoulders for women etc.
The Transportation : Zanzibar is a not very big island that you can easily cross during the day. However, it all depends on the means of transport you use. Taxis are convenient, quick and easy to find, yet they cost more than public transportation called Dalal-Dalas (a trip can cost you just a few cents).
The cost of living : The cost of living in Zanzibar is very inexpensive for locals but can be very expensive for tourists. Obviously, prices are closer to European prices for famous hotels and "tourist" restaurants as well as for certain activities. However, you can do very well if you live “like locals”.

For more details on these aspects, I advise you to read this article.

The 10 day itinerary in Zanzibar mainly takes the route that I propose for 1 week in Zanzibar in y adding some interesting activities to do and taking more time.

Day 1 in Zanzibar - Arrival in Zanzibar & installation

For your first day of your 10-day Zanzibar itinerary, take the time to settle in at the hotel and get used to the heat if you are coming straight from another country. Usually hotels arrange transport between the airport (or the port) and hotels. If this is not the case you will easily find taxis that will offer to take you.

Day 2 in Zanzibar - Nungwi & beach

If you have decided to land in the north of the island, take advantage of your second day to visit Nungwi and his beaches; you bathe, laze under the coconut palms with a coconut in your hand.

Day 3 in Zanzibar - Snorkeling or diving around Mnemba Atoll

The Zanzibar archipelago is notably known for its seabed given its location in the Indian Ocean. Around the Zanzibar archipelago you can make various excursions to discover the seabed. Theone of the most famous excursions for a 10 day itinerary in Zanzibar is go diving or snorkeling around Mnemba atoll. You will easily find excursions offered by hotels or small local tourist agencies. This activity will take you half a day or a day depending on your preference. For snorkeling, count between $ 30 and $ 45 per person. For scuba diving, I advise you to Read this article to find more information.

Day 4 in Zanzibar - Matemwe & its beach

The next day will you stroll in the village of Matemwe and enjoy its pretty beach. Often the villages are not glued to the sea because it is the hotels that are installed on the beaches but walk a little bit and go for a walk in the villages, believe me, it's really worth it if you want to discover a little more. on local culture.

Day 5 in Zanzibar - Jozani forest & seaweed plantation

For this 5th day of your 10-day Zanzibar itinerary, I suggest you go:

Visit the Jozani forest : largest forest of Zanzibar which is particularly known to shelter the red colobus of Zanzibar which are a species of monkeys unique in the world. The visit will take you half a day if you choose the short route. The guided tour will allow you to learn more about the use of different plants by the locals. This tour will cost you between $ 10 and $ 20.
For the second part of the day you can join Paje and take the opportunity to visit the "seaweed plantations". Local custom that will allow you to learn more about this activity and its importance for the inhabitants of Zanzibar.

Day 6 in Zanzibar - Beach in Paje & Jambiani

The sixth day of your stay in Zanzibar will be a relaxing or sporting day according to your preferences. Paje and Jambiani are villages and especially beaches known for the kite surfing that can be done there. The beaches are magnificent and these two villages are close to each other.

For my part I had a real crush for Jambiani and his village. I therefore suggest that you take advantage of either the beach or the nautical activities or your more "quiet" day to visit the villages.

Day 7 in Zanzibar - Swim with dolphins in Kizimkazi

Another activity that attracts many tourists to Zanzibar is doing pouvoir swim with dolphins. Indeed, in the south of Zanzibar, near Kizimkazi, dolphins have settled in a cave and therefore it is almost always possible to see them if you have a boat. This is the reason why you have the possibility to go by small boat to go swimming with these dolphins. This excursion is mainly done in the morning to have a better chance of seeing dolphins and will last all morning.

This activity will cost you between $ 40 and $ 70 depending on the season, transport from the hotel and the agency through which you pass.

For the rest of the day you can come home and enjoy the beach near your hotel.

Day 8 in Zanzibar - Safari Blue

For this eighth day of your 10-day stay in Zanzibar, I suggest you board a local boat and go take the Safari Blue excursion located at South West of the island. You will be able to do snorkeling, discovering small islands wild etc. It is a very interesting expedition to do that I recommend although a little less known than others.

Day 9 in Zanzibar - Visit Stone Town & Prison Island

For your last full day in Zanzibar, the Stone Town visit is a must. Indeed, Stone Town is the "capital" of the Zanzibar archipelago. It is a city rich in history, culture and traditions that I can only recommend that you visit at least half a day.

For more information on what to see, I recommend you read this article much more complete on the subject.

For the second half of the day you can board a boat and go on Prison Island which is located 5km from Stone Town. This island is also culturally and historically rich and today it is home to a conservation reserve for giant tortoises. There you can visit the island, learn more, see the turtles and swim. For more details, I advise you this article.

Day 10 in Zanzibar - Spice Tour and back

This is where your 10 day stay in Zanzibar ends. The archipelago is a beautiful place with many things to do and see.

If your plane or your boat to leave is in the afternoon or evening, I advise you to take advantage of your last half-day to take the "spice route", it is a Spice Tour because Zanzibar is also called "the island of spices" and you will be able to discover the plantations and all the spices which one finds on the island but also to learn how they are used in the local customs. Obviously it's time to bring some home to season your meals 🙂

10 Day Zanzibar Itinerary