2 week Zanzibar itinerary

posted onAuthorMargauxLeave comments

Passer two weeks in Zanzibar the feet in a fan on a fine sand beach under the palm trees with a coconut in the hands…. You too does that make you dream? Well that's what awaits you if you are about to go to Zanzibar for 2 weeks. But obviously, even if you want to discover this splendid archipelago, you might as well take the opportunity to discover the must-see activities in the area. 

Depending on the time you are going to spend in Zanzibar, there are certain things to do or see that are not to be missed. So I prepared different routes on Zanzibar:

But some of you will have more time and therefore plan to spend 2 weeks in Zanzibar. 

Here is the itinerary that I recommend to make the most of your stay.

2-week Zanzibar itinerary: practical information

Zanzibar is an archipelago comprising mainly two islands:

  • Unguja Island: improperly called Zanzibar. It is the largest island but also the most famous. 
  • The island of Pemba : this small island located north of its big sister welcomes far fewer tourists and is much more preserved and wild.

Know that it is easy to move from island to island, you can take the boat or the plane depending on your time and budget.

Before going to Zanzibar for your 2 week stay, it is important to have some information in mind about the transport, cost of living, culture & religion, currency and language spoken especially. To learn more about these topics, I urge you to read this article which will enlighten you I'm sure 🙂

2 week Zanzibar itinerary

If you decide to go to Zanzibar for 2 weeks, you will have time to discover a good part of it. As the archipelago is not very large, this length of stay will allow you to discover both Zanzibar (Unguja) and Pemba which I recommend to you just as much.

Regarding the itinerary for 2 weeks in Zanzibar, I recommend the following:

This 15-day itinerary on the Zanzibar archipelago will allow you to see the main one.

Day 1 in Zanzibar - Arrival in Zanzibar

On your first day take the time to settle down quietly at your hotel and relax by the pool or the beach. 

Day 2 in Zanzibar - The northern beaches (Nungwi and Matemwe

Take the day to acclimatize and swim on one of the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.

Day 3 in Zanzibar - Diving / Snorkeling around Mnemba Atoll

La diving and snorkeling are essential activities to do in Zanzibar. For your third day on your 2-week itinerary in Zanzibar, explore the seabed around Mnemba Atoll for a day. 

Day 4 in Zanzibar - Jozani Forest & Seaweed Plantation

This fourth day is perfect to go visit the largest forest in Zanzibar (Jozani forest) for a morning, then move on to the visit to seaweed farms in Paje which are part of the Zanzibarite culture.

Day 5 in Zanzibar - Jambiani or Paje beach

The 5th day is a day of relaxation and rest to enjoy nautical activities or beautiful heavenly beaches by Paje and / or Jambiani.

Day 6 in Zanzibar - Swim with dolphins in Kizimkazi

If you didn't have the chance to see dolphins during your snorkeling / diving trip, go on an expedition and go swimming with dolphins at the southern end of the island of Zanzibar. Complete this small expedition with a afternoon beach.

Day 7 in Zanzibar - Safari Blue excursion

Continue your 2-week itinerary in Zanzibar by boarding a typical small boat to go discover the South West of the island with the famous “Safari Blue” expedition. You will see magnificent wild beaches there and can take the opportunity to go snorkeling.

Day 8 in Zanzibar - Stone Town & Prison Island

Obviously, coming to Zanzibar it is unthinkable not to visit the old town of Stone Town which is an incredible place as much for its culture and its history as for its atmosphere.

Take advantage of it too to go on Prison Island the time of an afternoon to see in particular the reserve of giant tortoises.

Day 9 in Zanzibar - Departure for Pemba Island

For your second part of your 15-day itinerary in Zanzibar, board a boat or plane and discover the small island of Pemba.

This beautiful island is still preserved from tourists and remains very wild. The trip to Pemba will take you around 4 hours by boat compared to around 30 minutes by plane.

Obviously you will not have time to see all that this island has in store for you in just a few days because there are many things to do, but you will have already a glimpse while spending 5 days in Pemba.

Day 10 in Zanzibar - Chake Chake & Surroundings

For this first day on the island of Pemba, I suggest you take the opportunity to visit Chake Chake which is the main town of Pemba. It is a good starting point for visiting the island.

Stroll around the city and you can in particular visit the Pemba museum which will teach you a lot about its history.

The island is very famous for its clove plantations, so go visit a clove oil distillery. 

In the vicinity of Chake Chake, go visit the ruins which are nearby (Mkame Ndume or Ras Mkumbuu).

Day 11 in Zanzibar - Snorkeling or diving excursion in Pemba

For this second day on Pemba and 11em of your 15-day itinerary in Zanzibar, go for a sea ​​excursion for diving or snorkeling. The seabed is splendid around the island of Pemba. For more information on diving or snorkeling spots in Pemba, I advise you to see this article. You can easily find day or half-day excursions from your hotel, for example. 

Day 12 in Zanzibar - Ngezi Forest Reserve & Makangale Beach

North of Pemba, vou cannot miss the Ngezi forest reserve. You will find many plant and animal species there, including the well-known Duke of Pemba. By going to this reserve, you will have the possibility of making a walk of about 1 hour or a longer walk of 3-4 hours.

Complete this day with an afternoon at the beach on the magnificent makangale beach for example. This beach has nothing to do with the beaches that can be found in Zanzibar because you will not find hotels on the beach and you will most likely be alone on this huge expanse of fine sand.

Day 13 in Zanzibar - Tumbe Village & its Fish Market

For a day during your 2-week stay in Zanzibar, make a short stop in the very typical and friendly village of Tumbe. It is in this village that you will be able to see the famous fish market which is on the beach behind the village. It is a real local immersion with fishing boats, smells etc.

On the way, stop to visit the ruins of chwaka.

Day 14 in Zanzibar - Return to Unguja (Zanzibar)

It is henceforth time to return to the main island of Unguja. Once again you can leave by boat or plane. Note that it is possible to reach some cities on the mainland directly from Pemba, for this I recommend that you consult this article. 

Day 15 in Zanzibar - The Spice route & return flight

Your 15-day itinerary in Zanzibar therefore ends but if you still have half a day on the Zanzibar archipelago, I will highly recommend going for the spice route, it is a half day tour allowing you to learn more about Zanzibar spices and their use and planting. 

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