Zanzibar
A night in Stone Town, a spice farm and two nights on the beach — about an hour and a half from Nairobi on a direct flight.
Overview
A short island break that mixes history, food and the beach: one night in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then two nights on the coast you choose. It suits couples, families and anyone finishing a Kenya or Tanzania safari.
Zanzibar is a direct flight of about 1 hr 30 min from Nairobi. If you mainly want to rest, we can put all three nights on the beach and visit Stone Town as a half-day trip.
Itinerary
Day 01Nairobi → Zanzibar · Stone Town
- Flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar, about 1 hr 30 min.
- Meet and transfer to your Stone Town hotel — the airport is close to town.
- Afternoon guided walk through Stone Town.
- Evening at Forodhani Gardens or a rooftop restaurant.
Meals: breakfast (from day 2)
Day 02Spice farm · transfer to the coast
- Morning spice farm visit in the countryside, tasting fruit and spices grown on the island.
- Transfer to your beach hotel on the north, east or south coast — about an hour.
- Afternoon on the beach.
Meals: breakfast
Day 03Beach day · optional excursions
- Time on the beach, or one of the options below.
- Snorkelling trip to Mnemba Atoll, a dhow sunset cruise, or Jozani Forest for the red colobus monkeys.
- Kitesurfing lessons at Paje, in season.
Meals: breakfast
Day 04Zanzibar → Nairobi
- Morning at leisure.
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Nairobi.
Meals: breakfast
Which coast?
North (Nungwi, Kendwa): smaller tidal range, so swimming is possible most of the day.
East (Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe): long beaches and big tides; the kitesurfing centre of the island.
South (Kizimkazi, Menai Bay): the quietest area, with dhow trips into Menai Bay.
Board basis depends on the hotel you choose; half board and all-inclusive options are available at many beach resorts. Flight times vary by airline and day.
Experiences
Stone Town walk
The Old Fort, Darajani Market and the former slave market site at Christ Church, with its memorial and exhibition.
Spice farm
Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and tropical fruit on a working farm.
Snorkelling and dhow trips
Mnemba Atoll off the north-east, or a dhow day in Menai Bay. Sea conditions decide the day.
Jozani Forest
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home of the Zanzibar red colobus, with a mangrove boardwalk.
Prison Island
A short boat ride from Stone Town to Changuu Island and its giant tortoises.
Resort and water sports
Pools, spas, kayaks and kitesurfing, depending on the resort and season.
Where you'll stay
We match hotels to the coast you choose and your dates. Specific properties are confirmed on your quotation.
Guesthouses and small hotels
Stone Town guesthouses and simple beach hotels, often family-run.
Beach resorts
Resorts with pools and restaurants on the north and east coasts; half board or all-inclusive options.
Boutique hotels
Smaller hotels with more space, in Stone Town and on quieter beaches.
Villas and top resorts
Private villas and high-end resorts, some with their own stretch of beach.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Best period
- Good / shoulder
- Quieter or wetter
Dry and breezy with comfortable temperatures. July and August are especially popular.
Hot and mostly dry. Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive weeks.
Short showers, usually passing quickly. Good value before the festive season.
The wettest period, with April usually the wettest month. Some hotels close; others offer lower rates.
Ramadan dates move each year. Stone Town is quieter during the day, and some restaurants change their hours.
What's included
Usually included
- Return flights from Nairobi, where booked with us
- Airport and inter-hotel transfers
- Accommodation for the nights booked
- Meals according to the board basis
- Stone Town walk and spice farm visit, where included
Not included
- Travel insurance for your own trip
- Visa or entry fees
- Optional excursions
- Tips and personal expenses
- Anything not listed on your quotation
Inclusions vary by package. Your written quotation defines exactly what is and isn’t included.
Gallery
Where you'll be
Zanzibar (Unguja) lies off Tanzania’s coast. Stone Town is on the west coast, close to the airport; most beach areas are about an hour away.
Pricing
What changes the price
- Travel dates
- Flights
- Coast and hotel
- Board basis
- Number of travellers
- Excursions
Fixed charge
| Charge | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar inbound insurance | USD 44 per adult · USD 22 per child (2–17) | Mandatory for visitors, bought before arrival; children under 2 free |
Checked September 2026. We arrange it with your booking.
Final pricing depends on dates, traveller numbers, accommodation and availability.
Interested in Zanzibar?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A consultant will come back to you with options and a firm quotation.
- Only name and email are required
- No obligation; a travel advisor replies, not an automated sequence
- Flights, hotels, transfers and visa guidance handled together
Prefer to talk it through? Talk to a travel advisor on +254 727 443840 or email travel@travellifectm.com.
Zanzibar: good to know
Is four days enough?
It covers Stone Town and two beach days. Five to seven nights is more relaxed, especially after a safari.
How do I get there?
Direct flights from Nairobi take about 1 hr 30 min. Zanzibar is also a short flight from Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam.
When is the best time to visit?
June to October and December to February. April and May are the wettest months.
Which coast should I choose?
The north for swimming at most tides, the east for long beaches and kitesurfing, the south for quiet. We help you decide.
Can I combine Zanzibar with a safari?
Yes — with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, or a Kenya safari. We book the connecting flights.
Do I need insurance to visit?
Yes. Zanzibar’s inbound travel insurance is mandatory for visitors, and we arrange it with your booking. We also recommend your own travel cover.
Other places to explore.
Photos via Unsplash (Unsplash Licence). Images show the type of place and experience and are not from a specific Travel Life Africa trip or property.