Zanzibar’s Central/South delivers a heady mix of Swahili history, legendary spice routes, and aquamarine seas. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals coral-rag palaces and carved teak doors; a short drive away, Paje and the southeast coast stretch out in bright lagoons tailor-made for kite-surfing, snorkeling, and lazy beach days.

The island’s story folds African, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences into its architecture, cuisine, and music. You’ll taste it in coconut curries and spiced pilau, smell it in clove-laden air near the spice farms, and see it in the brass-studded doorways lining Stone Town’s alleys. Boat rides are part of daily life here—dhows skimming to sandbanks by morning, sunset cruises by evening.

Practical notes: tides shape daily plans on the southeast coast, so time swims and photos around high tide. ATMs are clustered in Stone Town; carry cash for beach cafés and small shops. Dress modestly in town (especially at mosques), use reef-safe sunscreen, and bring water shoes for coral shallows.

Stone Town

Stone Town is the island’s cultural heartbeat—labyrinthine lanes, muezzin calls, and sultan-era mansions. It’s perfect for two days of history, markets, and boat trips to Prison Island and sandbanks.

• Top sights: Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens night market, Darajani Market, Sultan’s Palace (Beit el-Sahel), and the House of Wonders façade.
• Boating highlights: Prison Island for Aldabra giant tortoises; a dhow to Nakupenda sandbank for swimming and seafood grills.
• Local eats: Lukmaan (hearty Zanzibari plates like biryani, urojo soup), House of Spices (roof terrace, Swahili-meets-Mediterranean), The Silk Route (coastal Indian classics).
• Coffee/breakfast: Zanzibar Coffee House Café (house roasts, rooftop views), Forodhani chai stands (spiced tea, viazi karai fritters).

Stay (budget-friendly picks via our partners): Browse deals on VRBO Stone Town and Hotels.com Stone Town. Aim for Shangani or Kiponda areas to walk everywhere.

Getting in: Fly into Zanzibar (ZNZ). Compare fares on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com flights. Typical one-stop from major hubs: 12–18 hours via DAR/NBO, $550–$1,100 round-trip depending on season.

Paje (with Jambiani nearby)

Paje anchors the southeast coast with an endless beach, shallow lagoons, and a relaxed surf-town vibe. It’s ideal for swimming at high tide, kite lessons, and café-hopping with toes in the sand.

• Beach time: High-tide swims in turquoise water; at low tide, walk the reef flats for starfish and seagrass meadows.
• Day trips: Jozani Forest for red colobus monkeys; Kizimkazi for wild dolphin watching; Kuza Cave for a freshwater dip.
• Where to eat: Mr Kahawa (smoothies, grain bowls, solid espresso), Paje by Night (wood-fired pizza, lively evenings), B4 Beach Club (beach grills and DJ sunsets), Café Kaka in Jambiani (seafood and Swahili curries).
• Sunset drinks: Beach bars along Paje’s main strip; or a simple coconut from roadside stalls.

Stay (good-value beach bases): Search VRBO Paje and Hotels.com Paje for guesthouses and small beach hotels. Expect $45–$90 per night for simple, clean rooms.

Getting there from Stone Town: 60–75 minutes by taxi. Prebook a ride with Affordable and Reliable Taxi Services in Zanzibar Island (~$35–$45).

Day 1: Arrive in Zanzibar (Stone Town)

Afternoon: Land at ZNZ and transfer 15–20 minutes to Stone Town (use Zanzibar Airport Private Transfer). Check in and get your bearings around the Old Fort and Forodhani waterfront.

Evening: Graze your way through the Forodhani Gardens night market—Zanzibar pizzas, grilled octopus, fresh sugarcane juice. If you prefer a sit-down spot, try Lukmaan for beef biryani and tamarind juice.

Day 2: Stone Town by Foot + Prison Island by Boat

Morning: Dive into history on the 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour. You’ll weave past brass-studded doors, the Old Dispensary, and hidden courtyards while learning about Omani sultans and spice trade legacies.

Afternoon: Boat across emerald waters on the Prison Island Half-Day Tour—meet centuries-old Aldabra tortoises and snorkel the reef just off Changuu Island. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes.

Evening: Sunset option for boat lovers: a splurgey Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Stone Town (Private) with space to sprawl and sea-breeze views. Budget alternative: sip ginger tea on the seawall and watch dhows silhouette the sky. Dinner at House of Spices (spiced prawns; rooftop tables) or The Silk Route (butter chicken, paneer tikka).

Day 3: Jozani Forest, Kuza Cave, The Rock—Transfer to Paje

This eco-day links Stone Town to the southeast coast, so it’s a smart move day.

All day: Join the Jozani Forest, Kuza Cave, Paje Beach and The Rock Restaurant tour: spot red colobus monkeys, swim in a crystal-blue limestone pool at Kuza Cave, stroll Paje Beach, and (tide-permitting) snap that iconic meal at The Rock in Pingwe. Ask for drop-off at your Paje stay to save on transfers.

Evening: Check in, rinse off the salt, and wander to Mr Kahawa for grilled fish and mango salads. Nightcap on the sand—starry skies are brilliant down here.

Day 4: Paje Beach Day + Optional Clear-Kayak Photos

Morning: Time your swim for high tide—electric-blue water and gentle waves. Coffee and banana bread at Mr Kahawa or a smoothie bowl to keep it light for the water.

Afternoon: Kite-lesson window if the wind is up (Dec–Mar and Jun–Sep are prime). Prefer something photogenic? Book the Zanzibar Transparent Kayak and Drone with Pickup for those glass-kayak lagoon shots—pick-up included from Paje area.

Evening: Pizza and cold sodas at Paje by Night or grilled calamari at B4 Beach Club. Stroll the firm low-tide sands under the moon.

Day 5: Kizimkazi Dolphins + Salaam Cave

Morning: Early drive 35–45 minutes to Kizimkazi for a responsible dolphin-watching boat (ask your guesthouse to arrange a captain who keeps distance and never chases pods). Go early to avoid crowds; bring a mask if you’re comfortable entering the water.

Afternoon: Cool off at the unique, open-roof limestone pool on the Salaam Cave Zanzibar (Turtles Santuary) stop—tranquil, blue waters beneath tropical foliage. Return to Paje for a late lunch at Café Kaka (octopus curry, fresh juices).

Evening: Sunset sand-walk, then dinner on shared platters of grilled kingfish and coconut rice at a simple beach shack—ask for the catch of the day.

Day 6: Boat Day to Mnemba—Snorkeling With Reefs and (Maybe) Dolphins

Morning: Depart early for the island’s northeast (about 1.5 hours by car) to join the Mnemba Island snorkeling and Swimming with Dolphin trip. Clear waters, healthy coral gardens, and excellent visibility make this a standout reef day.

Afternoon: Two snorkel sessions are typical; you might spot butterflyfish, trumpetfish, and, if lucky, dolphins (view respectfully—no crowding or chasing). Return south with a snack stop en route.

Evening: Low-key dinner back in Paje. Try a coconut curry or chapati wraps from a local joint to keep the day budget in check.

Day 7: Paje Slow Morning + Departure

Morning: Final swim at high tide or beachside coffee while souvenir shopping for spices and kikois. Pack sand-free and confirm your pick-up.

Afternoon: Transfer 60–75 minutes to ZNZ for your flight (book Zanzibar Airport Private Transfer to/from Hotel). Check fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com for the best return options.

Optional/Alternative Boat Combo (Stone Town day swap):

If you’d like one packed “all-in-one” boat day from town, consider Super Zanzi Nakupenda, Prison Island & Stone Town, which pairs the vanishing sandbank with Prison Island and lunch—great value for boat lovers.

Budget tips (target ~35/100): Choose centrally located guesthouses; eat lunches at local cafés (pilau, mchicha, chapati); share taxis with other travelers when possible; and bundle tours that include hotel pickup to save on transfers. Night markets and beach shacks are your wallet’s friend.

Getting around: Island taxis run $10–$50 depending on distance. For point-to-point, prebook on Affordable and Reliable Taxi Services in Zanzibar Island.

One week in Zanzibar Central/South balances UNESCO history with beach bliss and memorable boat days. From Stone Town’s storied alleys to Paje’s glassy lagoons and Mnemba’s reefs, you’ll sample the island’s best on a sensible budget—leaving with sun on your skin and spice in your suitcase.