Zanzibar’s story is written in spices and tides. For centuries, traders from Oman, India, and Persia wove a cosmopolitan culture that still echoes in carved doors, call to prayer, and clove-scented air. The Indian Ocean did the rest—filling coral lagoons with technicolor fish and sculpting sandbanks that vanish and reappear with the moon.

Up north, Nungwi and Kendwa offer some of Zanzibar’s best year-round swimming, dreamy sunsets, and easy boat access to Mnemba Atoll—a marine reserve famed for clear water and darting reef life. In the west, Stone Town rewards slow wandering: sultans’ palaces, spice markets, and rooftop dinners set to taarab music.

Practical notes: Most travelers fly into ZNZ. USD is widely accepted, though Tanzanian shillings stretch further. Dress modestly in towns (Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim); beachwear is for beaches. Tides are strong—check local charts before venturing into currents, and choose reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem.

Nungwi (North Coast)

Powder-white sand, flat turquoise water at high tide, and fiery sunsets define Nungwi and neighboring Kendwa. Boats bob offshore, ready to run you to Mnemba’s reefs or past the lighthouse on a late-afternoon cruise. Inland, a quiet village scene reveals dhows being built the old way—by hand, from mango and mvule wood.

• Top sights and activities: Mnemba Island snorkeling, Kendwa sunset swims, Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond, dhow cruises, optional skydive over the lagoon, quad biking on sandy backroads.
• Food and drink: From barefoot grills to garden dining, expect grilled octopus, coconut curries, and just-landed fish. Sunsets pair nicely with a passionfruit daiquiri and a plate of spicy urojo soup.
• Fun fact: Nungwi’s tides are milder than the east coast, making swimming possible most of the day—one reason it’s a perennial favorite.

Where to stay: Browse stays near the beach or tucked in leafy lanes via VRBO Nungwi or compare resorts and boutiques on Hotels.com Nungwi.

Stone Town

The UNESCO-listed heart of Zanzibar City is a maze of coral-stone alleys where carved doors whisper status and spice routes. Markets spill over with cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg; the sea breeze carries charcoal smoke from sunset grills on the waterfront.

• Top sights and activities: Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens night market, House of Wonders exterior, Sultan’s Palace Museum, Prison Island (giant Aldabra tortoises), spice farms nearby.
• Food and drink: Swahili pilau, octopus curry, sugarcane juice, and rooftop dinners at historic riads accompanied by taarab melodies.
• Fun fact: Zanzibar’s cloves once fueled a global spice boom; today’s farms still welcome visitors to taste, smell, and pick.

Where to stay: Opt for a heritage inn or seafront hotel via VRBO Stone Town or browse boutique and luxury options on Hotels.com Stone Town.

Getting in and around: Fly into Zanzibar (ZNZ). Compare regional and long-haul routes on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical regional hops: Nairobi to ZNZ ~1.5 hours; Doha to ZNZ ~6 hours (often 1 stop). Airport to Nungwi by road is ~1.5–2 hours; expect $45–60 for a private car. Nungwi to Stone Town is ~1.5 hours; budget $35–50. There are no trains or ferries needed on-island.

Day 1: Arrival to Zanzibar – North Coast Unwind

Afternoon: Land at ZNZ and transfer north to Nungwi/Kendwa (~1.5–2 hours). Drop bags and stretch on the powdery sand; the tide here usually allows easy swims. If you fancy a light bite, try grilled calamari and a fresh mango juice at Baraka Beach Restaurant—simple, sea-to-table, toes-in-sand.

Evening: Sunset stroll toward Kendwa where the sky turns copper. Dinner at Badolina Secret Garden (Nungwi): a lantern-lit courtyard serving Mediterranean plates—think tahini-lime octopus, roasted aubergine with herbs, and homemade focaccia. Nightcap at Gerry’s Bar on the beach, a casual local favorite with oceanfront beanbags.

Day 2: Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling + Nungwi Eats

Morning: Board a traditional dhow for crystal-clear snorkeling at Mnemba—fields of branching coral, clouds of anthias, and frequent bottlenose dolphins. Choose this well-reviewed outing:

Private/Sharing: Explore Mnemba Island with a dhow

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and follow your guide’s rules if dolphins appear—no chasing or diving onto pods; observe respectfully.

Afternoon: Back in Nungwi, wander to the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond to learn about local rescue and release efforts. Lunch at Mama Mia for wood-fired pizza and excellent gelato; grab an espresso while you’re there.

Evening: Golden hour on the beach, then dinner at Cinnamon (at The Z Hotel) for fresh seafood curry and ocean views. Their passionfruit cheesecake is a quiet island legend.

Day 3: Sand, Quads, and a Sunset Dhow Dinner

Morning: Lazy beach breakfast—try fried egg chapati wraps (Zanzibar “mishkaki” skewers appear later in the day). Optional adrenaline: Skydive Zanzibar operates tandem jumps over Kendwa; views of the atoll are spectacular (reserve ahead).

Afternoon: Kick up some dust on a guided quad ride that threads village paths, palm groves, and hidden shorelines:

4h Quad Adventures in Zanzibar: Nungwi / Kendwa

Evening: Dress casually for a romantic sail along the north coast with a private dinner served onboard—watch village lights flicker to life as the stars come out.

Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar

Day 4: Choose Your Pace – Dive, Village, or Pure Relaxation

Morning: Certified divers can join a two-tank trip to sites like Kichafi and Hunga; expect turtles, stingrays, and healthy hard corals. Non-divers: take a beach walk to the lighthouse or watch artisans carving and caulking wooden dhows.

Afternoon: Lunch at Kendwa Rocks Restaurant—grilled prawns and chips with a sea breeze. Then an easy snorkel off the beach or a stand-up paddle session when the sea turns to glass.

Evening: Sunset mocktails at The Z Hotel’s rooftop, then dinner at a local grill shack for mishkaki (beef or octopus skewers) dusted with pilipili. On weekends, Kendwa’s beach often features live music or low-key parties—great for people-watching.

Day 5: Transfer to Stone Town + Historic Alleys and Waterfront Night Market

Morning: Depart Nungwi around 7:30 a.m. for Stone Town (~1.5 hours). Drop bags and grab spiced coffee at Zanzibar Coffee House. Begin a walking loop: Old Fort’s bastions, a peek at the House of Wonders façade, then the Palace Museum to unpack the sultanate’s era.

Afternoon: Dive into Darajani Market—pyramids of cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla beans—then admire the city’s famed carved doors near Gizenga Street. Pause at Jaws Corner for local coffee and conversation. Lunch at Lukmaan for classic Swahili dishes: pilau rice, octopus curry, and fresh mango juice.

Evening: Forodhani Gardens Night Market lights up at dusk: order Zanzibar pizza (a savory-sweet crepe), grilled reef fish, and sugarcane-lime-ginger juice. Reserve a rooftop table at Emerson on Hurumzi’s Tea House for a set Swahili dinner with taarab music—magical in the warm night air.

Day 6: Full-Day Selous (Nyerere) Safari by Air

It’s an early pickup for a bucket-list detour to mainland Tanzania. Fly to Africa’s largest protected reserve for a classic game drive—elephants crossing sand rivers, giraffes peering over acacias, and lion prides lazing under shade. Lunch is included, and you’ll be back in Stone Town by evening, tired and thrilled.

From Zanzibar: Selous Game Reserve Day Safari with Flights

Day 7: Island Farewell – Spice Notes and Last Sips

Morning: Breakfast at Puzzle Coffee Shop or Zanzibar Coffee House—try cardamom cappuccino and coconut pancakes. Pick up last spices and woven baskets near Darajani, then stroll the seafront promenade one last time.

Afternoon (departure): Short transfer to ZNZ for your flight. For route ideas and fares, search Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Aim to be at the airport 2–2.5 hours before international departures.

Optional Swap: Stone Town by Sea

If you’d prefer a day on the water instead of (or in addition to) the safari, Stone Town’s classic trio—heritage, giant tortoises, and a sandbank lunch—fits perfectly:

Stone town, Prison island, Nakupenda with Snorkelling &lunch

Dining short list (save this):

• Nungwi/Kendwa: Badolina Secret Garden (Mediterranean garden dining), Mama Mia (Italian, gelato, espresso), Baraka Beach Restaurant (simple, super-fresh grills), Cinnamon at The Z Hotel (sea-view Swahili-meets-Mediterranean), Gerry’s Bar (laid-back sundowners).
• Stone Town: Lukmaan (beloved Swahili cafeteria classics), The Tea House at Emerson on Hurumzi (rooftop set menu with taarab), House of Spices (historic building, Zanzibari-Italian plates), Forodhani Night Market (street-food feast).

Insider tips: Bring a light scarf for modesty in town; card payments work at many hotels but carry cash for markets. Tides vary—morning high tide is best for easy swims up north; always heed local advice on currents. Choose reef-friendly sunscreen and avoid standing on coral.

Seven days in Zanzibar blend lagoon-blue mornings with spice-scented evenings. From Mnemba’s reefs to Stone Town rooftops and a quick leap to the mainland for safari, this itinerary balances beach time, culture, and adventure. You’ll leave with sand in your shoes and clove notes in your suitcase—both worth keeping.