5-Day Exotic Zanzibar Island Getaway & Marine Safari
Duration
5 Days
Group size
Up to 15
Activity
Easy
Meeting point
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) or Zanzibar Ferry Terminal (Stone Town Port), Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania (Includes complimentary private pickup from any hotel located within Stone Town)
About this experience
Escape to the spice island of Zanzibar on a 5-day tropical getaway that blends rich Swahili culture, historic coastal architecture, and vibrant Indian Ocean marine life. Based in UNESCO-listed Stone Town, this package includes immersive walking tours through historic alleyways, spice plantations, and Prison Island, culminating in the renowned full-day "Safari Blue" dhow sailing excursion across the coral reefs and sandbanks of Menai Bay. Day-by-Day Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar & Stone Town Transfer Activities: Meet your driver upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) or Zanzibar Ferry Terminal for a private transfer to your hotel in Stone Town. Spend the afternoon settling in, relaxing by the pool, or taking an evening stroll along Forodhani Gardens to sample authentic Swahili street food. Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel (or similar mid-range beachfront hotel in Stone Town) Meals Included: Dinner Day 2: Historic Stone Town & Prison Island Tour Activities: Embark on a guided morning walking tour through Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleyways, visiting the House of Wonders, Sultan’s Palace, Old Fort, and the poignant Former Slave Market Site. After lunch, board a wooden motorboat to Prison Island (Changuu) to meet giant Aldabra tortoises and swim along the surrounding coral reef. Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel (or similar mid-range beachfront hotel in Stone Town) Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch Day 3: Full-Day Marine Safari (Safari Blue Experience) Activities: Depart early for Fumba Village to board a hand-built mahogany sailing dhow into the Menai Bay Conservation Area. Guided snorkeling over turquoise coral reefs, swim in a natural mangrove lagoon, and relax on a isolated sandbank. Enjoy a buffet feast featuring fresh grilled lobster, fish, calamari, and tropical fruits on Kwale Island before sailing back. Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel (or similar mid-range beachfront hotel in Stone Town) Meals Included: Breakfast, Seafood Buffet Lunch & Refreshments Day 4: Organic Spice Farm Tour & Jozani Chwaka Bay Forest Activities: Morning guided tour through an organic spice farm outside Stone Town to touch, smell, and taste fresh cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemongrass. In the afternoon, explore Jozani Forest Reserve—Zanzibar’s only national park—to spot the rare indigenous Red Colobus monkeys along the mahogany canopy boardwalk. Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel (or similar mid-range beachfront hotel in Stone Town) Meals Included: Breakfast & Spice Farm Lunch Day 5: Souvenir Shopping & Airport/Ferry Departure Activities: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and free time for souvenir shopping along Gizenga Street for local handicrafts, Tanzanite jewelry, and spices. Complete check-out followed by private transfer to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) or Ferry Terminal for your onward travel. Meals Included: Breakfast
Highlights
- Snorkeling
- Local Food
- Family Friendly
- Nature
- Photography
- Private Tour
- History
What's included
- Private round-trip airport or ferry terminal transfers in Zanzibar
- Private vehicle transport for all land-based tours (Spice Farm & Jozani Forest)
- Professional licensed local tour guides throughout all excursions
- Full-day "Safari Blue" marine trip on a traditional wooden dhow with snorkeling gear provided
- All national park entry fees, marine reserve fees, and island permits (Prison Island, Jozani Forest)
- Fresh seafood buffet lunch on Kwale Island during the marine safari
- Organic spice tasting lunch at the local spice plantation
- Daily breakfast at your hotel in Stone Town
- Purified drinking water during all tours and transfer activities
- Mid-range hotel accommodation in Stone Town (arranged separately or available upon request)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary (dinners and select lunches)
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, boat crews, and local site guides
- Mandatory travel and medical insurance
- International or domestic flights (e.g., Kilimanjaro/Arusha to Zanzibar)
- Ferry tickets between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks
- Zanzibar infrastructure tax (typically paid directly to the hotel upon check-in)
Policies & safety
Cancellation policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following cancellation fee schedule applies based on when notice is received: 60+ days before arrival: 90% refund (10% retained). 30–59 days before arrival: 50% refund (50% retained). Less than 30 days before arrival: Non-refundable (100% retained). Booking & Deposit Terms: A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. The remaining balance must be paid at least 30 days before tour commencement. Bookings made within 30 days of departure require full payment immediately.
Safety notes
Marine & Water Safety: Life jackets are mandatory during all boat transfers, dhow sailing, and snorkeling excursions. Snorkeling is monitored by experienced marine guides; guests should remain within designated safe zones around coral reefs and sandbanks. Mandatory Travel & Medical Insurance: Travelers are required to hold comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses, boat transfers, and trip interruptions. Sun & Heat Protection: High humidity and tropical equatorial sun require daily application of reef-safe sunscreen, UV-protective swimwear or rash guards, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and continuous hydration. Cultural Sensitivity & Dress Code: Respect local Islamic customs when exploring Stone Town and local villages. Swimwear is suitable for beaches, dhows, and resorts, but shoulders and knees should be covered when walking through public city streets and cultural sites. Wildlife Interactions: Keep a respectful distance from giant tortoises on Prison Island and Red Colobus monkeys at Jozani Forest. Do not feed, touch, or harass wildlife, and remain on designated forest boardwalks at all times.
Your guide
Petro Paul Mihambo
VerifiedTrekking, Wildlife Safaris, Cultural Tours, Adventure, Photography, Zanzibar beach holidays