Zanzibar and Stone Town Tour

Quick Facts

Days

7

Takes you to

Zanzibar and Stone Town

SAFARI OVERVIEW OF

Zanzibar and Stone Town Tour

Zanzibar – Where History Meets Paradise

Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, is a dream destination with pristine white beaches, turquoise waters, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re unwinding after a safari or seeking a standalone beach escape, the island offers endless relaxation and adventure—swimming, snorkeling, diving, or simply basking in paradise.

Beyond the Beaches

Zanzibar’s history is woven into its ancient palaces, mosques, and vibrant spice plantations. Experience the famous Spice Tour, where you’ll discover the island’s aromatic treasures—cloves, nutmeg, and pepper. For an unforgettable experience, swim with dolphins in Kizimkazi at the island’s southern tip and explore Jozani Forest.

Stone Town – A Walk Through Time

Wander through Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with narrow alleys, ornate doors, and bustling markets. Stay overnight to soak in its unique charm and history.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Water-Based Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and diving in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Explore vibrant coral reefs and colorful underwater ecosystems
Historical sites: Ancient palaces, mosques, forts, markets, and Architecture. Experience the blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European architecture.
Spice Tour: Learn about cloves, nutmeg, and pepper.
Unique experiences: Swimming with dolphins in Kizimkazi and exploring Jozani Forest, home to Red Colobus monkeys and mangroves.
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow alleys, ornate doors, and lively markets.
Eco-friendly Luxury Accommodations to soak in its charm and history.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar - Stone Town

Upon arrival in Stone Town, begin your journey by delving into Zanzibar’s rich heritage with the start of the Zanzibar and Stone Town Tour. This private, guided half-day tour takes you through Stone Town, offering a glimpse into Zanzibar’s rich history and vibrant culture. The 3-hour tour begins from your hotel and explores the city's iconic landmarks, bustling markets, and daily life. Your journey will cover the

House of Wonders (National Museum)
Darajani Market - A typical food market, walk across the street to the large market.
House of Wonders – A grand palace-turned-museum showcasing Zanzibar’s history.
Old Fort (Arab Fort) – A centuries-old fortress with an intriguing past.
Freddie Mercury House – The birthplace of the legendary Queen singer.
Old Slave Market – A sobering reminder of Zanzibar’s past.
Fruit & Spice Markets – A sensory delight with exotic flavors and aromas.
Zanzibar’s Iconic Carved Doors – Beautiful wooden doors that define Stone Town’s charm

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner | Accommodation: Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 2: Zanzibar Prison Island tour - Nungwi and Snorkeling

Today, set off for the Prison Island, once used by Arabs to house rebellious slaves and later converted into a prison by General Mathews (though never actually used as one), is now home to giant tortoises.

Take a half-day excursion from Stone Town to explore this captivating island, perfect for a leisurely walk. During your visit, a guided tour will give you insight into the island's history.

Afterward, unwind with a swim in the crystal-clear waters or go snorkeling to discover the vibrant coral reefs.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 3: Discover Zanzibar's Spice Heritage – A 4-Hour Guided Tour

Zanzibar is world-renowned as the Spice Island, and this 4-hour guided tour offers an immersive journey through its rich spice heritage. Visit key spice production sites and explore the flavors and fragrances that have been part of Zanzibar's culinary history for centuries.

On this tour, you'll encounter spices found in kitchens worldwide, including cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, garlic, coconut, lemongrass, turmeric, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg.

Your adventure begins at Kibweni Palace, and as we walk towards Kidichi, we'll pass by Dr. Livingston House and explore the ruins of Muruhubi, a harem built for the Sultan. At the Kizimbani spice plantations, you'll get a chance to touch, smell, and taste various spices, herbs, fruits, and even decorative plants. The tour concludes with a visit to the Persian Baths at Kidichi, built by the first Sultan for his wife.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 4: Explore Zanzibar's Best Activity: The Safari Blue Tour

The Safari Blue Tour is Zanzibar's premier full-day adventure, offering a unique sea safari experience. Starting from the Fumba Fishing Village on the island’s southwest coast, this exciting tour takes you on a sailing journey aboard a traditional dhow, whose history dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries during the age of monsoon winds and Arab trade routes.

The tour kicks off at 9:00 AM with a sail to a sandbank for relaxation, swimming, and beach walks.

Activities & Highlights
Snorkeling: Explore vibrant coral reefs and swim with colorful schools of fish in pristine waters.
Seafood Feast: Indulge in fresh, tropical seafood such as octopus, calamari, lobster, shrimp, shark, tuna, and barracuda.
Kwale Island & Baobab Tree: After a delicious lunch on Kwale Island, take a short walk to see the ancient baobab tree, over 200 years old.
Natural Swimming Pool: On the way back to Fumba Beach, take a refreshing dip in the natural swimming pool near Kwale Island.

The tour concludes around 4:00 PM, offering an unforgettable day of sailing, snorkeling, and cultural exploration.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 5: Dolphin and Jozani Forest Tour

After breakfast, embark on the Zanzibar Dolphin Tour for a chance to spot dolphins, though sightings are not guaranteed. Following the tour, continue to Jozani Forest for a nature-filled adventure.

Zanzibar Dolphin Tour

Located in the southern part of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to a 12th-century mosque, the oldest evidence of Islam in East Africa. The village is also a hub for both bottlenose and humpback dolphins.

A short boat ride allows you to spot these playful creatures, and if you're lucky, they may swim close enough for an unforgettable experience. While swimming with dolphins is possible, please remember that they are shy creatures and touching them is unlikely. The village offers not only natural beauty but also a rich historical and cultural heritage.

Jozani Forest Tour

After the dolphin tour, head to Jozani Forest, located 35 km southeast of Zanzibar City. This 10-square-kilometer nature reserve is the only remaining natural forest on Unguja Island. Home to ancient trees over 100 years old, Jozani is a sanctuary for unique wildlife, including the red colobus monkey, the Zanzibar leopard, and other endemic species like the Zanzibar duiker and suni antelope.

Perfect for nature lovers, this tour lets you explore the dense pandanus and palm trees as you immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s rich flora and fauna.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 6: Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling Adventure

After breakfast, head to Mnemba Island for an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Located just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, near the Matemwe fishing village, Mnemba Atoll is a paradise for underwater adventure.

This full-day excursion starts from Nungwi Village and takes you to the island, where you'll explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish. Mnemba is a top spot for both divers and snorkelers seeking to experience pristine marine life. The tour includes snorkeling, a delicious seafood lunch, and a relaxing sailing trip on a traditional dhow.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort | Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 7: Zanzibar Airport - Departure

You will be picked up from your Zanzibar Accommodation and transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your flight.

Included in the Zanzibar and Stone Town Tour Itinerary

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with gasoline/fuel
All Activities on the Itinerary
Drinking water / refillable water bottle
English-speaking Guides
Accommodation and Meals
All Park Entrance Fees.

Excluded from the Zanzibar and Stone Town Tour Itinerary

International Airfares;
Visa Fees;
Drinks and Beverages
Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
Mnemba Island Snorkeling
Optional activities unless specified as included
Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.

Unforgettable Tanzania

Tanzania beckons to the adventurer in you, offering a vibrant canvas of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and cultural treasures waiting to be uncovered. This captivating land promises to immerse you in nature’s raw beauty, from the iconic wildlife of the Serengeti to the grandeur of the Great Migration. With Tanzania Safari Adventures, your safari dreams come to life.
Venture across vast savannas alive with wildlife, explore diverse landscapes, and immerse yourself in the heart of Africa’s wilderness. Connect with Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage and experience the warmth of the Tanzanian people, whose hospitality will make you feel at home in this enchanting land. Whether you’re a seasoned safari enthusiast or new to African adventures, Tanzania offers an unforgettable journey of discovery and transformation.

Entry Requirements:

To enter Tanzania, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival and has at least one blank page. If you plan to visit other East African countries, it’s recommended to have multiple blank pages available.
Tanzania requires a tourist or business visa for entry, which can be applied for online at the Tanzania Visa Portal. The visa fee is typically USD 50 for most nationalities, with U.S. citizens paying USD 100.

You can also obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at the main ports of entry, provided you meet all immigration requirements. Please note that multiple-entry visas are not available on arrival.

Required documents for your visa include

A clear copy of your passport
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Passport photo

You may also be able to obtain a visa from the Tanzanian High Commission located in your country. Upon arrival, you’ll need to complete an entry form, pass through immigration, and possibly clear customs, being transparent about any goods you’re bringing in.

Visa Exempt Countries

The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Tanzania:
East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan
Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries: Angola, Malawi, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Other countries: Hong Kong, Macau, the Comoros, and Togo

East Africa Tourist Visa

If you’re planning to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and/or Kenya as part of an East African adventure, the East Africa Tourist Visa may be your best option. This multiple-entry visa is valid for 90 days and costs USD 100. Apply through the government portal of the first East African country you plan to enter.

Currency & Banking

Currency: The local currency is Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted at many lodges and hotels, though a 5% transaction fee may apply. Always carry cash for small expenses, park entry fees, and tips.

Travel & Transport

Flights: Domestic flights typically have a baggage allowance of 15 kg in soft bags.
Getting Around: Tanzania’s diverse landscapes are best explored by safari vehicles or flights, offering travelers the chance to view wildlife and stunning vistas.

Health & Medical Information

Vaccinations: Stay up to date with routine vaccinations, and consider getting vaccines for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B.
Malaria: Tanzania is a malaria zone, so take anti-malarial medication, use insect repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, covering health, cancellations, and any activities you plan.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (June to October): Ideal for game viewing as animals gather around waterholes and the sparse vegetation makes wildlife easier to spot.
Green season (November to May): Lush landscapes and fewer tourists offer great opportunities for birdwatching, though animal sightings can be more challenging.

Travel Insurance

Although not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended, as healthcare in Tanzania may differ from what you’re accustomed to. It’s best to be covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

What to pack

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature-blending clothes