6 Days | For Active Travelers and Families
Overview
For those who want more than just beach time. This itinerary packs in Zanzibar’s best active experiences: snorkeling pristine coral reefs, swimming with wild dolphins, exploring spice farms, and diving into the island’s rich culture. You’ll stay in two different locations—Stone Town and the east coast—to maximize your experiences.
Perfect for active couples, solo travelers, and families with older children.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival – Stone Town
Arrive at Zanzibar Airport. Transfer to your Stone Town hotel.
Afternoon: Free time to explore Stone Town at your own pace. Wander the maze-like streets, admire the carved wooden doors, and soak in the atmosphere.
Late Afternoon (4:30 PM): Guided Stone Town walking tour. Visit the House of Wonders, Old Fort, Freddie Mercury’s childhood home, and the slave market site.
Sunset: Forodhani Gardens. Watch the sunset and experience the famous night food market—sample Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood, and sugar cane juice.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Accommodation:Stone Town Hotel
- Meals:Dinner
Day 2: Spice Tour & Transfer to East Coast
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Spice Tour. Visit a working spice farm. See vanilla orchids, clove trees, nutmeg, cinnamon, and more. Taste fresh spices and tropical fruits. Learn about traditional medicinal uses.
Lunch: Included at the spice farm.
Afternoon: Transfer to the east coast of Zanzibar (approx. 1 hour). You’ll stay in the Matemwe area, known for its stunning beaches and access to Mnemba Island’s marine reserve.
Arrival: Check into your beach lodge. The east coast has a different character than the north—more relaxed, with incredible tides that reveal tidal pools at low tide.
Evening: Dinner at your lodge.
- Accommodation:Matemwe Beach Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Dolphin Tour & Snorkeling
Early Morning (6:30 AM): Depart for dolphin tour. The best time to see dolphins is early morning when they’re most active.
Dolphin Experience: You’ll travel by boat to the dolphin areas near Kizimkazi (south coast) or Mnemba Island (depending on season and dolphin locations). Watch pods of wild bottlenose and humpback dolphins playing, leaping, and swimming alongside the boat.
Snorkeling with Dolphins? Swimming with dolphins is possible but depends entirely on the dolphins—they choose whether to approach. Your guide will follow ethical guidelines: no chasing, no touching.
Mid-Morning: Snorkeling at a nearby reef. The waters around Zanzibar are rich with marine life—coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles, and more.
Lunch: Picnic on a sandbank or at a beach restaurant.
Afternoon: Return to your lodge. Rest and relax.
Evening: Dinner at your lodge.
- Accommodation:Matemwe Beach Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Mnemba Island Snorkeling Adventure
Morning (8:30 AM): Depart for Mnemba Island, a private island surrounded by one of Zanzibar’s best marine reserves. The coral reefs here are pristine, and the marine life is abundant.
Snorkeling: You’ll have multiple snorkeling stops around the atoll. Look for:
- Green and hawksbill turtles
- Parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish
- Moray eels hiding in crevices
- Octopus and lobster (if you’re observant)
- Stunning hard and soft corals
Lunch: Included on the boat or at a beach restaurant.
Afternoon: More snorkeling or relaxing on a sandbank. The sandbars around Mnemba appear at low tide—stunning photo opportunities.
Late Afternoon: Return to your lodge.
Optional Add-On: Scuba diving for certified divers. Mnemba is one of Zanzibar’s best dive sites. ($150 for 2 dives)
Evening: Dinner at your lodge.
- Accommodation:Matemwe Beach Lodge
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Free Day – Choose Your Adventure
Your final full day—choose how to spend it:
Option | Description | Price |
Relax on beach | Pool, beach, reading, napping | Free |
Scuba diving | Explore deeper reefs | $150 |
Jozani Forest | See red colobus monkeys (endemic to Zanzibar) | $80 |
Kayaking | Paddle through mangroves | $50 |
Village walk | Visit a local fishing village | $40 |
Spice Tour repeat | If you missed it or want more | $50 |
Stone Town revisit | Day trip to Stone Town | $100 |
Lunch: At your lodge or on excursion.
Farewell Dinner: Special dinner at your lodge or a nearby restaurant. Celebrate your Zanzibar adventure.
- Accommodation:Matemwe Beach Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Departure
Morning: Breakfast at your lodge. Last beach walk.
Mid-Morning: Transfer to Zanzibar Airport (approx. 1.5 hours).
Departure: Fly out from Zanzibar.
- Meals:Breakfast
What’s Included
Inclusions | Exclusions |
Private airport transfers | International flights |
1 night Stone Town hotel | Tanzania visa ($50-100) |
4 nights Matemwe beach lodge | Travel insurance |
Stone Town walking tour | Tips for guides and drivers |
Spice Tour with lunch | Alcoholic drinks |
Dolphin tour with snorkeling | Scuba diving |
Mnemba Island snorkeling trip | Jozani Forest visit |
Meals as indicated (B, L, D) | Optional activities |
Bottled water in vehicle |
Price per person
From $3983
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
Destinations | Stone Town (1 night), Matemwe/East Coast (4 nights) |
Accommodation | Boutique hotel + beach lodge |
Activities | Spice Tour, Stone Town tour, dolphin tour, snorkeling, optional diving |
Best Time | June-October (best for dolphin sightings) |
Price | From $3983 per person |