Explore Zanzibar In 7 Days : Zanzibar is an idyllic resort island in the East Africa coast of the majestic Indian Ocean where you can chill with your friends or family in your 7 days. This iconic island is endowed with cultural and historical significance together with beach holidays. The residents of Zanzibar are Swahili people with a mixture of Swahili and Arabic cultures. The Stone Town is an oldest town built by Arabs, Portuguese and German rulers. The ruins of this town offer an important cultural history such UNESCO claimed it a World Heritage Site in 2000. The spices which are said to be introduced by Portuguese explorers are stunning attractions. Zanzibar is home to white sand beaches, historical sites, towns and colorful markets.
Zanzibar receives over 2000 direct flights per month from all around the world. Most frequent flight route is from Dar es Salaam (DAR). Zanzibar’s Airport, Kisauni Airport (ZNZ) receives direct flights from Europe, Middle-East, Western Asia and Africa. If you are coming from these regions, you will reach easily directly into Kisauni Airport. However, Zanzibar (ZNZ) doesn’t receive direct flights from North, Central and South America, Caribbean and China. Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR) and Nairobi (NBO) are two alternative airports for visitors coming from these regions. If you are in Tanzania mainland you can use a ferry instead of a flight. A ferry takes 3 hours and offers scenic views of the Indian Ocean, Explore Zanzibar In 7 Days
The best time to visit this glorious island is between June to October. At this time the weather is dry with little or no rainfall. December to February is also another favorable period for visiting Zanzibar.
One week Zanzibar itinerary
Since Zanzibar is endowed with magical attractions and medieval towns, you will need transfers from one place to another. Cars for rent are available and affordable. You can rent a car for a week and drive by yourself or rent a taxi every time you need a transfer. Here is a 7-day itinerary for visitors;
Day 1- Travel historically into the Stone Town
Your first day at Zanzibar will be majestic if you ride to this dazzling medieval town with a mixture of Arabic, Swahili, Portuguese and Indian architectural designs and ornaments. The streets of this oldest town are worth a walking safari. Darajani Bazaar is local market inside this town where you can bargain products like fish, vegetable and spices. Wondrously, this local market has two sections; fish market and spice and vegetable market. Therefore, if you want to taste Zanzibarian seafood head directly to the fish section but if you want to buy spices and vegetable you can head direct to spice section.
Earrings, rings and many other jewels are sold in the streets of this Stone Town. Delicious cuisines are cooked in the streets. You can take a stop at local restaurant or bar to interact with the locals while eating. You will also see the Old Fort of Zanzibar in the center of the Stone Town. Inside this fort there is a small arena that hosts the Zanzibar International Film Festival. Gorgeous Forodhani Gardens are also fascinating things to view in the Stone Town. A short distance from the Gardens is the House of Wonders, the old Sultan’s residence a first house in Zanzibar to have electricity and elevator. This old building is now a museum preserving the Swahili culture. Other places worth a visit in the Stone Town are Palace Museum and Slave Market Museum.
After getting lost in the Stone Town, you can book a boat to the Changuu island (Prison island). This is the island where the slaves were kept before being transported to various markets. Changuu island is now modified into stunning buildings including hotels and restaurants. You will enjoy the scenic views of oldest cells. This island also allows you to spot the Stone Town at distance. Changuu island is an authentic place where you will find the beautiful tortoises and take a picture with them. An oldest tortoise has an age of 157 years old. Historically, these tortoises originate from Seychelles. The British Governor of Seychelles sent a gift of 4 Aldabra giant tortoises to this island in 1919. It is still unknown to whom the gift was sent to, Explore Zanzibar In 7 Days
A single day cannot be enough to explore the whole Stone Town. Because of the limitation of time it is enough.
Day 2. Experience a spice tour and a stay at beach
Have you thought why Zanzibar is sometimes called a ‘spice’ island. On your second day you can drive around this island exploring the spices and relax on gorgeous beach you wish. On this day also, you can interact with locals, taste their delicious cuisines cooked. If you want more interaction with locals, drive on a Dala Dala minibuses. These buses have frequent trips to most fantastic beaches.
Day 3. Enjoy swimming with the dolphins
This day is full of to-dos, so you will wake up at around 5:30 a.m. A one-hour drive around the island where you will view the wild dolphins. These striking marine dolphins are afraid of humans and water boats. Therefore, you will be swimming next to them. You will spend 3 to 4 hours exploring these marvelous marine dolphins. From there, you will visit Jozani Forest Reserve, the only national park in Zanzibar. You will encounter Kirk’s red colobus monkeys, bird species and insects like butterflies. Jozani Forest Reserve is a nice place for winding up your day before going to your lodge.
Day 4. Snorkeling
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be experienced by every visitor arriving in Zanzibar. With a snorkel mask and other accessories, you will be able to explore the underwater world. If you want to have a wonderful memory, a waterproof camera is important for taking pictures. You will be able to spot various colorful fish and coral reefs. Mnemba island is wonderful island for snorkeling, Explore Zanzibar In 7 Days
Day 5. Take time to chill on the beaches
Zanzibar has many best-kept beaches where you can enjoy sunbathing and other beach activities like swimming. Taking a drink with your partner on white sandy beaches of this idyllic island.
Day 6. Visit Marine Turtle Conservation Pond
In Zanzibar, turtles are preserved in special parks. You will be exhausted with the scenic views of turtles. The turtles are conserved until the age of laying reach and are then released into the wild (Indian Ocean). After witnessing turtles, you will head to Nungwi beach for seeing the sunset. Sensational views of sunset are observed in Zanzibar. This beach receives many visitors who target the sunset.
Day 7. Relax on the beach.
On this day take a visit to Paje Beach and Jambiani beach for chilling there.
This itinerary is short and limited due to period required for exploring Zanzibar. As a matter of fact, there are some splendid attractions skipped here. Pemba and Mafia islands are spectacular places for snorkeling, swimming, adventures and beach holidays. Another incredible thing about Zanzibarians is their delicious local dishes. Such dishes like Biryani (a rice dish filled with spices and meat), pilau rice, seafood and Swahili curries.
Other activities to do in Zanzibar
Some other exotic things to do in Zanzibar include village walks, cooking with locals, tasting delicious street food at Forodhani Market, fishing with the locals, eating a meal in scenic restaurants like The Rock and canoeing.
Accommodation in Zanzibar
World-class accommodation facilities are found in Zanzibar. In the Stone Town, accommodations imitate historical architectural designs. These include Emerson On Hurunzi, Zanzibar Palace Hotel and Zanzibar Coffee House. These accommodations have no electric kettles and electric elevator, Explore Zanzibar In 7 Days
If you want to stay near the beach, award-wining lodges and tented camps are abundant. Resort Filao Beach is splendid lodge very close to the beach for sunbathing before your lunch. Mnemba lodge is a luxurious pick for you if you have enough money. It has super spacious villa for privacy.
Other accommodations include budget boutique bungalows like Pungwe Beach Hotel, Shooting Star Lodge, Zanzibar Retreat Hotel and luxurious resorts like Asilia Mantemwe, Manta Resort and Chole Mjini.
Zanzibar has a lot to offer for any visitor from around the world. The real description of attractions in this idyllic island can be experienced by direct observation instead of watching a movie or reading an article. Therefore, if you are focused at exploring the dazzling island in the Indian Ocean, plan a visit.
