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Zanzibar

Zanzibar Archipelago

Tanzania’s expansive coastline is ideal for an exclusive beach holiday or relaxing end to your trekking or safari adventure.

The Zanzibar archipelago is most famously known for the island of Zanzibar, and also includes Pemba and Mafia Islands. These are cultural paradises blessed with white sandy beaches, palm fringed shores, fishing villages and spice plantations. On Zanzibar Island, you may also meander through the narrow alleys Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of history, marketplaces, bazaars, music and art.

Stay on any one of these islands’ many beachfront towns where you have your choice of accommodation and a wealth of activities including water sports, diving, spice tours, and more. Take a look at one sample itinerary, which can be customized to include everything you would like to experience in this unique bit of East African paradise.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar

Welcome to the beautiful spice island of Zanzibar, where the culture is rich and history abounds. You will be met at the Zanzibar Airport and transferred to your lodge set on the shores of white sandy beaches and turquoise blue water. Dig your toes into the sand and have an afternoon and evening of leisure as you breathe in the salty ocean air.

Transfer Time: 1-1.5 hours
Meals: None

Day 2: Zanzibar

Enjoy the day at your leisure or choose to embark on a variety of activities. You have the option to go on a spice farm tour during which you can sample all of Zanzibar’s aromatic native spices, a variety of water sports, diving, snorkeling, fishing, local dhow boat rides, a visit to the fish market and more.

Transfer Time: Varies
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Zanzibar

Enjoy the day at your leisure or choose to embark on an excursion.

Transfer Time: Varies
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Departure

You will be picked up in the late morning for the drive to Stone Town for a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meander through its maze of narrow streets and alleys, stopping in at the local food market and bazaars where artists display their crafts, learn about the history of the slave trade that envelops this small town in the Indian Ocean. In the late afternoon or evening, you will head to the Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight.

Transfer Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast

Accommodations

On the island of Zanzibar there is an abundance of accommodation choices, located along the white sandy beaches on the northern, eastern and southern shores, and within Stone Town in the west.

Whether you stay in a small boutique property or larger resort, you are sure to love this charming, East African beach escape.

You have the choice of four categories of accommodation, catering to a range of budgets and tastes. We will help you to select the best options for you and your custom-made itinerary.

STANDARD

Rooms are ensuite, clean and simple. Mostly boutique bungalow properties on the beach or simple hotels in Stone Town.

Examples:

The Loop Beach Resort

A small boutique property located in Jambiani on the east coast of the island, this area has remained largely unchanged in the face of increasing tourism. Beach rooms are simply contemporary and elegant, all featuring an outdoor veranda located directly on Zanzibar’s white sand, with breathtaking views of the lodge’s pool and the Indian Ocean.

MID-RANGE

Charming boutique lodges or larger hotel properties on the beach, offering comfortable rooms and amenities, swimming pools and diverse menus.

Examples:

Baladin Zanzibar Beach Hotel

A small and charming boutique hotel on the central east coast of the island, you have your choice of one of eight bungalows or one of four suites, all designed in a traditional style with a modern touch. You can swim in the hotel swimming pool or walk a few more steps into the warm ocean water, relax with a massage, or embark on a variety of excursions. The restaurant offers local fare, fresh seafood and Italian options.

Pongwe Beach Hotel

On the east side of the island, this hotel has been a Zanzibar mainstay for over 15 years. With different room types both on the beach and within their tropical gardens, a restaurant offering fresh and locally caught fish daily and beachside pool, your stay is sure to be a memorable one.

LUXURY

Beautiful and luxurious rooms, designed tastefully with touches of local Zanzibari culture. Diverse menus, swimming pools, spas and additional amenities available.

Examples:

Z Hotel

Set in a tropical garden just steps from the white sands of the northern Nungwi beach, Z hotel brings casual relaxation blended with contemporary design to the beaches of Zanzibar. Set in the lively Nungwi beach, guests have immediate access to some of the best diving, snorkeling and fishing in the world as well as a range of water sports, or can choose to unwind and relax by the beach or pool or take advantage of a pampering spa service.

Essque Zalu

At Essque Zalu, big and bold form a consistent theme, from the highest makuti thatched roof on the island, to the two roomy restaurants, three well stocked bars, sprawling lagoon-style pool and relaxing Zalu Spa. Situated in Nungwi Beach, this hotel features 40 suites and 8 residences, all boasting views of the Indian Ocean or the lush tropical gardens.

Exclusive

Award-winning, intimate, boutique properties with exclusive locations and views. Sleeping few guests, these resorts offer impeccable amenities and all-inclusive service. The ultimate escape from reality.

Examples:

Matemwe Retreat

Matemwe Retreat’s four elegant villas are set high in the palm trees with uninterrupted ocean views. With its secluded location and dedicated private butler, the Retreat is one of the most exclusive accommodation options on the island. Each villa is complete with its own private plunge pool, while you also have access to the resort’s spa services and wealth of island activities.

Manta Resort

Located on nearby Pemba Island, a remote tropical and pristine island untouched by mass tourism. The resort is located at the northern tip of the island, offering an all-inclusive experience of sunshine, natural food, superior service and access to some of the world’s best diving. Even choose to spend one or more nights in their underwater room, a private floating island with your bedroom four meters below the water’s surface, surrounded by the magical marine life below.

Pricing

From $1,000 per person

Inclusions / Exclusions

Price Inclusions:

  • Accommodation – 3 nights
  • Meals specified (full board bookings are available)
  • Tour of Stone Town
  • Road transfers as indicated
  • Domestic flights to and from Zanzibar

Price Exclusions:

  • Additional meals and all beverages
  • Additional activities (can be booked as desired)
  • Gratuities/tips
  • Tanzania entry visa
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Expenses of a personal nature
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