Lagoons glisten blue as they lap against white, expansive beaches. Wooden dhows sail on the wind, taking you to deserted islands. Exotic aromas and sounds will guide you through the labyrinthine alleys of Stone Town. Culture and history meet with tropical beach promise as you settle into your ultimate vacation in Zanzibar. Spanning two weeks and all the archipelago’s highlights, this is both an experiential and escapist vacation with all the best beaches and special, local highlights.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Kendwa – Indulgence on the Northern Beaches
If you were to dream of Zanzibar, then it would look much like Kendwa. It would have a long white beach with sand that is so soft that it will squeak beneath your feet, scatterings of forest along with palms that rise above the houses, and coral cliffs of translucent color and shape. It is to the North of the island where you will find the most famous beaches, which are the postcard settings that have helped put Zanzibar on the visitor map. It will be an hour’s transfer north from the airport to Kendwa, which is where you will check into your beachside bungalow and begin the indulgence. From your bungalow, you can walk straight out onto the sand, and then to Nungwe should you wish.
What's Included:
Day 2 - 4
Kendwa – Classic Zanzibar: Beaches, Snorkeling, Seafood, and Tranquility
Day 5
Stone Town – Historical Walking Tour Through a Maze of Coral Houses
Day 6
Stone Town – Full-Day Traditional Dhow Sailing Cruise
Day 7
Stone Town – Exploring the Spice Plantations
Day 8
Stone Town – Zanzibari Artisans and Cooking
Day 9
Paje – Monkeys in the Forest and the Empty Eastern Coast
Day 10
Paje – Swimming with Dolphins and Lounging on the Beach
Day 11
Paje – Another Day in Paradise
Day 12
Pemba – Scenic Flight and Underwater Suite
Day 13
Pemba – Sleeping in a Natural Aquarium
Day 14
Zanzibar Town – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Sail to sandbanks and deserted islands on a traditional dhow
- Escape to the seclusion and serenity of Paje on the eastern coast
- Explore Stone Town’s history and culture on an intimate walking tour
- Discover Zanzibar’s finest beaches during a four-day stay in Kendwa
- Gasp at the tropical colors on a scenic flight over the archipelago
- Spend two nights in an underwater suite, surrounded by the islands’ marine wonder
- Jump into the water with wild dolphins and find colobus monkeys in the forest
- Visit the famous spice plantations and learn how the spices are used in Zanzibari cooking
- Meet with local artisans and discover the history to Zanzibari design, especially in Stone Town
- Create your own program on the beach, with snorkeling, diving, barbecued seafood, plus all the tranquility you need from an island vacation
Detailed Description
Zanzibar impresses all of the senses. Lemongrass and cloves float on the breeze through spice plantations and local kitchens. The call to prayer echoes beautifully through Stone Town and is followed by clanging church and temple bells. Out on empty beaches, you will inhale the salty ocean breeze, feeling the freedom it brings from the ocean. White sand feels soft and indulgent beneath your toes, as nearby seafood barbecues entice you with familiar scents. From wooden doors and coral houses to tropical lagoons and famous beaches, Zanzibar is always easy on the eyes. However, after spending two weeks in the Zanzibari archipelago, you will learn that this remarkable destination has far more than postcard beauty.
With two weeks in Zanzibar, you can experience it all, staying on different beaches and getting immersed in the local culture. Head first to Kendwa, where the sublime coral cliffs and the unique experiences backdrop the beaches. Here, you will have the opportunity to snorkel, eat delicious seafood, scuba dive, and have secluded, lazy days on the white sand beach. After four days you will be tuned into the island rhythm. You will swap the beach for Stone Town on day five, where you will dive into the rich heritage and culture. Immerse yourself in the coral maze, spend a day cruising on a traditional dhow, visit spice plantations and a Zanzibari kitchen, and spend lazy evenings watching the sunset with a drink in hand.
Paje is on the undeveloped side of the island, where the beaches are long, and the lagoon stretches for miles. Travel here before a stop with monkeys in Jozani Forest, and then spend one of your Paje mornings swimming with dolphins in nearby Kizimkazi. It is another destination that evokes impressions of paradise, and you will be lounging around the beach in almost complete solitude. Finally, take a scenic flight to the sister island of Pemba, where you will stay in one of the world’s only underwater suites. It is a natural aquarium, and the show continues throughout the day and night, which will prove to be an intimate experience on an island that is yet to develop much tourist fame. Make sure your perfect vacation is an unforgettable one by seeing additional Tanzania travel ideas.
Starting Price
$10,300 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.91 stars based on 424 reviews.
Reviewed By Hamsa M.
Reviewed By Katharine B.
Reviewed By Deborah B.
Reviewed By Jeff C.
Reviewed By Marcia H.
Reviewed By Katie K.