7 Days Zanzibar Tour

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Our 7 day Zanzibar holiday is the perfect getaway in Tanzania. It lets you relax on white sand beaches and walk through historic Stone Town. You also visit Prison Island, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the Palace Museum. In addition, you enjoy a spice tour and a stop at Jozani Forest.

Trip overview

This week mixes culture, history and beach time at an easy pace. First, you explore the winding streets, markets, mosques and cathedrals of Stone Town. Next, you learn about the island’s Swahili, Omani, Portuguese and British past at its famous landmarks. Then, you taste fresh spices, look for red colobus monkeys and finally unwind by the ocean. As a result, you see the many sides of Zanzibar in one well-planned trip.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Check in

On arrival at Zanzibar airport, you meet our company representative. As he transfers you to Stone Town, he briefly takes you through the whole trip. Then, you enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Guided walk in the Stone town

After a delicious breakfast, you take a guided walk through historic Stone Town, which still stands as a showcase of the island’s history. You walk through the bustling Zanzibar market and the narrow streets, passing many historic buildings and places. Along the way, you also visit historic cathedrals and mosques. Then, you have lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, you return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: House of Wonders visit

Today, you visit the House of Wonders. When it was built, it was the most modern building in East Africa. In fact, it was the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator. It is also the tallest and grandest building in Stone Town. Inside, it shows the cultural and architectural history of Zanzibar, Britain, Portugal and Oman over the past centuries. As a result, you gain great insight into Zanzibari and Swahili culture. From the upper floors, you also enjoy stunning views of the town and its surroundings.

Day 4: Spice Tour and Jozani trip

After breakfast, you head out on a spice tour of the spice and fruit plantations close to Stone Town. This is an in-depth tour, so you learn not only about the spices but also about the herbs that were first grown here. Afterwards, you have lunch at the guide’s home to taste the local spices.

After lunch, you head to the beach resort. On the way, you pass Jozani Forest, home to the rare, endemic red colobus monkey and other monkey species. Then, you relax on the beach before returning to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Prison Island and Palace Museum

Today, you wake up to a tasty breakfast and visit Prison Island, about 1–2 hours from Stone Town. The island tells a dark chapter of Zanzibar’s history. It was first used as a prison for rebellious slaves. Later, after slavery was abolished, it became a quarantine island for people with deadly diseases. Today, it is a reserve for East Africa’s oldest giant tortoises.

In the afternoon, you cruise back to Stone Town for lunch and a visit to the Palace Museum. It was built as a home for the Sultan and his family, and it now serves as a museum of the Sultan’s family. It is one of the most historic buildings in Stone Town.

Day 6: Old Fort and beach relaxation

Today, you visit the Old Fort, the oldest building in Stone Town, which stands on the waterfront. It was first built in the 17th century to protect the island from Portuguese attack. Today, you can explore its remains and buy souvenirs made by local artisans. Afterwards, you have time to relax on the beach.

Day 7: Departure

In the morning, you enjoy breakfast. Then, we transfer you to Zanzibar airport for your flight home.

Highlights of this 7 day Zanzibar holiday

Historic Stone Town. First, you wander a maze of streets, markets, mosques and cathedrals.
The House of Wonders. Learn how Swahili, Omani, Portuguese and British cultures shaped the island.
Prison Island tortoises. In addition, you meet giant tortoises on an island with a dark past.
A spice tour. See, smell and taste the spices that made Zanzibar famous.
Jozani Forest. Look out for the rare red colobus monkey, found only on Zanzibar.
Beach time. Finally, relax on soft white sand beside the Indian Ocean.

Who this trip suits

This holiday is ideal if you love history and culture but also want time on the beach. For example, it suits couples, families and friends. It is also a great way to relax after a safari or gorilla trek on the mainland. The pace is easy, with mostly short walks and drives. So, you do not need to be especially fit to enjoy it.

Best time to visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar is warm all year, so you can visit in any month. Generally, the drier months are the most popular for beach time and sightseeing. On the other hand, the rainy seasons bring heavy showers, fewer visitors and greener scenery. Even then, there is often plenty of sunshine between the rains.

Tips for your trip

Dress modestly in town. Cover your shoulders and knees in Stone Town and villages.
Wear comfy shoes. Stone Town’s narrow streets are best explored on foot.
Bring sun protection. A hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen are essential.
Carry some cash. Small shops and markets often prefer cash.
Respect local customs. Always ask before you take photos of people.

Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so take your time to enjoy its old buildings and carved doors.

Extend or combine your holiday

There is always more to do on the island. For instance, you can add a day at sea with our Zanzibar snorkelling cruise. If you only have a few hours, our 1 day spice farm tour is a great short option. You can also start with a safari on the mainland, such as our 7 day Tanzania safari, and end on the beach. For more ideas, see our guide to Zanzibar beach holidays.

Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. So, just tell us your dates and group size. Then, we will plan your 7 day Zanzibar holiday and send you a free itinerary.

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