8 Day Zanzibar Holiday Package
Overview
Discover the beauty, culture and tropical lifestyle of Zanzibar on this carefully designed 8-day holiday combining the historic charm of Stone Town with the peaceful beaches of Matemwe. This journey is created for travellers who want more than just a beach holiday, offering a balanced experience of Zanzibar’s history, marine life, traditional cuisine, spice heritage and plenty of time to relax beside the Indian Ocean.
Your holiday begins in Stone Town, the cultural heart of Zanzibar, where centuries of African, Arab, Indian and European influences have shaped one of East Africa’s most fascinating historic towns. Wander through its maze of narrow streets, discover beautifully carved Zanzibar doors, explore local markets and experience the lively atmosphere of the waterfront as the town comes alive in the evening.
From Stone Town, your adventure continues offshore with a visit to Prison Island and the beautiful Nakupenda Sandbank. Meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises before enjoying turquoise waters, soft white sand and time for swimming and relaxation. Afterwards, leave the busy streets behind and travel to Matemwe on Zanzibar’s northeast coast, which becomes your beach base for the remainder of the holiday.
The days ahead combine adventure with relaxation. Explore the waters surrounding Mnemba Atoll, one of Zanzibar’s best-known snorkelling areas, with opportunities to discover colourful tropical fish and coral reefs. Spend unhurried days enjoying Matemwe’s long white-sand coastline, warm Indian Ocean waters and peaceful tropical atmosphere.
Zanzibar’s cultural side returns with a visit to a traditional spice farm, where you will discover the cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom and tropical fruits that helped give Zanzibar its famous nickname, the Spice Island. A hands-on cooking experience introduces you to local Swahili flavours and traditional preparation methods.
Another highlight is a full-day Safari Blue experience in the Menai Bay area, combining traditional dhow sailing, snorkelling, swimming, sandbanks and Zanzibar’s spectacular coastal scenery.
With three carefully placed relaxation periods throughout the programme, this itinerary does not feel rushed. Instead, it gives you time to experience Zanzibar while still enjoying what an island holiday should be about: warm sunshine, beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and time to simply relax.
Zanzibar Itinerary
Welcome to Zanzibar! Upon arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, meet your Tanzaniatrail representative and transfer to your accommodation in historic Stone Town. After settling in and refreshing from your journey, spend the evening discovering the fascinating atmosphere of Zanzibar’s cultural capital. Walk through narrow streets lined with beautifully carved doors, small shops and historic buildings while learning how African, Arab, Indian and European influences shaped the island. Continue towards the waterfront and experience Stone Town as the evening comes alive around the Forodhani area. It is a relaxed introduction to Zanzibar before returning to your accommodation for your first night on the island.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
After breakfast, begin your island adventure with a boat journey from Stone Town to Prison Island. Discover the island’s history and meet its famous giant Aldabra tortoises before continuing across the turquoise waters to Nakupenda Sandbank. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, this beautiful stretch of white sand provides the perfect setting for swimming, relaxing and enjoying Zanzibar’s tropical scenery. After your marine experience, return to Stone Town and continue by private transfer towards Matemwe on the northeast coast. Arrive at your beach accommodation, settle into the slower rhythm of island life and enjoy your first evening beside the Indian Ocean.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Mora Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Marafiki Beach Hotel & Spa
Today belongs entirely to you. Wake up beside the Indian Ocean and enjoy a slow morning without scheduled excursions or early departures. Matemwe is known for its long coastline, tropical surroundings and peaceful atmosphere, making it an excellent place to simply enjoy Zanzibar. Spend your day walking along the beach, relaxing beside the swimming pool, enjoying the facilities of your resort or finding a quiet place beneath the palms. Those looking for something extra can choose optional activities, but there is absolutely no need to fill the day. This is your opportunity to slow down, recharge and experience the relaxed rhythm of Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Mora Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Marafiki Beach Hotel & Spa
Today takes you onto the turquoise waters surrounding Mnemba Atoll, one of Zanzibar’s best-known marine areas. Depart from the Matemwe area by boat and enjoy a morning dedicated to the Indian Ocean. With your snorkelling equipment, explore clear waters where colourful tropical fish and coral formations create a beautiful underwater environment. Marine wildlife varies naturally from day to day, making every trip different. After snorkelling, enjoy time on the water and fresh tropical fruits before returning to the coast. The remainder of your day is free, allowing you to relax at your accommodation or spend another peaceful afternoon beside the beach.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Mora Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Marafiki Beach Hotel & Spa
After several days of exploring Zanzibar, enjoy another completely free day at your beach accommodation. There are no scheduled activities, giving you the freedom to decide how your day unfolds. Sleep a little longer, enjoy an extended breakfast, spend time by the pool or take a barefoot walk along Matemwe Beach. You may choose an optional spa treatment, water activity or simply find your favourite spot overlooking the Indian Ocean. This carefully placed relaxation day keeps the holiday balanced and unhurried, allowing you to enjoy your resort and the destination rather than moving from one excursion to another every day.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Mora Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Marafiki Beach Hotel & Spa
Experience the flavours and aromas that earned Zanzibar its reputation as the Spice Island. Visit a traditional spice farm and walk among tropical plants while your local guide introduces you to cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, nutmeg and seasonal fruits. Learn how these spices are cultivated and how they have influenced Zanzibar’s history, cuisine and everyday life. Your experience continues with a hands-on cooking class introducing traditional Zanzibar and Swahili dishes prepared using fresh local ingredients and spices. Enjoy the flavours you have helped create before returning to Matemwe. The rest of the day is reserved for relaxation beside the beach or pool.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Mora Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Marafiki Beach Hotel & Spa
Set out for one of Zanzibar’s signature ocean adventures with a full-day Safari Blue experience. Travel towards the Menai Bay area and board a traditional dhow for a journey through beautiful coastal waters, islands and sandbanks. Spend the day swimming, snorkelling and enjoying the warm Indian Ocean, with stops determined by tides and sea conditions. The experience combines Zanzibar’s marine environment with the charm of traditional sailing and a relaxed island atmosphere. A fresh lunch and tropical fruits form part of the day before you eventually return to shore. Transfer back to Matemwe afterwards and enjoy your final evening on Zanzibar at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Mora Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Marafiki Beach Hotel & Spa
Enjoy your final morning in paradise without rushing. Have breakfast overlooking the tropical surroundings and make the most of your remaining time in Matemwe, whether relaxing beside the pool, taking one last walk along the beach or simply enjoying the views of the Indian Ocean. Your departure transfer will be arranged according to your flight schedule, allowing enough time to travel comfortably from Matemwe to Zanzibar International Airport. Meet your private driver at the agreed time and transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Your 8-day Zanzibar holiday comes to an end with wonderful memories of Stone Town, tropical islands, Swahili culture and Zanzibar’s unforgettable coastline.
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- Accommodation in carefully selected mid-range hotels or beach resorts
- Airport Transfers
- Meals as specified in the itinerary,
- Private Zanzibar Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Private transportation for all activities included in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Government taxes and applicable tourism fees
- Entrance fees for all activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and excursions
- All activities specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Emergency assistance from Tanzaniatrail Experience throughout the holiday
- Selected romantic or special arrangements when specified for honeymoon packages
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Domestic flights unless specifically stated as included
- Zanzibar travel insurance/mandatory insurance where applicable
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs and spa treatments
LUXURY INCLUDES
- Accommodation in carefully selected luxury hotels, boutique properties or 5-star beach resorts
- Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board or All-Inclusive meal plan as specified for the selected property
- Private VIP airport arrival and departure transfers
- Private air-conditioned transportation throughout scheduled excursions
- Professional private English-speaking driver/guide
- Entrance and activity fees for all experiences mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and excursions
- Government taxes and applicable tourism fees
- Selected romantic or special arrangements when specified for honeymoon packages
- 24/7 destination assistance from Tanzaniatrail Experience during the holiday
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
- Domestic flights unless specifically included in the package
- Zanzibar mandatory travel insurance where applicable
- Premium alcoholic beverages unless covered by the hotel's meal plan
- Personal expenses, shopping and souvenirs
- Any service or activity not specifically mentioned under inclusions
FAQs
Zanzibar can be visited throughout the year, but the most popular periods are June to October and December to February, when conditions are generally warm and suitable for beach holidays and outdoor activities. The wetter periods usually occur around March to May, with shorter rains possible later in the year.
For most travellers, 5 to 7 days is an excellent length of stay. This provides enough time to relax on the beach while enjoying experiences such as Stone Town, a Spice Farm tour, Prison Island and marine activities. Longer stays of 8 to 14 days are ideal for travellers wanting a slower-paced holiday.
Nungwi and Kendwa in the north are popular for swimming and sunsets, while Paje and Jambiani on the southeast coast are known for beautiful beaches, water sports and a relaxed atmosphere. The best area depends on your preferred holiday style.
Yes. Zanzibar is a popular family destination, with family-friendly resorts, beaches, swimming pools and activities suitable for different ages. Private transfers and excursions can also be arranged to make travelling with children more comfortable.
Yes. Zanzibar is especially popular for honeymoons because of its tropical beaches, romantic resorts, sunsets and private experiences. Couples can enjoy candlelit dinners, private boat trips, beachfront accommodation, spa treatments and romantic excursions.
Popular activities include exploring Stone Town, visiting spice farms, Prison Island, Nakupenda Sandbank, Safari Blue, snorkelling, diving, dolphin excursions, dhow cruises, visiting Jozani Forest and enjoying Zanzibar's beaches and local culture.
Yes. A Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday are one of the most popular combinations. You can explore destinations such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park before flying to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach stay.
Domestic flights are included only when specifically mentioned in your itinerary and quotation. Tanzaniatrail Experience can arrange flights between Zanzibar and destinations such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and selected safari airstrips.
Zanzibar offers everything from comfortable mid-range hotels to boutique properties and luxury five-star beach resorts. We can recommend accommodation according to your preferred location, travel style and budget.
This depends on the selected hotel and package. Accommodation may be offered on Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board or All-Inclusive basis. Your itinerary and quotation will clearly indicate the meal plan included at each property.
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so Tanzania's entry requirements apply. Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Travellers should check the latest official immigration requirements before travelling.
Zanzibar is a well-established tourism destination, but travellers should follow normal precautions, especially with valuables and when visiting unfamiliar areas. Booking organised transfers and excursions with reputable operators can make the experience more convenient and secure.
Lightweight clothing, swimwear, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent and beachwear are recommended. When visiting Stone Town, villages and other local communities, respectful clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is advisable.
Tanzaniatrail Experience can arrange private Zanzibar holiday packages with private airport transfers, transportation and selected private excursions. Some marine activities may be shared unless a private experience is specifically requested and included in the quotation.
Absolutely. Your Zanzibar holiday can be tailored according to your number of days, budget, accommodation preference, meal plan and preferred activities. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, family holiday, luxury escape or Zanzibar extension after a safari, the itinerary can be designed around your requirements.
Giving Back Through Every Journey
At Tanzaniatrail, we believe that travel should create lasting memories and make a positive difference. That’s why 1% of every safari package you book goes directly back to local communities in Tanzania. We regularly visit and support orphanages and community centers, and our dream is to establish a dedicated children’s home under Tanzaniatrail’s care. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring Tanzania’s beauty — you’re also helping provide education, food, and brighter futures for vulnerable children. Your adventure changes lives. Travel with purpose.