9 Day Zanzibar Holiday Package
Overview
Experience Zanzibar at a relaxed and rewarding pace with this 9-day holiday combining the fascinating heritage of Stone Town, the beautiful beaches of Kiwengwa, tropical island adventures and authentic Swahili culture. Designed for travellers who want to explore Zanzibar without sacrificing their beach holiday, this itinerary carefully balances guided experiences with several days reserved entirely for relaxation.
Your journey begins in historic Stone Town, Zanzibar’s cultural heart and one of the most atmospheric destinations on the island. Here, narrow streets, traditional carved doors, bustling markets and centuries-old buildings reveal the influences of African, Arab, Indian and European cultures. Your first full day introduces another side of Zanzibar with a visit to a traditional spice farm before exploring the history and character of Stone Town with a local guide.
The adventure then moves offshore to Prison Island, where you can discover the island’s history and encounter its famous giant Aldabra tortoises. From there, continue across the turquoise Indian Ocean to Nakupenda Sandbank, a beautiful stretch of white sand surrounded by clear tropical waters. After this experience, leave Stone Town behind and travel to Kiwengwa on Zanzibar’s east coast, your beach base for the remainder of the holiday.
Kiwengwa brings a slower tropical rhythm to the journey. Two consecutive relaxation days allow you to enjoy the beach and your resort without schedules or long transfers. Swim in the Indian Ocean, relax beneath the palms, enjoy the swimming pool or simply appreciate having nowhere you need to be.
Your Zanzibar adventure continues with Safari Blue, a full-day experience combining traditional sailing, snorkelling, swimming, tropical sandbanks and the beautiful coastal scenery of Zanzibar. Another relaxation day follows, giving you time to recharge before exploring the southern part of the island.
One of the final highlights takes you to Kizimkazi for a dolphin experience in the waters off Zanzibar’s southern coast, followed by a visit to Salaam Cave. Here, you can discover a completely different side of the island and enjoy the unique natural surroundings of the cave before returning to Kiwengwa.
With history, culture, marine adventures, beautiful beaches and generous relaxation time, this 9-day Zanzibar package offers a complete island experience without making the holiday feel rushed.
Zanzibar Itinerary
Welcome to Zanzibar! Upon arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, meet your Tanzaniatrail representative and enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation in historic Stone Town. After check-in, the remainder of the day is deliberately kept free, allowing you to recover from your journey and settle into the relaxed rhythm of the island. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the surrounding streets independently, enjoy the waterfront or simply relax at your hotel. Stone Town provides the perfect starting point for your Zanzibar holiday, placing you at the centre of the island’s fascinating history and Swahili culture before your guided exploration begins the following morning.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
After breakfast, begin your exploration with a visit to one of Zanzibar’s traditional spice farms. Walk through tropical vegetation while discovering cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, nutmeg and seasonal fruits that helped establish Zanzibar as the legendary Spice Island. Continue to Stone Town for a guided journey through its narrow streets, historic buildings, colourful markets and famous carved doors. Your guide will introduce the stories and cultural influences that shaped this unique Swahili trading town. The combination of spices and history makes today an excellent introduction to Zanzibar’s identity before returning to your accommodation for a relaxed evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Comfort Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Today combines wildlife, tropical scenery and the beginning of your beach holiday. Depart Stone Town by boat for Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, where you can learn about its history and encounter the famous giant Aldabra tortoises. Continue across the turquoise waters to Nakupenda Sandbank, a beautiful stretch of white sand surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Enjoy swimming, relaxing and taking in the tropical scenery before returning to Stone Town. Your private driver will then take you across the island towards Kiwengwa on Zanzibar’s east coast. Check into your beach accommodation and enjoy your first peaceful evening beside the Indian Ocean.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa
Premium Accommodation: Melia Zanzibar
There are no alarms, transfers or scheduled excursions today. Wake up beside the Indian Ocean and enjoy your first complete day of relaxation in Kiwengwa. After breakfast, spend the morning exactly as you wish—relax beside the swimming pool, walk barefoot along the beach or find a peaceful place beneath the tropical palms. You may choose to enjoy the facilities at your accommodation or arrange an optional activity, but the purpose of today is simply to slow down. With the sound of the ocean and Zanzibar’s tropical atmosphere around you, this is your opportunity to enjoy the beach holiday side of the journey at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa
Premium Accommodation: Melia Zanzibar
Enjoy another completely free day on Zanzibar’s beautiful east coast. With no scheduled programme, you can sleep longer, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend as much time as you wish beside the ocean. Take a morning walk along Kiwengwa Beach, cool off in the swimming pool or simply enjoy the views from your resort. Keeping this second consecutive day free gives the holiday a genuinely relaxed character rather than filling every day with excursions. Optional spa treatments, water activities or other experiences can be arranged for those wanting something extra, while travellers seeking complete relaxation can simply enjoy another peaceful tropical day in paradise.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa
Premium Accommodation: Melia Zanzibar
Today brings one of Zanzibar’s classic marine adventures. After breakfast, travel towards the departure point for your Safari Blue experience and board a traditional dhow for a full day exploring Zanzibar’s beautiful southern waters. Sail through the Menai Bay area, stopping at tropical sandbanks and suitable snorkelling locations according to tides and sea conditions. Swim in warm Indian Ocean waters, discover marine life beneath the surface and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of traditional sailing. A fresh lunch and tropical fruits are typically part of the experience before returning to shore later in the afternoon. Transfer back to Kiwengwa and spend the evening relaxing at your beach accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa
Premium Accommodation: Melia Zanzibar
After yesterday’s full-day ocean adventure, today returns to the slower side of Zanzibar. There are no planned activities, leaving the entire day available for relaxation at your beach accommodation. Enjoy a late breakfast, spend time beside the pool or return to the beach for another peaceful day overlooking the Indian Ocean. This free day also provides flexibility for optional activities should you decide you would like to explore more of the island. Otherwise, simply enjoy the tropical surroundings, good food and relaxed atmosphere of Kiwengwa. As evening arrives, settle in for another quiet night on Zanzibar’s beautiful east coast.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa
Premium Accommodation: Melia Zanzibar
Begin the day with an early journey towards Kizimkazi on Zanzibar’s southern coast for an exciting dolphin experience. Board a local boat and head out onto the Indian Ocean with your guide in search of dolphins in their natural marine environment. As these are wild animals, sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the boat journey itself offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Zanzibar’s southern coastline and surrounding waters. After the dolphin experience, continue to Salaam Cave, where you can discover its beautiful natural surroundings and enjoy time at this unique attraction. After completing the day’s experiences, return to Kiwengwa for a relaxed final evening at your beach accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa
Premium Accommodation: Melia Zanzibar
Enjoy your final morning in Zanzibar without rushing. Have breakfast at your accommodation and make the most of your remaining time in Kiwengwa. Take one last walk along the beach, relax beside the swimming pool or simply sit back and enjoy the tropical surroundings before departure. Your schedule will remain flexible according to your flight time, allowing you to enjoy the resort for as long as practical. At the appropriate time, meet your private driver and transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight. Your 9-day Zanzibar holiday concludes with wonderful memories of Stone Town, tropical sandbanks, Swahili culture, marine adventures and relaxing days along Zanzibar’s beautiful coastline.
Meals: Breakfast
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.