Tanzania · Snorkelling

8-Day Zanzibar Beach Holiday with Mnemba Snorkelling and Safari Blue

8 Days Round trip from Zanzibar Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Stone Town heritage sites and historical landmarks
  • 02 Swim with dolphins and turtles, and enjoy vibrant coral snorkelling
  • 03 Sail on Safari Blue and relax on Nakupenda Sandbank
  • 04 Experience spice farms, a sunset dhow cruise, and water sports

Discover an 8-day Zanzibar holiday that blends wildlife encounters, heritage exploration, ocean adventures, spice culture, and island relaxation. Walk through Jozani Forest, swim with turtles, sail on Safari Blue, explore Stone Town and Prison Island, snorkel around Mnemba Island, and unwind on Nakupenda Sandbank. Enjoy beachfront stays, private guiding, and thoughtfully planned experiences across eight unforgettable days. From arrival to departure, every detail balances comfort, authenticity, and discovery for travellers seeking a comprehensive Zanzibar escape filled with culture, nature, and the ocean.

Discover an 8-day Zanzibar holiday that blends wildlife encounters, heritage exploration, ocean adventures, spice culture, and island relaxation.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Zanzibar, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Zanzibar and Beachfront Relaxation

  • Arrive at Zanzibar International Airport and meet your private guide, who will welcome you to the Spice Island.
  • Transfer to your beachfront lodge or resort, where you will be staying for the duration of your 8-day Zanzibar beach holiday.
  • Spend the afternoon settling in, strolling along the powder-white sands, or enjoying a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.
  • In the evening, savour a gourmet dinner with local flavours while experiencing the rich culinary heritage of Zanzibar.
2
Day 02

Jozani Forest and Salaam Turtles Aquarium

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel early in the morning to begin your day of wildlife and marine exploration.
  • At 10:00 AM, your driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel.
  • Drive to Jozani Forest, one of Zanzibar's most important natural reserves and home to the endemic red colobus monkeys.
  • Embark on a walking tour through Jozani Forest, where you will have the opportunity to see the rare red colobus monkeys in their natural habitat.
  • Observe mongoose and other forest wildlife as you explore the diverse ecosystem of this protected area.
  • After the forest tour, transfer to Salaam Turtles Aquarium at Kizimkazi, a unique marine facility.
  • Enjoy the incredible opportunity to swim with turtles in the aquarium and get up close to these gentle marine creatures.
  • After your turtle-swimming experience, transfer back to your hotel for evening relaxation.
3
Day 03

Stone Town Heritage Tour and Prison Island

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in the morning to begin your day of cultural and historical exploration.
  • Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Stone Town beach.
  • Board your private boat and transfer to Prison Island, located just off the coast of Stone Town.
  • Explore Prison Island highlights, including encounters with giant Aldabra tortoises, the ruins of the former prison and quarantine station, and opportunities for snorkelling and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
  • After exploring Prison Island, take the boat back to Stone Town for a comprehensive walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Visit the Old Fort, a 17th-century fortification that has served various purposes throughout history.
  • Visit the Freddy Mercury Museum, dedicated to the legendary Queen frontman born in Stone Town.
  • Explore the former slave market, a poignant reminder of Zanzibar's complex history.
  • Enjoy shopping opportunities in Stone Town's vibrant markets for crafts, spices, and souvenirs.
  • After your Stone Town exploration, drive back to your hotel for evening relaxation.
4
Day 04

Safari Blue Adventure to Kwale Island

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel early in the morning to begin your day of marine adventure.
  • At 9:30 AM, your driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel.
  • Drive directly to Fumba Village, the departure point for your Safari Blue adventure.
  • Board your boat and begin your full-day Safari Blue experience exploring the waters around Kwale Island.
  • Enjoy snorkelling in pristine coral reefs with colourful marine life and coral formations.
  • Experience traditional dhow sailing and connect with Zanzibar's maritime heritage.
  • Relax on a pristine sandbank surrounded by turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Discover the beauty of Kwale Island's surroundings on this unforgettable tour.
  • Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch prepared in traditional Zanzibari style.
  • After completing your Safari Blue activities, transfer back to your hotel for evening relaxation.
5
Day 05

Spice Farm, Water Sports, and Sunset Dhow Cruise

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in the morning to begin your day of diverse activities.
  • At 10:00 AM, your driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel.
  • Drive to a traditional spice farm to experience Zanzibar's reputation as the Spice Island.
  • Spend 30 minutes exploring the spice farm, learning about spices, how they are farmed, and their uses.
  • Enjoy a traditional spice lunch featuring Pilau Rice.
  • After the spice farm experience, drive to Nungwi, known for water sports and pristine beaches.
  • Experience the thrill of jet skiing on turquoise waters.
  • Try transparent kayaking to view marine life and coral from above.
  • Capture your adventures with drone videos and photography.
  • In the late afternoon, embark on a sunset dhow cruise.
  • Enjoy local snacks, drinks, and traditional music while watching the sunset.
  • Transfer back to your hotel for evening relaxation.
6
Day 06

Mnemba Island Dolphin Encounter and Snorkelling

  • Wake up very early for your dolphin encounter experience.
  • At 5:45 AM, your driver and guide will pick you up to ensure an early arrival.
  • Drive to Muyuni beach, the departure point for your Mnemba Island adventure.
  • Board your private boat and transfer to the areas around Mnemba Island.
  • Enjoy swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat.
  • Snorkel the coral reefs and explore vibrant marine life.
  • After the activities, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at Mnemba beach.
  • Return by boat to Muyuni beach and transfer back to your hotel for relaxation.
7
Day 07

Nakupenda Sandbank Escape

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to begin your final full day of activities.
  • Your driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel.
  • Drive to Stone Town beach and board your private boat.
  • Transfer to Nakupenda Sandbank, one of Zanzibar's most beautiful sandbanks.
  • Spend time swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing on pristine beaches.
  • Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch prepared in traditional style.
  • Return to Stone Town and meet your driver.
  • Transfer back to your hotel for evening relaxation.
8
Day 08

Departure from Zanzibar

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
  • Spend the morning relaxing or taking a final swim.
  • Check out from your accommodation.
  • Transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight.
Mnemba Island coral reefs, Safari Blue dhow sailing, Nakupenda Sandbank, Old Fort in Stone Town

Where this trip takes you

Mnemba Island coral reefs, Safari Blue dhow sailing, Nakupenda Sandbank, Old Fort in Stone Town

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Zanzibar 2 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off during activities
  • All entrance fees
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Private vehicle transportation
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Accommodation as per the selected plan (mid-range or luxury)
  • Snorkelling equipment, if needed
  • Private boat for Prison Island, Safari Blue, Mnemba Island, Nakupenda Sandbank, and the dhow cruise
  • Domestic flights, if specified
  • All meals during the holiday
  • Bottled drinking water

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses and beverages
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional activities and excursions
  • Accommodation before or after the holiday

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tour start
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Zanzibar.

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