Zanzibar Beach & Culture Escape
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OVERVIEW
This five-day Zanzibar package balances cultural exploration of Stone Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with beach relaxation on the island's pristine coastlines. You'll explore the historic capital's narrow streets, Arabic architecture, and Swahili culture before transferring to beachfront accommodation for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and tropical leisure.
Zanzibar offers exceptional cultural richness: centuries of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influence created unique Swahili coastal culture. Stone Town preserves this history through architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The beaches particularly Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, and Jambiani—provide white sand, turquoise waters, coral reefs, and water sports.
This package works perfectly as post-safari decompression (especially after Kilimanjaro climbs) or standalone tropical holiday. Activities balance structured tours (Stone Town walking tour, spice plantation, Prison Island) with unscheduled beach time for relaxation.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Stone Town UNESCO World Heritage Site exploration
- Historic sites (House of Wonders, Old Fort, Sultan's Palace)
- Spice plantation tour demonstrating Zanzibar's "Spice Island" heritage
- Prison Island visit with giant Aldabra tortoises
- Pristine beach relaxation (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, or Jambiani)
- Snorkelling on coral reefs with tropical fish
- Fresh seafood cuisine
- Dhow sunset cruise (optional)
DETAILED ITINERARY
— Flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, arrival transfer to Stone Town hotel, afternoon walking tour of historic quarter including House of Wonders, Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, and market areas, evening at leisure, overnight Stone Town.
Morning spice plantation tour learning about cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla cultivation, lunch at plantation, afternoon transfer to beach resort (Nungwi or Kendwa on north coast, or Paje/Jambiani on east coast depending on season and preference), overnight beach resort
Full day at leisure at beach resort, optional activities include: snorkelling trips to nearby reefs, diving (additional cost), Prison Island visit with giant tortoises, village visits, water sports (kitesurfing in Paje, kayaking), overnight
Second full beach day allowing complete relaxation or additional activities, optional sunset dhow cruise (traditional sailing vessel), overnight beach
Morning beach time and resort check-out, transfer to Zanzibar airport for return flight to Arusha or Dar es Salaam, or international departure
ACCOMODATION
Budget tier: Simple beach guesthouses and Stone Town budget hotels with basic rooms, fans (no AC), shared or basic private bathrooms. Examples: Stone Town budget hotels (Jambo Guest House), basic beach bungalows.
Mid-range tier: Comfortable beach resorts and Stone Town heritage hotels with en-suite bathrooms, AC, swimming pools, quality restaurants. Examples: Zanzibar Serena Hotel (Stone Town), Kendwa Rocks Resort, Paje by Night, Jambiani White Sands.
Luxury tier: Premium beach resorts and boutique Stone Town hotels with exceptional service, beachfront locations, water sports, spas. Examples: Emerson Spice (Stone Town), Zuri Zanzibar, Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort, Baraza Resort.
Transport & Guiding:
Private transfers throughout Zanzibar, Stone Town walking tour guide (cultural and historical interpretation), spice tour guide (botanical and agricultural education), option for additional guided activities (Prison Island, village tours, etc.).
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Stone Town walking tour with guide
- Spice plantation tour with guide
- All transfers in Zanzibar
- Government taxes
- Flights to/from Zanzibar
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (ltelephone, drinks, etc.)