How Many Days in Zanzibar? A Full Itinerary for 7 Days (2026)
Zanzibar is often marketed as a post-safari beach extension, but how many days should you actually spend there? I found that 7 days in Zanzibar is enough time to slow down, understand the island’s history and check out its different beaches. I’ve put together this 7-day Zanzibar itinerary so you can make the most of your time there.
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Quick overview of your 7 day Zanzibar itinerary
- Days 1-2: Explore historic Stone Town
- Days 3-5: Relax on pristine Nungwi beach with world-class diving and snorkelling
- Days 6-7: Experience kite-surfing paradise Paje and dine at The Rock restaurant
- Best time to visit is June to October for dry weather and perfect beach conditions
- Perfect for beach lovers, kite surfers and scuba divers
Planning your Zanzibar itinerary for 7 days
This 7 day itinerary is based on the one I actually did and all the activities and places I enjoyed. The route takes you from historic Stone Town to the beaches of Nungwi and Paje. This means you get a complete Zanzibar experience within the week, balancing exploration with serious beach relaxation.
Stone Town, Zanzibar City
Whether you arrive by plane or boat, your first stop will be the capital of Zanzibar, called Zanzibar City. Its historical centre of Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of my favourite facts about Stone Town is that the late, great Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was born here (more on this later).
Where to stay in Stone Town
The best area to stay in Stone Town is around Creek Road and Kenyatta Road. This central location means you can easily explore Stone Town’s main attractions on foot. Remember to keep some cash aside for the US$5 per night Infrastructure Tax which your hotel will collect at the end of your stay
The Kholle House hotel has air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. A popular 3-star hotel in Stone Town is the Al-Minar Hotel, which is close to the beach. Queen fans can book a ‘Freddie Mercury apartment’ at the Tembo House Hotel, directly opposite Mercury House, his birthplace.
Explore the map below to find the latest Stone Town accommodation deals for your dates:
Day 1: Arrive and explore Stone Town
After you check into your accommodation, take some time to walk around Stone Town. This will help you get your bearings for your 7-day Zanzibar itinerary.
Its architecture comprises diverse influences, from its native Swahili culture to Arab, Persian, Indian, Portuguese, German and British.
In the heart of Stone Town on Kenyatta Road you’ll find Freddie Mercury’s birthplace, Mercury House. Sadly there’s not a museum here, but there are photos of him displayed outside.
Afterwards, head to the Africa House Hotel’s Sunset Bar. The bar lives up to its name, offering beautiful views as the sun goes down. If you’re in the mood for an upscale evening, head for the Beach House Zanzibar for sumptuous food and cocktails. Alternatively, pick up a freshly cooked local snack at the lively night market at Forodhani Gardens, a short walk away.
Day 2: See Zanzibar’s history and markets
Start your morning with a 10-15 minute walk from central Stone Town to Christ Church. This 19th century Anglican cathedral is located on Mkunazini Road. On the former site of the island’s biggest slave market, it is a monument to the end of slavery.
Discover the Anglican cathedral and slave chambers
Here there is a museum revealing the cramped rooms where dozens of people were chained in horrifying conditions. Outside is a memorial to the slaves.
Allow 1-2 hours for this moving experience. Discovering Zanzibar’s history of slavery is perhaps the most important attraction on the island.
Shop at a lively and colourful food market
From the Anglican Cathedral, it’s just a 5-minute walk north along Creek Road to reach Darajani Market on Darajani Road.
This indoor and outdoor market is great fun to explore. Inside the indoor market, sellers display their enormous fish, slippery seafood and raw meats. You can also find vendors selling all manner of shiny vegetables, nuts and Zanzibar’s famous spices. It’s worth picking up some of the island’s famous saffron.
After the market, Lukmaan Restaurant is a 5 minute walk from Darajani Market. This is a local favourite serving excellent Zanzibari curries and rice dishes at budget prices.
Visit the source of the island’s best produce
In the afternoon, you can either relax or take an optional afternoon tour to a local spice farm.
Here, local guides show you how the island’s fruit, vegetables and spices are grown and harvested. It’s a fun, interactive tour where you can smell, taste and buy the produce. You’ll also gain insight into one of Zanzibar’s most important industries.
For your final Stone Town dinner, Archipelago Restaurant is a lovely restaurant on the waterfront. A 10-minute walk from most central accommodation, it serves excellent seafood with a romantic atmosphere.
Nungwi beach
On the north coast of Zanzibar is the picturesque coastal village of Nungwi. It has one of the world’s top beaches. Here among the palm trees and laid-back beach life you will find traditional dhow boats and excellent scuba diving.
Day 3: Transfer from Stone Town to Nungwi
Nungwi is around 1.5 hours from Zanzibar City by taxi or car rental. If you’re on a budget, it can also be reached by public bus or the dala dala shared minibus taxis. They depart every half hour from the capital.
Places to stay in Nungwi
The Langi Langi beach bungalows in Nungwi have sea views. Alternatively, the Papaya Guest House Nungwi has an exotic garden and a chill-out area.
Browse and book accommodation in Nungwi by exploring the interactive map below:
Day 4: Beach relaxation and snorkelling or scuba diving
Wake up to the sound of waves lapping the shore and the gentle rustle of palm trees. This part of your 7-day Zanzibar itinerary is all about embracing Nungwi’s laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Today, explore the underwater world through diving or snorkelling, or lounge on the sand with a good book.
Scuba diving and snorkelling
The 5-star PADI Nungwi diving resort, Spanish Dancer Divers, is a great place to try scuba diving in Zanzibar. Our Zanzibar scuba diving group ranged from a 19-year-old first-time diver to an adventurous 78-year-old lady, who joked that her dive card was so ancient that no-one would recognise it.
We headed to the Mnemba Atoll marine conservation area. This large reef with good visibility offers some of the best diving in Zanzibar. We saw fluttering shoals of bright fish, big spiky fish showing off and stripy cousins of Nemo lingering among the anemone. This was a divine Zanzibar diving experience.
Day 5: Turtle sanctuary and Kendwa beach trip
Spend your morning visiting the turtle sanctuary or exploring more of Nungwi’s pristine coastline. The afternoon is perfect for lounging on the beach, trying yoga or booking additional water sports activities.
An optional day trip from Nungwi is the village of Kendwa, just 15 minutes’ drive south. Here, you can go quad biking, enjoy the beach or experience some of the best snorkelling Zanzibar has to offer.
Paje
Paje is the island’s hotspot for kite-surfing, yoga and parties. It’s a coastal village home to wide, white and windy sandy beaches.
Kite-surfers from around the world come to Paje to take advantage of its ideal conditions. There are plenty of schools if you’re keen to learn.
Otherwise, you only need to take a short walk to uncover beautiful beaches with hardly a soul on them.
Day 6: Transfer from Nungwi to Paje
After two relaxing days in Nungwi, it’s time to experience Zanzibar’s southeast coast. The journey from Nungwi to Paje takes approximately 1.5-2 hours by taxi and costs around £25-35. This route takes you across the island through local villages and countryside, offering a lovely glimpse of inland Zanzibar life.
After checking into your accommodation, find local shops behind the tourist resorts where you can buy handmade souvenirs. For lunch, there are plenty of charming beachfront restaurants and cafes.
Places to stay in Paje
Sunny House Paje II has ocean views and a helpful host. If you’re looking for a more upmarket Paje hotel, try the Dhow Inn, which has its own pool, restaurant and private beach area.
Check out the map below for more accommodation options in Paje and the latest prices:
Dine in a unique restaurant perched on a rock in the sea
From Paje, it’s a 15 minute taxi ride to Pingwe beach. Here you’ll find one of the best restaurants in Zanzibar and certainly the most Instagrammable. It was described by one journalist as a ‘postcard-perfect restaurant‘.
The Rock is a restaurant perched on a rock in the middle of the sea. At high tide, you have to be ferried in a small fishing boat to get to this unique restaurant.
Inside, it is romantic with candlelit tables and we feasted on sensational lobster and pasta. Prices at The Rock are not too high considering it offers some of the finest food in Zanzibar. They also have an oceanfront terrace where you can gaze across the sea and toast your 7 day Zanzibar itinerary.
Paje is also best area to stay in Zanzibar if you’re looking for things to do in Zanzibar at night. It’s known for its all-night parties. We went to one at Jambo Bar and danced until the early hours. You may see men there wearing traditional Maasai warrior robes, as these parties are enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
Day 7: Final morning and return to Stone Town
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Stone Town. The drive takes approximately 1.5-2 hours from Paje, giving you time to reflect on your incredible week exploring Zanzibar. You’ll arrive back in Stone Town by early afternoon, completing your perfect 7-day circle around this magical island.
How to get to Zanzibar
The main airport in Zanzibar is the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport close to Zanzibar City. You can find cheap flights to Zanzibar via airlines such as Emirates or Turkish Airlines. If you’re travelling from Europe, you may have a connecting flight in Dubai or Doha like we did.
We travelled from mainland Tanzania by ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. It was packed full of people, standing as well as sitting, as it’s a busy route. When you arrive, you will need to go through customs and show your passport. Make sure you have the correct visa: Zanzibar is included under the Tanzania visa.There is an important update for 2026. All foreign visitors must now buy inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) – even if you already have travel insurance. This is a legal requirement for entry – you need to apply online via the official government portal before arrival. It costs around US$44 per adult.
The best time to visit Zanzibar
If you’re wondering when to go to Zanzibar, the best time of year is between June and October. At this time of year it’s drier. We were there in July and the weather was warm but not too hot. For holidays in Zanzibar, it’s best to avoid the island’s two wet seasons from March to May and in November.
Essential packing for your 7 day Zanzibar itinerary
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather, including long sleeves and trousers/skirt for evenings to protect against mosquitoes. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen with high SPF, a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, and comfortable sandals for beach walking.
Essential items include insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, waterproof phone case for water activities. And of course a good camera or phone camera to capture those Instagram-perfect moments. If you plan to dive or snorkel, consider bringing your own mask for hygiene and comfort.
Frequently asked questions about Zanzibar
Is 7 days in Zanzibar enough?
Yes, a 7 day Zanzibar itinerary is the perfect amount of time on the island. You’ll have enough time to explore historic Stone Town, relax on the stunning beaches of Nungwi and Paje, try scuba diving or snorkelling, and visit the local markets.
What’s the best way to get around Zanzibar?
For convenience during your 7 day Zanzibar itinerary, private taxis are recommended for transfers between major destinations like Stone Town, Nungwi and Paje. Budget travellers may prefer to use dala dala, which are shared minibuses that are a lot cheaper but take longer and can be crowded.
Can I drink the tap water in Zanzibar?
No, you should not drink tap water in Zanzibar. Always drink bottled or filtered water, including for brushing your teeth.
Final thoughts on this 7 day Zanzibar itinerary
Trying to squeeze too much into a short stay in Zanzibar means missing what makes the island special – its rhythm, its history and the space it gives you to properly switch off. This 7-day Zanzibar itinerary gives you enough time to explore Stone Town and enjoy beach time on the island’s different coasts. If you’re deciding how long to spend in Zanzibar, a week is the right balance to make the most of your trip.
