This is the Best Zanzibar Itinerary for 7 Days (2025)

With its perfect sandy beaches, palm trees and relaxed seafront resorts, Zanzibar is like a dream. This island off the coast of Tanzania attracts holidaymakers looking for winter sun. I visited Zanzibar after an amazing safari in Tanzania. Here is my guide to the best Zanzibar itinerary for 7 days, including where to stay and what to do.

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Planning your Zanzibar itinerary for 7 days

This 7 day itinerary takes you from historic Stone Town to the pristine beaches of Nungwi and Paje.

Don’t forget to take Lonely Planet’s excellent Tanzania and Zanzibar guide book with you on your trip.

Days 1-2: 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.

Reserve your taxi transfer from Zanzibar international airport to Stone Town here.

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.

The fabulous Kholle House hotel has beautifully furnished, air-conditioned rooms. It has an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace with a Swahili-style tea house.

A popular 3-star hotel in Stone Town is the Al-Minar Hotel. Close to the beach, it serves a tasty rooftop breakfast. Alternatively, the Zanzibar Coffee House is a well-renowned cafe in Stone Town and also has lovely rooms.

Queen fans can book a ‘Freddie Mercury apartment’ at the top-rated Tembo House Hotel, directly opposite Mercury House, his birthplace.

Explore the map below to find the best Stone Town accommodation 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.

Book your place on a fascinating 3-hour walking tour of Stone Town here.

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.

Book a guided tour of Stone Town including entrance to the slave museum here.

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.

Book a tour to discover Zanzibar’s spice plantations direct from your hotel in Stone Town here.

Days 3-5: 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.

The most perfect places to stay in Nungwi

The Langi Langi beach bungalows in Nungwi have sensational sea views. Alternatively, the picture-perfect Papaya Guest House Nungwi has an exotic garden and a divine chill-out area.

Browse and book all the accommodation in Nungwi, Zanzibar 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.

Book your spot on a trip to Mnemba including lunch here.

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.

See, feed and swim with sea turtles in this half-day tour from Nungwi.

Days 6-7: Paje beach

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.

The most beautiful places to stay in Paje

Sunny House Paje II is a superb place to stay in Paje with ocean views and a wonderful, helpful host.

If you’re looking for a more upmarket Paje hotel, try the Dhow Inn. It 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.

Go snorkelling at Mnemba Island, swim with sea turtles and visit The Rock Restaurant on this tour.

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.

Pemba Island: A fantastic side trip from Zanzibar

If you’re interested in island-hopping during your 7-day Zanzibar itinerary, check out the island’s neighbour, Pemba Island. It’s a beautiful place. On land there are forested hills and fragrant clove plantations, while underwater there are colourful coral reefs and marine life.

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.

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 enough time to see Zanzibar properly?

Absolutely! A Zanzibar itinerary 7 days provides the perfect amount of time to experience Zanzibar’s highlights without feeling rushed. You’ll have time in historic Stone Town and at the beaches of Nungwi and Paje. This Zanzibar itinerary 7 days balances culture, relaxation, and adventure perfectly.

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. Your accommodation should be able to arrange transfers or you can negotiate with taxi drivers for day rates. Budget travellers may prefer to use dala dala (shared minibuses) which cost £1-3 but take longer.

How much should I budget for a 7-day itinerary in Zanzibar?

Budget travellers can expect to spend £30-50 per day (£210-350 total) and mid-range travellers £50-100 per day (£350-700 total). This includes accommodation, meals, transport and activities.

The currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian shilling, though some accommodation will charge in US dollars. The cost of living in Zanzibar generally isn’t high. For example, a meal for two at a restaurant could cost around £20. Taking a taxi from one beach to another typically costs around £20-32, depending on the distance.

Do I need any vaccinations or health precautions for Zanzibar?

Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations, which may include hepatitis A and B, typhoid and yellow fever. Malaria prevention is essential – take antimalarial medication and pack insect repellent. Also bring reef-safe sunscreen as the equatorial sun is very strong.

Is Zanzibar safe?

Yes, Zanzibar is generally very safe for travellers, as tourism is such an important industry for the country. The biggest risks are usually related to water activities or sun exposure. We didn’t encounter any issues during our stay there. However, it’s worth checking the official travel advice before you go and keeping your belongings safe while you’re there. Use common sense precautions like not displaying expensive items, staying in groups at night, and using recommended tour operators.

Final thoughts on the best Zanzibar itinerary for 7 days

Zanzibar has a way of capturing your heart from the moment you step off the plane. From exploring Stone Town to enjoying pristine beaches, each day of this 7-day Zanzibar itinerary brings something magical.

This island paradise perfectly balances rich cultural heritage with stunning natural beauty, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The pace of life here is beautifully slow and relaxed. It allows you to truly disconnect and embrace the island spirit that makes this Zanzibar itinerary so special.

Pack your sense of adventure and bring your appetite for delicious food and new experiences. This week in Zanzibar will leave you planning your return trip before you’ve even left.

Next up, read my guide to the best 3-day Tanzania safari to see the wonders of the Serengeti.