7 Day Zanzibar Escape: Sun, Spice & Stone Town

Highlights: First impressions, beachfront arrival, sunset views.
Overnight: Sunshine Marine Lodge

Your Zanzibar adventure begins the moment you step off the plane at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). The warm, humid air, scented with salt and tropical blooms, welcomes you with a classic "Jambo!" (Hello!). After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be met by your private driver who will transfer you to the Sunshine Marine Lodge .

As you travel, watch the landscape change from urban areas to villages and lush greenery. Upon arrival at the lodge, you are greeted with a refreshing welcome drink. Check into your room, which is likely a charming, Swahili-style bungalow just steps from the powdery white sand.

The rest of the day is yours to unwind. Take your first dip in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, feel the soft sand between your toes, and find a comfortable spot to witness a spectacular sunset. For dinner, indulge in a sumptuous seafood feast at the lodge's restaurant, with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack.

Day 2: The Heart of the Island – Stone Town Exploration

Highlights: Historic sites, bustling markets, and a sunset dhow cruise.
Overnight: Sunshine Marine Lodge

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up for a full-day tour of Stone Town , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural soul of Zanzibar.

Your tour includes:

• The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe): A massive 17th-century structure built by the Omani Arabs, now a vibrant cultural center with shops and a small amphitheater.

• The House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib): The largest and most modern building in Stone Town when it was built, it was the first in Zanzibar to have electricity and an elevator.

• The Sultan's Palace (Beit al-Sahel): Learn about the lavish lives of Zanzibar's Sultans and the dark history of the slave trade.

• Freddie Mercury's House: See the birthplace of the legendary Queen frontman (exterior view).

• The Darajani Bazaar: Immerse your senses in the vibrant, chaotic main market. Smell the fresh spices, see colorful piles of fruit, and observe the daily life of locals.

In the late afternoon, you will embark on a magical Sunset Dhow Cruise . Sail on a traditional wooden boat along the coastline, watching the sky explode into hues of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dips below the horizon—a truly unforgettable experience.

You will be driven back to Sunshine Marine Lodge in the evening.

Day 3: Azure Adventures – Dive into the Indian Ocean

Highlights: Underwater exploration, marine life, and pure relaxation.
Overnight: Sunshine Marine Lodge

Today is dedicated to the wonders beneath the waves. After breakfast, you have a choice:

• Scuba Diving: Whether you're a beginner (with the option for a Discover Scuba Diving experience) or a certified diver, the reefs around Zanzibar are teeming with life. You'll likely see colorful coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, turtles, and maybe even dolphins.

• Snorkeling: A more accessible but equally stunning option. A boat will take you to a prime snorkeling spot where you can float effortlessly above the coral, observing the vibrant underwater world.

The activity will take up most of your morning. The afternoon is for complete relaxation. Lounge by the pool with a book, take a long walk on the beach, or indulge in a soothing massage at the lodge's spa.

Day 4: A Day of Pure Bliss – Your Time, Your Way

Highlights: Ultimate relaxation, optional activities, or spontaneous adventure.
Overnight: Sunshine Marine Lodge

This is a completely free day with no set schedule. The choice is entirely yours.

• Option 1: Total Relaxation: Soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, and enjoy the amenities of the Sunshine Marine Lodge. This is your day to do absolutely nothing but recharge.

• Option 2: Spice Tour: (Optional, at extra cost) Embark on a famous Zanzibar Spice Tour. Visit a working spice farm to see, smell, and taste vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more. It’s a fascinating sensory journey.

• Option 3: Prison Island: (Optional, at extra cost) Take a short boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu Island). Here, you can see the giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old, and enjoy excellent snorkeling off its shores.

Enjoy another beautiful evening and dinner at the lodge.

Day 5: Transition to History – Return to Stone Town

Highlights: Leisurely morning at the beach, transfer to a historic hotel.
Overnight: Dhow Palace Hotel

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast and perhaps a last swim at Sunshine Marine Lodge. Check out around midday and meet your driver for the transfer back to Stone Town .

Today, you will check into a different style of accommodation: the Dhow Palace Hotel . This boutique hotel is a beautifully restored 19th-century merchant's house, offering an intimate and authentic experience right in the heart of the old city.

After settling in, the afternoon is yours to get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of Stone Town. Explore the countless curio shops, art galleries, and caferies at your own pace. For dinner, venture to the Forodhani Gardens Night Market —a must-do experience. As the sun sets, the seafront comes alive with food stalls grilling fresh seafood kebabs, Zanzibar pizzas, and sugar cane juice.

Day 6: Immersion in the Old Town – Living History

Highlights: Deeper exploration of Stone Town's hidden gems and local life.
Overnight: Dhow Palace Hotel

With a full day in Stone Town, you can go beyond the main sights.

• Morning: Wake up early to see the city come to life. Visit the Old Dispensary with its intricately carved balconies, and wander down Gizenga Street to see the beautiful, ornate doors that Zanzibar is famous for.

• Afternoon: Find a hidden rooftop café for lunch with stunning views over the rooftops and the ocean. Visit the Anglican Cathedral , built on the site of the old slave market, a poignant and important historical site.

• Evening: This is your chance to try a different renowned restaurant. Consider a dinner at the famous Emerson on Hurumzi rooftop tea house (booking essential) for a truly atmospheric dining experience.

Day 7: Kwaheri – Until We Meet Again

Highlights: Last-minute souvenir shopping, final memories, departure.

Enjoy your final Zanzibar breakfast at the Dhow Palace Hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping—this is your chance to buy those small paintings (tinga-tinga), spices, or fabric.

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport in good time for your departure flight. As you board your plane, you'll carry with you the memories of sun-drenched beaches, the echoes of history, and the warm spirit of Zanzibar. Kwaheri! (Goodbye!)