Picture it: you land at midday, and by sunset you are eating grilled seafood on the waterfront while dhows slide past. A few days later your toes are in the white sand and the tide has gone out a kilometre. This route is built to deliver exactly that, with as little driving as possible.
In short
- Route: Stone Town (2 nights), north coast (2 nights), east coast (2 nights).
- Transfers: about 1 to 1.5 hours each way between Stone Town and either coast.
- Short on time? Do 1 day in Stone Town and pick one beach.
- East coast note: the tide goes out far, so swim at high tide.
The route at a glance
A week is enough to see Zanzibar's two very different sides: the history and food of Stone Town, and the white sand and turquoise water of the beaches. This route groups days geographically so you aren't doubling back across the island. Between Stone Town and either coast, transfers by car or shuttle run about one to one and a half hours.
Day by day
Arrive in Stone Town
Land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), about 20 to 30 minutes from the old town, and check in. Stone Town is the easy first stop for jet lag. Spend the afternoon wandering the lanes, then have dinner at the Forodhani Gardens night market.
Stay: Stone Town
Stone Town on foot, spices and a sunset dhow
Take a morning walking tour covering the Old Fort, the House of Wonders (from outside, as the interior is closed), the old slave market and cathedral, and the carved doors. In the afternoon, join a half-day spice tour, then finish with a sunset dhow cruise along the harbour.
Stay: Stone Town
Prison Island, then north to Nungwi or Kendwa
Take an early boat to Prison Island (Changuu) for the giant tortoises and a quick snorkel, then drive north to the beach, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Nungwi has the most restaurants and a livelier evening scene, and Kendwa is quieter, with a long beach and good sunsets. The north coast has calm, clear water that is less affected by the tide than the east. Prefer wildlife on land? Swap Prison Island for Jozani Forest and its rare red colobus monkeys.
Stay: Nungwi or Kendwa
Beach, snorkeling or diving
This is your open day. Book a snorkeling or diving trip to Mnemba Atoll, or take a boat out for the afternoon. Otherwise do nothing at all, which is half the point of a beach stay.
Stay: Nungwi or Kendwa
Cross to the east coast: Paje or Jambiani
Transfer to the east coast, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Nungwi. The sand here is some of the best on the island, and the feel is more laid-back. Paje is the kitesurfing hub, while Jambiani is quieter. Walk out to the seaweed farms at low tide.
Stay: Paje or Jambiani
East coast day
Swim around high tide and plan everything else around the tide table. Try a kitesurfing lesson in season, or book a dolphin or sandbank day trip with a responsible operator.
Stay: Paje or Jambiani
Fly out
Relax in the morning. The airport is about 1 to 1.5 hours by road from the east coast, so plan to leave the hotel at least four hours before your flight.
Departure from ZNZ
Getting around
Most transfers on the island take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours by private car or shared shuttle. Book transfers a day ahead through your accommodation rather than negotiating at the airport, since it is cheaper and far less stressful. The only real time sink is crossing from the north to the east coast, and the route above does it once.
Versions of this route
If you only have 5 days
Cut Stone Town to one full day and pick one beach base, north or east, not both. Trying to see both coasts in under a week usually means more time in transfers than on the sand.
If you hate transfers
Stay in Stone Town for the first two nights and then settle on the east coast for the remaining five. You skip the cross-island drive, and you can day-trip to Jozani Forest and Kizimkazi on the way.
If you want a safari first
Fly into Kilimanjaro (JRO) for the northern parks, then take a domestic flight to Zanzibar. Allow at least four nights for the safari. The cost guide shows how the combination adds up.
What to pack
Zanzibar is easy on luggage. Tick things off as you go.
What a week costs
Per room per night for six nights, based on typical 2026 ranges. The cost per person is half of this if two people share, and it excludes flights and food.
| Style | Per room per night | 6 nights, per room |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $25 to $60 | $150 to $360 |
| Mid-range | $100 to $250 | $600 to $1,500 |
| Luxury | $300 to $800+ | $1,800 to $4,800+ |
Book the right timeThe best-weather months are also the most expensive. If dates are flexible, read the best-time guide before booking flights.
Quick answers
How many days do you need in Zanzibar?
Five days is the minimum for one beach plus Stone Town, and seven lets you see both the north and east coasts without rushing. Ten days gives you time for a day trip such as Jozani Forest or Mnemba.
Should I stay in Nungwi or Paje?
Choose Nungwi or Kendwa for calm, clear water, evening restaurants and dive trips. Choose Paje or Jambiani for the east coast's sand, kitesurfing and quieter feel, and remember that the tide goes out far there.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Book a private transfer or shared shuttle through your hotel in advance. The airport is about 20 to 30 minutes from Stone Town and one to one and a half hours from the northern and eastern beaches.
Can I fit Zanzibar and a safari into one trip?
Yes, and it is the classic combination. Fly into Kilimanjaro for the safari, then take a domestic flight to Zanzibar. Allow at least four safari nights and four beach nights.
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