3-Day Zanzibar Beach Escape
Stone Town, spice farms, and the Indian Ocean — Tanzania's island paradise in three days
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive Zanzibar — Stone Town Walk
Arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar and transfer to Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most atmospheric cities. A guided walking tour covers the old slave market (now an Anglican cathedral), the Arab Fort, the House of Wonders, and the iconic carved Omani doors on narrow alleyways unchanged for centuries. End the day at Forodhani Night Market for fresh seafood skewers at sunset.
Stone Town boutique hotel
Day 2 — Spice Farm Tour — North Beach
Morning spice farm tour in the countryside north of Stone Town. Zanzibar earned the nickname "Spice Island" as the world's leading clove producer, and the tour reveals vanilla, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and turmeric all growing in one garden. Taste fruits fresh from the trees. After lunch, transfer to the north coast beach at Nungwi or Kendwa — calm, clear water and white sand with a fishing village atmosphere.
North coast beach hotel
Day 3 — Snorkelling or Beach Day — Return
Final morning at the beach or on a boat. Mnemba Atoll, just off the northeast coast, is one of the best snorkelling and diving sites in East Africa — home to turtles, dolphins, and colourful reef fish. The atoll is accessible by speedboat from the north coast. Afternoon transfer back to Zanzibar airport.
Checkout — transfer to airport
Included
- ✓Stone Town walking tour with a local guide
- ✓Spice farm tour with tastings
- ✓Beach hotel (bed and breakfast)
- ✓Airport transfers
- ✓Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll (optional add-on)
Not included
- ✗International or domestic flights to Zanzibar
- ✗Lunches and dinners
- ✗Zanzibar visa (included in Tanzania visa for most)
- ✗Water sports activities
- ✗Personal spending
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Zanzibar?
Three days is enough to see the main highlights — Stone Town, a spice farm, and the beach. Ideally four or five days allows you to also visit Jozani Forest for the Red Colobus monkeys, go dolphin watching at Kizimkazi, and relax more fully on the beach. But three focused days are rewarding and work well as a safari add-on.
What is the best beach in Zanzibar?
It depends on what you want: Nungwi (north) has calm water and a lively beach-bar scene; Paje (east) is the kite-surfing hub with consistent wind; Matemwe (northeast) is quieter and ideal for snorkelling. For the clearest water closest to Stone Town, head to Bwejuu on the southeast coast.
What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October and January to February are the best times — dry, sunny, and with calm Indian Ocean. Avoid April and May (the long rains) and November (short rains). The ocean is warm year-round at 26–28°C.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and a single Tanzania visa covers the mainland and the islands. If arriving on Zanzibar directly from abroad, immigration processes your Tanzania visa at Zanzibar Airport.
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