UNESCO heritage, fragrant spice farms and four nights on Zanzibar's dazzling east coast.
This is the most complete Zanzibar experience. You'll spend two nights in Stone Town, exploring the maze-like UNESCO World Heritage alleys, the Sultan's Palace, the Old Fort and the haunting former slave market. A guided spice farm tour and a Prison Island half-day round out the cultural portion.
Then transfer to Paje on the east coast for four nights of beach time — wide white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, dhow sailing and (Paje's famous) kite-surfing. The east coast has dramatic tides which expose huge sandbars at low tide — a unique Zanzibar experience.
Meet at Zanzibar Airport and transfer to your Stone Town boutique hotel (20 minutes). Afternoon at leisure to wander the labyrinthine streets. Sunset drinks recommended at Emerson Spice or Africa House overlooking the dhow harbour. Evening at the famous Forodhani Gardens night food market.
Morning guided walking tour of Stone Town: the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the former slave market, and Freddie Mercury's house. Afternoon spice farm tour outside the city — learn about clove, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, lemongrass and dozens of other plants that gave the island its name. Optional Sunset Dhow cruise (extra).
Morning boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu) — home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises and a great snorkelling reef. Return for lunch in Stone Town, then transfer (1 hour) to Paje on the east coast. Check into your beachfront hotel and watch the sun set over the lagoon.
A full day on Paje's wide, white-sand beach. Swim at high tide, walk on the exposed sandbars at low tide, learn to kite-surf (Paje is one of the world's top kite spots), or simply lie under a palm tree with a book.
Optional half-day to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to see the endangered red colobus monkeys, followed by a memorable lunch at "The Rock" restaurant — perched on a giant tide-island near Pingwe. Or simply enjoy another beach day.
Morning at leisure. Lunchtime transfer back to Zanzibar International Airport (1 hour) for your onward flight. Farewell, spice island.
From $1,150 per person — culture by day, palms by night.