5 Day Best Zanzibar Beach Vacations for Beach Lovers
This 5-day Zanzibar beach vacations itinerary blends relaxation, marine adventures, and cultural highlights. Each day offers a balanced mix of beach time and local experiences. Ideal for travelers who want comfort, variety, and easy pacing by the sea.
Dive into Zanzibar beach vacations with a 5-day itinerary designed for travelers who love the coast and want variety without rushing. This plan blends white sand relaxation, marine adventures, and cultural highlights across the island’s top spots. From the calm waters of Nungwi and Kendwa to the vibrant marine life around Mnemba Atoll, each day offers a fresh experience. You’ll enjoy sunset views, snorkeling, and dhow sailing while staying close to the beach. The itinerary is paced to give you time to unwind, swim, and enjoy local seafood without packing too much into one day.
Zanzibar beach vacations also include inland highlights like Jozani Forest and a spice tour, giving you a broader view of the island’s natural and cultural life. Stone Town adds depth with its history, markets, and architecture, while Lake Nakupenda and Prison Island offer quiet escapes just offshore. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a small group, this itinerary keeps things simple and flexible. Each location is chosen for easy access, comfort, and value, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the beach without missing out on what makes Zanzibar unique
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar, Proceed to Nungwi Beach, Enjoy White Sand and Sundowner
Day 2: Mnemba Toll Adventures and Evening at Kendwa Beach
Day 3: Prison Island Tour, Nakupenda Beach and Sunset Dhow
Day 4: Jozani Forest Tour with Paje Beach Adventures
Day 5: Spice Tour, Experience Stone Town and Departure
Price Includes:
- All airport pick up and transfers in private car
- Transport and wildlife drives in modified 4 x 4 Land Cruiser
- Services of a professional English speaking safari guide
- Drinking water
- Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority
Price Excludes:
- International Flights
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff ( please tip separately)
- Travel insurance if needed
- Visa fee ( 50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival)
- Drinks and beverages in lodges
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Zanzibar, Proceed to Nungwi Beach, Enjoy White Sand and Sundowner
Start your Zanzibar beach vacations with a smooth arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, followed by a transfer to Nungwi Beach in the north. This area is known for its wide stretch of white sand and calm waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Spend the afternoon settling into your beachfront hotel and walking along the shoreline. As evening approaches, enjoy a sundowner at one of the beach bars while watching the sky change color over the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar beach vacations begin with a peaceful rhythm here, offering a quiet start and easy access to restaurants, local shops, and water activities that can be arranged for the following days
- Day2Mnemba Toll Adventures and Evening at Kendwa Beach
Day two of your Zanzibar beach vacations takes you on a boat trip to Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine area known for snorkeling and dolphin sightings. The clear waters and coral reefs make it a great spot to see tropical fish and enjoy a few hours in the ocean. After returning to shore, head to Kendwa Beach for a relaxed evening. Kendwa offers a wide beach with soft sand and fewer tides, making it perfect for sunset walks and casual dining. Zanzibar beach vacations are best enjoyed with a mix of adventure and downtime, and this day balances both without rushing
- Day3Prison Island Tour, Nakupenda Beach and Sunset Dhow
Start the day with a short boat ride to Prison Island, where you’ll learn about its history and see giant tortoises. Afterward, continue to Nakupenda Beach, a sandbank that appears during low tide and offers a quiet place to swim and sunbathe. Fresh seafood lunch can be arranged on-site. In the late afternoon, return to Stone Town and board a traditional dhow for a sunset cruise along the coast. Zanzibar beach vacations on day three combine history, relaxation, and a classic sailing experience. The mix of land and sea activities keeps the day engaging while allowing time to unwind
- Day4Jozani Forest Tour with Paje Beach Adventures
Begin with a guided walk through Jozani Forest to see the rare red colobus monkeys and learn about the island’s mangrove ecosystem. After the forest tour, head to Paje Beach on the southeast coast, known for its wide shoreline and kite surfing scene. Spend the afternoon swimming, walking, or relaxing in one of the beachfront cafes. Zanzibar beach vacations benefit from this contrast morning nature and afternoon beach time. Paje is also a good spot to meet other travelers and enjoy casual nightlife if you’re interested. The day ends with a quiet dinner by the sea or a drink under the stars
- Day5Spice Tour, Experience Stone Town and Departure
Wrap up your Zanzibar beach vacations with a morning spice tour, where you’ll visit a local farm to see how cloves, vanilla, and other spices are grown. Taste fresh fruits and learn about Zanzibar’s agricultural traditions. After the tour, return to Stone Town for a short walk through its narrow streets, visiting markets and historical sites like the Old Fort or House of Wonders. Depending on your flight time, enjoy lunch at a rooftop restaurant before heading to the airport. Zanzibar beach vacations end with a cultural touch, giving you a broader view of the island beyond its beaches