What to Do in Zanzibar for 4 Days (Traveller’s Expert Guide)

Planning your Zanzibar itinerary and wondering what to do in Zanzibar for 4 days?

As a local tour operator, we know exactly how to help travellers maximise a short stay while experiencing the best of our island’s culture, nature, beaches, and marine life.

Zanzibar may look small on the map, but every corner offers something unique—from UNESCO-listed Stone Town to the wild Red Colobus monkeys of Jozani Forest, from world-class snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll to the postcard-perfect beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa.

With only four days, you want a schedule that’s well-planned, easy to follow, and balanced. This guide gives you a complete 4-day Zanzibar itinerary that includes the island’s top attractions, hidden gems, dining recommendations, beach time, and optional upgrades.

Let’s start planning the perfect 4-day trip to Zanzibar.

What to Do in Zanzibar for 4 Days

In just four days, you can experience the best of Zanzibar — from the historic alleyways of Stone Town and its spice farms, to relaxing on sun-drenched beaches in Nungwi or Paje, and enjoying an unforgettable Safari Blue day trip.

You’ll also get a chance to explore the lush Jozani Forest, snorkel around Mnemba Island, and discover local markets.

This balanced itinerary blends culture, adventure, and relaxation, giving you a taste of both the island’s heritage and its natural beauty.

You may also read: How Many Days Do I Need in Zanzibar? | Trip Duration Guide

4-Day Zanzibar Itinerary: What to Do in Zanzibar for 4 Days

Day 1: Dive into Culture — Stone Town & Spice Farms

• Morning: Arrive at Zanzibar Airport. Transfer to Stone Town, check in, freshen up, and start with a guided walking tour.
• Stone Town Highlights: Visit House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib) — a grand palace, once the tallest building, now a museum.
• Explore narrow alleyways, old merchant houses, and the historic Darajani Market.
• Midday: Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral for its distinctive twin spires and colonial architecture.
• Lunch: Sample local Swahili fare — grilled fish, pilau, and cassava — in a rooftop café overlooking the city.
• Afternoon: Head out to a spice plantation on the countryside. Learn how cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg are grown, smell fresh spices, and hear stories about their economic and historical importance.
• Evening: Return to Stone Town. As night falls, stroll to the Forodhani Gardens for the evening food market — grilled seafood, samoosas, sugarcane juice, and Zanzibari pizzas are on the menu.
• Optional: Watch the sunset from a rooftop terrace, then enjoy a local-style dinner.

Day 2: Island Adventures — Prison Island & Sandbanks + Beach Time

• Morning: After breakfast, take a boat trip to Prison Island (also called Changuu Island). Once used as a detention center, it now shelters giant tortoises and offers a peaceful escape.
• Walk around the island, visit the tortoise sanctuary, and snorkel in the clear water near the reef.
• Midday: Sail to a nearby sandbank, like Nakupenda, for a picnic lunch and some sun-soaked downtime. (Many local tours include this.)
• Afternoon: Return to the main island and transfer to your beach base (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, or Jambiani — depending on where you prefer).
• Evening: Relax on the beach, swim in the shallow water, or take a stroll at sunset.

Day 3: The Ultimate Day Trip — Safari Blue

• Full Day: Embark on the iconic Safari Blue tour. Sail in a traditional dhow across mangroves, lagoons, and coral reefs. Snorkel among fish, glide past sandbanks, and enjoy freshly grilled seafood on board.
• Lunch: Enjoy a beach barbecue with local seafood like octopus, lobster, and fish. Many Safari Blue boats bring all the ingredients aboard
• Afternoon: Continue snorkeling; some tours allow you to visit Kwale Island, or to just hang out on a sandbank and swim.
• Evening: Return to your beach base. Fresh from the sea, unwind and potentially catch a beachside sunset with a drink.

Day 4: Nature & Relaxation — Jozani Forest, Mnemba, & Farewell

• Morning Option 1 (Nature): Visit Jozani Forest to see the rare red colobus monkey, walk on nature trails, and enjoy the forest’s tranquility.
• Morning Option 2 (Beach): Head to Mnemba Island for world-class snorkeling. The coral reef around Mnemba is spectacular and great for spotting turtles and vibrant fish.
• Midday: Return to the main island and have lunch at a local beach restaurant.
• Afternoon: Use this time for optional activities: more beach time, local shopping, or a relaxing spa experience.
• Optional Nightlife: (Separate section) — If you’re staying near the north coast (Kendwa/Nungwi), you can experience beach bars or low-key parties.
• Evening (Departure): Transfer back to Stone Town (if needed) or straight to the airport, depending on your flight. Reflect on your four-day journey, savor one last Zanzibari meal, and say goodbye to the island.

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

• High season: June to October — dry, sunny, perfect for beach and water activities.
• Shoulder season: March to May — some rain, but fewer crowds and great deals.
• Note: The weather is warm year-round, but for optimal snorkeling and sea clarity, dry months are ideal.

Learn more about the best time to visit Zanzibar

Transport & Getting Around

• Use a local guide/driver for day tours — it’s safer, more efficient, and helps you avoid tourist markups.
• Dala dala (local minibuses) are cheap but slow; for comfort, private transport is better.
• For island-hopping (Prison Island, Mnemba), book a dhow or speedboat via a trusted company (we can handle this).

Learn more about our transportation services

Cost Considerations & Budget Tips

• While we’re not quoting fixed prices, it helps to bundle tours (Stone Town + spice + boating) to reduce transport costs.
• Negotiate respectfully — drivers and boat captains often expect some bargaining. Many travelers report paying more when not organized properly.
• Use cash (USD or Tanzanian Shillings) for local purchases — many small vendors don’t accept cards.

Learn more: Zanzibar Currency – Complete Traveller’s Money Guide

Conclusion

With the right plan, four days is more than enough to immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture, natural beauty, and laid-back charm.

Our 4-day Itineraries strike the perfect balance: historic exploration in Stone Town, sensory delights on a spice farm, dreamy island hopping to Prison Island and Mnemba, a magical Safari Blue adventure, and quiet moments in Jozani Forest. You’ll also enjoy world-class beaches, fresh seafood, and the warm hospitality that makes Zanzibar unforgettable.

Whether you’re relaxing or exploring, this guide ensures your trip is both seamless and deeply rewarding. And because it’s flexible, you can adjust it based on your pace, interests, and energy levels.

With our local expertise, we can help you tailor every day — from transportation, guides, and private tours to hidden-gem recommendations.

In just four days, you can leave Zanzibar feeling like you’ve truly experienced its soul.

Ready to make it happen?

Let us plan your perfect 4 days in Zanzibar