What to do in Zanzibar for 5 days:
Spend Day 1 exploring Stone Town and Prison Island, Day 2 snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, Day 3 visiting Nungwi and Kendwa, Day 4 discovering Jozani Forest and The Rock, and Day 5 relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches with optional spice or sandbank tours. A perfect blend of culture, wildlife, and tropical beauty.
Here are the full details;
If you’re planning a 5-day trip to Zanzibar and want the perfect balance of beaches, culture, adventure, and unforgettable moments, this guide is exactly what you need.
As local experts at Go Smart Zanzibar Tours, we know how overwhelming it can feel to decide what to do in just five days—Zanzibar is rich, diverse, and full of places that deserve to be experienced properly.
This 5-day Zanzibar itinerary was crafted to help you enjoy the island’s most iconic attractions—Stone Town, Mnemba Atoll, Jozani Forest, Prison Island, Nungwi, and more—without feeling rushed.
Every day gives you something different: turquoise water, historic alleys, rare wildlife, spice aromas, local Swahili cuisine, and the softest white-sand beaches.
You’ll explore hidden corners only locals talk about, choose from optional excursions depending on your travel style, and know exactly how long to spend in each location. Whether you’re a couple, solo traveler, family, or honeymooners, this 5-day Zanzibar guide ensures you experience the island’s beauty the way it was meant to be—slow enough to feel it, yet exciting enough to remember it forever.
And if you’d like a personalized 5-day Zanzibar holiday, our team will happily plan everything for you—stress-free. PLAN WITH US anytime.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Stone Town, Prison Island & Sunset on the Beach (Culture + Relaxation)
Your Zanzibar adventure begins in Stone Town, the island’s UNESCO World Heritage gem. Wander through its narrow alleys filled with clove-scented air, carved wooden doors, and markets buzzing with local energy. Visit Darajani Market, the Old Fort, the House of Wonders (exterior), and Forodhani Gardens.
Prison Island (Changuu Island)
A 20–25 minute boat ride brings you to a tropical sanctuary home to giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old. Enjoy the turquoise water, gentle breezes, coral views, and short forest walk.
Sunset at Forodhani or Beach Restaurant
End your day with a chilled cocktail and a golden Indian Ocean sunset.
Day 2: Mnemba Atoll – Snorkeling, Dolphins & Sandbank (Adventure Day)
Day 2 is your classic Zanzibar adventure: Mnemba Atoll, one of the most beautiful marine areas in East Africa.
Dolphin Spotting
Start early. Mnemba’s waters are home to playful bottlenose dolphins. Seeing them glide around your boat at sunrise is pure magic.
Snorkeling at Mnemba
Crystal-clear water + coral gardens + vibrant fish = perfection. Expect colorful tropical species and some of the clearest visibility in all of Zanzibar.
Sandbank Relaxation
Depending on the tides, enjoy a beautiful white-sandbank where the water looks like liquid glass.
This full-day tour is a guest favorite—and one of ours.
Day 3: Nungwi & Kendwa – Northern Beaches & Turtle Aquarium
The north offers the island’s best swimming beaches with no strong tides, soft sand, and a lively atmosphere.
Baraka Natural Aquarium
Meet rescued sea turtles and even swim with them if you choose. This is a memorable activity for families and couples alike.
Nungwi Village Visit
Learn about dhow boat building, local fishing life, and the community that keeps Zanzibar’s maritime culture alive.
Kendwa Beach Relaxation
Spend the afternoon on Kendwa—famous for its calm water, clear ocean, and incredible sunsets.
Day 4: Jozani Forest, The Rock Restaurant & Paje Beach (Nature + Iconic Spots)
Jozani Forest (Red Colobus Monkeys)
Walk through Zanzibar’s last remaining natural forest. You’ll see the rare red colobus monkeys—found nowhere else on Earth—and wander the boardwalk through the mangroves.
The Rock Restaurant
Book a lunch here if you want a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience on a tiny ocean rock. High tide makes it look like it’s floating.
Paje Beach + Kite Surfing Vibes
Afternoons in Paje feel like a postcard—white sand, turquoise water, cool beach cafés, and kite surfers painting the sky.
Day 5: Relaxation, Spice Tour or Safari Blue (Choose Your Style)
Your final day should be designed around your energy:
Option A — Spice Tour
Visit a tropical spice farm and discover how cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg are grown. Taste fresh tropical fruits and enjoy a local Swahili lunch.
Option B — Safari Blue (Full-Day Sailing)
This premium excursion includes dhow sailing, sandbanks, snorkeling, seafood BBQ, tropical fruits, and a natural lagoon. Great ending activity.
Option C — Pure Beach Chill
If you just want to float in warm turquoise water and do nothing… Zanzibar understands.
FAQs About What to Do in Zanzibar for 5 Days
Is 5 days enough to enjoy Zanzibar?
Yes, 5 days is perfect for experiencing Stone Town, Mnemba, Jozani, northern beaches, and one premium excursion without rushing.
How do I get around Zanzibar for 5 days?
Private transfers are easiest. Go Smart Zanzibar Tours offers reliable, comfortable transport for every part of this itinerary.
What are the must-do activities in 5 days?
Mnemba snorkeling, Stone Town, Prison Island, Jozani Forest, Nungwi/Kendwa beaches, and either Safari Blue or a Spice Tour.
Can this 5-day itinerary be customized?
Absolutely—your itinerary can be tailored based on your interests, energy, or hotel location.
Conclusion
Five days in Zanzibar is the perfect amount of time to fall in love with the island—its turquoise lagoons, rich Swahili culture, wildlife, spices, and the unforgettable feeling of warm ocean air on your skin.
This itinerary gives you everything: the history of Stone Town, the marine life of Mnemba, the beauty of Nungwi and Kendwa, the charm of Paje, and the nature of Jozani. It blends adventure, relaxation, and culture in a way that feels natural, smooth, and deeply memorable.
And because Zanzibar is an island best explored with local guidance, Go Smart Zanzibar Tours is here to make every moment effortless.
Our team lives here, knows the routes, understands the tides, and curates experiences that bring out the island’s true beauty—not the tourist version, but the real Zanzibar.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, family holiday, or solo escape, we can help you design a trip that feels personal, special, and exactly right for your travel style.
Ready to experience these five days without the stress of planning, bargaining, or guessing?
Your only job should be to enjoy the island.
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