What to do in Zanzibar for 6 days:

Spend Day 1 in Stone Town and Prison Island; Day 2 exploring Jozani Forest and The Rock; Day 3 on a Mnemba dolphin tour and snorkeling; Day 4 in Nungwi for beaches, turtles, and sunset cruises; Day 5 on a full-day Safari Blue experience; and Day 6 relaxing in Paje with kitesurfing or a cultural village tour. This 6-day Zanzibar itinerary blends beaches, culture, nature, food, and adventure — perfect for first-time visitors wanting the island’s best highlights.

Here is a full guide.

Planning your Zanzibar trip and wondering what to do in Zanzibar for 6 days?

Perfect

Six days is honestly the sweet spot for experiencing both the island’s world-famous beaches and its rich Swahili culture.

With thoughtful planning, you can enjoy Stone Town’s ancient alleyways, swim with dolphins at Mnemba, wander through tropical forests, eat fresh seafood by the ocean, and relax on powder-white beaches in places like Nungwi and Paje.

This guide combines insider tips, realistic timing, and traveler-friendly planning.

Everything here is based on what visitors genuinely enjoy most — the iconic things you shouldn’t miss, plus those experiences that make Zanzibar unforgettable: dhow sunset cruises, snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons, walking barefoot on sandbanks, tasting spices on a plantation, or enjoying the silence of a hidden mangrove forest.

Let’s dive into your perfect 6-day Zanzibar adventure!

DAY 1 — Stone Town + Prison Island (History & Culture)

Start your journey in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of winding alleys, carved doors, markets, and centuries of Arab, Persian, and African influence.

See Also:  100+ Essential Swahili Phrases for Exploring Zanzibar: Hakuna Matata and Beyond

Must-Visit Places

  • Darajani Market – colorful, chaotic, full of fresh produce and spices
  • The Old Fort – views, craft shops, and cultural insight
  • House of Wonders (exterior viewing) – iconic Arab architecture
  • Freddie Mercury House – quick photo stop

Afternoon: Prison Island

Take a short boat ride to see the giant tortoises, relax on the tiny beach, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

Best done with a guided combo tour for smooth logistics.

DAY 2 — Jozani Forest + The Rock Restaurant + Michamvi Sunset

Morning:
Walk through Jozani Forest, home to the rare Red Colobus monkeys and lush mangrove boardwalks.

Lunch:
Visit The Rock Restaurant, one of Zanzibar’s most iconic dining spots sitting on a rock in the ocean.

Evening:
Relax on Michamvi Beach where you’ll enjoy one of the best sunsets on the east coast.

DAY 3 — Mnemba Dolphin Tour + Snorkeling (A Must-Do)

This is one of Zanzibar’s most popular excursions — and for good reason.

What to Expect

  • Early morning dolphin spotting near Mnemba
  • Snorkeling in turquoise waters with abundant coral and fish
  • Sandbank relaxation depending on tides

Most travelers say this is one of the best days of their entire trip.

DAY 4 — Nungwi & Kendwa (Beaches, Turtles & Sunset Cruise)

Morning:
Visit Nungwi’s turtle conservation lagoon where you can learn about rehabilitation efforts and even swim with turtles.

Afternoon:
Relax on Kendwa Beach, famous for being swimmable at any tide and having postcard-perfect sand.

Evening:
Join a romantic dhow sunset cruise with local music, fresh snacks, and golden-hour views.

DAY 5 — Safari Blue Full Day (Sandbanks, Seafood & Sailing)

A classic must-do for first-time visitors.

Highlights

  • Swimming in natural lagoons
  • Snorkeling in warm, shallow reefs
  • Grilled seafood lunch under the shade of baobab trees
  • Sailing on a traditional wooden dhow
  • Walking on soft sandbanks surrounded by blue water
See Also:  Top 10 Things to Do in Zanzibar with a Rental Car

Safari Blue is fun, relaxing, and perfect for couples, families, and groups.

DAY 6 — Paje & Jambiani (Relaxation, Kitesurfing & Culture)

Related keywords: Paje Beach Zanzibar, kitesurfing Zanzibar, Jambiani village tour

Choose how you want to end your trip — relaxed or active.

Option A: Relax & Enjoy Paje Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in East Africa, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and photos.

Option B: Kitesurfing

Paje is one of the top kitesurfing destinations in the world. Take a beginner lesson or rent gear.

Option C: Jambiani Village Cultural Tour

Learn local traditions, seaweed farming, and daily community life.

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar for a 6-Day Trip

Zanzibar is a year-round destination, but each season offers a slightly different vibe:

If you’re planning multiple outdoor activities like Safari Blue or Mnemba, the dry seasons offer the best conditions.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit Zanzibar Tanzania – Complete Weather & Travel Guide

Estimated Budget for 6 Days in Zanzibar

Your budget depends on travel style, but here’s a practical breakdown:

Accommodation

  • Budget: $30–$50/night
  • Mid-range: $60–$150/night
  • Luxury: $200–$600/night

Meals

  • Local meals: $5–$12
  • Beach restaurants: $15–$35
  • Luxury dining (The Rock): $50–$120

Tours (average ranges)

  • Stone Town + Prison Island: $35–$60
  • Mnemba snorkeling + dolphins: $35–$60
  • Safari Blue: $45–$70
  • Jozani Forest: $30–$50
  • Sunset Cruise: $25–$45

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

FAQ — What to Do in Zanzibar for 6 Days

How should I split my 6-day itinerary between Stone Town and the beaches?

The best split is:
2 nights in Stone Town for culture and history
2 nights in Nungwi/Kendwa for sunset beaches
2 nights in Paje/Jambiani for relaxation and water sports
This avoids unnecessary long transfers and keeps your days organized.

How much will I spend on tours for 6 days in Zanzibar?

Expect $200–$350 total depending on which activities you choose. Group tours are cheaper; private tours cost more but offer flexibility.

What should I pack for a 6-day Zanzibar holiday?

light clothing
sunscreen
swimwear
water shoes (for sandbanks & reefs)
waterproof phone case
insect repellent
modest clothing for Stone Town

Can I customize this itinerary?

Yes — and it’s recommended. Weather, tides, and your energy levels vary. Go Smart Zanzibar Tours offers fully customized 6-day itineraries, including transfers, accommodation suggestions, and tours.

Conclusion

If you were wondering what to do in Zanzibar for 6 days, this guide gives you a perfect balance of culture, adventure, history, food, and beach relaxation.

Zanzibar is a destination where every day feels different — one morning you’re swimming with dolphins, the next you’re wandering through centuries-old Stone Town alleys, and the next you’re sailing across turquoise lagoons on a wooden dhow.

Six days is enough to experience Zanzibar’s highlights without rushing, especially when your itinerary is thoughtfully planned.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, solo, or group, the island offers activities for every mood: snorkeling, wildlife, culinary discoveries, untouched beaches, and deep cultural experiences.

At Go Smart Zanzibar Tours, we specialize in designing smooth, flexible, and worry-free itineraries that match your travel style.

If you want help organizing tours, transfers, or a full package, our team is ready to assist with friendly local guidance and reliable service.

Your six perfect days in Zanzibar are waiting — and we’d love to help you experience them.

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