If you’re wondering what to do in Zanzibar for 3 days, you’re in the perfect place. As a local tour operator running Go Smart Zanzibar Tours, we help thousands of travelers plan short, smooth, and unforgettable Zanzibar escapes every year.
With only three days on the island, the key is choosing activities that deliver the best of our culture, beaches, food, and ocean adventures—without feeling rushed. This guide gives you exactly that.
What to do in Zanzibar for 3 days
Spend Day 1 exploring Stone Town with a guided city tour, a Spice Tour, and a night at Forodhani. Day 2, enjoy a Mnemba Dolphin Tour, snorkeling, and Kendwa/Nungwi beaches. Day 3, visit Prison Island, relax on a sandbank, or explore Jozani Forest before ending the trip with a romantic sunset cruise. This 3-day itinerary balances culture, adventure, and beach time beautifully.
This 3-day Zanzibar itinerary is built from real on-ground experience, not generic online lists.
It reflects how travelers actually enjoy Zanzibar today, based on weather patterns, tour logistics, travel distances, tides, and our own experience operating Mnemba Dolphin Tours, Stone Town Tours, Prison Island trips, Spice Tours, and more.
Here, you get a plan that flows naturally, saves time, and maximizes your experience.
This guide shows you where to go, which tours to prioritize, what time to do each activity, and how to avoid common tourist mistakes—so your trip feels effortless.
Whether you’re a couple, family, group, or solo traveler, this is the most complete and practical answer to what to do in Zanzibar for 3 days. It includes a detailed daily plan plus alternatives for culture lovers, beach lovers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers.
Let’s begin planning the perfect Zanzibar escape—designed by locals who know the island, its tides, and its hidden gems better than anyone.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Stone Town + Spice Tour + Forodhani Gardens
This day introduces you to Zanzibar’s origins—its architecture, stories, spices, markets, and food. It’s the perfect cultural foundation before exploring beaches and ocean tours.
1. Stone Town Walking Tour (Morning)
A guided Stone Town Tour helps you understand Zanzibar’s cultural layers. You’ll explore:
- House of Wonders
- The Old Fort
- Sultan’s Palace
- Darajani Market
- Freddy Mercury House
- Ancient coral-stone alleys
- Historical Swahili doors
Our guides explain everything—from Omani rule to the spice trade and old merchant families.
2. Spice Tour (Midday)
The Spice Tour introduces you to the plants, flavors, and aromas that made Zanzibar famous worldwide. It’s educational, interactive, and surprisingly fun.
What you experience:
- Cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla
- Local fruits (jackfruit, pineapple, mango, etc.)
- Spice tasting sessions
- Herbal medicine demonstrations
- Coconut tree climbing show
Forodhani Gardens Dinner (Evening)
After a day of exploring, Forodhani gives you a relaxed local experience with street food, ocean breeze, and friendly vendors.
Try:
- Zanzibar pizza
- Seafood grills
- Sugarcane juice
- Coconut water
- Shawarma Swahili-style
Day 2: Mnemba Dolphin Tour + Snorkeling + Kendwa/Nungwi Beaches
This entire day is designed around the Indian Ocean. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
1. Mnemba Dolphin Tour (Early Morning)
Mnemba Island is Zanzibar’s most famous marine reserve, known for dolphins, coral gardens, and crystal-clear visibility.
You will experience:
- Early dolphin spotting with ethical distance
- Snorkeling at Mnemba Reef (incredible coral + fish)
- Swimming in turquoise water
- Sandbank stop (depending on tide)
Our crew always ensures safety, proper equipment, and responsible wildlife interaction.
2. Kendwa or Nungwi Beach (Afternoon)
After an active morning on the ocean, northern Zanzibar beaches are ideal because they have no low-tide issues—you can swim any time.
Kendwa: calm, perfect for couples
Nungwi: lively, perfect for photos & activities
Relax, swim, enjoy cocktails, or watch one of Zanzibar’s best sunsets.
Day 3: Prison Island + Sandbank OR Jozani Forest + The Rock
Choose between wildlife, beaches, and nature for your final day.
These two options match different travel styles: relaxation vs. nature exploration.
Option A: Prison Island + Nakupenda Sandbank
The most popular Day 3 combination, ideal for couples, families, and groups looking for a mix of beach relaxation and wildlife.
What you’ll experience:
Prison Island:
- Giant Aldabra tortoises
- Short walking tour
- Snorkeling in clear water
- White sand
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Sunbathing
- A memorable ocean picnic (optional)
Option B: Jozani Forest + The Rock Restaurant
A short intro: This is the perfect nature-and-photo combo for your last day.
- Red Colobus Monkeys (found only here)
- Mangrove boardwalk
- Local medicinal plants
- Nature trails
The Rock:
Enjoy lunch or photos at one of the most iconic restaurants in Africa.
What to Do in Zanzibar for 3 Days for Honeymoon
- Day 1: Stone Town + Sunset Dhow Cruise
- Day 2: Mnemba Dolphin Tour + Kendwa
- Day 3: Sandbank + Romantic Dinner Setup
What to Do in Zanzibar for 3 Days-Adventure Itinerary
- Day 1: Stone Town + Prison Island
- Day 2: Mnemba Snorkeling + Horse Riding
- Day 3: Jozani + Quad Bikes (if preferred)
What to Do in Zanzibar for 3 Days-Culture Itinerary
- Day 1: Full Stone Town cultural immersion
- Day 2: Spice Tour + Prison Island
- Day 3: Village Tour + Food Experience
FAQ About What to Do in Zanzibar for 3 Days
Is 3 days enough time in Zanzibar?
Yes—3 days is short but enough to experience Zanzibar’s signature highlights if your itinerary is structured well. You can explore Stone Town, visit a spice farm, enjoy world-class snorkeling at Mnemba, and relax on Kendwa/Nungwi beaches. With professional planning and optimized timing, you can cover the island’s best attractions without feeling rushed.
What is the best area to stay for a 3-day trip?
If you want culture, stay in Stone Town—it’s central and perfect for tours like Prison Island, Sandbank, and Spice Tours.
If you want beaches, stay in Kendwa or Nungwi, known for all-day swimmable water.
Can I customize my 3-day itinerary?
Yes. All tours can be rearranged based on your travel style, hotel location, flight times, and preferences. We can also add:
Sunset dhow cruise
Water sports
Cultural village tours
Romantic setups
Our team can build a perfect itinerary based on your interests.
Can I do all these activities alone without a guide?
You can walk in Stone Town alone, but you will miss the deep historical stories and hidden spots only locals know. Ocean tours require licensed boats and professional captains. Jozani also requires local forest rangers. Booking with a professional operator guarantees safety, smoother logistics, and deeper cultural understanding.
What should I pack for 3 days in Zanzibar?
Swimwear
Light clothing
Sandals or water shoes
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
A hat
Snorkeling gear (optional, we also provide)
Power bank
Light scarf for cultural areas
Less is more—Zanzibar is warm, tropical, and relaxed.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to do in Zanzibar for 3 days, planning your trip becomes easy and exciting.
In just three days, you can cover the essential attractions that make Zanzibar one of Africa’s most loved destinations—UNESCO heritage sites, spice farms, vibrant local markets, dolphin adventures, snorkeling at Mnemba Reef, and relaxing on the world-class beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa.
When planned correctly, even a short stay can feel rich, diverse, and deeply memorable.
If you want your three days to be smooth, stress-free, and professionally handled, we’re here to help. We arrange airport pickups, guided tours, transport, and everything you need to make the most of your trip.
Contact us today and let us plan your perfect 3-day Zanzibar getaway.
Contact Us