What to Do in Zanzibar for a Week: Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary

What to do in Zanzibar for a week:
Spend 7 days exploring Zanzibar’s best highlights—relax on world-class beaches, swim with dolphins at Mnemba, wander Stone Town’s historic alleys, enjoy a spice farm tour, snorkel at Mnemba Atoll, visit Prison Island, experience Jozani Forest’s Red Colobus monkeys, enjoy a private dhow sunset cruise, and end the week with a full-day Safari Blue adventure. This balanced mix of culture, ocean adventures, food experiences, and hidden gems delivers the perfect Zanzibar one-week itinerary for first-time and returning visitors.

Here are the full details

Planning what to do in Zanzibar for a week can feel overwhelming—there’s just so much beauty, history, and adventure packed into this tiny island paradise.

The good news? Seven days in Zanzibar is the perfect amount of time to experience a mix of relaxation, tropical beaches, cultural tours, wildlife encounters, and bucket-list marine adventures.

Whether you want to swim with dolphins, wander through Stone Town’s UNESCO-listed streets, explore spice farms, experience the famous Safari Blue, or simply unwind on soft white sands… Zanzibar offers something for every traveler.

This friendly, detailed guide gives you a day-by-day itinerary created from our firsthand experience as local tour operators at Go Smart Zanzibar Tours.

We show you exactly what to do each day, the best times to visit each attraction, how to avoid crowds, and insider tips most travelers never hear about.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly how to structure your one-week Zanzibar holiday—where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of every moment.

If you’d like, we can arrange all tours, transfers, and personalized packages for you. Just ask!

Let’s dive in.

Your Perfect 7-Day Zanzibar Itinerary

A balanced mix of beaches, history, adventure, wildlife, and relaxation.

Day 1 — Arrival + Nungwi Beach Exploration

Welcome to paradise! After arriving, head straight to Nungwi, one of Zanzibar’s most vibrant and beautiful beach areas.

Spend your first afternoon easing into the island vibe:

• Walk along the long, powdery coastline
• Enjoy a beachside lunch
• Watch traditional dhow boats float across turquoise water
• Relax with a sunset cocktail

Why Nungwi first?
It’s the perfect slow start—calm, beautiful, and full of good restaurants.

Day 2 — Swim With Dolphins + Mnemba Island Snorkeling

Start the morning early with an unforgettable dolphin tour at Mnemba—where the water is calm, clear, and perfect for snorkeling with tropical fish.

Highlights include:

• Swimming near playful wild dolphins
• Snorkeling over colorful coral reefs
• Relaxing on a stunning sandbank

This is one of the most loved activities in Zanzibar—simple, magical, and perfect for day 2.

Day 3 — Stone Town Tour + Prison Island

Dedicate today to history and culture. A guided Stone Town tour lets you discover:

• The Old Fort
• House of Wonders
• Former slave market site
• Hidden alleyways full of carved doors and spice shops

After lunch, take a 20-minute boat ride to Prison Island to see the giant Aldabra tortoises.

Day 4 — Jozani Forest + Spice Farm + The Rock Restaurant

A beautifully diverse day.

Start at Jozani Forest, home to the Red Colobus monkeys. Walk the nature trails and mangrove boardwalks.

Next, head to a spice farm for an immersive tour—taste fruits, smell fresh spices, and enjoy a traditional lunch.

End the day with a visit to The Rock Restaurant, one of Zanzibar’s most iconic dining spots.

Day 5 — Safari Blue Full-Day Adventure

This is one of Zanzibar’s most famous excursions—and a must for your one-week itinerary.

What to expect:

• Sail on a wooden dhow
• Swim in natural lagoons
• Snorkel in crystal water
• Feast on a seafood-rich Swahili buffet
• Visit sandbanks and hidden islets

It’s the best mix of relaxation and fun.

Day 6 — Paje & Jambiani: Beach, Kite Surfing & Culture

Time to explore the southeast coast.

In Paje, you’ll find soft white sand and one of the world’s best kite-surfing beaches. Spend the morning relaxing or trying a beginner lesson.

In the afternoon, visit Jambiani, a peaceful fishing village where you can:

• See seaweed farms
• Meet local artisans
• Enjoy quieter beaches

Day 7 — Relaxation + Sunset Dhow Cruise

Your final day is all about unwinding. Choose from:

• A beach massage
• Relaxing snorkel
• A chilled morning by the pool

End your week with a private sunset dhow cruise—the perfect final memory.

Expert-Level Travel Tips for Spending a Week in Zanzibar

1. Best Time to Visit Zanzibar (Weather, Crowds & Prices)

Zanzibar has two main seasons and two shorter transitional periods:

• High Season (June–October): Best weather, low humidity, clear water—great for snorkeling & beach days. Hotel rates are higher and tours book out early.
• Holiday Season (Dec–Feb): Hot, sunny, perfect for ocean activities. Slightly busier around Christmas/New Year.
• Green Season (March–May): Long rains—cheaper prices but often cloudy with rougher seas.
• Short Rains (Nov): Short showers, lush landscapes, fewer crowds, great value.

For a full week, June–October gives the most reliable weather and calm ocean conditions.

Learn more about the best time to visit Zanzibar

2. Money, ATMs & Payments

• Zanzibar’s official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).
• USD is widely accepted at hotels and tour companies.
• ATMs are mainly in Stone Town, Paje, and Nungwi.
• Many small shops and restaurants operate cash-only.
• Always carry small denomination notes for local purchases.

learn more about Zanzibar Money and Budget

3. Respecting Local Culture

Zanzibar is 99% Muslim, so dressing respectfully—especially in Stone Town and villages—is appreciated.

• Wear swimsuits only on beaches and hotel grounds.
• Shoulders and knees covered during town tours.
• Always ask before taking photos of locals.
• Avoid public displays of affection.

This helps you blend in, and locals genuinely appreciate the respect.

4. Getting Around Zanzibar (Transport Guide)

Transportation options include:

• Private Transfers (Most Reliable): Pre-booked cars with AC—best for airport pickup, day tours & hotel changes.
• Dala-dalas: Cheap public minibuses—fun but crowded and slow.
• Self-Drive Car rental: Possible, but roads can be challenging and signposting is limited.

Recommendation: Book private transfers for comfort, safety, and time efficiency—especially when traveling between Stone Town, Nungwi/Kendwa, and Paje/Jambiani.

5. Health, Safety & What to Avoid

• Tap water is not drinkable—use bottled or filtered water.
• Reef-safe sunscreen helps protect marine life.
• Beware of sea urchins when swimming; water shoes help.
• Avoid carrying valuables on the beach at night.
• Mosquito repellent is essential.
• Do not touch starfish or remove shells from the beach.

6. Booking Tours & Activities Smartly

To avoid hidden fees or rushed experiences:

• Book with licensed, insured tour companies
• Choose operators who prioritize safety and ethical wildlife practices
• Confirm what’s included (lunch, water, snorkeling gear, marine fees)
• Ask for pickup times and group sizes in advance

Working with Go Smart Zanzibar Tours ensures reliability, transparency, and local expertise.

7. Packing List for a 7-Day Zanzibar Holiday

Essentials

• Light cotton clothing
• Swimsuits (2–3)
• Sandals + water shoes
• Sunglasses & sunhat
• Reef-safe sunscreen

Useful Extras

• Power bank
• Dry bag for boat trips
• Light sweater for breezy evenings

Documents

• Passport (6+ months validity)
• Travel insurance
• Yellow fever card (only required if coming from a yellow-fever country)

FAQ About What to Do in Zanzibar for a Week