7 days in Zanzibar is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the very best of this Indian Ocean island. This 7-day Zanzibar holiday combines swimming with dolphins, the famous Safari Blue sailing trip, red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, the spice farms and history of Stone Town, a magical sunset dhow cruise and plenty of time on white sand beaches.
It is an easy, relaxed itinerary with one main activity each day, so you have time to rest between adventures. It works beautifully on its own, as a honeymoon, or as a beach finish after gorilla trekking in Uganda or a safari in the Serengeti.
7 Days in Zanzibar at a Glance
| Duration | 7 days, 6 nights |
| Start & end | Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Zanzibar |
| Highlights | Safari Blue, Mnemba Island snorkelling and dolphins, Jozani Forest, Stone Town, spice tour, sunset dhow cruise, Prison Island, Nakupenda Sandbank |
| Best for | Couples, honeymooners, families and beach lovers |
| Best time | June to October and December to February |
| Combine with | Gorilla trekking in Uganda or a Serengeti safari |
Why Spend 7 Days in Zanzibar?
Many visitors try to squeeze Zanzibar into three or four days, then wish they had stayed longer. With 7 days in Zanzibar, you can see the island's highlights without rushing, enjoy both the north and south coasts, and still have quiet afternoons by the pool or on the beach.
This pace also lets you choose the best day for each boat trip. If the wind is up or the sea is choppy, we simply swap the order of your excursions, so you always get the calmest water for snorkelling and the clearest skies for your sunset cruise. That flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of spending a full week on the island.
Highlights of This 7-Day Zanzibar Holiday
- Sail the turquoise waters of Menai Bay on the full-day Safari Blue trip, with a seafood barbecue on Kwale Island.
- Snorkel the coral reefs around Mnemba Island and look for wild dolphins.
- See the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, found nowhere else on earth, in Jozani Forest.
- Taste cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla on a spice farm tour.
- Explore the narrow streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Watch the sun go down from a traditional wooden dhow.
- Meet giant tortoises on Prison Island and relax on Nakupenda Sandbank.
7 Days in Zanzibar: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Here is how your 7 days in Zanzibar unfold. The order of excursions can change with the tides and weather.
Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar
Welcome to Zanzibar! Our driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your beach hotel. Spend the rest of the day settling in, taking a first swim in the Indian Ocean and enjoying dinner as the sun sets over the island.
Day 2: Full-Day Safari Blue Trip
After breakfast, set off on the famous Safari Blue, a full day of sailing in Menai Bay on the south-west coast, one of the best marine conservation areas in the Zanzibar archipelago.
- Sail on a traditional dhow past mangroves and through clear blue water.
- Snorkel over colourful coral reefs and relax on a white sandbank.
- Visit Kwale Island and swim in its natural lagoon.
- Enjoy a fresh seafood barbecue with lobster, octopus, calamari and fish, followed by tropical fruit such as mango, watermelon and pineapple.
- Sail back in the late afternoon and return to your hotel.
Day 3: Jozani Forest, Butterfly Centre and The Rock Restaurant
Today you discover the green heart of Zanzibar.
- Start at the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre, where colourful butterflies fly around a tropical garden.
- Walk with a local guide in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the island's only national park.
- Watch and photograph the playful Zanzibar red colobus monkey, which lives only on this island.
- Continue to Michamvi to see The Rock, the famous restaurant built on a rock in the ocean, for lunch and photos.
Day 4: Mnemba Island Snorkelling and Dolphins
Head to the north-east coast for one of the best days on the water in Zanzibar.
- Board a boat from the Matemwe area with an experienced snorkel guide.
- Look for wild dolphins in the open ocean, and swim with them if conditions allow.
- Snorkel the reefs of the Mnemba Atoll, among the best snorkelling spots in Zanzibar, full of tropical fish, starfish and sometimes turtles.
- Enjoy fresh fruit on board and take photos on a beautiful sandbank.
- Have lunch on the beach before returning to your hotel to relax.
Day 5: Spice Farm, Stone Town and Sunset Dhow Cruise
A full day of flavours, history and one of the best sunsets in Africa.
- Visit a spice farm to see, smell and taste the spices that made Zanzibar famous, then enjoy a local spiced rice lunch.
- Explore Stone Town with an expert local guide, including the Old Fort, the former slave market and Anglican cathedral, the Sultan's Palace area and the Freddie Mercury House. The House of Wonders, a landmark of the old town, has been under restoration.
- Browse the souvenir shops and markets for gifts.
- End the day on a traditional sunset dhow cruise, with local snacks and views of the Stone Town waterfront.
Day 6: Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank
After breakfast, take a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town to Prison Island.
- Meet the giant Aldabra tortoises, some of them more than 100 years old, and learn about the island's history.
- Continue by boat to Nakupenda Sandbank, a stretch of white sand surrounded by clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
- Enjoy a seafood barbecue and fresh tropical fruit on the sand before returning to your hotel.
Day 7: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast and a last walk on the beach. Our driver will collect you on time from your hotel for your transfer to the airport and your flight home, or on to your next adventure.
Where to Stay for 7 Days in Zanzibar
Where you stay shapes your holiday, and Zanzibar's coasts each have their own character. For 7 days in Zanzibar, many guests split their stay between two areas, or choose one central beach and do the excursions from there.
- Nungwi and Kendwa (north): soft white sand, swimming at any tide and some of the best sunsets on the island. Great for couples and first-time visitors.
- Matemwe and Kiwengwa (north-east): quiet beaches close to Mnemba Island, ideal for snorkelling and diving.
- Paje and Jambiani (south-east): long beaches, a relaxed village feel and the island's kitesurfing centre. The tide goes far out here.
- Michamvi (south-east peninsula): peaceful, with sunset views over Chwaka Bay and close to The Rock restaurant.
- Stone Town: boutique hotels in historic buildings, perfect for one or two nights of culture, food and history.
We have hotels for every budget, from friendly guesthouses to luxury beach resorts and honeymoon villas, and we will match the right one to your style.
What Our 7-Day Zanzibar Package Can Include
Every 7 days in Zanzibar trip we plan is tailored, but a typical package can include:
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Six nights of accommodation, usually with breakfast
- The Safari Blue excursion with seafood lunch
- Mnemba Island snorkelling and dolphin trip
- Jozani Forest and Butterfly Centre visit with entry fees
- Spice farm and Stone Town tour with a local guide
- Sunset dhow cruise
- Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank trip
- Flights from Entebbe, if you are travelling from Uganda
Visas, travel insurance, tips, drinks and personal expenses are usually extra. We confirm exactly what is included in your written quote, so there are no surprises.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothing, plus a long skirt or trousers and a shawl for Stone Town
- Swimwear, a rash vest and water shoes for sandbanks and reefs
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag for boat trips
- Insect repellent and any personal medication
- A light jacket for breezy evenings on the dhow
Best Time for 7 Days in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is warm all year, with sea temperatures of around 26 to 29°C. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons:
- June to October: sunny, dry and slightly cooler, ideal for beaches and boat trips.
- December to February: hot and sunny, with calm seas for snorkelling.
- March to May: the long rains. Some hotels close, but prices are lower.
- November: short rains, usually brief showers with plenty of sunshine.
Visas and Travel Tips for Zanzibar
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. Most international visitors need a Tanzania visa, which you can apply for online before you travel. Citizens of Uganda and other East African Community countries do not need a visa.
Zanzibar also requires international visitors to buy its official inbound travel insurance before arrival. We will guide you through the latest requirements when you book.
- Dress respectfully: Zanzibar is mainly Muslim, so cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and villages.
- Protect the reef: use reef-safe sunscreen and never touch or stand on coral.
- Carry some cash: US dollars and Tanzania shillings are useful for tips, markets and small purchases.
- Book early in peak season: July, August and the Christmas holidays sell out quickly.
Combine 7 Days in Zanzibar With a Safari
Zanzibar is the perfect place to relax after a safari. Many of our guests start with gorilla trekking in Uganda, then fly to Zanzibar for a week on the beach. Others pair the island with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania.
- See our Uganda gorilla safaris, where a gorilla permit costs US$800.
- Explore our Tanzania safaris and the Serengeti.
- Want a shorter or longer stay? See our 8 days Zanzibar holiday package.
Travelling from Uganda? We arrange Zanzibar trips as part of our holidays from Uganda, with flights from Entebbe, hotels, transfers and excursions all handled for you.
FAQs About 7 Days in Zanzibar
Is 7 days in Zanzibar enough?
Yes. Seven days gives you time for the Safari Blue, Mnemba Island snorkelling, Jozani Forest, a Stone Town and spice tour, a sunset dhow cruise and Prison Island, with time left to relax on the beach.
What is Safari Blue in Zanzibar?
Safari Blue is a full-day sailing trip in Menai Bay, with snorkelling, a sandbank, a visit to Kwale Island and a seafood barbecue lunch. It is one of the most popular excursions in Zanzibar.
Can you swim with dolphins in Zanzibar?
Yes. Wild dolphins live off Zanzibar's coast, and boat trips from Kizimkazi and around Mnemba Island often find them. Sightings depend on the dolphins and sea conditions, so swimming is never guaranteed.
What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry seasons, from June to October and December to February, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm.
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
Most international visitors need a Tanzania visa, applied for online, plus Zanzibar's mandatory inbound travel insurance. Citizens of Uganda and other East African Community countries do not need a visa.
Can I combine Zanzibar with a Uganda safari?
Yes. Many travellers do gorilla trekking in Uganda first, then fly to Zanzibar to relax. We can arrange the whole trip, including flights, gorilla permits, hotels and transfers.
Book Your 7 Days in Zanzibar With Tulambule
Turquoise water, spice-scented air, friendly people and some of the most beautiful sunsets in Africa: 7 days in Zanzibar is pure island magic.
Tulambule Uganda Safaris is a licensed, 100% Ugandan-owned tour operator planning safaris and holidays since 2014. We book your hotel, airport transfers, excursions and flights, and we can tailor this itinerary to your budget, whether you want a simple beach break or a luxury honeymoon.
Tell us your dates, number of travellers and budget, and we will send you a tailor-made Zanzibar quote.
Continue Planning Your Trip
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