The right length depends on how you like to travel. Here is what we suggest for each stay.
2 nights: a weekend escape
One night in Stone Town and one on the coast, or two nights on a single beach. It is a quick way to see the highlights if you are in East Africa for business or on a short break.
4 to 5 nights: a good first visit
Spend a night or two in Stone Town for the old town, spice market and a dhow cruise, then settle on one beach for the rest. This is enough to relax and see the main sights without feeling rushed.
7 nights: the classic stay
A week lets you split your time between two coasts, for example north and east, or add a fly-in safari day trip. It suits couples and families, and gives time for snorkeling at Mnemba, a spice farm and Jozani Forest.
10 nights or more: slow and deep
This is the right length for combining Zanzibar with a safari or Kilimanjaro climb, adding Pemba for diving, or simply doing nothing for a while. You can move between three bases without hurrying.
Tips for choosing
- Do not move hotels more than once or twice. Each move costs half a day.
- Leave at least one free day for weather and tides.
- If you are adding a safari, add extra nights so you are not rushing between flights.
Tell us how many days you have, and we will propose a plan that fits.