4 Days in Zanzibar: The Ultimate Itinerary 2025
Spending 4 days in Zanzibar is high up on most people’s bucket lists for a reason. Waking up on this incredible island isn’t far off from waking up in paradise, and with 4 days in Zanzibar, you’ll have just enough time to explore all of its highlights.
We visited Zanzibar after a truly awe-inspiring safari trip and I didn’t believe the holiday could get any better. I was wrong.
From the moment we boarded the tiny, rickety plane I knew we were in for an adventure and Zanzibar couldn’t have been a more perfect place to end such a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
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If you’re looking for a honeymoon destination, or simply somewhere to kick back and relax after a full-on safari in Tanzania, then 4 days in Zanzibar is just what you’re looking for.
Take a look at the best things to do in Zanzibar, alongside some of our top tips for your visit.
Quick List For 4 Days in Zanzibar
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4 Days in Zanzibar Itinerary
We’ve put together the best things to do in Zanzibar on a 4 day visit.
If you would rather have someone else do all the organising for you (it is your vacation after all!) then check out the best multi-day tours in Zanzibar.
- Day 1 – Take a walking tour of historic Stone Town
- Day 2 – Beach time bliss, read a book, dip in sea, paddleboard, or sunbathe
- Day 3 – Head off on a blue safari to explore the underwater world
- Day 4 – Visit the famous Prison Island
Day 1 – Stone Town
✅ Take a walking tour of historic Stone Town
Start your 4 days in Zanzibar in the vibrant Stone Town. If you’re not a beach lover then Stone Town is the perfect place to spend all your nights, but we think the beaches here are too good miss so would recommend a day for exploring the city. Book a taxi from the airport to meet you when you arrive.
We always recommend taking a tour of a city when you first arrive. There is so much value in finding out about a place from a local and being able to ask any questions you like. It’s always the perfect introduction to a place.
This walking tour of Stone Town takes you to the most important parts of the old slave market site, the Anglican Church, the city market, the Palace Museum, Freddie Mercury’s house, and more.
After visiting some of the top spots in Stone Town you can take the afternoon to wander the little alleyways and soak in the culture here. The afternoons can also be hot and sticky so it might be worth taking an afternoon siesta so that you can get the most out of the cooler evening!
Head to Forodhani Gardens Food Market for your evening meal. This is one of the most interesting things to do in Stone Town. There’s a huge variety of food here and the smells are incredible.
If you’re keen to experience the delights of Stone Town’s food scene but the street markets are a little intimidating, consider taking this street food tour.
Day 2 – beach time
Head to the beach! Zanzibar is famous for its beautiful beaches and they were some of the prettiest we’ve seen. Each beach resort area of Zanzibar has a slightly different feel to it, so read the above descriptions before you book your accommodation.
No matter where you end up, use this day to fully enjoy the beach, sea, and your resort. Relax, read a book, listen to music, swim in the sea, and take a sunset stroll along the beach. You’ll feel like you’ve arrived in paradise!
Day 3 – Head off on a blue safari
The Mnemba Atoll is one of the best snorkelling spots in Zanzibar, so book a snorkelling trip and check out the underwater world surrounding this island. You’ll have the chance to see turtles, dolphins, barracuda, and a whole host of fish under the surface.
If the sea just isn’t your thing then take a tour of the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. Here you’ll have the chance to explore the forest and spot the creatures living within, including the rare red colobus monkey. You’ll also visit the mangroves and turtle sanctuary to see the work being done to help protect this beautiful species.
Day 4 – Visit the famous Prison Island
Take a trip to the famous Prison Island. Prison Island was purchased in 1893 by Lloyd Mathews, the British First Minister of Zanzibar. A prison was built on the island, but no prisoners were ever bought here and instead, it became a quarantine station for yellow fever sufferers.
You’ll have the chance to learn about the people who ended up here, but perhaps the real draw is the island’s current residents – the tortoises (some of which are more than 100 years old!)
This trip also includes a beach BBQ Zanzibar style! So you’re guaranteed to have an all-round good day.
End your 4 days in Zanzibar with a sunset cruise in a traditional Dhow. You’ll probably have spotted these incredible boats sailing along the coast, so why not experience them firsthand? After this trip of a lifetime, you’ll be able to enjoy the sun setting from the water, and reflect on all the memories made here.
A Little Info Before Your 4 Days in Zanzibar
Did you know….
Zanzibar is famous for its spices
Zanzibar is also known as ‘spice island’ because of the huge spice trade here. They grow cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper, and the spice industry is second only to tourism here.
Zanzibar isn’t one island
It’s actually an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean, made up of several smaller islands and two larger ones, one of which we know as Zanzibar.
Zanzibar was the first country in Africa to introduce colour television
Back in 1973!
The capital of Zanzibar isn’t Stone Town
The capital is actually Zanzibar City. Stone town is the prettiest and most interesting part of Zanzibar City, so this is the part people refer to most.
Zanzibar is home to some rare animals
Zanzibar is home to the red colobus monkey, the Zanzibar servaline genet, and the Zanzibar leopard. Sadly, the Zanzibar leopard is believed to be extinct.
When to Visit Zanzibar
Do you want the good news or the great news? Zanzibar is pretty much an all year round destination! If you want to try and avoid rain altogether then it’s best to visit outside of the rainy season from June to October.
March – May
The long rainy season. This is probably the worst time of year to visit Zanzibar when the rainy days tend to last longer and it’s more hot and humid than other times of the year. That being said, we had lovely weather in April when it should have been peak rain!
November – December
The short rainy season. If you visit Zanzibar then, it’s likely you’ll see some downpours followed by blue skies. So head to the bar for an hour or two when the rain hits and then you can resume sunbathing!
Situated near the equator, Zanzibar has days and nights of 12 hours each. The days do feel as though they end quickly here with darkness setting in earlier than in other countries. Bring a pack of cards or a good book for the longer evenings!
How to get to Zanzibar
There are two ways to reach Zanzibar island, by ferry or plane. We strongly suggest you grab a flight to Zanzibar as we have heard reports of some dangerous practices on the ferries. That being said, do your own research before deciding anything!
Flights from Zanzibar are usually taken from Dar es Salaam on the coast of Tanzania. If you’re coming from Tanzania then make sure you consider visiting one Tanzania’s best safari parks before you head to Zanzibar for some rest and relaxation. The two destinations make for the perfect holiday!
The flight to Zanzibar from Tanzania will last about 15 minutes and is an adventure in itself. The places are small and a little rickety, and you’ll have the most incredible views coming into Stone Town.
Zanzibar Accommodation
Zanzibar is full of great places to stay, and although at first glance it might seem to cater more to the luxury clients, there are some cheaper options if you search.
Each area of Zanzibar is unique. We would recommend you spend a night in Stone Town to soak up the city vibes and then pick one beach destination to base yourself from, depending on what kind of vibe you’re seeking on your holiday in Zanzibar.
Or head here if you’re looking for the best honeymoon hotels in Zanzibar.
Stone Town Accommodation
Zanzibar Coffee House: In a great location, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, this hotel is warm and welcoming. Its rooftop breakfast terrace is a highlight, as are the traditionally decorated rooms and friendly staff. Check availability and current prices.
Antonio Garden Hotel: This is a good option for somewhere centrally located. The rooms are nothing fancy, but the real selling point of this hotel is the pool in a beautiful garden. It’s a little bit of luxury amongst the city madness. Check availability and current prices.
Matemwe: Best for laid back, local vibes
Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas: Described as ‘heaven on earth’, this Zanzibar accommodation is perfect for anyone looking for their own slice of paradise! 2 swimming pools, free yoga classes, bike hire, diving, and snorkelling trips but none of the high rise vibes you’ll find in Nungwi.
✅ Check availability and current prices.
Zanziblue: With a private beach, swimming pool, and water sports facilities you can’t go wrong with Zanzible in Matemwe. Each villa has its own terrace and cooking facilities, making it a great choice for anyone wanting a little more privacy!
✅ Check availability and current prices.
Pongwe: Best on a budget
Pongwe Beach Hotel: This lovely boutique-style hotel is in a beautiful, quiet area and has all you need for a relaxing stay. With a private beach and pool, you won’t want to leave!
✅ Check availability and current prices.
Nungwi: Best for nightlife
Aluna Nungwi: Nungwi is the most popular area of Zanzibar and also the most lively! You won’t find peace and quiet here, but Aluna Nungwi is a beautiful place to stay amongst the crowds, and Nungwi is definitely the place to head for nightlife!
✅ Check availability and current prices.
Some Optional Extra Things to do in Zanzibar
If you don’t like the sound of the above activities and you’re someone who can’t spend too long lying in the sun with a cocktail in hand (don’t worry, Adam and I are the same!), then check out these alternative excursions for your holiday in Zanzibar.
Self-drive quad bike tour: We didn’t have time to experience this trip while we were in Zanzibar but we met people who raved about it! Drive your own quad bike on this off-road adventure through remote African villages, farm lands, and plantations. You’ll end up on the beach to enjoy some fresh pizza to the sound of the waves!
Spice farm tour and cooking lesson: This is one of Zanzibar’s most popular trips for a reason. Visit an organic spice farm to learn about Zanzibar’s second most lucrative trade industry. Discover how the islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, and more, and how they are used in local cuisine and medications.
You’ll also have the chance to join a cassava leaf harvest, make coconut milk, and take a lesson in cooking traditional Zanzibar cuisine.
How to get Around on Your 4 Days in Zanzibar
The best ways to get around while on holiday in Zanzibar is to take taxis or dala dalas (the local minibus).
Taxis are easy to find in the main towns and don’t tend to be too expensive. It’s also best to ask the driver how much your trip will cost before you agree to the ride, as they tend to charge what they like! If you’re staying beachside ask your hotel to book taxis for you.
Dala dalas are the cheapest form of transport in Zanzibar, and are basically mini buses with set routes. It’s not always easy to figure out which bus to get, but the drivers will help, and it’s all part of the adventure! They like to squeeze people on, and they stop a lot along the way. It’s an experience!
4 Days in Zanzibar Travel Tips
Our comprehensive travel tips for your holiday to Zanzibar. Don’t go without reading these top tips!
Staying Safe in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a safe enough country to travel in and most people enjoy completely trouble-free holidays here every year. The most annoyance you’ll probably experience is the hawkers hassling you on beaches or in the towns to buy their things, but say a firm no and they should get the picture!
Solo female travellers are encouraged to follow all the usual safety precautions, but there’s no reason to think you’ll experience any unpleasantness here. In general, Zanzibar is a safe destination.
As with anywhere new, it’s a good idea to follow basic precautions when travelling.
- Dress appropriately. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim so bear this in mind when dressing for visits off the beaches.
- Use a money belt or theft-protected bag (we love the Pacsafe collections designed for exactly this purpose) when exploring the towns. As with any large city, pickpockets are common.
- Don’t leave valuables on the beach. Take a waterproof bag into the sea if you don’t have anyone sitting with your bags.
- Don’t explore alone after dark, and stick to well-lit areas.
- It’s recommended you don’t take long walks along the beach in the dark, as it’s an often frequented and unlit area where you could become an easy target.
Security
Again, use your common sense when it comes to keeping your valuables safe. Use a theft protected bag, carry expensive items on you at all times, and never place important items in your back pockets or the front pocket of a rucksack.
We love the Pacsafe range of theft proof bags as they have a large range designed for traveller, and they look great too. Check them out.
Grab yourself a money belt too and keep some cash on you at all times for emergencies. We always carry some US dollars when we travel as most countries will accept them.
Entry Requirements for Zanzibar
You’ll need a visa for travelling to Tanzania. They have introduced an ‘e-visas’ system so you can apply online for your visa before you travel. Make sure you leave a decent amount of time to do this!
You should check you’re up to date on required vaccinations before you travel to Tanzania or Zanzibar.
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Insurance for Your Zanzibar Holiday
A holiday in Zanzibar should be the trip of a lifetime, and there are some great adventurous activities you’ll want to do while you’re there.
You can get easy-to-navigate emergency medical travel insurance for adventurous backpackers from SafetyWing.
You just go through their list of activities and make sure it’s ticked for the package you’re buying! You might want your insurance to cover boat trips as this is almost certainly something you’ll want to partake in when you see the colour of the water!
Money Money Money
The currency of Tanzania and Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). We’ve gone into some rough costs below, but generally, you can expect to pay an average of $50 a day depending on how much you splash out!
We always find the easiest thing to do when travelling is to withdraw cash when we’re there. If you’ve come from Tanzania then you’ll be able to withdraw some cash before you arrive, making things a little easier.
As usual, they charge withdrawal fees, so we found the best thing to do was take out large amounts of money at a time (very discretely!) You can save yourself unfair exchange rates by getting hold of a Revolut card.
Revolut allows you £200 worth of cash withdrawals a month free of charge, and only 2% thereafter. You can pay by card in the bigger towns and cities, so £200 will actually go quite a long way.
If you’re going to use a bank card then make sure you notify them before going abroad. In the past I ran into trouble several times when the bank blocked my card. Where possible, use ATMs that are sheltered or guarded, just to be on the safe side.
Top tip: Try to get hold of some ‘change’ as quickly as possible. Taxi drivers won’t appreciate having to find change for large notes, and flashing them around won’t do you any favours either. You will also want small amounts of money to leave tips, which you will do a lot in Zanzibar.
You should always have emergency cash hidden on you just in case.
Tipping is absolutely a thing in Zanzibar, and you should do it where ever possible. A small amount of money goes a long way for the people who live here, so tip anyone who helps you.
Staying In Touch With Home
Most accommodation in Zanzibar has free WiFi to help you stay in touch with home. It’s not usually worth buying a new sim card, simply turn off roaming charges on your mobile and be careful not to make any long-distance calls while you’re away! Using hotel or restaurant WiFi is the perfect way to stay in touch while you’re travelling.
There were times on our trip when the electricity went out, so be prepared for this and charge devices whenever you can (usually during the day)
You can be sure to get the most from that limited electricity with a smart travel adaptor like this one. It will work everywhere in the world and you can charge multiple devices from it all at once. It’s also worth taking a portable battery for when you’re out and about.
What to Pack for your Zanzibar Holiday
Here are the 5 things I wouldn’t go on holiday to Zanzibar without!
- Travel Water Bottle: We always take a filtration water bottle like the Life Straw. They filter out a lot of the nasties!
- Lightweight Scarf: I use this all the time travel, as sun shade, temple cover, even a towel or beach towel. Scarves are light to pack, look cute and come in handy ALL THE TIME.
- Headtorch: I used this all the time while in Zanzibar. If you’re taking a walk along the beach at night or exploring Stone Town in the evening, it’s a great item to shove in your bag just in case.
- Money Belt: A belt that looks like a normal belt but hides money inside. I feel like a spy wearing this! I also know my money is 100% safe. You don’t have to remove it for airport security either. What an invention!
- First Aid Kit: I’m always amazed at how few people take one of these on their travels, and how often I’ve had to come to the rescue with mine. I always add painkillers, re hydration sachets, diarrhoea tablets, travel sickness tablets and antibacterial gel to mine, along with any other medication I think I might need.
Books to Read While in Zanzibar
Do yourself a favour and get one now, you’ll never look back. I can recommend the waterproof version, especially if you’re travelling in the monsoon season. Every single one of my books got ruined in the downpours!
Looking for something relevant to read while you’re away…here are a few suggestions. I’d also thoroughly recommend getting a subscription to audible, so you can listen to books while travelling or napping in the sunshine.
Lonely Planet This is always our go-to guidebook for any country we visit. The Lonely Planet guides are always packed with top tips, brilliant restaurants and they have clear maps. We keep every guidebook from each country, complete with all our scribbles, and they’ve become great little souvenirs from our adventures!
The Zanzibar Affair This is a great beach read, with a love story set in Africa. In fact, it has a little of everything – love, murder, secrets. But mostly it’s an easy read with some good cultural nods.
The Zanzibar Wife Another perfect beach read written by an international best-selling author. This is an ultimately uplifting story of friendship.
Zanzibar Uhuru This is more of a serious book, with some serious messages. It’s a great read with a clever storyline and tells of what life was like before Zanzibar was part of Tanzania.
Local Knowledge for your Zanzibar Trip
A little local knowledge will get you a long way! Here are some things to be aware of as you holiday in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Travel Phrases
The national language here is Swahili, and although English is widely spoken, it’s always a good idea to make an effort to learn a little of the language of the country you are visiting.
- Jambo! Hello!
- Karibu Welcome/ You are Welcome.
- Habari za asubuhi Good morning!
- Habari za jioni Good evening
- Usiku mwema/ Ulale salama Good night.
- Bei gani? How much?
- Una Chakula kwa Vegetarian? Do you have vegetarian Food?
- Samahani, iko wapi… Excuse me, where is…
- Unazungumza Kiingereza? Can you speak English?
- Samahani I am sorry.
- Kwaheri! Bye!
- Asante Thank you
Zanzibar Costs
Zanzibar attracts a lot of people looking for luxury, like honeymooners, so it isn’t always the cheapest place to travel. But it’s not the most expensive either! On average, people spend about $50 a day on holiday in Zanzibar, not including accommodation.
A lot of the hotels you find will include breakfast, and some will include dinner too but check whether you’ll need to pay for drinks and budget accordingly! We’ve included the rough costs on our trip, but remember it will differ depending on where you choose to stay and eat!
Accommodation, $50
Meal Cost: $5 – $10
Bottle of wine: $6
Boat tour (or equivalent) $35
Food in Zanzibar
The food in Zanzibar is more varied than we thought it would be, and it’s possible to get a wide range of different cuisines. Zanzibar does have a few dishes it’s famous for though, and it would be a crime not to try some of them while you’re there!
Zanzibar Pizza – A little different to Dominos! Give it a try at one of the street markets.
Urjo or ‘‘Zanzibar Mix’’ – A spicy soup made from mashed potatoes, bhajias, mango, chilly, garlic and coconut.
Ugali – A staple in Tanzania and Zanzibar made from cornmeal and butter.
Biriyani & Pilau – Popular rice-based curries
Festivals to Look Out For
- February – Sauti za Busara A Swahili music festival
- July – Zanzibar International Film Festival
- September – Watersports festival and dhow race
- September/October Fashion Week
- October – The Swahili Food Festival
Spending 4 days in Zanzibar will be a holiday to remember, and we hope this guide has helped you get the most out of your trip. If you have any questions then we would love to hear from you in the comments section below.
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Thanks for posting this! It has been super useful! Im definitely one of the honeymooners and I’ve only got 4 nights on Zanzibar and am torn whether to just stay it all at a beach area or do one night at Stone Town..
You could definitely just do a day trip to Stone Town if you didn’t want to uproot and actually stay over there. It’s a super interesting place, but if you’re looking for total relaxation (it is your honeymoon after all!) then the beaches are incredible. You could always just see how you feel when you get there. We got restless after a few days of beach time and wanted something different!
The detailed day-by-day breakdown and stunning photos make me feel like I’m already there. I appreciate the tips on where to eat and what to do. Zanzibar has been on my bucket list for ages, and this guide just pushed it to the top!
Wow such a great itineraries