Zanzibar's Stone Town is a UNESCO-listed maze of carved doors, markets and Swahili history, while the northern and eastern coast offer turquoise water and diving. Easy to add after a safari. June to October and January to February are driest.
Good to know
- Tides on the east coast change beaches dramatically; check tide tables.
- Dress modestly in Stone Town and off the beach.
- Book spice tours through guesthouses; they are inexpensive.
Eat this
Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Winding alleys with carved doors, Sultan's palace and the old slave market.
Seafood skewers, Zanzibar pizza and sugar cane juice on the waterfront at dusk.
Wooden dhow sail with drinks, music and the skyline in golden light.
Sultan's ceremonial palace and museum of Swahili culture.
Sobering memorial and church built on the former market site.
Smell, taste and learn about cloves, vanilla and cinnamon with a local guide.
White sand and turquoise water with swimmable tides all day.
Clear water with tropical fish, turtles and dolphins by dhow.
Rare monkeys and mangrove boardwalks in a small national park.
Boat to a historic island with centenarian giant tortoises.
Grilled lobster, octopus and curry with your toes in the sand.
Steady breezes make Paje a hub for kitesurfing and lessons.