7 Days • 6 Nights
Luxury Zanzibar: The Spice Island in Style
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The finest beach resorts and a boutique Stone Town palace are the great luxury of this journey. Zanzibar has beautiful boutique and luxury hotels blending exotic charm with comfort. You retreat to a boutique palace hotel in atmospheric Stone Town, with its Swahili-Arab elegance, and the finest beach resorts on the powder-white coast, with stunning suites and villas, impeccable service, and beautiful settings. The luxury and charm are magnificent. Retreating to a boutique palace hotel in atmospheric Stone Town and the finest beach resorts on the powder-white coast, with stunning suites and impeccable service, is the great luxury and a magical highlight of this luxurious journey through Zanzibar.
- A spectacular private-island sanctuary is a magical highlight. Zanzibar offers spectacular private-island retreats, such as the exclusive Mnemba Island, entire islands given over to a few stunning bandas amid pristine beaches and reefs. You can retreat to a private-island sanctuary, with a beautiful beach almost to yourself, ultimate privacy, world-class service, and superb snorkelling and diving off the beach. The exclusivity and beauty are magnificent. Retreating to a spectacular private-island sanctuary, with a pristine beach almost to yourself and world-class service, is a magical highlight of this luxurious journey through Zanzibar.
- Private touring of Stone Town and spices, in comfort, is a fascinating highlight. On this luxury journey you explore Zanzibar's history and spices privately, at your own pace and in comfort. You explore atmospheric Stone Town, its UNESCO lanes, carved doors, history and markets, and a fragrant spice plantation, with expert private guides, immersing yourself in the exotic heritage in refined style. The history and spices are fascinating. Exploring atmospheric Stone Town and fragrant spice plantations privately, in comfort with expert guides, is a fascinating and rewarding highlight of this luxurious journey through Zanzibar.
- Fine dining, world-class spas and sunset dhows are a delicious, relaxing highlight. The finest Zanzibar resorts offer gourmet dining, world-class spas and beautiful experiences. You savour gourmet Swahili and international cuisine, fresh seafood and fragrant spices, at beautiful restaurants and private beach dinners, indulge in world-class spa treatments, and share glorious sunset dhow cruises. The dining, spa and dhows are magnificent. Savouring gourmet dining, indulging in world-class spas, and sharing sunset dhow cruises is a delicious and deeply relaxing highlight of this luxurious journey through Zanzibar.
- Snorkelling Mnemba and seamless service make this a sophisticated escape. On this luxury journey you snorkel or dive the vibrant reefs of Mnemba Atoll amid dolphins and turtles, and enjoy seamless, personal service throughout, every detail handled effortlessly, so you simply savour the exotic Spice Island in the finest style. The reefs and service are magnificent. Snorkelling the vibrant reefs of Mnemba amid dolphins and turtles, with seamless, personal service throughout, makes this a sophisticated, effortless and deeply rewarding highlight of this luxurious journey through Zanzibar.
- Above all, this journey offers the exotic Spice Island at the highest level of comfort and style. Zanzibar combines exotic charm with beautiful beaches, and this journey lets you experience it in the finest style. Over seven days you retreat to a boutique Stone Town palace, the finest beach resorts, and, if you wish, a private-island sanctuary, explore Stone Town and spices privately, relax on beautiful beaches, snorkel Mnemba, and enjoy sunset dhows, fine dining and world-class spas, all with seamless service. The combination of exotic charm, beautiful beaches, the finest comfort and refined island living makes this a sophisticated escape.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your luxury Zanzibar journey begins as your flight arrives at Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, where you are met and transferred privately to your boutique palace hotel in atmospheric Stone Town. Zanzibar combines exotic Spice Island charm with beautiful beaches, and the sense of arriving somewhere special, in the finest style, is immediate. On arrival you are welcomed with impeccable service and settle into your stunning suite, with Swahili-Arab elegance. The rest of the day is yours to relax, exploring the atmospheric lanes and rooftop views, and, in the evening, savouring gourmet Swahili cuisine or the Forodhani night market, as dhows are silhouetted against the sunset. As you settle in, the exotic charm and comfort of Zanzibar work their magic. Rest well, ready to explore Stone Town and its spices in style tomorrow.
Today you explore atmospheric Stone Town and fragrant spices privately, in comfort. With your expert private guide, you take a walking tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage labyrinth of historic lanes, carved doors, bazaars and history, exploring its heritage, the poignant slave-trade history, and hidden gems, at your own relaxed pace. You tour a fragrant spice plantation, smelling and tasting the cloves, vanilla and cinnamon that made the island famous, with a gourmet spiced meal. The history and spices are fascinating. As the day ends, you return to your boutique palace hotel. This evening, savour gourmet dining in atmospheric Stone Town. As you settle in, the exotic charm of Zanzibar lingers. Rest well in refined comfort, ready to retreat to the finest beach resort tomorrow.
Today you retreat to the finest beach resort on the powder-white coast. You transfer to your finest beach resort (or, if you wish, a spectacular private island), with stunning suites and villas on the powder-white sands, impeccable service, and beautiful settings. You settle into your stunning suite or villa, and the rest of the day is yours to relax in refined comfort, swimming in the warm, turquoise sea, relaxing on the beautiful beach, and savouring your resort's world-class facilities and spa. The luxury and beauty are magnificent. As the sun sets over the ocean in a blaze of colour, you savour the glorious sunset, perhaps from a sunset dhow. This evening, savour gourmet dining, perhaps a private beach dinner beneath the stars. As you settle in, the luxury of the Spice Island works its magic. Rest well in refined comfort by the turquoise sea.
Today you savour the beauty and refined leisure of your beach resort, and snorkel Mnemba. You relax on the powder-white beach, swimming in the warm turquoise sea, and take an excursion to snorkel or dive the vibrant reefs of Mnemba Atoll, teeming with colourful fish, turtles and dolphins, in the crystal-clear water. You indulge in world-class spa treatments, perhaps with fragrant spices and coconut, unwinding in blissful comfort. The beach, reefs and spa are magnificent. As the sun sets over the ocean in a blaze of colour, you savour the glorious sunset. This evening, savour gourmet dining, fresh seafood and fragrant spices. As you settle in, the luxury of the Spice Island lingers. Rest well in refined comfort by the turquoise sea, ready for more refined island living tomorrow.
Today you savour refined island living and a glorious sunset dhow cruise. The day is yours to relax in refined comfort, swimming and snorkelling in the turquoise sea, relaxing on the powder-white beach, indulging in the world-class spa, and savouring gourmet dining. In the late afternoon, you share a glorious sunset dhow cruise, sailing on a traditional dhow as the sky and sea blaze with colour, with drinks aboard, magical and romantic. The relaxation and sunset dhow are magnificent. As the sun sets over the ocean from the dhow, you savour the glorious colours. This evening, savour gourmet dining, perhaps a private beach dinner beneath the stars. As you settle in, the luxury of the Spice Island lingers. Rest well in refined comfort by the turquoise sea, ready for a final day of refined island living tomorrow.
Today you enjoy a final, blissful day of refined luxury on the powder-white coast. The whole day is yours to savour your finest resort, relaxing on the beautiful beach, swimming and snorkelling in the turquoise sea, indulging in the world-class spa, and savouring gourmet dining and impeccable service, or exploring more of the beautiful island. It is the perfect indulgent finale to your luxury journey. As the sun sets over the ocean for the last time, you savour the glorious colours, perhaps with champagne. This evening, savour a final gourmet dinner in a beautiful setting, perhaps a private beach dinner beneath the stars, reflecting on your exotic island escape. As the stars fill the sky, you savour the luxury and exotic beauty of Zanzibar. Rest well in refined comfort by the turquoise sea, deeply relaxed and content.
After a final, blissful morning in refined luxury, perhaps a last swim in the turquoise sea or a spa treatment, you are transferred privately to Zanzibar's airport for your onward departure. You leave deeply relaxed and enchanted, having experienced the exotic Spice Island at the highest level, the boutique Stone Town palace and finest beach resorts, the private touring of Stone Town and spices, the beautiful private beaches, the vibrant reefs of Mnemba, and the sunset dhows, fine dining and world-class spas, all with seamless, personal service. The memories stay vivid long after you land, the atmospheric Stone Town palace, the powder-white beaches and turquoise seas, the sunset dhows, the vibrant reefs, and the refined comfort throughout. Zanzibar offers exotic charm and beautiful beaches, experienced here at the highest level, and you depart deeply refreshed, already dreaming of a return to the enchanting Spice Island.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation at the finest hotels (Stone Town bed and breakfast, beach half board)
- Airport and island transfers
- Tours and excursions as per itinerary with local guides
- Services of expert local guides as per itinerary
- , private touring, a Stone Town and spice tour, a Mnemba snorkelling excursion, a sunset dhow cruise, and a spa treatment
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Premium dining and fine wines (or upgrade to full board)
- Additional spa treatments, diving and tips
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and most nationalities need a Tanzania visa, easily obtained as an eVisa online before travel or on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. A yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever country. We confirm the current process and help arrange the eVisa
- Health & malaria: Malaria is present in Zanzibar, so anti-malarial prophylaxis and insect repellent are strongly recommended; consult a travel clinic well ahead and ensure your vaccinations are up to date. Drink bottled or treated water, take sensible precautions, and carry comprehensive travel insurance including medical cover
- Currency: The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are very widely accepted (bring newer notes), and cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments. Carry some cash for markets, Stone Town, tips and small purchases; ATMs are available in Stone Town and main towns
- Best time to visit: The long dry season (June to October) is the most popular, with warm, sunny, less humid weather ideal for beaches and touring; December to February is hot and dry too. The long rains (March to May) and short rains (November) bring heavier showers, though beaches remain warm; it is warm year-round
- Dress & culture: Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim, conservative island with a rich Swahili culture; modest dress is important in Stone Town and villages (cover shoulders and knees; women may carry a scarf), while beachwear is fine at beach resorts. Respect local customs, especially during Ramadan, and always ask before photographing people
- Beaches & tides: The north-coast beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa) offer the best swimming at all tides; the beautiful east-coast beaches (Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu) have a large tidal range, so swimming is best around high tide, with seaweed farming and kitesurfing at low tide. We advise on the best beach and coast for your priorities
- Getting around: Touring is by private vehicle with your guide or driver; Stone Town is explored on foot, and dhow and boat trips reach the reefs, sandbanks and Mnemba. Zanzibar is reached by short flight or ferry from Dar es Salaam, or by direct international flights. We arrange all transfers, tours and any mainland-safari connections
- Alcohol & power: Alcohol is available at hotels, resorts and tourist restaurants (less so in local areas, out of respect for Islamic custom). Power is 230V with UK-style type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Swahili is the language and English is widely spoken in tourism; the warmth of Swahili hospitality is a joy of a visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Which luxury hotels are available in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has beautiful boutique and luxury hotels, from boutique palace hotels in atmospheric Stone Town (such as Park Hyatt and Emerson properties) to the finest beach resorts on the coast (such as Baraza, Xanadu, The Residence and Zuri) and the ultra-exclusive private island of Mnemba (&Beyond), one of the most sought-after island retreats in Africa. We choose the finest to suit your style, combine Stone Town with the beach or a private island, and advise on every detail for a sophisticated, exotic escape.
Can Zanzibar luxury be combined with a luxury safari?
Absolutely, and it makes the ultimate luxury bush-and-beach holiday. Zanzibar's luxury pairs perfectly with a luxury mainland Tanzania safari, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and more, combining the finest safari lodges and camps with the finest beach resorts and private islands, linked by flights. It is one of the world's great luxury combinations. We can arrange a seamless, luxurious safari-and-Zanzibar journey, tailoring the finest experiences and balance of bush and beach to you, for an unforgettable Tanzanian escape.
What meals are included?
This depends on the board basis chosen (bed and breakfast, half board, full board or all-inclusive), which we tailor to you and your resort. Many Zanzibar beach resorts offer half board or all-inclusive, while Stone Town is ideal for exploring the wonderful Swahili food scene, from the Forodhani night market to Swahili restaurants. Zanzibari cuisine is delicious, fresh seafood, fragrant spiced curries, coconut and tropical fruit, and we advise on the best board basis and dining.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Tours can be arranged privately, with your own guide and vehicle or boat, for flexibility and depth, or as shared/group excursions for value; we tailor this to you. Zanzibar's knowledgeable guides bring Stone Town's history, the spice plantations, the reefs and the culture vividly to life. Many highlights, from the spice tour and Stone Town walk to Safari Blue and Mnemba snorkelling, are easily and rewardingly arranged.
Do I need a visa and vaccinations for Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and most nationalities need a Tanzania visa (eVisa online or on arrival). Malaria is present, so anti-malarial prophylaxis and repellent are strongly recommended, and a yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from an endemic country. We confirm the current visa and health requirements for your nationality, help arrange the eVisa, and advise on precautions, so you travel prepared and reassured.
Is Zanzibar safe to visit?
Zanzibar is a welcoming island popular with visitors, and travel here is rewarding, with warm Swahili hospitality. Standard precautions apply, as anywhere: dress modestly in Stone Town and villages out of respect, take care with valuables, use trusted guides and drivers (as we arrange), and follow local advice. We monitor conditions and choose reputable resorts and operators. The warmth of the Zanzibari welcome is one of the joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
The long dry season (June to October) is the most popular, with warm, sunny, less humid weather ideal for beaches, Stone Town and reefs; December to February is also hot and dry. The long rains (March to May) and short rains (November) bring heavier showers, though it stays warm. We advise on the best timing for your interests, whether beaches, diving, or combining with a mainland safari (excellent June to October).
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can combine Stone Town, the spice plantations, and the north or east beaches in any way, add Mnemba snorkelling, Safari Blue, kitesurfing, Jozani Forest, a dhow cruise, and combine Zanzibar with a mainland Tanzania safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) for the classic bush-and-beach holiday. Every Zanzibar journey is tailored to you, matching the beaches, resorts, culture and experiences to create your ideal Swahili-coast escape.
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