Your 8 Days Zanzibar Holiday blends two Stone Town nights with Safari Blue and Nakupenda Sandbank, three nights on Mafia Island for world class marine life, then three nights on Northern Zanzibar exploring Nungwi, Kendwa, and Mnemba’s reefs. You balance culture, sea life, and easy beach days without rushing.
You start with carved doors and sunset dhows, continue to whale sharks and coral gardens, then finish with bright beaches and calm evenings. We line up flights, boats, and tides. You focus on sunrises, fresh seafood, and the soft kind of tired that means you used each day well.
Day 1: Stone Town arrival, alleys and sunset
Arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Our team will be waiting to welcome you, assist with bags, and transfers you to your Stone Town hotel. You wander the alleys, peek at carved doors, and sip spiced coffee. As the light softens, you choose a rooftop view or a relaxed seaside dinner.
After the encounter with old streets and sea breeze, you shall embark on an easy evening. Take a short walk along the seafront, watch fishermen bring in late nets, and listen to the water. Sleep comes fast when the town hum fades to a gentle murmur.
Lodging, Stone Town
Day 2: Safari Blue and Nakupenda Sandbank
Join a full day on the water as you uncover the day’s beautiful feel of Zanzibar. You sail on a traditional dhow, snorkel over bright coral, and stop at a sandbank where the water looks like melted glass. Fresh seafood lunch and fruit tastings keep the energy happy. Nakupenda’s sand feels like sifted flour under your feet.
After the encounter with clear shallows and dhow sails, you shall embark on a gentle return to town. Rinse off the salt, recharge, then step out for a simple dinner. If the sky cooperates, you get one of those sunsets that insists on a second photo.
Lodging, Stone Town
Day 3: Fly to Mafia Island, beach check in
Transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Mafia Island, usually via Dar es Salaam but, there are flights departing from Stone town as well. Land on a quiet airstrip, meet our local guide, and take a short drive to your lodge. You test the water, meet the team, and set your plan for tomorrow’s marine activities.
After the encounter with island calm and fewer footprints, you shall embark on an unhurried afternoon. Read in a lounger, take a shoreline stroll, and watch the tide draw patterns on the sand. Dinner tastes better when someone grilled it a few meters from the ocean.
Lodging, Mafia Island
Day 4: Mafia Marine Park snorkel or dive
Head into Mafia Marine Park. You shall snorkel bright gardens with damsels, parrots, and the occasional turtle. If you dive, your guide matches sites to your experience. Between sessions you rest on the boat with fresh fruit and that warm Indian Ocean breeze.
After the exciting adventure in the clear water and gentle drifts, you shall embark on a lazy afternoon by the pool or beach. Stretch, nap, and let the salt stay on your skin a little longer. Evening arrives with soft light and easy conversation.
Lodging, Mafia Island
Day 5: Whale sharks in season or sandbank picnic
Depending on your time of visit, from roughly October to March, you shall head out for a respectful whale shark encounter. Gentle giants feed near the surface, and your crew will brief you on proper approach so the experience stays calm and ethical. Out of season, we plan a sandbank picnic and an extra snorkel stop inside the marine park.
After the encounter with big fish or wide empty sand, you shall embark on a slow return to the lodge. Order something cold, compare stories, and pick your favorite photo. Sleep lands quickly when the sea has done most of the talking.
Lodging, Mafia Island
Day 6: Back to Zanzibar, transfer to the North Coast
Fly back to Zanzibar, then transfer by road to the north. Take a short drive to your beach hotel in Nungwi or Kendwa. The sand turns light and soft, the water shifts to a brighter turquoise, and your shoulders drop a little further.
After the encounter with the drive and the first northern swim, you shall embark on a quiet evening. Pick a beach restaurant, try grilled octopus, and watch the sky throw purples you did not know existed. Tomorrow you meet Mnemba.
Lodging, Northern Zanzibar
Day 7: Mnemba reef day and Kendwa sunset
Take a morning boat to Mnemba side reefs. You shall find calm water, bright fish, and that gentle drift that makes snorkeling feel effortless. Return for lunch, then rest until the light turns gold. Kendwa’s wide beach handles the sunset like a stage.
After the encounter with reefs and a long, warm glow, you shall embark on an easy night. Stroll the sand, pick a chilled dessert, and save one perfect image in your head. It helps on colder days back home.
Lodging, Northern Zanzibar
Day 8: Lazy morning, fly out
Swim once more before breakfast. Check out and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. You carry two kinds of souvenirs, salt on your skin and a camera roll full of blues. Both tell the story better than any postcard.
After the encounter with farewells and final photos, you shall embark on your journey home with a clear thought. Eight days used well.
Price Inclusions
1) When is the best time for whale sharks on Mafia?
Peak season typically runs from October to March. We confirm your dates against recent sightings and book early morning launches for calmer seas.
2) Are the flights to Mafia reliable?
Yes. They operate on set schedules and we plan your connections with buffers. If weather shifts timing, we adjust road transfers and activities the same day.
3) I am not a strong swimmer. Can I still enjoy this plan?
Yes. Boats carry life vests and guides stay close. You choose easy snorkel sites with gentle currents. On choppy days, we switch to sheltered spots or land-based experiences.
4) Can I swap one northern night for Stone Town?
Yes. Add a final Stone Town night for shopping and a guided heritage walk. We keep the same lodging pairs and adjust transfers.
5) What should you pack for an ocean focused trip?
Reef safe sunscreen, long sleeve swim shirt, light cotton, hat, sunglasses, sandals with grip, a dry bag for boat days, and a spare phone case. Add motion bands if you are sensitive to waves.
6) Can you arrange private boats or a romantic beach dinner?
Yes. Share your preferences. We secure private dhows, small speedboats for Mnemba, and set dinners on the sand, subject to tides and lodge policies.
Stay in Zanzibar, relax on sugar-white beaches, then fly to Serengeti or Nyerere for big cats, returning to sunset dhows and spice markets; you enjoy safari action with beach downtime with the experts.
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