Your 5 Days Zanzibar Holiday splits time between Mafia Island’s quiet reefs and Northern Zanzibar’s bright beaches. You begin with calm water, sandbank picnics, and seasonal whale sharks on Mafia. You finish with Mnemba snorkeling, Nungwi swims, and Kendwa sunsets on the north coast. You keep the plan simple. We align flights, boats, and tides so you never rush.
You feel two distinct moods in five days. Small island stillness on Mafia, then a livelier north with wide beaches and easy dinners on the sand. You focus on warm water, fresh seafood, and the pleasant kind of tired that comes from salt, sun, and good timing.
Day 1: Fly to Mafia Island, beach check in
Arrive in Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam and connect to Mafia Island on a scheduled hop. Meet your local guide at the airstrip and take a short drive to your lodge. Settle in, breathe the ocean air, and test the water before sunset.
After the encounter with island calm and fewer footprints, you shall embark on an unhurried afternoon. Walk the shoreline, feel the sand cool under your feet, and plan tomorrow’s marine activities with the lodge team. After the day’s experience, proceed for dinner, relaxation and overnight.
Lodging, Mafia Island
Day 2: Mafia Marine Park snorkel or dive, sandbank picnic
Head into Mafia Marine Park after breakfast. You shall slip into clear water above bright coral gardens with butterflyfish, parrotfish, 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 encounter with calm drifts and easy visibility, you shall embark on a sandbank picnic when tides allow. White sand appears like a stage in the shallows, then the sea slowly erases it again. Return to the lodge for a lazy afternoon by the pool or beach. Evening arrives with soft light and a sky full of quiet.
Lodging, Mafia Island
Day 3: Seasonal whale sharks, fly to Northern Zanzibar
From around October to March, head out at first light for a respectful whale shark experience. The crew briefs you on approach and time limits so the encounter stays calm and ethical. Out of season, repeat your favorite reef or try a new snorkeling cove inside the marine park. Return to the lodge to freshen up, then fly back to Zanzibar and take a short drive to your beach hotel in the north.
After the encounter with big fish or wide empty reef, you shall embark on an easy evening on the north coast. Order something fresh off the grill, feel the sand under your feet, and watch the sky throw purples you did not know existed.
Lodging, Northern Zanzibar
Day 4: 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 while the light turns gold. Kendwa’s wide beach handles sunset like a stage.
After the encounter with reefs and a long, warm glow, you shall embark on a relaxed evening. Stroll the sand, try grilled octopus or a light curry, and save one perfect image in your head. It helps on colder days back home.
Lodging, Northern Zanzibar
Day 5: Lazy swim, optional Stone Town stop, fly out
Swim once more before breakfast. Check out and transfer to the airport. If your flight leaves later, add a short Stone Town stop for a guided wander and quick coffee. You fly home with sea salt on your skin and a camera roll full of blues.
After the encounter with farewells and final photos, you shall embark on your journey home with a clear thought. Five days used well.
When is the best time for whale sharks on Mafia?
Best time to visit Zanzibar is usually in the peak season usually runs from October to March. We confirm your dates against recent sightings and book early morning launches for calmer seas.
Are the flights reliable and how do connections work?
Yes. Flights run on set schedules via Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. We build in sensible buffers and adjust transfers if weather shifts timing.
I am not a strong swimmer. Can I still enjoy this plan?
Yes. Boats carry life vests and guides stay close. We choose easy, shallow sites with gentle currents. On choppy days, we switch to sheltered reefs or land activities.
Can I dive instead of snorkel?
Yes. Mafia offers excellent beginner and advanced sites. Share your certification level and we arrange tanks, weights, and a matched guide.
Can you switch the order, north first then Mafia?
Yes. We can invert the sequence if flight times suit your arrival. We keep the same lodging pairs and adjust transfers.
What should you pack for five days split between islands?
Reef safe sunscreen, long sleeve swim shirt, hat, sunglasses, sandals with grip, a dry bag for boat days, and a spare phone case. Add motion bands if you feel sensitive to waves.
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.
+255 695 102 840
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