10 Gorgeous Days on Zanzibar Island Stone. Town – Nungwi – Paje.

Meet the group at the airport and board our flight to Zanzibar. 

First stop, Stone town; a place where faded colonial buildings rub shoulders with vibrant, bustling markets, where donkeys navigate tiny narrow streets as children, dashing home from school in traditional dress, weave in and out of them, where ancient carved doorways sit slightly ajar, their secrets just out of reach…

After taking our private transfer we will arrive at the 4* Tembo Palace Hotel Hotel in Zanzibar city where we will be staying for the next 3 nights. 

Offering three pools across two hotels  and outdoor restaurant, Tembo Palace Hotel is located in Zanzibar City, a 3-minute walk from the Old Fort and House of Wonders. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

Decorated with wood carved furniture, and offering a Swahili four-poster bed, each room features a seating area with TV, air conditioning and a bathroom with shower and traditional hammam bath.

The hotel’s Bahari Restaurant offers local as well international cuisine. Room service is available and packed lunches can be arranged.

Other facilities and services include a 24-hour front desk, meeting facilities, a shared lounge, concierge and laundry services.

Throughout the tour we will be staying in twin rooms but there is an option to have a room to yourself for the trip. If you wish to have a room to yourself for the 9 nights the supplement will be £370. The supplement will be payable at the same time as the balance.      

The Travel Buddies trips work on the basis that as long as you are having a good time then that is what matters, if you don’t feel like coming on one of the excursions or joining the rest of the group for dinner one evening then that is absolutely fine. This is an adventure for everyone and there is nothing worse than having to go somewhere/do something that you don’t really fancy!

Feel free to do as much or as little research as you like, some members will know what they would like to visit as soon as they book the trip, Others will just turn up at the airport and have not researched at all. Either is absolutely fine. We all have different ideas as to what constitutes a great time away! 

This evening we will head out to immerse ourselves in Stone Town’s food scene with a guide who knows the city well on a private evening tour. We’ll visit the Darajani Market to see fruits and vegetables on display before continuing to a local bar to watch the sunset. We’ll then head out to Forodhani Garden to sample local foods ranging from urojo soup to Zanzibar pizza before returning to our hotel.

From the famous Zanzibar pizza to meat kebabs, local fish, coconut bread, grilled cassava, roasted corn, chunky sweet potato, garlic chapati and amazing fresh fruit selections, we can eat our hearts out amidst a great atmosphere.

Today we embark on a full-day Zanzibar adventure starting with Prison Island, where giant tortoises roam and history whispers from the old colonial prison. Then, escape to the pristine Nakupenda Sandbank, a white-sand paradise in the turquoise sea, and savor a delicious BBQ lunch on the beach as we swim, sunbathe, and snap unforgettable photos. 

Finally, step into the heart of Zanzibar with a Stone Town tour, wandering winding streets, colorful markets, and historic landmarks like the Old Fort and Freddie Mercury’s birthplace, while uncovering the island’s rich culture and heritage. 

This all-in-one experience blends history, relaxation, and local life for a truly unforgettable day.

Today we have the full day to do as we please, for some of us that will mean relaxing around the pool or heading to the nearby beach, or if you are keen to explore stone town further these are some of the must see and do’s.

Visit the Palace Museum for a great intro to the history of Zanzibar and to learn about the heritage of the island and its wealth of different influences.

The Slave market museum

The Stone Town was host to one of the world’s last open slave markets, presided over by Arab traders until it was shut down by the British in 1873, entrance is around £5

Freddie Mercury was born in stone town so a little visit to the house where he grew up is a must!

Out of town, a Spice Tour is another great Stone Town day trip. Costing around £15, this 2 hour tour can be arranged easily and quickly with the sellers / guides located near the Old Fort. As part of it, we’ll get to sample local spices, as well as learn about their history and production within the context of the great trading port of Zanzibar.

For our last evening and a pre-dinner drink we will go to the Africa House Hotel, the best place to watch the sunset.

This morning after breakfast and checking out we depart for the North of the island to Nungwi, where we will be spending our next 3 nights at the gorgeous Babalao Beach cottages. 

All rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden views. Each room includes a terrace, outdoor furniture, and free WiFi.

Guests enjoy a sun terrace, lush garden, and a year-round outdoor swimming pool. Additional amenities include a restaurant, bar, and outdoor seating area.

The on-site restaurant serves continental and à la carte breakfasts with warm dishes, fresh pastries, pancakes, and fruits. Lunch and dinner are available in a welcoming atmosphere.

Located a 2-minute walk from Nungwi Beach,. Nearby attractions include Kichwele Forest Reserve and Mangapwani Coral Cave. Scuba diving is available in the surroundings.

Breakfast is included each morning.

We have the afternoon to settle in, relax and explore before heading out for dinner locally on the beachfront. 

This morning we war off to experience the North of the island by quad bikes (2 per Quad)

Discover a charming village where cheerful locals welcome you with open arms. Participate in their lifestyle and culinary traditions by taking part in cooking activities. 

Finally, we will stop at Kendwa Beach, which is the fourth most beautiful beach in the world, famous for its pristine white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters, and magnificent sunsets. We taste fresh local fruits there while enjoying the magnificent landscape whilst  observing the arrival of fishermen and the bustle of the fish market.

Dinner will be booked at a local restaurant

Today is a free day to do as we please. Relax on the beach or at the hotel or choose to book a tour from the hotel. 

Options include glass bottomed Kayaking, take a spice plantation tour,  visit Kilosa’s conservation of flora and fauna, a registered conservation project just a 20 minute walk from the hotel or visit Mranani turtles conservation pond.

This evening we explore neighbouring Kendwa, our private transfer will collect us from the hotel and we will experience front row seats at Zanzibar’s golden hour aboard a traditional Swahili dhow.  Sail along Zanzibar’s most stunning coastline—Nungwi and Kendwa—just as the sun dips below the horizon. 

With music to set the mood and refreshing soft drinks and light snacks on board it will be the perfect evening. 

After our cruise those that would like to explore the lively Kendwa nightlife can do so. (taxi is just 13 minutes back to the hotel) 

Dinner locally.

After breakfast and a leisurely morning we depart for Paje, on the East of the Island where we will be spending 3 nights. 

The Zula Zanzibar in Paje offers direct access to a private beach area and beachfront. Guests enjoy stunning sea views and a sun terrace, perfect for relaxation.

The hotel features a rooftop swimming pool, spa facilities, and a lush garden. Additional amenities include a restaurant, bar, and free WiFi.

Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sea views.

The restaurant serves African, seafood, and international cuisines in a traditional, modern, and romantic ambience. Guests can also enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner, complemented by cocktails.

This afternoon we have free time to relax and explore. 

Dinner will be booked locally 

Enjoy a magical day exploring Menai bay conservation area in a Traditional Wooden Dhow boat that has been handcrafted in African Mahogany by traditional Zanzibari craftsmen. Watch dolphins at play, swim in a secret mangrove lagoon and feast on a seafood Swahili Barbeque and exotic island fruits. Lunch and return hotel transfers are included.

Calling all nature enthusiasts! This morning we embark on a thrilling  3 hour guided adventure deep into the heart of Jozani Forest surrounded by lush greenery, sunlight dappling the forest floor, and the chance to encounter a rare Red Colobus monkey in the depths of the trees. (the only place in the world where they can be seen) return hotel transfers are included. 

Evening dinner is  at a world-famous restaurant, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INDIAN OCEAN !!! known not only for its extraordinary location, but also its fabulous food inspired by the natural resources, a twist of Zanzibar, and Italian love.

The menu compliments the magic of the location. Ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible: much of the sea-food is harvested from the reefs around the restaurant, game fish is caught daily by local fishermen, beef is sourced from Tanzania’s best farms, spices are bought from the spice farms of Zanzibar, vegetables locally grown, and our pastas made in our own kitchen. We will share public transport to the restaurant as we may wish to spend more of the day along the stunning beaches close by. A 10 USD is included towards the price of the meal

Today after checking out we have the full day to enjoy before taking our private transfer to the airport for our flight home.