Duration

5 Days 4 Nights

Country

Tanzania, United Republic of

Maximum Traveller

100

Min Pax

5 Day Classic Zanzibar Escape

Zanzibar Beach Holidays, VICMOS Classic Zanzibar Escape, Zanzibar Escapes & Beyond

Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info
FAQ
Map

Overview

The VICMOS Classic Zanzibar Escape is the perfect introduction to the Spice Island — a well-paced blend of Stone Town's centuries of history, the Indian Ocean's clearest waters, and Nungwi's laid-back beach life. Over five days you'll wander UNESCO-listed streets, meet giant tortoises on Prison Island, snorkel two of Zanzibar's best reef sites, and end each evening with the ocean at your feet. Accommodation throughout is standard, comfortable mid-range lodging — Tembo House Hotel in Stone Town and Amaan Beach Bungalows in Nungwi — offering genuine Zanzibari character without a luxury price tag.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Arrival in Zanzibar → Stone Town
Land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), where a VICMOS representative will be waiting to welcome you and arrange your private transfer into Stone Town. Once you've checked in, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace — wander through Forodhani Gardens as local food vendors set up for the evening, take in the Old Fort's weathered stone walls, and get pleasantly lost in the narrow, lantern-lit Swahili streets lined with carved wooden doors and local cafés.

As the sun goes down, settle in for a Swahili seafood dinner with the Indian Ocean stretched out in front of you — the perfect first taste of island life.

Overnight: Tembo House Hotel, Stone Town (standard accommodation) Or Something Similar
Day 2
Stone Town → Prison Island → Spice Tour → Nungwi
After breakfast, set out on a guided walking tour through Stone Town's historic quarter. Your guide will bring the city's layered past to life at the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the former slave market, and the Slave Market Museum itself — a sobering, essential piece of Zanzibar's history. From there, wander through the color and noise of Darajani Market, the beating heart of local daily life.

Late in the morning, board a boat to Prison Island, just offshore from Stone Town. Despite its name, the island was never used as a prison — instead, you'll meet its real residents: giant Aldabra tortoises, some well over a century old, roaming freely across the grounds. Explore the atmospheric ruins of the original prison structure, relax on the small beach, or slip into the water for some easy snorkeling before lunch.

In the afternoon, visit one of Zanzibar's famous spice farms, where the island earns its historic nickname, the "Spice Island." Walk through fragrant groves of cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg, learning how each is grown and harvested, and finish with a taste of fresh tropical fruit straight from the farm.

Late in the afternoon, transfer to Nungwi Beach on the island's northern tip — a favorite among first-time visitors for its calm, current-free waters, dependable sunsets, and wide choice of beachfront hotels.

Overnight: Amaan Beach Bungalows, Nungwi (standard accommodation) Or Something Similar.
Day 3
Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling
After breakfast, board a boat for the short crossing to Mnemba Atoll, one of the finest snorkeling sites anywhere on the East African coast. Spend the morning in the water among vibrant coral reefs and a dazzling range of tropical fish, with fresh tropical fruit and soft drinks served on board between swims.

The afternoon is free — relax on Nungwi's beach, or add on an optional activity: try scuba diving, visit the small Mnarani Turtle Aquarium just up the coast, or book a beach massage for pure relaxation. As evening arrives, find a spot on the sand for sunset cocktails, one of Nungwi's simplest and best daily rituals.

Overnight: Amaan Beach Bungalows, Nungwi Or Something Similar.
Day 4
Beach Leisure & Sunset Dhow Cruise
A day with no fixed plan — after breakfast, simply relax, swim, or read on the beach. For those wanting to stay active, optional add-ons include jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, a walk through a nearby local village, or a spa treatment at your hotel.

In the late afternoon, board a traditional wooden dhow for a sunset cruise along the coastline — sail as the sky turns gold, with local music, snacks, and drinks on board. Cap off the evening with a farewell dinner at a seafood restaurant, marking your last night on the island.

Overnight: Amaan Beach Bungalows, Nungwi Or Something similar.
Day 5
Departure
Enjoy a final relaxed breakfast and a free morning to soak up your last hours in Zanzibar — a final swim, a walk on the beach, or last-minute souvenir shopping. Your private transfer will take you to Zanzibar Airport in time for your onward or international flight.

Cost Info

Price includes

INCLUDES;

Meet & greet on arrival
Private airport transfers
4 nights' accommodation (standard tier: Tembo House Hotel, Stone Town + Amaan Beach Bungalows, Nungwi)
Daily breakfast
Guided Stone Town tour
Prison Island excursion
Spice farm tour
Mnemba Atoll snorkeling excursion
Sunset dhow cruise
Professional English-speaking guide
All entrance fees

Price excludes

Not included:

International flights,
visas, lunches dinners (except where specified),
Asante tips for the guides
travel insurance,
optional activities (diving, jet ski, kayaking, paddleboarding, spa), items of a personal nature.

FAQ

FAQ Expand All

FAQ 1; Is Nungwi a good choice for first-time visitors to Zanzibar?
Yes — Nungwi is one of the most popular beach bases on the island, known for calm, current-free water (unlike some other beaches affected by tides), dependable sunset views, and a wide range of hotels and restaurants within easy walking distance of each other.
FAQ 2; Do I need to be a confident swimmer for the Mnemba Atoll snorkeling trip?
Basic swimming ability is helpful, but life jackets and flotation aids are available for less confident swimmers, and you're free to stay closer to the boat rather than swimming out to the deeper reef sections.
FAQ 3; Can I upgrade my accommodation after booking?
Yes — this itinerary is built on standard, mid-range accommodation, but both the Stone Town and Nungwi hotels can be upgraded to Superior or Luxury tier (see the table above) for an adjusted price.

Map

from $978.00

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5 Day Classic Zanzibar Escape

Overview

Overview

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1

Arrival in Zanzibar → Stone Town

Day 2

Stone Town → Prison Island → Spice Tour → Nungwi

Day 3

Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling

Day 4

Beach Leisure & Sunset Dhow Cruise

Day 5

Departure

Cost Info

Cost Info

Price includes

Price excludes

FAQ

FAQ Expand All

FAQ 1; Is Nungwi a good choice for first-time visitors to Zanzibar?

FAQ 2; Do I need to be a confident swimmer for the Mnemba Atoll snorkeling trip?

FAQ 3; Can I upgrade my accommodation after booking?

Map

Map

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