Excursion Options

Your three-day Zanzibar itinerary, day by day

Our typical Zanzibar extension runs three days, each built around a distinct experience. The sequence can vary slightly by trip, but this is the rhythm most guests follow. All day tour lunches are included, breakfast is included daily at your hotel, and dinner is on your own — Stone Town has excellent local restaurants worth exploring at your own pace.

Day 1: Nakupenda Sandbar

We typically begin your time on the island with a Nakupenda Sandbar excursion — a beautiful sandbank in the Indian Ocean reached by boat, where you'll spend the morning swimming and relaxing before a fresh grilled seafood lunch served right on the sand.

A note worth knowing before you go: Zanzibar's beaches aren't quite like beaches in the western world. At many of the main public beaches, it's common to be approached by local "beach boys" offering souvenirs, boat trips, or other services, sometimes fairly persistently. Nakupenda Sandbar is our recommendation precisely because it lets you enjoy the ocean without that pressure — it's a more relaxed, less solicited setting. If you'd like a beach day somewhere else on the island, always ask your guide first; they'll point you toward the right spot for that day's conditions and help you navigate it comfortably.

- Full afternoon and lunch on the sandbar

- Fresh grilled seafood lunch included

- Boat transfer included

Day 2: Prison Island & Spice Farm

Day two visits two of Zanzibar's most distinctive attractions back to back.

Prison Island — officially known as Changuu Island — sits just off the coast of Stone Town and carries a layered history as a former slave holding facility, then a British prison that was never actually used as one, and now home to a sanctuary for giant Aldabra tortoises, some of whom are over 100 years old. The combination of history and up-close wildlife makes it one of the most memorable stops on the island.

From there you'll head to a spice farm in Zanzibar's interior — the source of the island's historic nickname as the Spice Island. You'll walk through the farm, learn how Tanzania's famous spices are grown, harvested, and used in cooking, and sit down to a lunch featuring many of those same spices prepared fresh.

- Boat transfer to Prison Island included

- Tortoise sanctuary visit included

- Spice farm tour and lunch included

Day 3: Stone Town & Departure

Your final day on the island is a guided walking tour of Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic UNESCO-listed old city. Stone Town is a living, breathing maze of narrow streets, carved wooden doors, mosques, markets, and architecture that reflects centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and colonial influence layered on top of each other. Your guide will bring it to life with context and history that you simply can't get from walking around on your own.

After the tour, you and your luggage are transferred to our partner Airbnb to relax, shower, and rest comfortably before your late-night departure. The partner Airbnb includes a freshly cooked dinner prepared by local mamas — a warm, home-style send-off so you're not heading to the airport on an empty stomach.

- Guided Stone Town walking tour included

- Transfer to partner Airbnb included

- Dinner at the Airbnb included on departure day

- Late-night departure recommended

Beach Recommendations

Always ask your guide before planning any additional beach time — they know current conditions, tides, and which spots will give you the experience you're actually looking for. For guests who want a dedicated beach day, we recommend the Sandbank tours or a Safari Blue tour as the most reliable way to enjoy the ocean without the complications that can come with Zanzibar's public beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we customize the day order or swap an excursion?

Yes — the sequence above is our typical itinerary, not a fixed rule. Let us know at booking if you have a preference or a specific experience you'd like to prioritize and we'll adjust accordingly.

Are the boat transfers included in the pricing?

Yes. All transportation during your Zanzibar extension is included — boat transfers, ground transport between excursions, and transfers to and from your hotel and the airport. You won't need to arrange or pay for any local transport separately.

What if the weather is bad on one of the days?

Your guide will adjust the plan based on conditions — some excursions are more weather-dependent than others, and your guide knows the best alternatives if something needs to shift. We'd rather give you a great experience on a different day than push you through a poor one.