Zanzibar Island Extension

Day 1: Join extension in Stone Town

Join your extension trip in Stone Town, the old city and World Heritage Site on the spice island of Zanzibar. There are no included activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Zanzibar at any time. On arrival into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), you'll be met by your driver and transferred to our historic, centrally located hotel in the old city, which is around 20 minutes' drive away. The waterfront of Stone Town buzzes with atmosphere, where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meets the shores of this small, bustling city. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to wander through the narrow, winding streets and taste some street food at the seaside night market. Please note, this extension is unescorted and is not accompanied by a Trip Leader. T his is a stand-alone extension and can be booked on any date of your choosing, subject to availability. Whilst this itinerary has been designed to complement a number of our group tours, we wish to point out that this extension is not a group experience, so you are unlikely to be travelling with other Explore customers .

Day 2: Free day in Stone Town or optional Spice Tour

Wake up for breakfast by the sea and sip your coffee while watching the fisherman as they get on with their daily tasks in the shallow, clear waters. Today is free for you to spend exploring this historic city at a laid-back pace like the locals. Due to the close proximity to Africa's East Coast, Zanzibar has been a strategic home for Portuguese, Middle Eastern and British settlers who have all left their mark, as well as once playing an important role in Africa's infamous slave history. Along the winding streets ornate, carved doorways hark back to the island's 17th century Omani rule and a mix of mosques and churches signify it's diverse cultural history. Stone Town was also the birthplace of Queen's Freddie Mercury - born Farouk Bulsara - and his family home is marked with a yellow plaque. If you'd rather escape the city today there will be the opportunity to book a Spice Tour. Visit a farm to learn more about Zanzibar's most precious exports, flavours and their interesting medicinal uses through taste, sight and smell. This evening, choose a spot along the waterfront to watch the spectacular sunset. 

Day 3: Morning transfer to the east coast, spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or by the pool 

This morning after breakfast, you'll be transferred to the island's west coast. The scenic drive takes a little over an hour through villages and countryside before reaching home for the next two nights; a beach front hotel where white, powdery sand meets the warm, clear water of the Indian Ocean. The rest of the day will be free to enjoy the beach, rest by the pool or choose a shady spot to relax in the colourful garden area. Please note: We use two sister properties for this trip depending on availability; both accommodations feature a bar, restaurant and pool area, in a secluded area.

Day 4: Free day or optional snorkelling trip

Another day in Paradise. Take a walk along the beach where local women can often be seen collecting seaweed - a lucrative export of Zanzibar. Friendly by nature, locals always offer a welcoming smile and are happy to chat. Today is again free to spend however you please. If you'd like some activity, please speak to a member of hotel staff who can assist with optional snorkelling trips to the nearby Mnemba Atoll marine reserve; home to stingrays, lionfish and turtles.

Day 5: Trip ends

The trip ends today. Your departure transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) will be arranged to suit your departure flight time and the drive is around 1 hour 15 minutes\ drive. Zanzibar airport is small and old-fashioned when compared to European standards, so be sure to leave plenty of time for check-in and possibly enquire with the hotel about a packed lunch if you will be wanting food because the airport's selection is limited.