Extension to Zanzibar Island: 6 Days
Zanzibar Spice Plantation Tour
Stone town is the starting point and the finishing point! The Explorer tour Zanzibar Island Extension is a 5-day tour package that takes you to Stone town, Tanzania. Zanzibar Island Extension includes hotel accommodations, meals, transportation, and more.
Spend four nights on Zanzibar’s Unguja Island, dubbed “Spice Island” by locals. It’s the ideal Indian Ocean getaway, with time to explore Stone Town’s historic center before relaxing for two days on the white sands of Matemwe on the island’s east coast. This standalone short break was created to be used as a pre- or post-trip extension to any of Explore’s East Africa trips, utilizing the region’s excellent flight network. Please contact us to discuss availability and prices for land only or with connecting flights.
Stone Town – Wander the cobblestone back streets of this magical old town in search of the perfect sunset spot. Slow down with a beach stay on the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waters, where powder-soft sand meets turquoise waters. Exotic cuisine – Zanzibar is known as a spice island, so where better to sample delectable Indian-influenced curries and fresh seafood?
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Extension to Zanzibar Island: 6 Days
Day 1: In Stone Town, join the extension.
Join your extension trip in Stone Town, Zanzibar’s old city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are no scheduled activities for today, so you can arrive in Zanzibar whenever you want. You’ll be met by your driver at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) and transferred to our historic, centrally located hotel in the old city, which is about a 20-minute drive away. The waterfront of Stone Town, where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meet the shores of this small, bustling city, is alive with energy. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to wander through the narrow, winding streets and sample some street food at the night market by the sea. Please note that this Zanzibar extension is unaccompanied and without an Explore Leader.
Day 2: Free day in Stone Town or Spice Tour (optional).
Start your day with a seaside breakfast and a cup of coffee while watching the fishermen go about their daily tasks in the shallow, clear waters. Today is yours to spend as you wish, exploring this historic city at a leisurely pace as the locals do. 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, due to its close proximity to Africa’s East Coast. Ornate, carved doorways recall the island’s 17th century Omani rule, and a mix of mosques and churches reflect the island’s diverse cultural history. Queen’s Freddie Mercury – born Farouk Bulsara – was born in Stone Town, and his family home is commemorated with a yellow plaque. Today is the last day to book a Spice Tour if you’d like to get out of the city. Through taste, sight, and smell, visit a farm to learn more about Zanzibar’s most valuable exports, flavors, and interesting medicinal uses. Choose a spot along the waterfront to watch the spectacular sunset this evening.
Day 3: Transfer to the east coast in the morning, then relax on the beach or by the pool for the rest of the day.
You’ll be transferred to the island’s west coast this morning after breakfast. Before arriving at our home for the next two nights, a beach front hotel where white, powdery sand meets the warm, clear water of the Indian Ocean, the scenic drive takes just over an hour through villages and countryside. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the beach, relax by the pool, or find a shady spot in the colorful garden area to unwind. Please note that, depending on availability, we will use two sister properties for this trip; both accommodations have a bar, restaurant, and pool area and are located in a secluded area.
Day 4: Free day or snorkeling trip (optional).
Another day in Paradise has passed. Take a stroll along the beach, where you’ll see local women collecting seaweed, which is a lucrative export for Zanzibar. Locals are friendly by nature and always greet you with a smile and a friendly chat. Today is once again yours to do with as you please. If you’re looking for something to do, ask a member of the hotel staff about optional snorkeling trips to the nearby Mnemba Atoll marine reserve, which is home to stingrays, lionfish, and turtles.
Day 5: The journey comes to an end.
Today is the last day of the trip. Your departure transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) will be scheduled to coincide with your flight departure time, and the drive will take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. When compared to European standards, Zanzibar airport is small and old-fashioned, so allow plenty of time for check-in and possibly enquire with the hotel about a packed lunch if you will be hungry because the airport’s selection is limited.