Description
Tour overview
This 3-day Stone Town tour offers the perfect relaxing extension after an adventurous safari in mainland Tanzania, blending the rich cultural heritage and historic charm of Stone Town with the laid-back luxury of Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches. You spend three nights immersed in Zanzibar’s magic, starting with the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, full of centuries-old Swahili, Arab, and Indian architecture; narrow, winding alleys bustling markets and stories of the slave and spice trade brought to life by experienced local guides who share how life unfolds today in this living museum. The itinerary also includes a visit to Prison Island, home to giant tortoises, a spice and botanical tour tasting tropical fruits and seeing rare flora; a Jozani Forest excursion (Zanzibar’s only national park home to red colobus monkeys); and plenty of time to unwind on powder-soft beaches with turquoise waters. Ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking a gentle cultural immersion followed by beach relaxation, this short getaway provides a beautiful contrast to the bush with comfortable accommodations, transfers arranged from Arusha if needed and the warm hospitality Zanzibar is famous for available year-round but especially delightful in the dry seasons, June to October and December to February, when skies are clear seas are calm, and beach days feel perfect, while the shoulder/green periods bring lush scenery, fewer crowds, and vibrant marine life.
Key Details
Duration: 3 nights / 4 days
Accommodation: Luxury or mid-range hotels in Stone Town and beachfront resorts (East or North Coast)
Destination: Zanzibar Island,
Main Highlights: Historic Stone Town Prison Island Jozani Forest spice tour beach relaxation
Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar & Prison Island Excursion
You arrive at Zanzibar Airport or Harbour where our team meets you and transfers you to your charming Stone Town hotel for check-in around 2:30 pm giving you time to settle in and feel the pulse of this historic quarter. In the afternoon you take a short boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu Island) a beautiful reef-fringed islet once used as a quarantine station now famous for its population of giant Aldabra tortoises some over 100 years old that roam freely among the ruins. The island offers a perfect mix of history relaxation and marine life with calm waters ideal for swimming snorkeling among colorful fish and simply lounging on the white-sand beach while enjoying the sea breeze. Return to Stone Town around 5:30 pm for a delicious dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant and a restful overnight stay.
Accommodation: Luxury or mid-range hotel in Stone Town
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Full Stone Town Tour Spice Plantation & Beach Transfer
After breakfast your experienced local guide takes you on a fascinating walking tour through the labyrinthine streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site bursting with Swahili Arab Indian and European influences. You visit the former slave market site now marked by the Anglican Cathedral built in 1871, the vibrant Darajani Market House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajab) constructed in 1883, the Old Arab Fort Palace Museum, the Old Indian Dispensary (now a cultural center), and other architectural gems while your guide shares captivating stories of the island’s spice trade slave history and modern daily life. Around 2:00 pm you transfer toward the east or north coast, stopping en route at the ruins of Maruhubi Palace, Livingstone House and a spice and botanical plantation where you walk through lush plots and see, taste, and smell cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, tropical fruits, medicinal plants, and ornamental flora. You also visit the historic Kidichi Persian Baths, built in 1850 by the first Sultan for his Persian wife Sheherazade, adding a romantic historical touch. Arrive at your beachfront hotel in time to settle in enjoy the sunset dinner, and stay overnight by the sea.
Accommodation: Luxury beach resort on Zanzibar’s east or north coast
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (during spice tour), Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Beach Relaxation
Today is yours to relax fully and soak up Zanzibar’s paradise. Spend the entire day at your beachfront hotel lounging on soft white sands swimming in warm turquoise waters snorkeling the nearby reef enjoying a spa treatment if desired or simply reading under a palm tree with the sound of waves in the background. The east and north coasts offer calm protected waters excellent for swimming and water activities with many resorts providing beach chairs umbrellas and fresh seafood or tropical cocktails. Dinner is served at the hotel followed by another peaceful overnight stay letting you recharge completely.
Accommodation: Same luxury beach resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Departure from Zanzibar
After a leisurely breakfast and perhaps one last walk on the beach, our team picks you up from the hotel and transfers you to Zanzibar Airport or harbor for your departure flight, marking the relaxing end of your 3-day Stone Town and beach tour. You leave with memories of historic wonders, cultural richness fragrant spices, and serene ocean days, the perfect gentle close to your Tanzanian adventure.
Why choose Kiwoito Africa Safaris?
As an Arusha-based local operator we specialize in seamless Tanzania-Zanzibar combinations arranging everything from mainland safaris to island extensions with trusted partners on Zanzibar ensuring smooth transfers reliable guides authentic experiences and personalized care. Travelers love our focus on fair pricing cultural respect and genuine hospitality making your relaxation time feel effortless and meaningful.
Includes
✔ All airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
✔ Accommodation throughout the safari (lodges or tented camps as per itinerary)
✔ Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
✔ Professional, English-speaking safari guide
✔ All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
✔ Park entrance fees to all national parks and conservation areas
✔ Mineral drinking water during game drives
✔ First aid kit in the safari vehicle
✔ Flying doctor emergency evacuation cover
✔ All government taxes and levies
Excludes
✖ International and domestic flights
✖ Visa and visa fees
✖ Travel insurance (highly recommended)
✖ Alcoholic and soft drinks (unless specified)
✖ Tips and gratuities for the safari guide and lodge staff
✖ Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)
