4 days in Zanzibar: Experience Magical Spice Island Life
🖋️ By Deb | 🕒 March 29, 2022 | 📁 4 Days in Zanzibar
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Updated May 6, 2023
Zanzibar is an African paradise! With more than 25 beaches, turquoise-blue water, and a laid-back, easy feeling, there’s no better word for it. And there’s no lack of things to do – especially if you only have 4 days in Zanzibar!
It’s a perfect spot to reminisce over your safari, rest up from a trek up Kilimanjaro, or just have an amazing little vacation.
If you’ve only got a few days in this magical destination, you’re wondering about the best way to spend it. You’ve come to the right place!
✔︎ Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villa & Spa
⭐️ 9.8/10 Stars, 68 reviews
☑︎ Paje Beach
Zanzibar is where I learned the fine art of lying on the beach and soaking up the sunshine. After a month in the busy town of Mwanza, on the Tanzanian mainland, it was a sublime way to wind down.
If this is a skill you’ve yet to perfect, this is the perfect place to practice! Don’t forget the sunscreen and an icy cold bottle of Kilimanjaro beer…
It just doesn’t get any better!
But as enjoyable as these lessons are, most of us can only lie on the beach for so long. Especially on an exotic island like this one.
And when you’ve only got 4 days in Zanzibar, you want to make the most of every one. There’s so much to see and do!
✻ If you’re travelling solo, I can assure you that Zanzibar is a lovely, safe place for a woman travelling on her own to enjoy. The most important advice I can offer is to dress appropriately, as discussed below.
The safety tips here also apply. Keep those in mind, refrain from overindulging, and you can relax and enjoy.
💲Currency in
Zanzibar:
Tanzanian Shilling
🌤️ Best Time to Visit:
July-October
🔌 Electricity:
Plugin Type D or G;
220V & 50 Hz
Your 4 Days in Zanzibar Maps
Stone Town Map
A Magical 4 Days in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago and is also known as Unguja. The next larger island is Pemba, just to the north.
Stone Town is the beautiful historic section of the island’s capital of Zanzibar City. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s found on the west coast of Zanzibar Island, 15 minutes north of the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Like many historic urban centers along this part of the East African coast, Stone Town is an eclectic blend of cultures.
You’ll see Arabic, Indian, European, and Persian influences, with a foundation of native Swahili. It’s a mystical maze of narrow pathways, coral stone buildings, and artistically carved wooden doors.
Much of this beautiful old architecture, left behind by previous occupants of the island, is found on the waterfront.
Day One of 4 Days in Zanzibar
Take a few hours on day 1 to go through these old beauties and get a feel for the history of Zanzibar. If you want to be sure not to miss a thing, check out an walking organized tour!
1. The Old Dispensary
🏛 If you like historical architecture, you’re definitely going to want to stroll past the Old Dispensary on the seafront.
Also known as the Ithnashiri Dispensary, this is the most ornate building in Zanzibar. It was begun in 1887 to be a hospital. Even so, it was built with stained glass windows, carved doors, and a covered yard.
The structure never fulfilled its original purpose. Instead, the main floor became a dispensary and the upstairs was turned into apartments. There’s also a little museum in the building that focuses on the history of Zanzibar.
2. Take a Spice Tour
🌶 You can’t leave the Spice Islands without taking a tour of a spice plantation. A plantation in Zanzibar isn’t quite as grand as it might sound.
What you’ll see is a small farm growing a surprising number of spices and fruits for the area’s size.
These are the special parts of the farms specifically for tourists to see. Tours aren’t done through the main, more boring commercial areas of the farms.
Spice farms are mainly located around the Masingini Forest. You’ll be introduced to ginger, lemongrass, black pepper, nutmeg, and clove plants.
Jackfruit, pawpaw, custard apples, and rambutan are just a few of the fruits grown on these farms.
You’ll even get a lesson in the traditional ways to cook with these amazing spices. Imagine your next dinner party when you get home!
Allow about 3 hours for your incredible excursion. You’ll love these guys!
✔️ 🌶️ Check Spice Tour Price and Availability ➤CLICK HERE!
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3. The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
🏛 The building as we see it now was built by the Omanis in 1600. The site had originally belonged to the Portuguese, and is the old Stone Town’s oldest building.
There’s actually still evidence of a Portuguese church in the courtyard, along with other ruins. The Fort has been through many incarnations, and an amphitheatre was added in the 90s. It’s now the site of the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
These days it’s home to festivals, souvenir shops, and a cultural centre. It’s also located on the main seafront.
The amphitheatre is open-air, and you can see live music and dancing in the evenings. There is a restaurant as well and a tourist info centre.
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4. The Palace Museum & the House of Wonders
🏛 Just down the road, still on the waterfront, is the Palace Museum. It’s comprised of several large buildings along the waterfront and was built on the site of an older palace. Next door is the House of Wonders.
These two structures are great examples of the Portuguese, Omani, British, and native Swahili influence over the past few hundred years. They are both exquisite and extravagant buildings.
The Palace served as the Sultan’s Palace until 1964, when it was renamed the People’s Palace. It is dedicated to preserving and displaying the Omani influence in Stone Town.
At this time it began to be used for government gatherings. Then in 1994 it was repurposed and renamed The Palace Museum. Some of the royal furnishings and portraits survived and are interesting to see.
The House of Wonders was the first building to have electricity, as well as an elevator, in East Africa. The House of Wonders is devoted to the Swahili influence in the area.
5. 🌳 Forodhani Garden Night Market
The gardens are actually a public park along the same stretch of waterfront where you’ll find the Dispensary.
The atmosphere energizes in the evenings, when the park is transformed into a lively night market.
Tables are set up and grills come out, and your gastronomic dreams can come true.
This is a can’t-miss spot to eat at least one evening in Zanzibar. It’s loud and lively, and it smells amazing.
Grilled seafood, samosas, filled crepes, aka Zanzibar Pizza, and my favourite, tandoori lobster. One evening here isn’t going to be enough.
Haggling is expected, so don’t hold back!
Day Two of 4 Days in Zanzibar
Day 2 of your 4 days in Zanzibar’s paradise is a great time to venture away from the waterfront and have a look inside Stone Town. Remember to dress appropriately as you wander through town.
6. Visit Freddy Mercury’s Childhood Home
🎤 You may not realize it, but Freddie Mercury, the late frontman for the rock band Queen, spent part of his childhood in Zanzibar.
The openly gay life the artist lived flew in the face of the Muslim beliefs of the vast majority of the island. Despite this, his family home was turned into the Mercury House. This is definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan.
Visit Mercury Bar, as well, on the waterfront down by the Old Dispensary.
7. The East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition
✪ The East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition at the Anglican church is a sobering memorial to an unforgivable time in history.
This memorial was constructed on the site of the area’s biggest slave market after its closure in 1873. It was the last legal slave market to operate.
The closure was forced by the British in the Anglo-Zanzibar War, which lasted 38 minutes. Even after the markets closed, the enslaved people had to apply for release through colonial officials.
This is an important piece of history, and I recommend paying your respects and learning more about his abhorrent time in history.
8. The Darajani Spice Market
You’re not going to want to miss the Darajani Spice Market. This is one of my favourite parts of Zanzibar.
Spices grown on and exported from Zanzibar are one of the mainstays of the island’s economy. Cloves are the principal spice grown on the “Spice Island” these days.
They’re sold at this market, along with anything else you could possibly want. Also, try to catch the morning fish auction – it’s more fun than it sounds!
Around 5 pm, the inside traders pack up, and a lively open-air market is set up just outside. Try to catch this as well, at least for a glimpse.
9. Zanzibar Coffee House
☕️ If you’re a coffee drinker, you’re going to want to check out the Zanzibar Coffee House.
Also a hotel, the Coffee House occupies one of the oldest buildings in Stone Town.
Stop for a cup of amazing coffee, views, and some lunch on the rooftop. They’re open between 11 am and 3 pm.
10. Jaw’s Corner
☕️ Or, if you’d like to have coffee as the locals do, grab a cup at Jaw’s Corner. Jaw’s is a small square where the footpaths and the Vespa lanes intersect.
In the early mornings, you’ll find Zanzibari men gathered there to catch up with each other and discuss community events. Is that a euphemism for gossip? You decide.
Join them and feel like a local, with a cup of black Zanzibar coffee, a whisper of fresh ginger adding the flavour of the islands.
Don’t get your hopes up when you see the old push-button phone with the “Free International Calls” sign on the pole! Unfortunately, that phone is not actually connected.
11. The Cultural Art Centre
🎨 The Cultural Arts Centre is the place to go if you’re looking for something to take home. The really outstanding paintings, jewelry, and crafts, most by locals, are perfect keepsakes.
The Centre supports local artists by featuring their handmade soaps, jewelry, and even beautifully handcrafted books.
Support the artists by supporting the Centre!
12. The Hamamni Persian Baths
🛁Just across the street from the Arts Centre are the Hamamni Persian Baths. Catch a glimpse of the first public baths of Zanzibar.
It’s an interesting bit of history, and the view from the rooftop is stunning. There is a small entrance fee.
13. The Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Teahouse
🍵 Have lunch, or an extravagant 5-course dinner, at the fun and exotic Emerson Hurumzi Rooftop Tea House.
Eat shoeless under a silk canopy amid Persian-inspired floor cushions and feel like a sultana yourself. Quintessential Zanzibar.
While you’re roaming through town, be sure to take time to look around.
Enjoy the narrow, winding streets of this magical city. It’s a beautiful place to meander. Along the stone pathways, turning corners and finding the unexpected. Don’t be in a hurry.
Once you’re done exploring, make your way back to the waterfront and catch the sunset. Like the sunsets all over Africa, they’re something else.
✔️ If your time is limited and you want to make sure you don’t miss a thing
Check out this great 3 hour walking tour of Stone Town!
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14. Do Some Shopping!
Check out all the little curio shops hidden in Stone Town. The perfect place to buy a remembrance of your trip or souvenirs for the poor saps you left at home.
You’ll find an amazing selection of crafts and artwork, jewelry, spices, and clothing. I love to buy useful things that will remind me of my trip every time I pull them out at home.
Remember, half the fun is in the haggling! It’s awkward at first, but try not to take things too seriously. Keep it light, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you don’t get the price you want.
It’s even a nice way to spend a little time in the evening, just wandering through the shops. It’s a beautiful place to meander – along the stone pathways, turning corners and finding the unexpected.
Stay on the well-lit pathways, though, and out of the dark corners!
Day 3: Best Beaches on Zanzibar!
By Day 3 of your 4 days in Zanzibar it’s time to put your swimsuit on and get your feet wet! Ideally you’re staying on the beach, then you don’t have to waste time getting there in the morning.
There are over 25 Zanzibar beaches, and they each have a different vibe. Hopefully, you have enough time to explore a few.
** 🤿 If you’ll be doing any diving in Zanzibar, remember to allow for the safety rest period of 24 hours between a dive and your flight. Find more info on diving in Zanzibar in its own article.
The northern shore beaches tend to be the resort beaches. You’ve also got a view to the west, so the sunsets are spectacular.
The diving and snorkelling around Zanzibar are out of this world.
Here’s a quick overview of the best beaches in Zanzibar to help you decide which ones you’d like to explore:
15. Nungwi Beach
Nungwi is the main town on the northern tip of the island. Nungwi Beach is lined with hotels and hostels, with lots of people and activities.
There’s a busy but relaxed feel to Nungwi. You’ll find all kinds of bars and restaurants here.
And if you’re looking for a party scene, this is the place for you.
There are also opportunities for parasailing, jet skiing, and village tours, not to mention beautiful reefs loaded with sea life.
A sunset dhow cruise should be at the top of your list, too, if you’ll be visiting Nungwi Beach.
16. Kendwa Beach
Kendwa Beach, at the village of Kendwa, is geared a little more toward backpackers. It’s a bit quieter than Nungwi, with fewer people.
The beach is huge and is much less affected by the tide than other beaches. Because of this, you never have to walk too far to reach the water. Zanzibar snorkelling and diving are great all around the island, but especially here.
You can also take a water taxi to Nungwi from Kendwa if you like.
The beach is lively at night, with beach parties springing up after the spectacular sunsets. These are one of the more popular Zanzibar activities.
If you happen to be here on a Saturday near a full moon, you can catch the immensely popular Full Moon Party at the Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel.
* There are a lot of activities at Kwenda. You may hear about a trip out to Prison Island, aka Chunga Island. However, I’m hesitant to recommend this one.
The prison, which was actually used as a medical and quarantine facility, is an interesting spot.
However, another attraction here is the giant Aldabra tortoises. Some of the tortoises are over 100 years old and at some 300 lbs, the term giant is appropriate.
These were gifted to Zanzibar by the British Government and sent from Seychelles.
The tortoises have since been victims of poaching and sold as pets.
As well, the remaining reptiles don’t appear to be well-treated on the island. It’s ultimately up to you, of course, but I don’t feel good about supporting tourism here.
17. Matemwe Beach
Matemwe is a lovely, long Zanzibar beach lined by some of the most beautiful beach resorts in Zanzibar. It’s the place to come if you want a peaceful and relaxing day at the beach. Hidden behind the resorts you’ll find the village of Matemwe.
If your goal is to get in some phenomenal snorkelling and diving, head to Matemwe Beach.
You can find locals right on the beach who will take you out on their boat. Just realize that the experience will be very basic, and you’ll need to bring your own mask and snorkel.
Part of the Matemwe experience is a trip out to the Mnemba Atoll conservation area.
The Atoll is about 2 km offshore and has world-class diving and snorkelling on the reefs.
Incidentally, inside the atoll is tiny Mnemba Island, home of the Mnemba Island Resort, an ultra-exclusive vacation destination frequented by Hollywood’s finest.
18. Bwejuu Beach
If you’re looking for some quiet, privacy, and maybe a sail on a dhow, then Bwejuu Beach is one of Zanzibar’s best beaches for you.
The sand is powdery white and the waters are beautiful for swimming and snorkelling. You’ll find some cooling shade in the palm trees that dot the Bwejuu.
Stroll through the village for a little glimpse of the local culture.
19. Paje & Jambiani Beaches
Paje and Jambiani are similar southern beaches, quiet and tide-dependent. The reefs offshore host beautiful marine life, and the winds make for great kitesurfing, especially at Paje.
At low tide you’ll see women harvesting seaweed in the shallows. The seaweed is exported for use in cosmetics and for food.
Locally it’s used to make lovely soaps that are available in local shops.
Buying a couple of these is a perfect way to support local small businesses. You’ll also get a really nice piece of Zanzibar to take home.
You can find nightlife in both places. If you stroll down the beach you’ll see signs placed in front of different restaurants and night spots.
The building themselves are not always visible from the sand; if you see steps or a gate, have a look and see where it takes you!
Paje By Night is popular, and Jambiani’s Red Monkey Lodge holds a Blues Night on Mondays which is always a favourite.
20. Visit The Iconic Rock Restaurant
In addition, there’s a well-known restaurant 10-15 minutes off Paje and Bwejuu Beaches called The Rock.
It has great food, but the draws are really the unique location and the views.
If you go at high tide, which I’d recommend, it will be completely surrounded by water. Someone from the restaurant will row to shore to get you. You can hire a taxi to get you that far.
If you’d like to try it, go to the website about 2 weeks before you leave home and make a reservation.
You can try to make a reservation when you arrive on the island. However, odds are slim that you’ll be successful.
Your best bet is to book an organized tour out to The Rock. You can have a drink there, and take a lot of amazing photos. Follow that up with an epic trip to a jungle cave and a luxurious swim in the mineral waters.
Once you’re ultra-relaxed, you can choose between a lovely lunch back at The Rock, or the chance to learn the secrets of cooking like a Zanzibari.
All transportation will be arranged for you. You won’t have to worry about a thing.
✔️🪨👨🏻🍳 Check Price and Availability for
The Rock Restaurant and Cave Tour ➤ Click Here!
21. Jozani Natural Forest Reserve
🐒 This a great day trip. You can reach the reserve by taxi or dala dala. It’s about 1 hour from Stone Town, but only 30 minutes or so from Bwejuu and Paje.
Combine the Reserve with the Butterfly Centre and the Turtle Sanctuary, below, for a full, fun day.
Do NOT forget your insect repellent that you brought from home, with a high percentage of DEET. Trust me.
The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is the home of the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey. The colobus is one of the rarest primates in Africa.
Also known as Kirk’s red colobus, they are endemic to Zanzibar. The Jozani Reserve is a great place to catch a glimpse of them.
You could also see tree hyrax, chameleons, geckos, and a variety of species of birds and butterflies.
✔️ Check out this tour that includes the Jozani Forest
AND a swim with the turtles!
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22. Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
🦋 The centre is a small community-run enterprise, and the entry fee goes back into their efforts.
It’s really a fantastic experience, and you’ll learn a lot about butterflies and their lifecycle. You’ll also be introduced to the centre’s chameleons, which happen to be a favourite of mine.
The Centre is near the Jozani Reserve, above, and can also be reached by dala dala or taxi.
23. Jozani Sea Turtle Sanctuary
🐢 Also nearby is the Jozani Sea Turtle Sanctuary. This is another tourist attraction that I’m hesitant to recommend.
Especially if you’ve seen these creatures in the wild, it’s a sad thing to see them kept in small concrete ponds and enclosures.
I feel like this is a better place to see giant tortoises, though, than Prison Island.
The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, you will learn a lot while you’re here. Allow for about an hour.
More Things to Do in Zanzibar at Night
As magical as Zanzibar feels during the day, it’s even more so at night. Sunsets over the water, moonlit swims, and walks on the beach are everyday luxuries here.
Wrap up each of your 4 days in Zanzibar with one of these great ways to enjoy Zanzibar at night. Enjoy!
24. Kendwa Beach Parties
Kendwa Beach is full of energy when the sun goes down. After everybody has enjoyed the mesmerizing sunset, the music and the laughter fill the area.
One of the most fun things to do in Zanzibar, if you’re lucky enough to visit on a Saturday near a full moon, is to drop in on the Full Moon Party at the Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel.
This epic celebration is legendary. If you happen to catch it, you’re sure to have a few stories to tell.
25. Sunset Dhow Cruise
There is no more spectacular way to enjoy a sunset on Zanzibar than on a Dhow cruise. This is another favourite thing to do in Zanzibar.
You can find cruises at most of the beaches, as well as in Stone Town. They vary in what they include and may offer live music, snacks, and soft drinks.
The cruises tend to be leisurely and last about 2 hours.
✔️⛵️ Check Price & Availablility for a Dhow cruise from Stone Town
Clicking Here! ⭑ Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars!
26. Have a Sundowner!
The sundowner is a tradition across the African bush, and it’s just as amazing in Zanzibar. Try a rooftop sundowner and sip a cool cocktail while you watch the sunset into the water.
The Emerson Rooftop Teahouse is a perfect choice, as is the Rooftop at Z Hotel. You can’t go wrong!
Best Places to Stay in Zanzibar
There is a huge selection of accommodation options on Zanzibar. Here are a few of my favourites:
$$$ Zuri Zanzibar – Rated 9.2/10 with 75 reviews. This new modern take on Tanzanian traditions is an oasis of paradise in paradise.
See our full review of Zuri here.
$$ Mvuvi Boutique Resort – Rated 9.4/10 with 114 reviews. Located in Kiwengwa, on the northeastern side of the island. Complete with a private beach, a full-service spa, and boat tours, it’s hard to ask for more.
Mvuvi has its own restaurant and bar, beach bar, private dining – even proposal/romance packages.
$ Kholle House – Rated 9/10 with 55 reviews. Centrally located near the ferry terminal in Stone Town, you’ll have access to laundry service, tour and ticket assistance, and a bar and coffee shop.
Along with an outdoor pool, Kholle House also boast a rooftop terrace – a spectacular way to look out over Stone Town.
Tips for You 4 Days in Zanzibar
The population of Zanzibar is over 90% Muslim, so:
• It’s important to dress respectfully.
• Only wear beachwear on the beach.
• No thong-style swimsuits.
• Upper arms and shoulders should be covered.
• Shorts, dresses, and skirts should reach the knees.Women can avoid a lot of hassle, and be treated with much more respect, if we dress appropriately.
Also remember:
• Bring insect repellant from home. You can’t buy bug spray with DEET in Africa, and you really do need it.
• If you plan on getting in the water be sure to bring reef-friendly sunscreen with you. You can find some good information here.
• Make sure you have cash with you, especially for tips and entry fees. ATMs are rare, so have your pick-up or taxi driver take you to one before going to your accommodation. Most of them are located At the ferry terminal and the airport.
• You can get around the island by taxi or dala dala. Catch the latter on the main road behind the Spice Market.
• Internet on Zanzibar is hit or miss. Your accommodation will tell you they have good internet. However, if it’s important to you, bring an unlocked phone and get a local Zantel SIM card.
• You should be able to find SIM cards at the local airport or at the Darajani Market. Getting it registered, etc, takes time here, so be prepared for that. Be sure to pop it in your phone and make sure it works before you leave the shop!
• The islands is beautiful any time of year. However, your best time to go to Zanzibar may be the dry season, July – September. The most rain falls in April and May.
• You can take a flight or ferry to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam. The flight is not much more expensive, and is a no-brainer if you get seasick. The ferry will let you avoid finding transportation from the airport, but is NOT know for its safety.
4 Days In Zanzibar: FAQs
If you’re still undecided about whether or not Zanzibar is the perfect place to spend your precious 4 days, it may help to have a few of your remaining questions answered.
Here are a couple of answers to the more commonly asked questions about vacationing in Zanzibar. If you’re still unsure after you’ve read them, then Contact Me.
I’ll do my best to provide you with the answers you need!
Are 4 days in Zanzibar enough?
If you’ve just come off of a safari on Tanzania’s mainland, 4 days would be the perfect break before you fly home, or to your next destination.
Trust me though, once you’re there, even 2 full weeks won’t feel like enough.
Is Zanzibar worth visiting?
Absolutely! Even if you’re not into lying on the beach, Zanzibar has something for most everyone.
Not only is the island stunningly beautiful, but it is also full of fascinating history, delicious food, and activities for the adventurous and the less daring.
There is even wildlife for you animal lovers.
What’s the best time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is sublime any time of year, with temperatures typically ranging from 28ºC to 34ºC. However, April and May are the peak months for rainfall. You’re most likely to have dry weather from July through September.
Summing It Up: 4 Days in Zanzibar 2023
Zanzibar is a place I think everyone should visit at least once. I don’t think it matters how long you get to stay, it won’t be long enough.
In just four days, you can immerse yourself in the unique culture of the island and take part in all of Zanzibar’s activities. Try snorkeling, scuba diving, kitesurfing and sightseeing tours.
With its stunning beaches, fascinating history and island wildlife, Zanzibar is truly a magical destination. It will leave you with wonderful memories for years to come.
Leave the rest of the world left behind and enjoy!
Happy travels!
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• The 10 Best African Countries to Visit 2022
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