Zanzibar Beach Escape | 6-Day Private Zanzibar Holiday

Our Approach

Culture, Coast, and the Indian Ocean in Six Days

Zanzibar is not just a beach. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a layered history of Omani traders, Portuguese colonial influence, Swahili culture, and the spice trade that made this island a centre of East African commerce for centuries. Two days in Stone Town before moving to the coast gives the island its full depth.

The north coast at Nungwi and Kendwa offers the most consistent swimming access on the island, the tidal range is gentler than the east coast and the beaches are accessible at any time of day. The reef systems offshore provide good snorkelling and diving within 30 minutes of the beach.

This journey is arranged privately. Airport transfers, Stone Town hotel, and north coast resort are all connected without gaps. It works as a standalone island holiday and equally well as the beach conclusion to a northern Tanzania safari, connected by domestic flight.

Why Travel With Us

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Locally Owned and Operated

Every route is planned by people who know Tanzania's land, seasons, and wildlife rhythms firsthand, not from a distant office.

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Fully Private and Tailor-Made

Your own vehicle, your own guide, your own pace. No shared game drives, no group timetables. The day moves as the wildlife moves.

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Mid-Range to Luxury Options

Two accommodation tiers across every destination, chosen for position and character. Both feel like Tanzania.

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Responsible Travel Standards

We operate with genuine care for the communities, wildlife, and environments we work within.

Day by Day

Journey Itinerary

Six days from arrival at Zanzibar to departure. Two nights in Stone Town, three nights on the north coast.

Arriving from a Tanzania safari?

We connect the domestic flight from Arusha as part of the full journey. Safari to Zanzibar with no gap.

Tailor This Journey

Day1

Arrival in Zanzibar

Zanzibar Airport → Stone Town·Transfer·Dinner

Activities

Airport transfer, Stone Town hotel, evening orientation walk, first dinner

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Bamboo Design HotelPark Hyatt Zanzibar

A short orientation walk through Stone Town in the evening, the carved doors, the narrow alleyways, the first sounds of the call to prayer. The island announces itself gently on arrival night.

Day2

Stone Town Full Exploration

Stone Town UNESCO·Guided cultural walk·Breakfast

Activities

Guided morning walk: Old Fort, Palace Museum, spice market, seafront

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Bamboo Design HotelPark Hyatt Zanzibar

Stone Town has been a crossroads of trade, religion, and culture for a thousand years. Your guide, from Zanzibar, knows the town from the inside, not the tourist map.

Day3

Spice Farm & North Coast

Spice farm morning → North coast afternoon·Transfer·Breakfast & Dinner

Activities

Morning spice farm tour, Stone Town lunch, north coast transfer, first beach evening

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Diamond Mapenzi ZanzibarThe Mora Zanzibar

Cloves, cardamom, vanilla, and lemongrass on a working farm 30 minutes inland. Transfer to Nungwi or Kendwa in the afternoon. The beach begins here.

Day4

North Coast Beach Day

Nungwi or Kendwa·Full day·Breakfast & Dinner

Activities

Beach relaxation, optional snorkelling, dhow sailing, swimming

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Diamond Mapenzi ZanzibarThe Mora Zanzibar

A day entirely at the beach. The north coast is calm and the reef is accessible without a long boat journey. Nothing is scheduled unless you ask for it.

Day5

Mnemba Atoll & Final Beach

North Coast & Mnemba Atoll·Full day·Breakfast & Dinner

Activities

Optional Mnemba snorkelling morning, free afternoon, sunset at the beach

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Diamond Mapenzi ZanzibarThe Mora Zanzibar

The Mnemba Atoll reef system is one of the Indian Ocean's best accessible snorkel and dive sites. A half-day trip with a calm afternoon to follow.

Day6

Final Morning & Departure

North Coast → Zanzibar Airport·Transfer·Breakfast

Activities

Final morning at the beach, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

The last morning on the Indian Ocean. The transfer to the airport is arranged around your departure time.

Where You Stay

Accommodation Preview

Two tiers across every destination, selected for position, atmosphere, and genuine character. Both feel like Tanzania, not a hotel chain.

Similar-category properties may be substituted depending on availability and season. All options confirmed at booking.

Luxury

Stone Town, Zanzibar

Bamboo Design Hotel

A boutique Stone Town property with character and an excellent position for the cultural days.

Luxury

Stone Town, Zanzibar

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

Historic seafront position with contemporary luxury steps from the heart of Stone Town.

Luxury

North Coast, Zanzibar

Diamond Mapenzi Zanzibar

Beachfront resort on the north coast with consistent swimming access and reef snorkelling.

Luxury

North Coast, Zanzibar

The Mora Zanzibar

Oceanfront luxury with private beach access and a calm Indian Ocean backdrop.

Common Questions

Before You Book

How do I get to Zanzibar?

Most visitors fly into Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). Direct scheduled flights operate from Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and other East African hubs. If you are combining with a Tanzania safari, a domestic flight from Arusha takes approximately 90 minutes.

Is the north coast the best beach in Zanzibar?

For consistent swimming access at any tide, yes. Nungwi and Kendwa have a gentler tidal range than the east coast, meaning you can swim at any time of day. The east coast at Paje and Jambiani is quieter and better for kite surfing but more exposed to tidal variation.

Can this be combined with a Tanzania safari?

Yes. This is the most popular extension to any northern Tanzania safari. We arrange the domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar as part of the combined journey. See our Safari and Zanzibar Escape for the full package.

Is Stone Town safe to explore independently?

Yes. Stone Town is very safe for walking in the daytime and early evening. The historic quarter is compact and walkable. We give a full arrival briefing with areas to visit, where to eat, and practical guidance.

Can we do the east coast instead?

Yes. Paje and Jambiani on the east coast offer a quieter atmosphere and are the best location for kite surfing in Zanzibar. The trade-off is longer transfers from Stone Town and tidal variation. We plan east coast stays around the tides.

What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

The north coast is swimmable year-round. June to October is dry and popular with European visitors. December to March is warm season with calm Indian Ocean conditions. April and May bring the long rains but lower rates and fewer tourists.

Guest Experiences

What Guests Say

From the guides to the lodges, Tanzania has a way of settling into people. These are some of the things guests mention when they write to us after returning home.

Celebrating our anniversary in Tanzania with Amazing Gallery Expeditions was truly unforgettable. From the guiding to the lodges and overall experience, every detail felt thoughtful, seamless, and beautifully arranged from beginning to end.

Deirdre & Mark

Netherlands · Private Safari

Our Tanzania journey exceeded every expectation. From safari and cultural experiences to the lodges and guiding, every part felt thoughtful, immersive, and beautifully balanced. It was an unforgettable experience filled with remarkable moments and genuine connection throughout.

Giselle & Laura

United States · Private Journey

From safari and the Usambara Mountains to Zanzibar, every part of our Tanzania journey felt thoughtfully organized and deeply memorable. The guiding, atmosphere, and experiences throughout made this one of the most remarkable holidays we have ever had.

Angela, Anna & Alois

Austria · Safari & Beach Journey

Read All Guest Reviews

Zanzibar
Beach Escape

The Route