Dream Trails Expeditions

Zanzibar Experience

9-Day Cultural & Beach Adventure in Zanzibar

Dream Trails Expeditions
9 Day Tour
Beach Holiday • Culture • Marine Excursions

From - $1,800

Tour Overview

This 9-day Zanzibar exploration is crafted to give travellers a complete immersion into the island's culture, beaches, cuisine, nature, and underwater world. Discover the island's UNESCO heritage, pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and warm Swahili culture — all at an affordable level. The journey begins in historic Stone Town, where winding alleyways and historic architecture tell centuries of African, Arab, and European influence. Sail to Prison Island to meet giant Aldabra tortoises, then relax at the powder-white Nakupenda sandbank. Then you'll enjoy an extra day for an in-depth city tour and a hands-on Zanzibar cooking class. Then you venture to the south for the world-famous Safari Blue, sailing across turquoise lagoons and sandbanks. Travel through the island's lush nature in Jozani Forest, home of the red colobus monkey, before unwinding at Kendwa and Nungwi, Zanzibar's iconic northern beaches. Snorkel in the crystal-clear marine sanctuary of Mnemba Atoll, relax with a full free day in Nungwi, enjoy a sunset dhow cruise, and end your adventure among the cultural and natural wonders of Jambiani and the mystical Kuza Cave. These itinerary blends culture, relaxation, adventure, and world-class beaches — the perfect Zanzibar holiday.

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Destinations: Stone Town • Fumba • Jozani Forest • Kendwa • Nungwi • Mnemba • Jambiani • Kuza Cave
Tour Type: Beach Holiday • Culture • Marine Excursions
Accommodation: Luxury / Mid-range / Boutique options
Transport: Private transfers + Traditional dhow + Speedboat
Best Season: Year-round (best: June–Oct & Dec–Feb)

Guided Stone Town walking tour (palaces, markets, alleys & architecture)
Hands-on Zanzibar cooking class with spice and Swahili flavours
Safari Blue full-day sailing, snorkelling & seafood banquet
Encounter red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest
Swim in the turquoise lagoon of Kendwa Beach
Snorkel the world-class reef of Mnemba Atoll
Nungwi full relaxation day + sunset dhow cruise
Explore Jambiani village life
Swim in the magical Kuza Cave

Arrival & Transfers

Airport pickup on Day 1 and hotel transfers throughout the tour managed by Dream Trails Expeditions. Standard vehicles used depending on group size.

What to Pack

Light clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, comfortable sandals, mosquito repellent, small daypack, reusable water bottle, light rain jacket (seasonal), and waterproof phone pouch.

Travel Documents

Valid passport (6+ months), Tanzania visa if required, yellow fever certificate if applicable.

Health & Safety

Bottled water provided during excursions. Follow marine safety briefings for snorkelling and boat travel. Avoid stepping on corals, respect wildlife, and secure personal belongings in beach areas.

June – October: Cool, dry season; calm seas and perfect beach weather.
December – February: Warm, sunny, and ideal for snorkelling/diving.
November & March – May: Short and long rains — still good for travel with lush green scenery and fewer crowds.

✔️ What's Included

Airport meet & greet + transfer to Stone Town
6 nights accommodation in standard hotels/lodges
Daily breakfasts
Prison Island boat trip + entrance fees
Nakupenda sandbank picnic experience
Jozani Forest guided walk
Safari Blue full-day shared tour (with seafood lunch & snorkelling gear)
Mnemba Atoll shared snorkelling trip
All local transfers as per itinerary
Marine & forest park fees
English-speaking local guide throughout
Bottled water on excursions
AMREF Flying Doctors Emergency Evacuation Cover (regional)

❌ What's Excluded

International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel/medical insurance
Alcoholic & soft drinks unless stated
Optional premium upgrades (private boats, private transfers, higher hotel category)
Personal purchases, tips, extra water-sports, spa sessions
Activities not listed in itinerary

🌿 Upgrade Options: Luxury lodge or private villa upgrades available, Honeymoon Experience.
🏝️ Extensions: Add extra days in Zanzibar or wildlife safari in Northern circuit Tanzania
🚁 Optional Add-ons: Extra Nights & Flexible Routing
📅 Flexible Departures: Private departures available daily
🍽️ Dietary Options: Vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free meals available on request

🇹🇿 Local Tanzanian Expertise: Deep knowledge of Zanzibar experiences.
🚙 Top Comfort & Safety: Seamless coordination with vetted local partners, Transparent pricing and flexible customization and safety-first approach with reliable transport
🏨 Handpicked Accommodation: Trusted Hotels and beachfront resorts with quality service.
💬 Personalized Support: 24/7 customer support during your trip
🌍 Eco-Friendly Approach: Commitment to community-based and eco-conscious tourism
🐾 Authentic, Seamless Journey: From Zanzibar's turquoise shores, experience Tanzania's best with those who call it home.

9-Day Zanzibar Experience Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

Route: ZNZ → Accommodation

Travel Time: 20–30 minutes

Experience:

Meet & greet at the arrival hall with a Dream Trails representative.
Shared or private standard road transfer to your hotel.
Short welcome briefing and assistance with check-in.
Optional short walk around the nearby beach or gardens depending on your hotel.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant featuring classic Swahili dishes.

Overnight: Standard Hotel — Stone Town / Beachfront

Day 2 — Stone Town → Prison Island → Nakupenda Sandbank

Route: Stone Town → Prison Island → Nakupenda → Return

Travel Time: Stone Town → Prison Island: 20–25 minutes by boat, Prison Island → Nakupenda Sandbank: 15–20 minutes by boat, Nakupenda → Stone Town: 25–30 minutes by boat

Experience:

Join a scheduled or shared boat from Stone Town after a short briefing.
Visit Prison Island: guided historic walk and viewing of giant tortoises.
Snorkelling session with standard equipment and guide support.
Picnic lunch at Nakupenda sandbank (fresh seafood or local meals).
Beach time, swimming, snorkelling, relaxing under simple shade tents.
Afternoon return to Stone Town or transfer to your next beach hotel.
Dinner at a local seaside restaurant or hotel dining area.

Overnight: Standard Hotel — Stone Town or coastal area

Day 3 — Stone Town City Tour & Cooking Class → Evening Beach Relaxation

Route: Road transfer Nungwi → Stone Town (cultural tour and cooking class); return to hotel in Stone Town or Nungwi for evening relaxation.

Travel Time: Stone Town → hotel / beach for evening: 15–20 minutes (local transfer depending on hotel location)

Activities:

Morning transfer to Stone Town for guided city exploration: explore historic alleys, spice markets, and colonial architecture
Visit local landmarks such as House of Wonders, Forodhani Gardens, and old forts
Participate in a Swahili cooking class at a local kitchen or boutique culinary venue — learn to prepare traditional dishes and enjoy your creations for lunch
Early afternoon return to your hotel or beach area for relaxation by the sea — swim, sunbathe, and unwind
Optional evening walk along the beachfront or hotel poolside leisure
Dinner at local restaurant or hotel, enjoying fresh seafood or Swahili-inspired cuisine

Overnight: Stone Town beach Hotel

Day 4 — Jozani Forest Guided Walk & Kendwa Beach "Safari"

Route: Stone Town → Jozani → Kendwa

Travel Time: Stone Town → Jozani Forest: 35–45 minutes, Jozani → Kendwa: 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 45 min, Kendwa → Fumba: 1 hr 40 min – 2 hrs

Morning — Jozani Forest (Experience):

Private standard transfer to Jozani Forest.
Guided walk to observe red colobus monkeys and explore the mangrove boardwalk.
General ecological briefing by park ranger (group-based).

Afternoon — Kendwa Beach Activities (Experience):

Transfer to Kendwa Beach with bottled water provided.
Enjoy available water activities (pay-as-you-go):
• Jet skiing
• Water-biking
• Surfing lessons (weather dependent)
• Horseback riding
• Optional skydiving (operator-dependent; may be shared with other participants)
Lunch at a casual beach restaurant.
Free time to relax on Kendwa Beach.

Evening — Fumba (Experience):

Standard transfer to Fumba.
Dinner at a local coastal restaurant or lodge.
Optional short guided walk or cultural briefing.

Overnight: Standard Accommodation — Fumba or Beach Hotel

Day 5 — Full-Day Safari Blue

Route: Fumba → Menai Bay Marine Area → Return

Travel Times: Fumba Village → Safari Blue Boat Launch: 5–10 minutes, Fumba → First lagoon/snorkelling spot: 20–30 minutes, Sandbank movements during the day: 10–20 minutes each, Return boat → Fumba: 20–30 minutes.

Experience:

Join a shared dhow or motorboat Safari Blue group excursion.
Snorkeling at coral sites with equipment provided.
Sandbank stop with shaded resting areas.
Seafood buffet lunch (grilled seafood, chicken, rice, chapati, fruits).
Mangrove visit and natural lagoon swim (weather permitting).
Dolphin-spotting (not guaranteed; ethical viewing followed).
Scenic return sail in the afternoon.
Road transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight: Standard Beach Hotel — Fumba Area

Day 6 — Mnemba Atoll Snorkelling & Nungwi Exploration

Route: Mnemba Atoll → Nungwi → Mnarani Aquarium

Travel Time: Mnemba Atoll boat departure point (Muyuni/Matemwe): 20–30 minutes, Boat ride to Mnemba Atoll: 30–45 minutes, Mnemba → Nungwi return: 30–40 minutes, Nungwi → Mnarani Aquarium: 5–10 minutes

Experience:

Join a shared or group speedboat trip to Mnemba for snorkelling.
Snorkel with group guides and shared equipment.
Return to Nungwi for lunch at a local beachfront café/restaurant.
Afternoon activities:
• Optional dolphin-spotting group excursion
• Visit to Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium (standard entry)
• Kayaking or paddleboarding (pay-on-site)
Optional sunset horseback ride or shared sunset cruise.
Dinner at a local beach restaurant (seafood or Swahili menus).

Overnight: Standard Hotel — Nungwi Area

Day 7 — Nungwi Beach Relaxation & Sunset Dhow Cruise

Route: Local transfers within Nungwi to beach areas and dhow launch point; evening dhow cruise along Nungwi/Kendwa coastline; return to hotel.

Travel Time: Hotel → beach / activity points: 5–15 minutes (local roads), Dhow launch → coastal cruise route: 5–10 minutes, Sunset dhow cruise: 1.5 – 2 hours along the coastline

Activities:

Morning at leisure for beach relaxation — swim, sunbathe, or enjoy hotel facilities
Optional activities: paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling in shallow waters, casual beach volleyball, or guided beach walk
Lunch at local beachfront café or hotel restaurant
Afternoon free for additional relaxation, spa (optional, not included), or village walk
Late afternoon sunset dhow cruise: traditional sailing dhow along Nungwi and Kendwa coastline with light snacks and soft drinks; ideal for sunset photography and gentle sailing experience
Return to hotel after cruise and evening at leisure

Overnight: Nungwi Beach Hotel

Day 8 — Jambiani, Kuza Caves & Paje Nightlife

Route: Nungwi → Jambiani → Paje

Travel Times: Nungwi → Jambiani: 1 hr 45 min – 2 hrs, Jambiani → Kuza Caves: 10–15 minutes, Kuza Caves → Paje: 10–12 minutes

Experience:

Morning transfer to Jambiani with a short welcome briefing.
Guided visit to Kuza Caves and optional swim inside the natural pool.
Picnic lunch prepared by a local restaurant or lodge.
Afternoon free time to relax on Jambiani Beach — swimming, beach walk, or simple yoga (optional).
Evening exploration of Paje's nightlife:ntry to popular beach bars (standard entry), Music, fire shows, cocktails at your own pace
Shared or private transfer back to your accommodation.

Overnight: Standard Hotel — Jambiani/Paje Zone