Our flagship Zanzibar itinerary, the 5-Day Ultimate Zanzibar Holiday, is the complete coastal experience for travelers who want it all.
Wander through a fragrant spice plantation, walk among endangered red colobus monkeys found nowhere else on Earth in Jozani Forest, and spend a full day on the water at Mnemba Atoll snorkeling over pristine coral gardens while keeping an eye out for pods of wild dolphins. Interspersed with generous beach time at a luxury resort on the north-east coast, this five-day journey balances culture, wildlife, adventure, and pure relaxation in perfect measure.
Rare red colobus monkeys
Snorkeling & dolphin spotting
Taste the island's namesake flavors
Zanzibar suits this itinerary throughout the year, though marine conditions vary by season.
The dry seasons of June–October and December–February bring the calmest, clearest waters, ideal for snorkeling at Mnemba and spotting dolphins. The green season (March–May, November) offers lush scenery in Jozani Forest and quieter beaches at lower rates, though occasional rain can affect visibility on the water. We recommend avoiding the heaviest rains in April if the marine excursion is a priority.
Arrive in Zanzibar and meet your guide for a fragrant tour of a working spice plantation just outside Stone Town. Walk through groves of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom, learning how these prized spices are grown and used, with hands-on tasting along the way. Enjoy a traditional Zanzibari lunch flavored with the very spices you've just seen. In the afternoon, transfer to your luxury beach resort on the north-east coast, arriving in time to settle in and watch the sunset over the ocean.
This morning, visit Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, Zanzibar's only national park and home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, found nowhere else on Earth. Walk quietly through the forest with your guide as these curious, russet-colored primates move through the canopy overhead, often coming remarkably close. Continue along the raised boardwalk through the park's mangrove forest, learning about this vital coastal ecosystem. Return to your resort in the afternoon for free time by the beach, with a relaxed dinner in the evening.
A full day exploring the crystal-clear waters of Mnemba Atoll marine reserve, one of the finest snorkeling sites in East Africa, with visibility of up to 30 meters. Glide over vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, and keep watch for pods of wild dolphins that frequent these waters, occasionally swimming alongside the boat. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch aboard or on a nearby beach before an afternoon of further swimming and relaxing on the water. Return to your resort by late afternoon with time to unwind before dinner.
A full day to relax after your adventures on land and at sea. Spend it however you like — lounging by the infinity pool, walking the white-sand beach, or booking an optional spa treatment. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for those who want to stay active, or you can simply enjoy an unhurried day of doing nothing at all. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the resort's restaurant as the sky turns pink over the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy a final breakfast with ocean views and a last swim before checkout. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for some last-minute shopping for spices and souvenirs. Your private transfer will take you to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for your onward journey, or connect you with your next Nashivai Safaris adventure.
Prices are per person, based on double/twin sharing.
| Season | Dates | Price (Per Person) | Single Supp. | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season | Apr–May, Nov | $920 | $190 | Available |
| Shoulder | Mar, Jun | $1,050 | $220 | Available |
| Peak Season | Jul–Oct, Dec–Feb | $1,230 | $250 | Limited |
Price includes luxury beach resort accommodation, spice tour, Jozani Forest excursion, full-day Mnemba Atoll boat trip with lunch, transfers, and meals as noted in the itinerary.
| Day | Accommodation | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1–4 | Matemwe Beach Resort | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
Fly directly into Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), with connections via Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa. Many travelers combine this tour as an add-on after a mainland safari.
Your guide will meet you at Zanzibar Airport or your Stone Town hotel to begin the Spice Farm tour. Typical pickup time is 9:00 AM on Day 1.
Jozani Forest is roughly 45 minutes from the north-east coast resorts by private vehicle. The Mnemba Atoll boat trip departs from a nearby beach launch point, typically around 8:30 AM, returning by mid-to-late afternoon.
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival for USD $50 (USD $100 for US citizens). A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining is required.
Arusha, Tanzania • Established 2015
Nashivai Safaris is a locally owned and operated safari company based in Arusha, Tanzania. Our Ultimate Zanzibar Holiday brings together the island's finest wildlife, marine life, and culinary heritage with the comfort of a luxury beach resort, offering the complete coastal experience in just five days.
Seeing the red colobus monkeys up close in Jozani was a real privilege, and then swimming with dolphins at Mnemba the very next day felt like a dream. The resort was gorgeous too. Worth every cent.
— Sophie & Mark L., New Zealand • September 2025This itinerary genuinely covers everything Zanzibar is known for. Our guide was knowledgeable at every stop and the pacing left plenty of time to simply enjoy the beach as well.
— Farah A., UAE • July 2025