8 Days Explore Zanzibar and Pemba Islands



This beach getaway will take you to two of Zanzibar’s most sought-after islands: Unguja, commonly referred to as “Zanzibar,” and Pemba. Unguja, the largest and most populated island in the Zanzibar archipelago, boasts a well-developed tourism sector. Here, you’ll find charming restaurants, a variety of accommodations, and numerous activities to keep you entertained. Pemba, while less developed, offers unparalleled natural beauty. It is famous for its lush, green hills and clove plantations. The Pemba Channel, with its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life, separates Pemba from mainland Tanzania.
Welcome to the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by one of our representatives who will take you to Zanzibar Stone for your overnight on bed and breakfast. You have this time to relax from your long journey and enjoy the pristine waters of this haven.
After breakfast, get ready to explore the most scenic parts of the island as you head to Stone Town, known as the cultural heart of Zanzibar. After experiencing the rich history of the city, we head to the bustling markets, alleys and what was formerly a slave market. In the afternoon, we proceed to a tour of the countryside to the spice plantations where you will be welcomed by the rich aroma of spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon.
At mid morning, transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Pemba Island. Overnight at Pemba Island on Bed & Breakfast Basis. Pemba Island, known as “The Green Island” lies within the Swahili Coast in the Indian Ocean about 50 kilometers north of Unguja, the largest island in the archipelago. Pemba’s inhabitants are predominantly Muslim with a much strongly retained tradition than Zanzibar. It gets fewer visitors – and hence sees less of the outside world. Here you get to see women wearing the veil, and might come across villagers who only speak Swahili. Pemba is home to several dive sites, with steep drop-offs, untouched coral and very abundant marine life.
On leisure at Pemba Island on Bed and Breakfast. There is an option to do a tour of Pemba towns or go to Misali island for snorkeling and diving.
Most of the island, which is hillier and more fertile than Unguja, is dominated by small scale farming. There is also large scale farming of cash crops such as cloves. There is a quite large Arab community on the island, who immigrated from Oman. The population is a mix of Arab and original Waswahili inhabitants of the island. A significant portion of the population also identifies as Shirazi people.
The most important towns in Pemba are Chake-Chake (the capital), Mkoani, and Wete, which is the largest city. Pemba is, with the exception of a strip of land along its eastern coast, a very fertile place: besides clove trees, the locals grow mainly rice, coconut, bananas, cassava and red beans (called maharagwe in the Swahili language).
We take a flight back to Zanzibar Town. As this is your last day, we let you take in the beauty of this island and do as you wish. You can enjoy a cocktail while admiring the sunset, walk along the shore, or simply read a book while you take in the beauty that surrounds you. Overnight at hotel in Stone Town on Bed & Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home.
Inclusions
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclusions
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
1. What is the best time to visit Zanzibar for a safari?
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry seasons, which are from June to October and from late December to February. These periods offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the islands and enjoying safari activities (Archaeology Magazine) (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
2. What should I pack for a Zanzibar safari?
When packing for a Zanzibar safari, consider including:
- Light, breathable clothing
- A hat and sunglasses for sun protection
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear and beach gear
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- A camera for capturing the stunning landscapes and wildlife (Daily News).
3. What are the main attractions in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar offers a variety of attractions, including:
- Stone Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic architecture and vibrant markets.
- Spice Plantations: Tours that showcase Zanzibar’s rich history in the spice trade.
- Beaches: Pristine beaches in Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje.
- Jozani Forest: Home to the rare red colobus monkeys.
- Mangapwani Slave Caves: Historical sites linked to the East African slave trade (Archaeology Magazine) (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
4. Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but it’s advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night, keeping an eye on personal belongings, and respecting local customs and laws. It’s also recommended to use reputable tour operators for safaris and excursions (Daily News).
5. What types of safaris are available in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar offers several types of safari experiences:
- Marine Safaris: Snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs around Mnemba Atoll and Pemba Island.
- Cultural Safaris: Exploring Stone Town and visiting local villages.
- Wildlife Safaris: Visiting Jozani Forest to see the red colobus monkeys and other wildlife.
- Spice Tours: Exploring the spice plantations and learning about the island’s spice history (Archaeology Magazine) (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
6. How can I get to Zanzibar?
Zanzibar can be reached by flight or ferry:
- Flights: There are direct flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar from several major cities in Africa and beyond.
- Ferries: Ferries operate from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, offering a scenic route across the Indian Ocean (Daily News).
7. Do I need a visa to visit Zanzibar?
Visa requirements for Zanzibar are the same as for mainland Tanzania. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa in advance. It’s best to check the specific requirements based on your nationality before traveling (Archaeology News Online Magazine).
8. What currency is used in Zanzibar, and can I use credit cards?
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and tourist services, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions and in rural areas (Daily News).
9. What health precautions should I take when visiting Zanzibar?
It’s important to take health precautions, including:
- Malaria Prevention: Use mosquito repellent and consider antimalarial medication.
- Vaccinations: Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations and consider additional ones like hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever.
- Safe Drinking Water: Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid waterborne illnesses (Archaeology Magazine).
10. What language is spoken in Zanzibar?
The official language is Swahili, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and hotels (Archaeology News Online Magazine).