Zanzibar Archipelago: the islands of Unguja, Pemba and Mafia


Trip description

To discover Zanzibar at the Swahili rhythm is to take the time to walk on deserted beaches without other programs than discover new landscapes, take a nap under a coconut, go to meet its inhabitants in the villages, get out of the beaten paths by visiting the main island of Unguja and the nearby islands of Pemba and Mafia... without following the frantic pace of classical visits planned, for better enjoy your holidays.

Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar

Day 2: Visit of Stone Town

Day 3: Visit of Prison Island and a spice farm

Day 4: Nungwi and Kendwa

Day 5: Dhow making and sunset stroll

Day 6: Mnemba and Matemwe

Day 7: Pajé and Jambiani

Day 8: Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Day 9: Kizimkazi and dolphins

Day 10: Arrival in Pemba, discovery of the centre of the island.

Day 11: Missali, the jewel of the Pemba coast

Day 12: Ngzei Primary Forest and the North Coast

Day 13: Mafia, the unknown and virgin island of tourism

Day 14: Mafia diving and cultural discovery

Day 15: Dar Es Salaam

Day 1 : Arrival in Zanzibar



Arriving in Zanzibar after a challenging journey, you discover the old town of Stone Town. Discover the labyrinthine streets and fantastic architecture of the old city, with its Indian, Arab and African influences. Passage to the market of Forodhani, dinner in a good restaurant in the city of Swahili specialities




Day 2 : Visit of Stone Town

Day2 : Visit of Stone Town ©dsukhov - Fotolia


A full day is dedicated to visiting Stone Town. Unmissable: the Old Dispensary, the old fort, the Anglican church, the slave prison, Mtoni's palace, Jaw's corner, the central market... Soak up the authentic atmosphere that reigns in the old town. In the evening, go out and see a concert of taarab music




Day 3 : Visit of Prison Island and a spice farm

Day3 : Visit of Prison Island and a spice farm ©Arnaud BEBIEN


In the morning, take a boat to Prison Island to visit the century-old giant turtles that live there. Stop over a beautiful coral reef colonized by starfish. In the afternoon, embark on the "spice tour", a guided tour of a farm where "the island's spices are grown: cloves, vanilla, cashew nuts, coconut, pepper, chilli pepper....




Day 4 : Nungwi and Kendwa

Day4 : Nungwi and Kendwa ©Obladatel - Shutterstock.com


Take a transfer to the north of the island, to spend a few days relaxing on the beaches of Nungwi or Kendwa in the north of the island, among the most beautiful beaches, because without coral reefs. Here, you can swim at any time in the turquoise water. Landscape of a postcard in which one invites oneself to a nap under the palm tree




Day 5 : Dhow making and sunset stroll



New day of rest and beach. We take the opportunity to soak up the lively atmosphere of Kendwa, the second largest city on the island after Stone Town. Visit the turtle aquarium, and beach session followed by a massage on the deckchair, as there are many outdoor spas here. In the evening, enjoy a sunset on a dhow, the traditional boats of Zanzibar




Day 6 : Mnemba and Matemwe

Day6 : Mnemba and Matemwe ©Oohan101 - iStockphoto


The jewel of the northern coast is called Mnemba, an island surrounded by a huge coral reef that dives into a wall, and can be discovered both diving and snorkeling. Located opposite Matemwe, boat trips depend on the tide. In the afternoon, go to the Matemwe fish market (around 4pm), walk around this authentic village. Sleep on site




Day 7 : Pajé and Jambiani

Day7 : Pajé and Jambiani ©luisapuccini - Fotolia


Pack your bags for the southeast of the island, Pagé or Jambiani the most touristic villages. Here the wind blows enough to kitesurf or windsurf. Great entertainment on the beach for women harvesting cultivated seaweed. The coral reef is wide and the lagoon magnificent. In the evening, dinner at the famous restaurant The Rocks in Michamvi




Day 8 : Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park



Zanzibar has only one national park, the one that includes the Jozani forest and the wild mangroves of the preserved coast of the park. The forest is home to the adorable Colobus monkeys that can easily be approached. The visit of the park with a forest ranger takes a good half day. In the afternoon, enjoy the beach




Day 9 : Kizimkazi and dolphins

Day9 : Kizimkazi and dolphins ©AlexanderXXI


Go to Kizimkazi, at the southern tip of the island, where there is a colony of dolphins that can be observed by boat. We can swim with them. On the way, don't miss the village's 12th century mosque). In the evening, return to Stone Town for one last night on Unguja Island




Day 10 : Arrival in Pemba, discovery of the centre of the island.



To get out of the beaten trails, go to the island of Pemba, very little tourist. It discovers a preserved mangrove on the coast. In the morning, visit the vibrant market in the centre of Chake Chake. In the afternoon, there are the famous foxes, the largest bats in the world, which are very impressive in the colonies.




Day 11 : Missali, the jewel of the Pemba coast



The next day, take a boat to Missali Island, a real jewel of the underwater world. Snorkeling or diving for 2 hours, then rest on the beach and picnic with fish and seafood. The beach is heavenly and unspoilt, a real paradise. Return in the afternoon to the mainland via the port of Mkoani where you can see the boats disembarking.




Day 12 : Ngzei Primary Forest and the North Coast



The crossing of the island is in itself an adventure as the relief and climate have damaged the roads. You will cross authentic villages in palm groves. Cloves dry on large canvases stretched in front of the houses. Take a walk with an eco-guard through the beautiful Ngezi primary forest to discover the local flora and fauna. Continue your journey to the beautiful beaches of the Kigomasha Peninsula




Day 13 : Mafia, the unknown and virgin island of tourism



In the morning you take a plane to Zanzibar, then another to Dar Es Salaam, and finally a third to Mafia, quick flea jumps, but essential, because the islands are not very well connected. The island is famous for its diving spots, but it will seduce adventurers and lovers of robinsonnades in unknown lands. Arriving at Kilindoni Airport, you rest and enjoy a beautiful beach near your lodge




Day 14 : Mafia diving and cultural discovery



Half a day will be devoted to diving or snorkeling on the island's most beautiful coral reefs, which you can explore by boat from one spot to another. Pass by the beautiful beach of Utende Beach, asleep under the palm trees. Go to the island of Jibondo to see the manufacture of traditional dhows




Day 15 : Dar Es Salaam



Half-day diving in the turquoise waters of the Mafia, rich in marine fauna and flora protected by an intact coral reef. After lunch at the hotel, you take a flight to Dar Es Salaam, the capital. You will discover the important places of the capital: National Museum, Botanical Garden, Kigamboni. You can spend a night in the bubbling capital by going out to dinner to taste Swahili specialities




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