Zanzibar Day Trips City Tours

Zanzibar is full of activities! That includes classic Zanzibar tours such as the Spice Tour and the Stone Town Tour. There are also many Swahili cultural experiences, like Zanzibar village tours. Not to mention Indian Ocean excursions to enjoy nature and snorkel.

In all African Spice Safaris Zanzibar tours, we have considered ways to make activities more beneficial to local communities.

Zanzibar tour prices depend on the group size and departure point. We will tailor-make tours for you when needed, just tell us what you are interested in! It can be anything – shoe making, cooking, fashion, ancient history, sea life, or language lessons. Our Zanzibar tours are classified into the following categories depending on your interests…

Zanzibar Cultural Tours: Zanzibar’s culture is a unique blend of African and Arab influences, with hints of European and Indian influences. Because of its location on the African coast of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar has always been a place where people from different continents meet.

On our tours, you will see how people live in the villages and taste the local cuisine in an authentic setting. These include tours such as Cooking Lesson tours, Art tours, and Night Market tours.

Zanzibar Nature Tours: Did you know that Zanzibar’s nature is full of giants? The huge coconut crabs come out at night and can be seen especially in Chumbe Island. Whales and whale sharks can be spotted in the sea. And while not in large numbers, the indigenous Red Colobus monkeys are always present in the Jozani forest.

Pemba Island Tours: These tours and excursions take place on Pemba, Zanzibar’s northern island. To take the tours, you should be staying in Pemba – and if you haven’t planned that yet, let us tell you, it’s amazing! We are happy to arrange a full Pemba visit and elevate your Zanzibar experience.

Zanzibar Tour Options? No worries! Let us know where you plan to stay (if you know) and what you wish to experience during your stay. We will get back to you with suggestions and ideas for a Zanzibar tour!

One Day Zanzibar Most Popular and Efficient Tours

Wildlife & Safari Adventures

✓ 1-Day tour to Jozani Forest and Kizimkazi combines land and sea, featuring intimate encounters with endemic Red Colobus monkeys in the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and boat-based dolphin spotting in Menai Bay. The trip typically lasts 6–8 hours, often starting early in the morning to maximize chances of seeing dolphins. The tour also includes a stop at the iconic The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi.

✓ A 1-day trip from Zanzibar to the Ngorongoro Crater is possible, usually requiring an early morning flight to Arusha (ARK) or Manyara (LKY) and a private or group 4×4 safari.
This long, intense day includes a UNESCO World Heritage Centre site that offers high-density wildlife viewing (the Big Five) within the volcanic caldera.

Wildlife: High chance of seeing the “Big Five” (rhino, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo) within a single day due to the 264 sq km enclosed caldera. The most efficient route is a flight from Zanzibar to Arusha or Manyara Airstrip (approx. 1 hour), followed by a 4×4 drive to the crater rim. The Tour includes return flights from Zanzibar, 4×4 safari gamedrives, guide services, packed lunch, and crater fees. 

✓ Mikumi National Park Fly-in Safari from Zanzibar: Itinerary: 0400 Hours – 0530 Hours: Pickup from your Zanzibar hotel for transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar). 0700 Hours fly to Mikumi National Park (approx. 50-minute flight time).

0800 Hours – 0830 Hours: Arrival at Mikumi Airstrip; meet your professional guide and board a 4×4 open-sided safari vehicle to begin your game drive. See lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards, etc.

1230 Hours – 1330 Hours: Bush lunch or hot buffet lunch served at a scenic picnic site inside the park. 1330 Hours – 1530 Hours: Afternoon game drive to wildlife hotspots such as the hippo pools.

1600 Hours – 1500: Return flight from Mikumi Airstrip to Zanzibar. 18:00 Hours – 1830 Hours: Arrival in Zanzibar and transfer back to your hotel. Inclusions: Tours often include transfers, return flights, guide fees, entrance fees, and lunch

✓ 1-Day Fly-in Safari from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park is a popular 2026 excursion that typically includes round-trip domestic flights, full-day game drives, and a bush lunch. The tour begins between 0500 Hours and 0700 Hours with a hotel pickup and transfer to Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.

Flights to the Mtemere Airstrip in Selous take approximately 50–60 minutes. Arrival at Mtemere Airstrip and immediate start of the game drive in a 4×4 vehicle. Wildlife: You can expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles. Rare sightings may include the African wild dog.

1300 Hours: Lunch A “bush lunch” served at a scenic location within the reserve. Afternoon continued game viewing until approximately 1530 Hours. Evening: Return flight to Zanzibar arriving between 1700 Hours and 1800 Hours followed by hotel drop-off.

Tour includes: Return flights (on Auric Air), all Nyerere National Park entrance fees, a professional safari guide and 4×4 safari vehicle, bottled water, a coffee/tea break, and a lunch box/bush lunch.

✓ 1-Day fly-in safari to Tarangire National Park from Zanzibar offers a swift, intensive wildlife experience, typically starting with an early-morning flight (around 0700 Hours-0800 Hours) from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Arusha (ARK) or Kilimanjaro (JRO). The day includes a guided 4×4 game drive to see large elephant herds and baobab trees, a picnic lunch, and an evening return flight.

Morning: Pickup from the hotel, transfer to Zanzibar airport, and flight to Arusha/Kilimanjaro. Mid-Day: Drive to Tarangire National Park (approx. 1.5–2 hours from Arusha) for a game drive.

Highlights: Renowned for massive elephant herds (especially June–November), baobab trees, lions, giraffes, and over 500 bird species. Lunch: Picnic lunch inside the park.Afternoon: Continued game drive followed by transfer to the airport for the evening flight back to Zanzibar.

Marine Life, Water Sports & Beach Excursions

✓ 1-Full Day Zanzibar Safari Blue is a premier sea excursion in Zanzibar that explores the Menai Bay Conservation Area. Operating primarily from the fishing village of Fumba, the tour combines traditional dhow sailing with marine activities and a massive seafood feast.

✓ 1-Day snorkeling tour to Mnemba Atoll is one of Zanzibar’s most popular marine adventures, typically featuring dolphin watching, snorkeling at two distinct reef sites, and a seafood BBQ lunch. Tours generally depart from Nungwi, Kendwa, or Matemwe and last between 4 and 6 hours.

✓ 2–2.5 hour Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise is a romantic evening sail on a traditional wooden boat, departing from Stone Town or Nungwi/Kendwa. Guests experience panoramic coastal views and snacks while watching the sunset.

The experience offers a tranquil, intimate way to end the day with refreshments, often including beer and wine. Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Duration. 1630 Hours or 1645 Hours: Departs from Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town or the beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa.

Atmosphere: Relaxed and romantic, featuring traditional Swahili music.Inclusions: soft drinks, beer, and wine, along with light snacks. Optional Features: seafood BBQs

✓ 1 Day trip to Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP): offers an exclusive, eco-focused experience on a private nature reserve off the coast of Zanzibar. Because the island is a Marine Protected Area (MPA), the number of visitors is strictly limited to 14 people per day.

Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP) is an award-winning, privately managed nature reserve located roughly 8 kilometers west of Unguja, Zanzibar. Established in 1992 as the world’s first privately managed marine park, it is a non-profit social enterprise in which all ecotourism revenue is reinvested in the conservation of its pristine Coral Reef Sanctuary and Forest Reserve.

Activities include snorkeling, guided forest & Intertidal walks, and a historic lighthouse with a 131-step climb offering panoramic views of the Zanzibar Channel.

A Chumbe Island Coral Park day trip from Zanzibar typically lasts about 7 to 8 hours, usually running from 0900 Hours to around 1600 Hours or 1700 Hours. The experience includes a 30-45 minute boat ride each way from Mbweni Ruins, snorkeling, a guided forest walk, lunch, and time to relax. 

✓ 1-day kitesurfing escape in Zanzibar is best centered around Paje Beach on the southeast coast, renowned for its shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters and consistent, steady wind. This area is ideal for both beginners and experienced riders.

The Tour begins in the morning (0900 Hours – 1300 Hours): Arrive in Paje and head to a local kite school for a 3-4 hour beginner lesson or gear rental. 1300 Hours – 1430 Hours: Lunch, Relax at a beachfront spot like Mr. Kahawa Cafe in Paje.

Afternoon (1430 Hours – 1730 Hours): Enjoy a free-ride session or continue with advanced lessons (e.g., jumping or foiling). Evening (1800 Hours onwards): Watch the sunset with a drink at one of the beach bars, or visit the nearby Rock Restaurant in Michamvi.

✓ 1-day Pungume Island tour from Zanzibar features snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, visiting sandbanks, and enjoying a seafood BBQ. Departing from Kizimkazi, these trips often include dolphin spotting, visits to Miwi Island, and exploring coral reefs with vibrant marine life.

0600 Hours – 0830 Hours: Early morning hotel pickup followed by a boat departure from Kizimkazi Beach.  Dolphin Spotting: The journey often begins with a stop at dolphin-frequented areas where you may have the opportunity to swim with them.

Snorkeling at Pungume Reef: A guided session exploring coral gardens home to tropical fish like Angelfish, Starfish, and Nemo (Clownfish). Pungume Sandbank: Relaxation time on a disappearing white sandbank for swimming, sunbathing, and photography.

Seafood BBQ Lunch: A fresh meal usually prepared on the beach or a nearby island like Miwi, featuring lobster, prawns, calamari, and tropical fruits.A scenic return sail through unique mangrove ecosystems, sometimes including sightings of red colobus monkeys. 

✓ 1-Day trip from Zanzibar to Mafia Island focuses on swimming with whale sharks (typically November to March) and exploring the Mafia Island Marine Park. The excursion includes an early-morning flight (approx. 50 mins), boat-based snorkeling, a local lunch, and a return flight, offering a swift, memorable, and scenic experience.

Our 1-Day tour begins at 0400 Hours – 0500 Hours: we pick you up from the hotel in Zanzibar and transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. 0600 Hours – 0700 Hours: Direct flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Mafia Island (MFA).

0800 Hours: Arrival at Mafia Island, meet guides, and briefing for the snorkel excursion. 0830 Hours – 1230 Hours: Boat trip to swim with whale sharks, followed by snorkeling in the marine park.

1230 Hours – 1330 Hours: Local lunch and relaxation in Kilindoni. 1400 Hours – 1500 Hours: Short tour of Kilindoni town or viewing flying foxes. 1500 Hours – 1600 Hours: Flight back to Zanzibar. 1700 Hours – 1800 Hours: Arrival in Zanzibar and transfer back to the hotel.

Historical & City Tours

✓ 1-Day Historical City Tour of Zanzibar focuses on Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Most tours last between 3 and 6 hours and can be expanded into full-day experiences by adding visits to Prison Island or a nearby Spice Farm

✓ A 1-Day trip to Prison Island (Changuu Island) in Zanzibar (0900 Hours and 1615 Hours) is a popular, short tour: a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town, featuring a visit to see endangered Aldabra giant tortoises—some over 150 years old—and exploring 19th-century quarantine ruins. The experience combines history, nature, and snorkeling in clear waters.

✓ 1-Day Stone Town tour covers the UNESCO World Heritage site’s highlights through a guided walking tour, featuring the Slave Market Museum, House of Wonders, Old Fort, and Sultan’s Palace. Visitors explore narrow alleys, admire ornate Zanzibari doors, visit Freddie Mercury’s House, and experience local life at Darajani Market before ending with a sunset at Forodhani Gardens. 

✓ 1-Day tour of Dar es Salaam from Zanzibar is a popular way to experience Tanzania’s mainland culture, history, and markets. Most organized day trips include Royal Class ferry tickets, private transfers, a professional guide, and a traditional Swahili lunch. 

Visit the Askari Monument, the National Museum, and the House of Culture, and explore the bustling Kariakoo Market and the Kivukoni Fish Market for a taste of local life. Enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch featuring local flavors.

Afternoon: Visit the Mwenge Carvers Market for local handicrafts or relax at Coco Beach or The Slipway. Evening (1600 Hours – 1830 Hours): Return transfer to the ferry terminal for the journey back to Zanzibar.

Zanzibar Combination Tours

✓ A 1-day tour of Stone Town and Prison Island offers a comprehensive immersion in Zanzibar’s history, culture, and nature, typically combining a guided walking tour of the UNESCO site with a boat trip to see giant tortoises. Highlights include visiting the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the slave market, followed by snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on white-sand beaches.

✓ 1 Day Stone Town & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour is a one-day tour combining Stone Town, Prison Island, and Nakupenda Sandbank typically starts with a morning, 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town to Prison Island to see Aldabra giant tortoises, followed by swimming/snorkeling, a, seafood lunch at the Nakupenda “I love you” sandbank, and a guided walking tour of the historic Stone Town. This comprehensive, roughly 8-hour experience blends history, culture, and relaxation in the Indian Ocean. 

✓ 1 Day Stone Town, Prison Island & Spice Farm Tour: This full-day, 3-in-1 Zanzibar excursion (0900 Hours – 1700 Hours) includes a guided tour of a rural spice plantation, a boat trip to Prison Island to see giant tortoises, and a walking tour of the historic Stone Town. The experience often features a traditional Swahili lunch, spice tastings, and snorkelling opportunities. 

✓ Full-day tour combining Jozani Forest, a Spice Farm, and Stone Town is one of the most popular ways to experience the nature, culture, and history of Zanzibar in a single day. 

The tours last approximately 8 to 9 hours and include a visit to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park (2 hours) with a guide to see the endemic Red Colobus monkeys, which are found only on Zanzibar.

Enjoy a nature trail to explore the indigenous forest and a boardwalk through the mangrove swamps. Midday visit a local farm (such as Jambo Spice Farm or SISO Spice Farm (2 hours) to touch, smell, and taste fresh spices like cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.

Enjoy a home-cooked traditional Swahili lunch prepared with farm-fresh spices. Afternoon: Take a Historic tour of Stone Town (2–2.5 hours) visiting the UNESCO Heritage Sites: A guided walking tour through narrow alleys visiting the Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace, Former Slave Market, and Darajani Market. Notable Stops: View the House of Wonders and the Freddie Mercury House.

Culinary & Spice Experiences

✓ Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour (2–3 hours) offers an immersive guided walk through plantations in areas like Dole or Kizimbani, showcasing the growth, harvesting, and uses of spices (cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg) and tropical fruits. Tours often include a traditional Swahili lunch, coconut climbing, and, in some cases, a cooking class, with prices starting from $10 per person. 

✓ The Rock Restaurant is an iconic world-famous eatery perched on a coral outcrop off Michamvi Pingwe beach on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. Known for its 360-degree Indian Ocean views, it offers a unique dining experience where access changes with the tide: you can walk there at low tide or take a complimentary boat at high tide.

Location: Michamvi Pingwe, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Hours: Daily 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Dining Slots: Seating is typically offered in 2-hour blocks (e.g., 12:00 Hours, 1400 Hours, 1600 Hours, 1800 Hours, and 2030 Hours). The cuisine is a “Swahili-fusion” blend of local Zanzibari ingredients and Italian techniques, with a focus on fresh seafood.

Zanzibar Day Trips City Tours are fantastic 1-day holiday packages that let travelers experience the diverse aspects of the exotic Spice Island. Zanzibar is an Island located about 40 km (25 miles) from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, East Africa, and is part of Tanzania, although it is free, independent, and has its own local government.

Zanzibar has a strong Arabic influence as a result of the slave trade, and to this day, the population is mainly made up of conservative Sunni Muslims. The Arabic influence can be seen not only in the people’s culture but also in the architecture and design of the towns. Zanzibar achieved independence from British rule in 1963.

The economy of Zanzibar is reliant on spices, raffia, and tourism. Zanzibar is often referred to as ‘The Spice Island’ because of the variety of spices grown here. The major attractions of the Zanzibar Islands are their idyllic beaches and rich culture and history.

Historic Stone Town, with its winding alleys, unique architecture, and fascinating design, is a highlight for visitors. The white sand beaches on the East Coast of Zanzibar Island are some of the best beaches in the world. Day tours to the old slave market and the spice plantations are a must-do for any visit to Zanzibar Island.

Beach activities include dolphin encounters, scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing dhow trips.

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