5-Day Zanzibar Relaxation Trip

Customizable Zanzibar Relaxation Itinerary

5-Day Zanzibar Relaxation Trip: At a Glance

  • Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Perfect for: Couples, honeymooners, and anyone needing a total, stress-free escape focused on sun, sand, and ocean views.
  • Key Destinations: Nungwi, 5Kendwa, and Stone Town
  • Ekuseni Difference: High flexibility to adjust daily activities; Hand-picked mid-range to high-end resorts known for tranquility and exceptional service; Private transfers throughout.

Trip Highlights

  • Four uninterrupted nights on Zanzibar’s most beautiful and tranquil beaches.

  • A captivating Sunset Dhow Cruise on a traditional wooden sailing boat.

  • The World Famous Spice Tour, a gentle and sensory exploration of the island’s aromatic heritage.

  • A morning of exploration in Stone Town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Plenty of time dedicated to spa treatments, swimming, and simply unwinding by the Indian Oce

Zanzibar Relaxation Gallery

Why We Love this Itinerary: Ocean Serenity

This itinerary is designed for the traveler whose main goal is rest and rejuvenation. We deliberately maximize beach time and minimize travel days.

By beginning with a taste of Stone Town’s history before transitioning to the calm of the East Coast, you get the essential Zanzibar experience without sacrificing your desire for peace. The focus remains on flexibility.

Your 5-Day Zanzibar Relaxation Tour, Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival & Stone Town Evening

Upon your arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), your private Ekuseni driver will be waiting to provide a seamless transfer to your boutique hotel in Stone Town. After checking in and taking a moment to settle into your mid-range to high-end accommodation, you can relax after your journey. In the evening, you are free to explore at your leisure. We highly recommend a short, easy walk to the famous Forodhani Gardens Food Market by the waterfront, where you can soak up the vibrant evening atmosphere and choose from a fantastic array of local street food for dinner.

  • Accommodation: Mid-range to high-end Boutique Hotel in Stone Town.

  • Meals: None Included.

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. We will begin with a brief walking tour of Stone Town, focusing on the highlights like the architecture, the iconic carved doors, and the history of the Old Fort.

Immediately after, your private transfer and guide will drive you north-east towards your beach resort. On the way, you will stop for a wonderfully sensory experience at a local Spice Farm. You will see, smell, and taste spices like cloves, vanilla, and nutmeg, learning about their role in Zanzibari culture.

Following the tour, you will complete the transfer and check into your accommodation in Kendwa or Nungwi. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to get comfortable and arrange dinner.

  • Accommodation: Mid-range to high-end Beach Resort in Kendwa or Nungwi.

  • Meals: Breakfast.

After breakfast at your resort, the morning is dedicated to a thrilling yet gentle ocean experience. You will be picked up for a Dolphin Tour near the Mnemba Atoll area. The focus is on spotting these beautiful creatures in the wild. You will also have the option to go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, which are teeming with marine life. This tour takes about three to four hours.

You will then return to the hotel by early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to rest and relax by the pool or on the beach. At 4:00 PM, we will arrange for you to head out for your chosen Sunset Dhow Cruise (either private or shared), sailing the Indian Ocean as the sky lights up with color. You will return in time for a relaxing evening, with dinner arranged at your convenience.

  • Accommodation: Mid-range to high-end accommodation in Kendwa or Nungwi.5

  • Meals: Breakfast.

5Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with an ocean view. This day is reserved for full relaxation, completely according to your own pace.

This is your chance to fully switch off. You might choose to sleep in late, spend the entire day swimming in the pool, take a long walk along the pristine beach, or simply enjoy a book under the shade of a palm tree. This is the day to treat yourself to an optional spa treatment like a Swahili spice scrub. There are no scheduled activities, giving you true freedom and flexibility for lunch and your final dinner.

  • Accommodation: Mid-range to high-end accommodation in Kendwa or Nungwi.

  • Meals: Breakfast.

Based on your flight time, your private Ekuseni driver will meet you at the resort and provide a comfortable, timely transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for your onward journey.

  • Meals: Breakfast.

Common Questions, Expert Answers

Is this a suitable itinerary for a first-time visitor to Zanzibar?

Yes, this itinerary is perfect. It offers a taste of the island’s essential history (Stone Town, Spice Tour) while prioritizing relaxation, ensuring a beautiful, stress-free introduction to Zanzibar.

We recommend a resort or boutique hotel on the East or North-East Coast (like Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani, or Kiwengwa) as they offer more seclusion and better mid-range to high-end options for ultimate beachside tranquility.

Very little! Only Day 1 and Day 2 involve structured cultural tours. Day 3 and 4 are primarily dedicated to leisure, with gentle, optional activities like a sunset cruise or snorkeling available. You set the pace.

While all beaches in Tanzania are public, most of our recommended mid-range to high-end resorts offer extensive private beach frontages with dedicated loungers and service, giving you a strong sense of seclusion.

Yes, Stone Town is very safe. We recommend our guided walking tour to ensure you see the highlights comfortably and securely.

Can I add a Safari (wildlife viewing trip) to this itinerary?

Absolutely. Zanzibar is the perfect starting or finishing point for a Safari. We can easily arrange a flying Safari to a nearby park like Nyerere (Selous) or Ruaha for a few days before or after your relaxation time.

For our guests, we use only private, air-conditioned vehicle transfers. This is the safest, most comfortable, and most flexible way to travel across the island, allowing us to cater to your schedule. (Note: We do not offer self-drive options).

We prioritize booking resorts on less crowded coastlines (East and Southeast) or resorts known for their spacious grounds, allowing you to find a quiet space, even during peak season.

Ekuseni offers a high level of personalized service and flexibility comparable to luxury companies, but we are flexible on the type of accommodation. We cater to mid-range up to high-end luxury resorts, tailoring the entire trip to your specific budget without compromising the quality of your experience.

The East and Southeast coasts experience noticeable tidal changes. We use this to your advantage! Low tide is perfect for a reef walk to see star-fish and marine life, while high tide is ideal for swimming. Your resort will advise you on the daily schedule.

What's Included and Excluded?

Understanding your total trip cost is important, and as your friends, we want to be transparent about what your Ekuseni Zanzibar package will cover:

Price Includes

  • 55Accommodation: 4 nights of mid-range to high-end accommodation (1 Night in Stone Town, 3 Nights in Kendwa or Nungwi).

  • Meals: 4x Breakfasts only (on Days 2, 3, 4, and 5).

  • Private Transfers: All private road transfers, including airport pick-up and drop-off, and travel between Stone Town and the beach resort.

  • Activities: Guided Stone Town Walking Tour, Spice Farm Tour, and a Private Sunset Dhow Cruise.

  • Flexibility: Full support and flexibility to adjust daily activities to your preferred pace.

Price Excludes

  • International and Domestic Flights.

  • Travel Insurance.

  • Visa Fees.

  • All Lunches and Dinners (allowing for maximum flexibility and local exploration).

  • Grades, fees for optional activities not listed (e.g., spa treatments, snorkeling/diving trips, bar drinks).

Start Your Flexible Trip

Your 5-Day Zanzibar Relaxation Tour is ready to be personalized. This itinerary is our expert suggestion, but the real adventure begins when we shape it to your exact wishes and personal budget.

Simply fill out the inquiry form below to tell us a little more about your travel dreams, your budget, and any specific interests. We aim to get back to you within the same business day to start planning your itinerary.