Zanzibar
December 22 - 26, 2024 (5D4N): After an exhilarating safari, we set our sights on Zanzibar, an island I’d longed to visit since discovering a bar of the same name in New York City. While Zanzibar’s Stone Town, a historic UNESCO site, exuded old-world charm, it wasn’t as well-maintained as I had hoped. The beaches in Zanzibar were decent, though not as spectacular as those in the Caribbean. Nonetheless, our experience was enriched by the people we met: a new like-minded friend from Miami, a talented chef from California, and a lovely couple who ran one of the most memorable hotels we stayed at. We also connected with two vibrant South African travelers, making our holiday season in December 2024 truly special.
*Highly Recommended for food & drinks
Day 1 (Stone Town)
Afternoon arrival in ZNZ from ARK via FlightLink (it was delayed by over 2+ hours)
Airport Transfer ($15 cash) to Stone Town
Check in @ Shaba Boutique Hotel or Emerson Spice
Dinner @ The Box by Ashley.Maybe*
Gelato @ Mamma Mia Gelato*
Day 2 (Stone Town/Kidoti)
Breakfast @ hotel
10-12:30 pm Explore the city of Stone Town for free with Allyznzguide (our experience was average, I’d recommend finding another guide)
Palace Museum (pic outside)
Agha Khan Mosque (pic outside)
Swahili House rooftop bar (cash only)
Darajani Market (be ready for the real market experience)
Hamamni Baths (pic outside)
House of Wonders (pic outside)
Fruit shakes @ Archipelago Waterfront Zanzibar* (beautiful beach views)
Walk through the Suicide Alley…
Birthplace of Freddie Mercury (pic outside)
Rental car @ AllyKeys Car Hire (please read my review and decide if it is a good fit)
Check-in @ Paradise City and Jetsurf (amazing stay & food)
ATM @ BARCLAY ATM station
Dinner & drinks @ Kibanda Beach Club
Day 3 (Koditi/Nungwi Beach)
Breakfast @ hotel
Paddle Boarding to an island nearby
Lunch @ Paradise City and Jetsurf*
Nungwi Beach (beware of the beach boys)
Dinner @ Paradise City and Jetsurf*
Day 4 (Muyuni Beach/Pingwe Beach)
Breakfast @ hotel
Muyuni Beach (~30 mins drive):
Hire a boat to snorkel around Mnemba Island (should be less than USD40)
Check-in @ The View of Zanzibar (~2 hr drive; an unique stay)
Lunch @ Coconut Restaurant*
Christmas Eve dinner @ The Rock*
Day 5
Drive to ZNZ (~80 mins drive)
Return rental at ZNZ
Priority Pass Lounge @ Marhaba Business Lounge (T3)
Morning departure to NBO from ZNZ via Kenya Airways
Other points of interest & food
Local cooking experience with Mamas of Zanzibar
Dine @ Zanzibar Coffee House or The Secret Garden at Emerson Spice in Stone Town
Tips:
The ‘G’ type plug is used most commonly in Zanzibar, although a few establishments will have the round-pin ‘D’ type plugs.
Do dress modestly off the beach, and remember you are visiting a majority-Muslim island.
Do skip the Night Food Market in Stone Town. I’ve heard negative experiences from other travelers. Save yourself the trouble and visit The Box by Ashley.Maybe instead.
Do remember to get your mandatory insurance for inbound travelers online from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. Once bought, you should get a QR code, which is now checked on arrival at immigration.
Don't rely on using your credit cards or mobile money—cash is king outside of hotels and some restaurants. There are some banks with ATMs in town to withdraw cash.
Renting a car and driving yourself is an adventurous yet rewarding experience. Do ensure you have the proper documentation and some small pocket change to pay off the cops. Or in our case, stand firm without giving in to the corruption.
