Itinerary

Sunday, October 17 – Saturday, October 24, 2027

Once known as the “Spice Islands,” the Zanzibar archipelago sits 25 miles off the Tanzanian coast. Wander the winding alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site alive with centuries of culture; breathe in the intoxicating scents of a working spice plantation; and dive into a vibrant mosaic of traditions, flavors, and extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. This optional post-trip extension is a relaxing, enriching way to round out your 14-day Tanzania safari.

What’s Included:

  • Airfare between Arusha and Zanzibar, and Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam
  • 7 days and 5 nights’ accommodation
  • 11 meals (5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners)
  • 6 small group activities
  • Experienced Local Tour Director 
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters
  • All transfers

Important Note about Travel Insurance: The Zanzibar government is mandating travel insurance for all inbound travelers. This mandatory travel insurance must be purchased through the approved Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. The insurance is valid for up to 92-days in Zanzibar and will cost $44 per person. We recommend waiting to purchase the insurance until you are at least 30 days out from your departure. You can purchase the insurance through the approved Zanzibar Insurance Corporation at www.visitzanzibar.go.tz. If you already have travel insurance, either through the Travel Protection Plan offered by Travel Deliciously or on your own, you will still need to purchase the additional mandatory insurance to travel to Zanzibar. You will be denied entry at the immigration checkpoints should you arrive in Zanzibar without proof of insurance. 

Overnight at Swahili House or Similar | Breakfast Included (At Moivaro Lodge in Arusha)

In the afternoon, after a short flight to Zanzibar Island—known locally as “Unguja”—the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. For dinner, you’re free to explore on your own, and with Zanzibar’s reputation for exceptional seafood, it’s the perfect opportunity to sample traditional mchuzi wa pweza (octopus curry). In the evening, you can continue to explore around the island or unwind in your room, resting up for another exciting day ahead.

Overnight at Swahili House or Similar | Breakfast included

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting out on an immersive walking tour of historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, led by a local guide. As you weave through its maze of narrow streets, uncover a rich tapestry of influences—from Persian and Portuguese roots to the legacy of the Omani sultanate and British rule—all infused with vibrant Swahili culture. Along the way, explore bustling markets, visit East Africa’s first Anglican cathedral and its powerful Slave Memorial, wander through the Old Arab Fort, and step inside the Palace Museum, a fascinating glimpse into Zanzibar’s royal past. After the tour, enjoy time at your leisure, where you continue exploring on your own and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant or take an optional hands-on cooking experience in the home of a local Zanzibari family. 

Tonight, we will gather together again and head to the shore for a magical two-hour sunset cruise aboard a traditional dhow sailboat. In the evening, dine where you please—perhaps sampling a comforting bowl of coconut bean soup and soaking up the island’s energy as you stroll the lively streets by night or unwind with a cocktail alongside your fellow travelers.

Optional Lunch Cooking Lesson with Zanzibari Family: Expand your cooking knowledge with an in-depth lesson on Zanzibar’s creative cuisine. We’ll visit a home in Stone Town and learn to prepare signature dishes from the region, including Briyani, Mseto, and Wali (rice). You’ll learn how to incorporate locally sourced spices into a meal you prepare with the assistance of our local host.

Cost: $45pp (Pre-Sign Up Required)

Overnight at Fumba Beach Lodge or Similar | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before venturing into Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park—Zanzibar’s only national park and the sole place on Earth where you can spot the rare red colobus monkey. Stroll along raised boardwalks through lush mangrove forests as you encounter unique coastal flora and wildlife, from curious fiddler crabs to vibrant birdlife.

Then, step into a nearby tropical butterfly garden to witness the dazzling beauty and fascinating life cycle of Zanzibar’s native species. Afterward, journey to your new lodge set along a secluded stretch of the Menai Beach Conservation Area, where a scenic setting and a relaxing lunch await. Following some free time, come together for a thought-provoking discussion on one of Zanzibar’s most pressing social issues—the limited opportunities for women in the tourism industry—offering meaningful insight into the island’s cultural and economic landscape. As evening falls, enjoy dinner at the lodge before embracing the night at your own pace—whether that means exploring local markets, discovering new spices, or simply unwinding in the tranquil coastal atmosphere.

Overnight at Fumba Beach Lodge or Similar | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before strolling to the dhow marina, where your adventure across Menai Bay begins aboard a traditional Zanzibari motorboat. Gliding along the island’s largest protected marine area, you’ll be surrounded by a dazzling seascape of coral reefs, mangrove forests, and shimmering schools of tropical fish.

As you explore secluded islets like Komunda and Miwi, keep an eye out for playful pods of dolphins cutting through the waves. Dive into the warm, cerulean waters for a refreshing swim or snorkel among the vibrant marine life, then savor a picnic lunch in this idyllic island setting. After returning to your lodge, enjoy free time to unwind or continue exploring at your own pace. In the evening, gather for dinner at the lodge before choosing your perfect night—whether that’s browsing local shops, sharing stories with fellow travelers, or simply soaking in the tranquil coastal ambiance.

Overnight at Fumba Beach Lodge or Similar | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off for a fragrant journey to a local spice plantation—the very heart of the “Spice Islands” legacy. As you travel through lush countryside, take in the sights and scents of Zanzibar’s tropical abundance, from cinnamon and vanilla to vibrant fruit trees.

At the plantation, a local guide will bring the island’s history to life, sharing how cloves—introduced in 1818—transformed Zanzibar into a global spice powerhouse. You’ll see, touch, and smell an array of spices, including clove, cardamom, nutmeg, and peppercorn, along with tropical delights like jackfruit, pineapple, and coconut.

After returning to the lodge for lunch, enjoy a leisurely afternoon at your own pace before gathering for a relaxed sunset cocktail party on the beach. As the day fades, celebrate your journey with a memorable Farewell Dinner by the ocean (weather permitting). In the evening, savor your final moments in paradise—whether that means sharing stories over one last drink, unwinding in your room, or taking in the magic of the beach under the stars.

Breakfast Included

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out for an authentic visit to a nearby fishing village with a local guide who was born and raised there. As you explore, gain a deeper understanding of daily life in this close-knit, majority-Muslim community, where generations have carried on the traditions of the sea.

Wander through a lively local market filled with color and energy before returning to the hotel. After lunch on your own, your journey continues as you head to the airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam, where you’ll connect to your overnight flight home—bringing your unforgettable Zanzibar adventure to a close.

Flight arrives back in the U.S. Flight is included with your package. Flight details will be provided to you a few months before the trip’s departure. Options to upgrade your seats will be available. Please note that you can request a seat upgrade at the time of reservation.

Optional Shuttle from Chicago O’Hare Airport to Milwaukee on Saturday, October 24, 2027: Available for an additional fee. Details about the shuttle will be provided to you as the trip’s departure date approaches. Please indicate your interest in the shuttle on your reservation form.