Africa has always been a fascinating destination for us, and it was on top our bucket list for a long time. For my 30th birthday, we booked a 2 weeks trip to Zanzibar and Kenya. It was a tough decision considering we had to choose with the likes of Tanzania, Namibia, Madagascar, South Africa, and Zambia. We chose Zanzibar for its beaches, and Kenya for wildlife parks. In this blog post, we talk about our 7 days in Zanzibar.
What to pack for a trip to Zanzibar
When preparing for a trip to Zanzibar, it’s essential to consider the tropical climate of this stunning island paradise. With its warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, lightweight and breathable clothing is a must to stay comfortable in the heat. Here are a few items you’ll want to pack and why:
- Good quality backpack: We recommend the Lowe Alpine Airzone Trail for its durability and comfort.
- Microfiber towel: Compact and quick-drying, it takes up less space than a regular towel.
- Swimwear: Essential for seaside activities.
- Swimming mask and snorkel: Must-haves for snorkeling.
- Sun cream: To protect against the strong sun.
- Underwater camera: Perfect for capturing photos and videos while snorkeling.
- Travel adaptor: Zanzibar typically uses Type G electrical outlets. An international travel adaptor is a versatile option for all your travels.
- Comfortable footwear: Opt for lightweight and breathable shoes that provide adequate support and ventilation for walking in the warm climate.
- Flip-flops and sandals: One for the beach, one for walking around.
7 Days in Zanzibar: Our trip to Nungwi
We set off for Zanzibar, heading straight to Unguja, the main island of the Archipelago. Our first stop on our 7-day adventure was Nungwi, located on the northern tip of the island. Once a small fishing village, Nungwi has undergone a complete transformation since the late ’90s, with tourism now shaping its landscape. Today, it’s a bustling destination, offering a mix of resorts, bars, restaurants, and everything a tourist could need. Nungwi Beach, with its stunning blue-turquoise waters, immediately captivated us upon arrival.

We stayed at Papaya Guesthouse, a comfy and affordable place within walking distance of the beach. It features minimal bungalows and a nice garden where they serve breakfast. We enjoyed our stay at Papaya and would recommend it. If you fancy hotels with a sea view, then the Z Hotel would be a great choice.
Take it Pole Pole
Life in Zanzibar moves at a slow pace. There’s no rush—just calm, relaxation, and tranquility. The local motto, “pole pole,” meaning “slowly, slowly” or “take it easy,” perfectly captures the vibe. In this laid-back atmosphere, it’s impossible not to reflect on the constant pressure of our fast-paced western lives. The moments spent here made us embrace their relaxed way of living. We certainly took our time in Nungwi, embracing the “pole pole” mindset 😊.
The first two days were all about complete relaxation at the beach. I decided to switch things up and try something new—getting my hair done in intricate braids. It took about three hours with two ladies working on it at once. I simply relaxed, patiently waiting, and enjoyed one of the most stunning sunsets I’ve ever seen. Sunsets in Africa are renowned for their beauty, and experiencing one firsthand was truly magical.

Diving in Mnemba Atoll
The big day had finally arrived—I was turning 30! My loved one had planned the perfect way to celebrate: two dives in Mnemba Atoll, the largest conservation area in Zanzibar. We chose to dive with Spanish Dancer Divers, as they had fantastic reviews and were highly recommended. They did not disappoint. The team was professional, friendly, and made the entire experience unforgettable.
A magnificent birthday
Our first dive took us to Kichuani, where we explored a vertical wall teeming with vibrant corals. The second dive was in Wattabomi, which offered easy slopes and a sandy bottom adorned with plate corals. One of the highlights was spotting a scorpionfish! It was a perfect birthday adventure!

For those who haven’t tried diving yet, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s a truly unique experience that opens up a whole new world!
After our dives, we made the most of the afternoon by swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Nungwi, soaking in the beauty of the place. Another magnificent sunset followed, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. As evening approached, we got dressed up for a special night out and treated ourselves to a fantastic dinner on the Z Hotel’s balcony, with a breathtaking view of the sea. The food was delicious, and the staff was incredibly warm and welcoming. It was the perfect way to celebrate, and I could never have imagined such a wonderful birthday. Truly an unforgettable day!
A visit to Stone Town
During our 7 days in Zanzibar we couldn’t miss a visit to Stone Town, so we booked a tour to the capital Zanzibar City. With its historical center of Stone Town, Zanzibar City is one of the main highlights of the island. UNESCO World Heritage Site since the year 2000, Stone Town has experienced an incredible mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian, European, and African cultures.
Our walking tour in Stone Town
The walking tour started with a visit to Freddie Mercury’s birthplace house, today Tembo House Hotel, and place of pilgrimage for the biggest fans of the celebrity. While walking around the streets we admired the houses made of corals, with the porches beautifully decorated in Indian style. Every porch has a unique look because back then, every Indian family had a status symbol that they carved at the doors to recognize the different families.
We made our way past the Old Fort, the very first structure built in Stone Town. Nowadays, it serves as the venue for the Zanzibar Film Festival. Afterward, we visited The House of Wonders, the former residence of the Sultan. This historic building was groundbreaking, as it was the first in Zanzibar to have electricity and the first in East Africa to feature an elevator. The blend of history and innovation made it a fascinating stop on our tour.

The Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church left a profound impact on us. Built on the site of the largest slave market in Zanzibar, the church’s historical significance cannot be overstated. Adjacent to the church is a monument honoring the enslaved people, along with a museum dedicated to the history of slavery. The museum offers an eye-opening collection of photographs and takes you through the tragic history of slavery in Zanzibar. We were also able to visit the grotto where slaves were once kept before being sold.
It was an incredibly moving experience—both heartbreaking and educational.
Our final stop of the day was the Darajani Bazaar, the bustling market of Stone Town. Here, you can find a wide array of local foods, spices, and vibrant colors that make it a sensory delight. It was a perfect end to our day of exploration in Stone Town.

If you are planning to stay longer, check out the best hotels in Stone Town
How to get around in Zanzibar
In Zanzibar, there are no official public buses, but the local minibuses called dala dalas provide a form of transportation. These minibuses are privately owned and will only depart once they are full, which means you’ll need to have a bit of patience. Alternatively, you might get lucky and catch one that happens to pass by your location and stops to pick you up.
While dala dalas are the most budget-friendly way to get around, they are also the slowest. The buses tend to be crowded, so it’s essential to be mindful of your belongings, as there can be a lot of people packed into these vehicles.
Taxis and tour companies are the way to go
During our 7 days in Zanzibar, we always got around by taxi or private transfers. We found it to be the best way to get around Zanzibar because they pick you up at your location. They do tend to increase the prices whenever they see tourists, and you will need to haggling a bit to get a fair price. If you want to avoid haggling, you could book your transfers in Zanzibar from the widget below.
The long beaches of Paje
Paje is a charming village on the eastern coast of Unguja, Zanzibar, and it offers a great variety of water sports activities like surfing, kitesurfing, and jet skiing, making it a popular spot for adventure lovers. The beach in Paje is stunning, with its white sand and beautiful blue waters, which is exactly what many visitors dream of.
However, it’s important to be aware of the tides in this area. They can shift rapidly and without much warning, which may make swimming challenging during low tide. You might find yourself walking for quite a while towards the water without reaching a deep enough area for a proper swim. So, it’s a good idea to check tide schedules or ask locals for advice on the best time to visit the beach for swimming.
Day 1: Relax and treats
On our first day in Paje, we were too tired to do much, so we indulged in a relaxing lunch at one of the beachside restaurants. We spent the afternoon watching people zoom around on jet skis. For our stay, we chose Take it Easy Guesthouse, where the owner, Marco, made us feel right at home. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the breakfast was delicious. Plus, the guesthouse was just a short walk to the beach. We loved the cozy balcony, where we savored morning breakfasts and chilled out with cold beers in the evening.
That night, we dressed up and headed to The Rock, a famous seafood restaurant perched on a rock in the middle of the sea. We soaked in the sunset with cocktails in hand, enjoyed a sumptuous seafood dinner, and marveled at the clear sky, bursting with stars.

Day 2: Seaweed farming experience and Michamvi Kae
The next morning, we woke up early to fully enjoy the beach. With the tides low, we witnessed local women working on the beach, cultivating red seaweed. Rows of sticks were neatly aligned as the women carefully tended to them, resembling a field of crops—but on the sand.
Zanzibar is one of the top exporters of red seaweed, with Paje being the main producer. The cultivation of this plant has traditionally been a female-dominated industry, with 90% of workers in this sector in Paje being women. Unfortunately, rising sea temperatures are making it increasingly difficult to grow red seaweed in the area.

For the other half of the day, we hired a taxi and went to Michamvi Kae beach. This beach is located in a bay and it is known to be one of the best places to watch sunsets in Zanzibar. On the beach there is a bar where they serve cocktails and fish too. The food was nice but the service was extremely slow (always remember: pole pole!). We took our time and enjoyed swimming, sunbathing, and taking photos at sunset.


A visit to Makunduchi
On our last day in Paje, we decided to step off the tourist path and experience the everyday life of the locals. We learned that Marco’s brother-in-law, a driver from the nearby village of Makunduchi, could take us there. Eager to explore, we asked him to show us around his village. Before heading out, we stopped to buy some stationery and sweets, intending to visit the local school as well.
A walk around Makunduchi village
Our first stop was the popular square where locals celebrate “Mwaka Kogwa,” a Persian-inspired festival. During this celebration, people engage in ritual battles and burn a hut, with the direction of the smoke predicting the future

Afterward, we strolled through the village. Makunduchi lacks proper roads, and many people still live in mud-built houses. Most locals maintain gardens with livestock and fruit plants. Learning about the traditions and lifestyle of this village, directly from our guide, was eye-opening. Despite the modest living conditions, it was clear that people are content and find joy in what little they have.
A visit to Makunduchi school
When we arrived at the school, we asked the director for permission to visit the classes. The students were thrilled to have visitors and greeted us like celebrities! The teachers shared that many students come from poor families and often face a future of poverty, which leads many of them to start working at a young age and drop out of school.
They used our visit as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of continuing education. We decided to contribute by handing out stationery and sweets, and even held brief English and Italian lessons, offering encouragement and support. We left wishing them all the best, especially the graduating students. To them, we were the visitors from afar, reminding them to never give up on their education.

Time for conclusions...
Our visit to Makunduchi school marked the end of our 7 days in Zanzibar. It was a deeply emotional and unique experience that truly opened our eyes. These moments made us realize how fortunate we are and how important it is to appreciate the lives we live.
The next morning, we took an early flight to Mombasa, but we’ll forever cherish our time in Zanzibar. From my unforgettable birthday to Nungwi’s stunning beach, and the cultural richness of Stone Town, every moment was special. Learning about the seaweed cultivation in Paje was both fascinating and heartbreaking, and Makunduchi will always have a special place in our hearts. We’re still in touch with some of the locals there.
We hope this post inspires you as you plan your own trip to Zanzibar.
If you want to see more pictures of this trip, check out our Instagram page.
Don’t forget to read about the highlight of our visit to Kenya: Safari Africa: Discovering Tsavo East and Amboseli.
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