6-Day Zanzibar Tour | Spice, Sand and Soul
Starting from $1,880 USD per person (group of 12) to $2,980 USD per person (2 travelers). All activities included. 40% deposit required to confirm your booking. Full pricing by group size in the interactive table below.
This is Zanzibar at its most complete. The first two nights place you in a beachfront retreat in the heart of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where your hotel’s private cinema, lush gardens, swimming pool, and oceanfront restaurant sit just steps from five centuries of Swahili history.
By day, you move through the island’s most compelling experiences: guided walks through Stone Town’s storied alleyways, a boat crossing to Prison Island and its ancient resident tortoises, a morning on a working spice farm where the air smells of clove and vanilla, and an afternoon in Jozani Forest tracking the island’s endangered red colobus monkeys.
By night, you return to a property that understands the meaning of the word unhurried, with fresh seafood, island spices, global flair, and sunsets that require no filter and very little conversation.
From day three, the journey shifts to the white sand shores of Kendwa Beach, where your all-inclusive Junior Suite Swim-Up room opens directly onto your private plunge pool with the Indian Ocean waiting beyond it.
Guided snorkeling over coral reefs, a half-day on the tidal sandbank at Nakupenda, a sunset dhow cruise, cultural immersion in local communities, and the full-day Safari Blue experience sailing the Menai Bay Marine Reserve fill the remaining days with the kind of substance that most beach holidays only promise.
Every activity in this itinerary is arranged and included by Back to the Source Tours, every meal is covered from arrival to departure, and every detail has been thought through so that the only decision left is how long you want to stay in the water. This tour is built for retreat guests, couples, and island explorers who understand that the finest experiences are rarely the loudest ones.
Apply for your Tanzania visa at: https://visa.immigration.go.tz
Tanzania · Zanzibar
6-Days: Spice, Sand & Soul in Zanzibar
What Does This Journey Cost?
Select your group size below. The more you travel together, the more value every traveler gains. All pricing reflects upper mid-range estimates, per person, in USD.
2 PAX
$2,980
per person
4 PAX
$2,410
per person
6 PAX
$2,218
per person
8 PAX
$2,090
per person
10 PAX
$1,935
per person
12 PAX
$1,880
per person
Traveling as a pair gives you the most exclusive, personalised experience this journey has to offer.
All prices are upper mid-range estimates in USD and subject to change based on travel dates, availability, and seasonal demand. A confirmed quote will be provided upon booking inquiry.
All pricing is based on double occupancy, two travelers sharing one room whether single or twin beds. Solo travelers are warmly welcome; a single supplement for this package ranges from $300 to $500. Back to the Source Tours organizes groups of up to 12 travelers for maximum impact, and larger groups can also be accommodated.
All activities listed in the itinerary are included in the per-person rate. A budget of $400 per person has been allocated to group activities daily. Should you prefer to arrange any activities independently, this amount can be deducted from your rate. That said, Back to the Source Tours has negotiated preferred rates, group discounts, and exclusive access that are not available to individual bookings. In most cases, booking independently will cost more than what is already included, and we would not want you to miss out on the value we have secured on your behalf.
For this itinerary, Back to the Source Tours has selected the finest room categories available at each property. Both hotels do offer more standard room categories that can meaningfully reduce the per-person cost. If budget flexibility is a priority, we are happy to requote based on those options. Just ask.
A NOTE ON ACTIVITIES
Every activity listed in this itinerary is included in your Back to the Source Tours package. Because we negotiate directly with operators and hold discounted group rates across many of these experiences, our arranged pricing consistently delivers better value than booking independently. If you prefer to organize your own activities, that flexibility is available and reduces your per person rate by $350. We do not recommend it. The curation, the logistics, and the relationships we have built on this island are part of what you are investing in.
Day 1: Arrival & Sunset Welcome in Stone Town
Six days of considered luxury, from the carved alleyways of Stone Town to the swim-up suites of Kendwa Beach, designed for those who want the Indian Ocean on their own term
You arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and your Back to the Source Tours driver is waiting. The transfer to your beachfront Stone Town hotel is short; your afternoon is entirely yours.
Settle into a property that sits directly on the Indian Ocean with swimming pool, lush gardens, and a gym at your disposal, and a private cinema for when the evening calls for something different from stars and sea air.
At sundown, step out to Forodhani Gardens, the legendary seafront night market that fires up from 6:00 PM. Grilled octopus, Zanzibar pizza, coconut juice, and sugar cane presses line the seawall with the call to prayer rising above the old city. This is Stone Town’s most generous first impression, and it costs almost nothing.
Day 2: Explore Stone Town & Prison Island
Morning begins with a guided walk through one of the most historically dense urban environments in East Africa. Your guide moves you through labyrinthine alleys, bustling spice markets, and centuries-old landmarks including the Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the former slave market site. Beyond the landmarks, you discover the living culture of Stone Town: artisan workshops, the fragrance of cardamom rising from open stalls, carved doorways that each tell a different family’s story, and authentic Zanzibari cuisine at local eateries.
After lunch, a wooden boat carries you twenty-five minutes across turquoise water to Prison Island. The island’s Aldabra giant tortoises, some believed to be approaching 200 years old, share their sanctuary with the ruins of a colonial-era building that stands as one of Zanzibar’s most layered and quietly moving historical sites. Swim in the clear water around the island before the boat returns you to Stone Town in time for dinner at the oceanfront restaurant.
Day 3: Spice Tour, Jozani Forest & Transfer to Kendwa
After breakfast, the Spice Farm Tour takes you into the aromatic plantations of Masingini, where the history of Zanzibar’s spice trade becomes tangible. Press fresh cloves between your fingers, taste vanilla from the vine, watch nutmeg split to reveal its vivid red mace, and hear the story of why this island was once the most coveted piece of real estate in the Indian Ocean.
The transfer north to Kendwa passes through the heart of the island, where an optional stop at Jozani Forest offers a guided walk through Zanzibar’s last surviving indigenous forest and a rare encounter with the endangered red colobus monkey. You arrive at your Kendwa beachfront hotel in the afternoon. Your all-inclusive Junior Suite Swim-Up room is waiting, one of only five of its category, with your private pool connecting you to one of the finest stretches of coastline in the Indian Ocean.
Day 4: Kendwa Leisure & Coastal Excursions
A boat from the Kendwa waterfront carries you to Nakupenda Sandbank. A crescent of white sand emerges from turquoise water at low tide, coral gardens sit below the surface, and a fresh seafood barbecue is set up directly on the sand. Guides assist with snorkeling equipment while you explore the coral reefs and the rich marine biodiversity of this protected stretch of the Indian Ocean.
As the light turns amber, a traditional dhow sunset cruise carries you offshore on the Indian Ocean, where Kendwa‘s legendary sunset unfolds from the deck of a wooden sailing vessel.
Day 5: Safari Blue: The Full-Day Signature Experience
An early transfer carries you south to Fumba fishing village, where a traditional dhow sets sail across the Menai Bay Marine Conservation Area. Dolphins break the surface near the bow. Coral gardens hold parrotfish, angelfish, sea turtles, and formations of living reef. Midday brings a Swahili seafood barbecue on Kwale Island under ancient baobab trees: grilled lobster, coconut rice, calamari, fresh salads, and tropical fruit. The afternoon continues with a remote sandbank stop and a swim in a hidden lagoon.
Day 6: Final Moments & Departure
No schedule. No obligations. Your final morning belongs to the beach, to breakfast at the oceanfront restaurant, or to one last slow hour at your private swim-up pool. When the time comes, your Back to the Source Tours driver coordinates a smooth transfer back to the airport.
Zanzibar sends everyone off the same way: with the faint smell of cloves, the feeling of warm water on salt-dried skin, and the unresolved question of when exactly you are coming back.
More info about this tour
Accommodation as per the itinerary:
- 2 nights at a beachfront hotel in Stone Town (Days 1 and 2)
- 3 nights at an all-inclusive beachfront hotel in Kendwa with Junior Suite Swim-Up room (Days 3, 4, and 5)
All meals from arrival to departure: full board in Stone Town, all-inclusive in Kendwa
All activities: Guided Stone Town walking tour, Prison Island boat trip and giant tortoise visit, Spice Farm Tour at Masingini, optional Jozani Forest red colobus monkey walk, Nakupenda Sandbank snorkeling trip and seafood barbecue, traditional dhow sunset cruise, full-day Safari Blue experience in Menai Bay Marine Conservation Area
Airport transfers: arrival and departure transfers between Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and your hotels
Inter-island transfer: private transfer from Stone Town to Kendwa Beach on Day 3. To and from activities
All Back to the Source Tours planning, logistics, and 24-hour support
NOTE: If you prefer to organize your own activities independently, your per person rate reduces by $350. Back to the Source Tours does not recommend this as our negotiated group rates and curated logistics consistently deliver better value than booking independently.
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International flights to and from Zanzibar
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Tanzania visa (apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz before travel)
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Travel insurance: not included but strongly recommended
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Personal expenses: souvenirs and beverages outside of included meals
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Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
- Medical expenses: Any incurred medical costs
This itinerary has been curated around two carefully selected properties that represent the finest room categories at each location.
Stone Town (Days 1 and 2): A beachfront hotel in the heart of Stone Town with private cinema, lush gardens, swimming pool, gym, and an oceanfront restaurant. Positioned directly on the Indian Ocean with immediate access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s historic alleyways, markets, and waterfront.
Kendwa Beach (Days 3, 4, and 5): An all-inclusive beachfront resort on one of Zanzibar’s finest stretches of coastline. Your Junior Suite Swim-Up room is one of only five of its category, with a private plunge pool opening directly onto the beach. The all-inclusive plan covers all meals, selected beverages, and resort facilities.
Both hotels also offer more standard room categories that can meaningfully reduce the per-person cost. If budget flexibility is a priority, Back to the Source Tours is happy to requote based on those options.
Group travel offers exceptional value on this 6-day Zanzibar tour. All prices are upper mid-range estimates in USD per person based on double occupancy.
- Group of 2 travelers: $2,980 USD per person
- Group of 4 travelers: $2,410 USD per person (save 19%)
- Group of 6 travelers: $2,218 USD per person (save 26%)
- Group of 8 travelers: $2,090 USD per person (save 30%)
- Group of 10 travelers: $1,935 USD per person (save 35%)
- Group of 12 travelers: $1,880 USD per person (save 37%)
Single supplement: $300 to $500 USD per person depending on room type and travel dates. All prices are upper mid-range estimates and subject to change based on travel dates and seasonal demand. Contact Back to the Source Tours for a personalized quote.
To secure your booking, a 40% deposit is required. Your initial payment allows Back to the Source Tours to confirm your hotel rooms, activities, and all service provider arrangements.
Our preferred payment method is bank wire transfer. We also accept credit card payments through Pesapal, though applicable processing fees will apply. Make a card payment at: store.pesapal.com/backtothesourcetours.
We offer flexible payment timelines based on how far in advance your travel dates are scheduled. Check our Booking Policy for full details on payment schedules, cancellation terms, and refund conditions.
Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate and is a year-round destination, but certain months offer ideal conditions for each activity on this itinerary.
June to October (long dry season): The best overall time. Kendwa Beach is dry, sunny, and warm. The Indian Ocean is calm and clear for snorkeling at Nakupenda Sandbank and the Safari Blue experience. Stone Town is at its most pleasant. Whale shark season runs October to February, bringing an additional exceptional marine encounter.
December to February: Warm and mostly dry with occasional short showers. Whale shark season is at its peak. Kendwa Beach is sheltered from the southeast trade winds and remains calm and swimmable even during the short rains.
March to May (long rainy season): Heavier rainfall and rougher seas. Some boat excursions including Safari Blue and the Nakupenda Sandbank trip may not operate during this period. Not recommended for this particular itinerary as several included activities are weather-dependent.
July to September is peak season for Zanzibar. Book at least 3 to 4 months in advance to secure the Junior Suite Swim-Up rooms at Kendwa, as only five are available. Contact Back to the Source Tours to check availability for your preferred dates.
How much does this 6-day Zanzibar tour cost?
This 6-day Zanzibar tour starts from $1,880 USD per person for a group of 12, up to $2,980 USD per person for 2 travelers. All activities are included. A 40% deposit is required to confirm your booking. Contact Back to the Source Tours for a personalized quote based on your travel dates and group size.
Are all activities really included?
Yes. Every activity listed in the itinerary is included in your Back to the Source Tours package: the Stone Town guided walk, Prison Island boat trip, Spice Farm Tour, Jozani Forest walk, Nakupenda Sandbank snorkeling trip, sunset dhow cruise, and the full-day Safari Blue experience. Back to the Source Tours negotiates directly with operators and holds discounted group rates that consistently deliver better value than booking independently.
What is Safari Blue?
Safari Blue is Zanzibar’s most celebrated full-day marine excursion, sailing from Fumba fishing village across the Menai Bay Marine Conservation Area on a traditional dhow. The day includes dolphin watching, snorkeling over coral gardens with parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles, a grilled lobster and seafood barbecue on Kwale Island, a sandbank swim, and a hidden lagoon stop. It is included in your tour price.
What is the Nakupenda Sandbank?
Nakupenda is a crescent of white sand that emerges from turquoise water at low tide off the coast near Kendwa Beach. The excursion includes a boat transfer, snorkeling over the surrounding coral reefs, and a fresh seafood barbecue set up directly on the sand. It is included in your tour price and takes place on Day 4.
What are the Jozani Forest red colobus monkeys?
The Zanzibar red colobus monkey is found only on Zanzibar Island and is one of Africa’s most endangered primates. Jozani Forest is Zanzibar’s last surviving indigenous forest and the primary habitat for the species. The guided walk offers a reliable close encounter with these distinctive rust-and-white primates in their natural forest environment. The Jozani stop on Day 3 is included in your tour.
What is the room type at Kendwa Beach?
Your Kendwa accommodation is a Junior Suite Swim-Up room, one of only five of its category at the property. The room opens directly onto a private plunge pool with the Indian Ocean beyond. The hotel is all-inclusive covering all meals and selected beverages.
Do I need a Tanzania visa for Zanzibar?
Yes. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and most nationalities require a Tanzania visa. Apply online before travel at visa.immigration.go.tz. Back to the Source Tours advises on visa requirements for your specific nationality.
Can I combine this tour with a Tanzania safari?
Yes. Back to the Source Tours can combine this 6-day Zanzibar tour with a Serengeti National Park safari, a Ngorongoro Crater visit, or a Kilimanjaro base camp experience. We can also add it as a beach extension after a Uganda gorilla trekking tour or a Kenya Maasai Mara safari for the perfect bush-and-beach combination. Contact us with your available dates.
Pair This Zanzibar Tour with More of East Africa
Zanzibar is the perfect finish to any East Africa journey, and Back to the Source Tours makes it easy to connect this island tour with the rest of the region.
Combine with a Kenya Maasai Mara safari (4 to 7 days): Game drives across the Maasai Mara followed by six days of island life in Zanzibar. The classic bush-and-beach combination that East Africa does better than anywhere else in the world.
Add a Tanzania safari (3 to 7 days): Combine Zanzibar with a Serengeti National Park wildlife safari and a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. Both are in Tanzania, making the logistics simple and the experience extraordinary.
Add Uganda wildlife safari (7 days): The 7-day Ziwa Rhino and Murchison Falls safari pairs naturally with Zanzibar as a complete East Africa journey combining savannah, waterfall, and coast.
Contact Back to the Source Tours with your travel dates and we will build the right combination. Fill in our travel form and we respond within 24 hours with a personalized itinerary and confirmed quote.
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