Zanzibar: a Seaside Paradise
By bike and by kayak, the Spice Island reveals its hidden treasures between sandbars and Colobus forests.
Duration
11 days
From
€1,730/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover Tanzanie differently through an active and immersive journey on the island of Zanzibar. Between turquoise seas, coastal villages and tropical forests, this itinerary invites you to explore the island at the pace of kayaking, cycling and hiking. You navigate between islets and sandbanks, follow the coastline through rural landscapes and meet local communities.
From the cultural discovery of Stone Town to the beaches of Nungwi, Pongwe or Jambiani, each stage alternates between outdoor activities and moments of relaxation. This stay emphasizes experience, sustainable mobility and local immersion, with carefully selected accommodations and the support of an attentive team.
An ideal journey for travelers seeking soft adventure, nature and authenticity in the heart of Zanzibar.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Stone Town
Zanzibar Airport → Stone Town
Your trip begins upon arrival at Zanzibar airport. You are welcomed by your English-speaking guide, who accompanies you to your hotel, the Dhow Palace, located in the heart of the old town of Stone Town*. This historic quarter captivates with its authentic atmosphere, narrow streets and ancient buildings that testify to the island's rich past.
The morning is free so you can settle in comfortably and rest, depending on your arrival time. You can take advantage of this time to relax or start soaking in the unique ambiance of the city by strolling near your accommodation.
In the afternoon, you set off for a guided tour of Stone Town* with your English-speaking guide. This discovery allows you to better understand the history and cultural heritage of this emblematic city, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Lunch and dinner are free, giving you the opportunity to discover at your own pace the local addresses and specialties offered in the city's restaurants. Night at the Dhow Palace on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) basis.
In the afternoon, you depart for a guided tour of Stone Town with your English-speaking guide. This discovery allows you to better understand the history and cultural heritage of this emblematic city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch and dinner are at your leisure, giving you the opportunity to discover at your own pace local addresses and specialties offered in the city's restaurants. Night at Dhow Palace on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) basis.
Escape at Prison Island
Stone Town → Prison Island
After breakfast, you take charge of your kayaks for your first sea outing departing from Stone Town. This approximately four-hour excursion takes you to Prison Island, a small island known for its giant tortoises.
Once there, you enjoy a picnic before heading out for a snorkeling session to observe the seabed and the aquatic life surrounding the island. The sea can sometimes be rough, adding a dynamic dimension to this experience.
Prison Island → Stone Town
You return to Stone Town in the middle of the day.
The rest of the time is free for you to rest or enjoy the atmosphere of the old town at your own pace.
Dinner is free. Night at Dhow Palace on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) basis.
Expedition to Pange Sandbank
Stone Town → Pange Island
After breakfast, you set off for a new day of exploration by kayak. This outing takes you about 8 kilometers to an isolated sandbank, accessible only by sea.
There, you enjoy a barbecue lunch featuring seafood, accompanied by drinks and tropical fruits. This moment is also an opportunity to relax and savor the peaceful setting of white sand and turquoise waters.
Pange Island → Stone Town
In the afternoon, you set sail again to reach Stone Town, after approximately five hours of sailing in total.
The rest of the day is free for you to rest or enjoy the city at your own pace.
Dinner is at your leisure. Night at Dhow Palace on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) basis.
Exploration of Nungwi Beach
Today, you leave Stone Town* to head to the north of the island. In the morning, a vehicle transfer takes you to Nungwi beach, renowned for its pleasant setting and beach atmosphere.
Once settled, you set off on a Spice Tour, a guided visit to discover local spice plantations. This immersion allows you to learn more about the crops that contributed to Zanzibar's reputation, while strolling through a state farm.
The rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach or your accommodation at your own pace. Dinner is on your own, with the option to choose from the many restaurants located beachside.
Cycling Adventure to Pongwe Beach
Nungwi → Pongwe
Early morning departure for a bike adventure of approximately 45 km heading south, until Pongwe. This itinerary takes you through the Kiwengwa/Pongwe Forest, a natural space recognized for the richness of its fauna and flora. With a bit of luck, you may be able to observe Colobus monkeys, Sykes monkeys or even suni antelopes.
Along the way, you also discover the rural daily life of the island with a visit to a sugar cane farm and the crossing of landscapes dotted with rice paddies.
Upon arrival at Pongwe, you enjoy a relaxing moment on the beach before dining at your hotel.
Overnight stay on a Half Board (HB) basis.
Bike Hike to Jambiani Beach
Pongwe → Chwaka
Today, you take your bikes again for a new stage of approximately 35 km through Zanzibar's coastal landscapes. You start by riding 13 km to Chwaka where you board a dhow, a traditional wooden boat, to cross the bay to Michamvi point.
Chwaka → Michamvi
Michamvi → Jambiani
From this point, you continue your cycling itinerary along the south coast for approximately 22 km, heading towards Jambiani Beach. This stage allows you to discover the coastline at your own pace, between villages and marine panoramas.
Upon arrival, you enjoy the peaceful setting of the beach before dinner.
Night at Casa del Mar hotel.
Relaxation Day in Jambiani
This day is dedicated to relaxation and discovery of the coast. In the morning, you board a local dhow for an excursion beyond the coral reef.
During this outing, you have the opportunity to meet the women of the village who cultivate seaweed for the cosmetics industry. This experience allows you to better understand a traditional activity and share a moment of local life.
Lunch is free, giving you time to rest or enjoy the beach and the peaceful setting of Jambiani. Dinner is included.
Night at Casa del Mar hotel.
Bike Crossing to Unguja Ukuu Beach
Jambiani → Unguja Ukuu
Today, you cycle approximately 25 km towards the Josiani forest, known for hosting red Colobus monkeys. Once there, you set off on a walk into the heart of the rainforest to discover this preserved ecosystem.
The visit continues in the mangrove zone, where you can observe local wildlife and better understand the balance of this environment. Your itinerary then leads you to Mena Bay beach, where you end this stage between nature and coastline.
Dinner is included. Overnight at Mena Bay Bungalow.
Kayak Day
Today, you depart for a full day kayaking, with approximately five hours of paddling through the small islands and surrounding mangroves. This outing allows you to explore a preserved natural environment and observe the coastal landscapes from a different perspective.
A picnic is planned for lunch, offering a break in the heart of this peaceful setting. You can also enjoy the clear waters and surroundings throughout the excursion.
Dinner is included. Night at Mena Bay Bungalow.
Last Day of Kayaking
For this final day of activities, you set off by kayaks towards Pungume Island, for a paddle of approximately three hours. This outing allows you to reach a pristine island, accessible only by sea. A picnic lunch is planned on site, in a natural setting conducive to relaxation.
You return to your accommodation mid-morning so you can enjoy a free afternoon to rest or appreciate the surroundings at your own pace.
A closing dinner is organized at Mena Bay.
Night at Mena Bay Bungalow.
Return, end of stay on Zanzibar
After your last breakfast, a transfer is organized to take you to the airport for your return flight.
This trip to Zanzibar thus comes to an end, after a stay marked by active experiences, local encounters and the discovery of the island's varied landscapes.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Flight
- Visa fees
- Tips on site
- Beverages and personal extras
- Meals: lunches D2-8-11, dinners D2-3-4
- Single supplement: $260
Included
- English-speaking welcome on the island
- Airport transfer
- Transport on the island
- Full board from breakfast on Day 2 to dinner on Day 11 (except for a few meals)
- Hotel accommodation: room basis for 2
- All activities indicated in the program
- All site and forest entrances
- Snorkeling equipment
- Equipment per person: 1 kayak + 1 bicycle
- Professional guide supervision with English-speaking kayak guide and same for biking
- 1 support boat at each kayak outing
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns entry requirements for Tanzania for tourist stays. Entry regulations may change, so we recommend verifying information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Tanzania, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa
A visa is required to enter Tanzania.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
online, via the official Tanzanian government portal (eVisa), before departure — strongly recommended solution,
on arrival at certain entry points (visa on arrival), although this option is subject to conditions and may change.
The tourist visa generally permits a stay of up to 90 days. Visa fees are applicable and must be paid when applying.
Authorities may request:
an outbound travel document (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation reservation.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are officially mandatory to enter Tanzania, except yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country where this disease is endemic. In this case, the international vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) will be required upon entry.
Additionally, several vaccinations and preventive measures are strongly recommended:
antimalarial prophylaxis: Tanzania is an area at risk of malaria, preventive treatment is advised,
vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and tetanus,
vaccination against rabies recommended if you will be active in rural areas or in contact with animals.
Consult a doctor or international vaccination centre before your departure.
Travelling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own visa.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorisation may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions may vary depending on your nationality. Travelers should verify the specific requirements with the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be covered by repatriation assistance and medical expenses insurance abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisk
Explorer'Cancellation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Bank Card Supplement
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for declaring a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Oui, un visa touristique est requis pour les ressortissants français, obtenu en ligne (e-visa, environ 50 USD) ou à l'arrivée dans les principaux aéroports (50 USD, cash). Valable 90 jours. Passeport valide au moins 6 mois après l'entrée avec pages vierges requis.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
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Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 280 et 500 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, safaris en 4x4, vols intérieurs et activités. Les vols internationaux (800-1300 euros A/R) sont en supplément. Les camps mobiles dans le Serengeti représentent un poste majeur.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
Let's talk about your adventure — Zanzibar
Explorer of Tanzanian savannas, based in Arusha
A safari doesn't begin when you spot a lion. It begins much earlier, in the morning light, the dust on the trail, and the attention paid to every smallest movement.
— Fred
