For our Zanzibar trip, we had one week, which we split between Paje, Nungwi, and Kendwa. Like all my trips, this was a self-planned adventure. If you’re looking for details on prices, flights, accommodations, and tips for organizing your own trip, I recommend checking out Zanzibar Travel Guide: Best Time To Visit, Prices & Best Attractions.
Below is a detailed day-by-day itinerary for a perfect Zanzibar getaway:
- 2 days in Paje
- 1 day in Pingwe Beach & The Rock Restaurant
- 1 day exploring Stone Town, Prison Island & the Spice Farm
- 2 days in Nungwi
- 2 days in Kendwa
Before diving into each day, here’s a quick summary of what I liked (and didn’t like) in each location:
Paje
Pros:
- The most authentic experience of the three villages
- Budget-friendly
- Young crowd, great for backpackers
- Many beautiful beach bars
- More interaction with locals
Cons:
- Extreme tidal changes
- Lots of seaweed
- Less clean compared to Nungwi/Kendwa
Nungwi
Pros:
- Stunning white sandy beach
- Water remains swimmable throughout the day
- Plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops
- Generally better tourist services
Cons:
- Persistent beach vendors can be overwhelming
Kendwa
Pros:
- One of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches
- Unaffected by tides
- Higher-standard hotels and resorts
- Fewer beach vendors
Cons:
- Limited dining options
- More expensive than Paje or Nungwi
- Frequent power outages
Days 1 & 2 – Paje
Our adventure began in Paje, about a 1 hour 40-minute drive from the airport. We arrived after sunset, so there was no time for the beach. Instead, we explored the village, grabbed some food, and did a bit of shopping. One thing we noticed right away was the lack of street lighting—aside from the main road with shops and restaurants, most side streets were completely dark.
Paje felt like the backpacker’s hub of Zanzibar, reminiscent of a less commercialized beach town. The next morning, we hit the beach, but I have to be honest—it didn’t blow me away. The beachfront bars and restaurants were lovely, though. We stopped at Kahawa, a beautiful café with an amazing view.
The biggest downside? The tide. Paje has extreme tidal shifts, making it less ideal for swimming. Around midday, the water recedes dramatically, only to return by evening, sometimes reaching the doorsteps of beachfront homes. If you enjoy local culture, take a walk into the village—you’ll see kids playing soccer, people carrying water in buckets, and women engaged in daily chores. Be prepared, though—poverty and poor sanitation are part of the reality here.
Accommodation in Paje:
Day 3 – Pingwe Beach & The Rock Restaurant
We spent the first half of the day at Pingwe Beach, home to the famous The Rock Restaurant. While it looks incredible in photos, we decided against eating there after hearing multiple reviews about overpriced and underwhelming food. Instead, we checked out Baladin Zanzibar, a great alternative. If you visit Pingwe Beach, take time to explore—it’s one of the best spots to see starfish.
Day 4 – Stone Town, Prison Island & Spice Farm
We booked this excursion while staying in Paje for two reasons: 1) It’s the closest village to Stone Town, and 2) we didn’t mind skipping a day in Paje over Nungwi or Kendwa.
Stone Town Highlights:
- Darajani Market – A vibrant local market selling everything from spices to textiles and fresh seafood.
- Former Slave Market & Anglican Cathedral – A sobering reminder of East Africa’s dark history of slavery.
- Jaws Corner – A lively social gathering spot.
- Emerson Spice Hotel – A beautifully restored historic building.
- Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) – A landmark from the Omani era.
- Freddie Mercury House – The childhood home of the Queen frontman.
Around midday, we took a 25-minute boat ride to Prison Island (Changuu Island). Originally intended as a prison, it was instead used as a quarantine station. Today, it’s home to a giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary.
The last stop of the day was the Spice Farm, an absolute must-visit. You’ll learn about Zanzibar’s spice trade and even see a demonstration of locals climbing palm trees to collect coconuts—accompanied by a traditional song!
Days 5 & 6 – Nungwi
Nungwi Beach is breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters that are best viewed in the morning. Unlike Paje, the tide doesn’t recede as much, making it great for swimming all day. There are more tourists here, which means more restaurants and shopping options, but the downside? Persistent beach vendors. It’s nearly impossible to walk along the shore without being approached every few minutes. Despite this, the sunset in Nungwi is magical, often accompanied by traditional Maasai dance performances.
Accomodation in Nungwi:
Hotel 3⭐️
Days 7 & 8 – Kendwa
For our last two days, we stayed in Kendwa, which easily had the most stunning beach in Zanzibar. While the village itself was less lively than Nungwi, the peaceful, vendor-free beach made up for it. However, the internet was slower, and power outages were more frequent.
If you’re not staying in a resort, I highly recommend getting a day pass at Kendwa Rocks ($10), which includes access to their pool.
Accommodation in Kendwa:
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Happy travels! 🥰
