Days 8, 9 & 10: Zanzibar Beach Destination

Zanzibar’s different coasts offer a range of natural beauty and accommodations. I found the east coast to have the best beaches, diving and hotels. Many times the beaches are rocky so bring a pair of flip-flops for the water as not all hotels provide reef shoes.

Getting to the East Coast of Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s different coasts offer a range of natural beauty and accommodations.

You must arrange for a taxi or hotel transfer to get around the island. You can combine a spice tour with transfer to the next hotel for an additional charge. In some cases the roads off the main highway to the coastal towns and hotels aren’t paved and can be fairly bumpy.

Where to Stay on the East Coast of Zanzibar

There are a myriad of choices varying from backpacker hostel to five-star luxury resort. My favorite was the newest in the area, the Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski on the northeast coast.

Each sleekly designed room has a private terrace, oversized tub, and plush beds with crisp white linens and down comforters.

Relax by the infinity pool or use the hotel’s complimentary kayaks or bicycles and cruise along the beach.

Go tidepooling with reef shoes provided by the activity desk.

The concierge can arrange dive and snorkel trips

Finish your afternoon with a sunset cocktail at the thatched-roof bar at the end of the hotel’s dock.

The Anantara Spa, a world-class Thai property, offers numerous beauty and health regimens, from ayurvedic massages to sunset yoga. The little touches like the hand-made lemongrass soaps and fresh flowers enhanced the relaxing body treatments performed by the expert Thai therapists.

Day 10: Heading Home

Depending on your flight out of Zanzibar to Nairobi, you may need to reverse the order on the island and hit the beach first and spend the last day and overnight in Stone Town.