Photoshoot – Stonetown
A Decade Together – Why Zanzibar?
Ten years ago, we said I do, and what better way to celebrate a decade of love than with a dream getaway? We wanted somewhere romantic, rich in history, and full of adventure, and Zanzibar checked all the boxes. Now I’m so excited to share this Zanzibar Travel Blog and itinerary with you!
Honestly, I had heard so many amazing things about Zanzibar and seen stunning photos that I knew it had to be on our list. Getting to finally go was incredible.
Early on in the planning process, I realized that booking everything in advance with a guide was the best way to make the trip smooth and stress-free. Thankfully, I was connected with Brian (shoutout to WhatsApp for making trip planning painless!), and he handled all of our activities, airport pick-up, and transportation. Find his contact info below! If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend working with a local guide—it makes everything so much easier!
Where We Stayed: The Perfect Zanzibar Experience
Neela Boutique Hotel, Stone Town
For the first half of our trip, we stayed at Neela Boutique Hotel, a charming spot with Swahili architecture and a central location. The Keep Suite was cozy, and the rooftop bar was perfect for unwinding. In-room dining? Delicious—think prawns and warm tea after a long day. Breakfast at Breadfruit Restaurant & Café Neela was another highlight (lobster benedict and Turkish breakfast? Yes, please!).
Would we recommend it? Absolutely. If you want to be in the heart of Stone Town, this is the place.
Be Zanzibar – Beachfront Bliss
After Stone Town, we moved to Be Zanzibar, a beachfront escape that felt like a private island retreat. The food was next-level, and the peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect spot to relax. If you dream of waking up to ocean waves and unwinding on the beach, this is the place to be.
There’s So Much to Do in Zanzibar—If I Could Have Stayed a Month, I Would Have!
From pristine beaches to historic sites, Zanzibar offers endless adventures. Here’s everything we packed into our trip:
✔️ Mrembo Spa – A relaxing musk scrub, aromatherapy massage, manicure, and henna for $140. Amazing service, warm tea, and total bliss.
✔️ Stone Town – We wandered the historic streets, met friendly locals, shopped for handmade souvenirs, and visited the busy fish market. We ended the night at Forodhani Night Market, sipping on fresh coconut water and watching the famous jumping boys.
✔️ Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach – We saw giant tortoises at Prison Island before heading to Nakupenda Beach, a breathtaking sandbar with crystal-clear water. Tip: Bring snacks, water, and sunscreen!
✔️ Swimming with Turtles in Nungwi – A 1.5-hour drive from Stone Town, but worth it! Up-close with gentle sea turtles in Baraka Natural Aquarium.
✔️ Kendwa Beach – Just 10 minutes from the aquarium. No hotel stay needed—just a rechargeable card for food and activities. We swam, relaxed, and ate pasta and prawns.
✔️ Zito Spice Farm – We learned how cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg grow and their medicinal uses. Zanzibar truly is the Spice Island.
✔️ Mnemba Island Dolphin Tour – No dolphins for us, but it was still a vibe—swimming, cruising, and soaking up the sun.
Cooking with the Mamas of Zanzibar
One of my favorite experiences was taking a cooking class with the Mamas of Zanzibar. They dressed us in traditional kanga fabric, took us to the market to pick fresh ingredients, and taught us how to make:
✔️ Chapati (flatbread)
✔️ Pilau (spiced rice dish)
✔️ Fresh coconut milk from scratch
We ended the class by enjoying our homemade meal together—a truly heartwarming experience.
Shop my Zanzibar vacation looks here!
Final Thoughts – Would We Recommend Zanzibar?
1000% YES. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, looking for a romantic getaway, or just want to explore a stunning island, Zanzibar has it all—history, culture, nature, and some of the best food we’ve ever had.
If you’re planning a trip, book your hotels, tours, and activities early, especially during peak season!
If you’d like to book your transportation and activities with the same guide we used, I highly recommend! Brian can be reached on WhatsApp via +255 777 849 939 or burhanchum96@gmail.com!
