Arusha, Stone Town and the Zanzibar coast in 7 days (6 nights)

7 days · Tanzania · Arusha → Zanzibar

Six nights, one flight and two bases on the island. A night outside Arusha absorbs the international arrival, then a scheduled flight crosses to Zanzibar. Two nights in Stone Town cover the old streets and the spice market, and the last three are on the east coast, where the boats go out and the reef is close. Trips on the water are arranged through the coast hotel rather than fixed in advance, so the days stay loose, and the only move on the island is from town to the coast.

The route, stop by stop

1. Arusha, Tanzania · 1 night

Arrive by fly — Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, then a road transfer to a lodge outside Arusha

One night on arrival keeps the island flight off the back of a long-haul leg, and the lodges outside Arusha sit close to the airport used for it.

2. Zanzibar, Tanzania · 5 nights

Arrive by fly — Flight out to the island, then a short drive into Stone Town before moving to the east coast

Five nights split two and three uses both sides of the island: the old town first, then a coastal base with enough clear mornings for boat days, with only one hotel change on the island.

Experts who can arrange this trip

• The Safari Vibe, who works in Tanzania.

More trip ideas · Tanzania