Where to stay, what to eat, and how to balance Stone Town buzz with quiet beach time.
Start in Stone Town — two nights in a restored merchant's house, sunset on a rooftop, and a guided walk through the spice market and the old Sultan's quarter.
Then head to a beach. The north (Nungwi, Kendwa) has the calmest water and best swimming at all tides. The east coast (Paje, Jambiani) is windier and a kitesurf magnet.
Eat: Forodhani night market for grilled seafood and Zanzibari pizza, a spice-farm lunch, and at least one fresh-caught fish at a beach shack.
Don't miss: a dhow sunset sail, a spice tour, and a swim with dolphins off the south coast (choose an ethical operator — we vet ours).
Combine with a 3–4 day mainland safari for the perfect 'bush + beach' Tanzania trip.
