Masala Beach Holiday: Summary
Masala Beach Holiday in a nutshell
This indulgent Zanzibar retreat combines beach-side relaxation with the delightful intrigues of Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleys and marketplaces.
Beginning with a week at the stunningly unique Kilindi, you will unwind in a stylish boutique hotel that quickly earned its reputation as one of the best on the island. The 15 spaciously designed pavilions are utterly decadent, offering both a private butler, or "room ambassador", and two personal plunge pools as well as considerable comfort and privacy.
If the superb beach-side location doesn’t inspire hours of quiet relaxation beside the waves, paddle-boarding, kayaking, snorkelling or diving excursions can also all be arranged to pass the time. In addition, Kilindi offers guided tours around the nearby spice plantations or Stone Town, both of which could also be enjoyed at the end of this trip, during your stay in Stone Town.
In Stone Town itself, Serena Inn occupies a fantastic spot on the beachfront. It's a fine old hotel that has been carefully restored from two historic buildings and which offers a variety of places to sit and while away the hours with a cocktail or coffee. And if you can tear yourself away from the stunning rooftop views or enticing cafés and restaurants, Stone Town’s rich history and vibrant culture awaits just beyond the hotel's doorstep.
At a glance
| Starts: | Dar es Salaam International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 7 nights | Kilindi - Northern Zanzibar, Zanzibar | Full Board |
| 2 nights | Serena Inn - Stone Town, Zanzibar | Bed & Breakfast |
| Ends: | Dar es Salaam International Airport |
Kilindi
Northern Zanzibar, Zanzibar
Serena Inn
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Masala Beach Holiday.
- Unwinding with a massage at Kilindi's spa
- Exploring the shallow reefs around Tumbata Island
- Diving beneath the waves, admiring the marine life
- Learning about Stone Town's rich history
- Relaxing with a coffee overlooking Stone Town
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Masala Beach Holiday: talk to us about those which interest you.
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Side-trips whilst on this beach holiday
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Masala Beach Holiday. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
Swahili Cooking Workshop
Half-day or combine with other tours
Zanzibar’s cuisine and culinary influences are as exotic as the island itself. This genuinely authentic culinary workshop will take you to the heart of the spice farm region, teach you how to select and blend an array of spices, create souvenir blends, and guide you through cooking a traditional Swahili meal.
More about Swahili Cookery
Stone Town Discovery Tour
Half-day
Spend a morning wandering through Stone Town’s maze of alleyways with an erudite Zanzibari resident, meeting the locals, marvelling at its fusion of architecture and cultures, learning about the food, music, beliefs and everyday life, for an utterly fascinating experience.
More about Stone Town Tour
Zanzibar Dhow Safari
Full day - approx. eight hours
Discover the coast and islands of the Menai Bay from a traditional Zanzibari dhow. Explore this beautiful marine conservation area with a local guide, snorkelling over coral reefs, swimming through mangrove lagoons and keeping an eye out for dolphins. To top it all, you’ll also be treated to a fabulous beach barbecue.
More about Zanzibar Dhow Safari
Jozani Forest Tour
Half-day or combine with other tours
For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.
More about Jozani Forest
Jambiani Village Tour
Half-day - mornings
Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.
More about Village Tour
Prison Island Tour
Half-day
Escape the hustle and bustle of Stone Town on a 30-minute boat ride to Changuu Island, now commonly known as Prison Island. This is your chance to find out about the darker side of Zanzibar history, as well as to get up close with the island’s Aldabra giant tortoises, and to engage in a spot of coastal snorkelling.
More about Prison IslandPlan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meOther ideas for Zanzibar beach holidays
Look at these ideas in Zanzibar: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Papaya Beach Holiday
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
A relaxing holiday with a range of activities, where Chumbe Island Lodge and Matemwe offer tranquil atmospheres, considerable exclusivity and the chance to learn about worthwhile local conservation efforts.
Visiting East Coast Zanzibar, South-west Zanzibar
US$3,100 - US$3,910 per person
Coconut Beach Holiday
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
A luxurious island getaway split between a small boutique hotel in Stone Town and your own sumptuous private villa on a spectacular swath of white sandy beach.
Visiting Stone Town, Michamvi Peninsula
US$2,820 - US$5,510 per person
Turmeric Beach Holiday
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Relax on powdery white beaches and snorkel over colourful reefs on Zanzibar’s picturesque east coast before heading on to Stone Town to explore the labyrinth of cobbled streets.
Visiting East Coast Zanzibar, Stone Town
US$2,510 - US$3,750 per person
Papaya Beach Holiday
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
A relaxing holiday with a range of activities, where Chumbe Island Lodge and Matemwe offer tranquil atmospheres, considerable exclusivity and the chance to learn about worthwhile local conservation efforts.
Visiting East Coast Zanzibar, South-west Zanzibar
US$3,100 - US$3,910 per person
Coconut Beach Holiday
6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
A luxurious island getaway split between a small boutique hotel in Stone Town and your own sumptuous private villa on a spectacular swath of white sandy beach.
Visiting Stone Town, Michamvi Peninsula
US$2,820 - US$5,510 per person
Turmeric Beach Holiday
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Relax on powdery white beaches and snorkel over colourful reefs on Zanzibar’s picturesque east coast before heading on to Stone Town to explore the labyrinth of cobbled streets.
Visiting East Coast Zanzibar, Stone Town
US$2,510 - US$3,750 per person
Red Colobus Monkey Safari
11 days • 3 locations • 2 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.
Visiting Ruaha, Stone Town and 1 other area
US$6,660 - US$8,490 per person
Wattled Crane Safari
5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A good-value Botswana safari staying at comfortable lodges in prime wildlife-viewing areas – Chobe National Park and the Moremi Reserve in the Okavango Delta.
Visiting Chobe, Moremi & Surrounds
US$6,120 - US$8,090 per person
Spotted Hyena Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Stay in one of Nyerere National Park's best safari camps before experiencing a truly authentic tented camp in Ruaha. Remote locations, superb guiding and a range of activities await guests during this comfortable fly-in safari.
Visiting Nyerere, Ruaha
US$6,680 - US$8,660 per person
Slender Mongoose Safari
5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
A detailed exploration of Lower Zambezi from two top-notch sister camps, each in a prime location in the national park. Expect a high level of care, first-class guiding and superb wildlife.
Visiting Lower Zambezi
US$6,580 - US$8,400 per person
Other beach holiday ideas across Africa
Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a beach holiday that will really suit you.
Benguerra Beach Holiday
6 days • 1 locations
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT
This luxurious lodge offers a fantastic blend of total relaxation and more active pursuits. Explore your idyllic surroundings with a range of land and water-based activities before unwinding with a massage and sundowner drinks on the beach.
US$6,910 - US$8,380 per person
Azura Beach Holiday
6 days • 1 locations
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT
Stay in a stunning location on the western coastline of Benguerra Island. Elegant accommodation, a highly personalised level of care and a wide range of land and water-based activities make Azura a fantastic destination for travellers.
US$5,880 - US$6,880 per person
Caraway Beach Holiday
5 days • 1 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
The epitome of a peaceful beach retreat, the Caraway Beach Holiday offers relaxation on flawless beaches and the opportunity to explore beautiful waters. Stay in the island’s only lodge and enjoy complete exclusivity.
US$5,680 - US$5,680 per person
Damselfish island holiday
5 days • 1 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT
Laid-back luxury on the private Denis Island. Surrounded by protected waters with commendable focus on sustainability, this is perfect spot to disconnect from the world after a safari.
US$5,920 - US$5,920 per person
Kinondo Kwetu Beach Holiday
7 days • 1 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Enjoy a ‘home away from home’ on a beautiful beach, where you will be exceptionally well looked after by a superb team. This holiday can be as relaxed or as action-packed as you like.
US$4,140 - US$5,540 per person
Triggerfish island holiday
4 days • 1 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT
Desroches is beautifully rugged and remote island atoll with stunning villas, slick Four Seasons service and exciting array of adventures above and below the waves.
US$3,840 - US$4,410 per person
Peacock Cichlid Safari
4 days • 1 locations
LILONGWE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Snorkel in Lake Malawi’s famously clear fresh water, relax on the beach and explore Likoma Island from the award-winning Kaya Mawa. A chilled luxury add-on to end your safari.
US$3,600 - US$4,480 per person
Jasmine Beach Holiday
7 days • 1 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Relax on Pemba Island’s Manta Resort, a laidback and remote beach retreat with superb views. Enjoy a range of land- and water-based activities, and spend a night in the unique underwater bedroom for a truly special experience.
US$3,380 - US$3,950 per person
Boxfish Island Holiday
8 days • 2 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT
Discover Mahé and Praslin islands on this slightly offbeat and excellent-value Seychelles trip combining green mountains, local culture and time on the beach.
US$3,440 - US$3,940 per person
Squirrelfish island holiday
6 days • 2 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT
Combine laid-back La Digue and a hidden corner of Mahé Island, staying in two very luxurious hotels with the option to simply do nothing or explore these stunning islands.
US$3,070 - US$3,350 per person
