Masala Beach Holiday: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Masala Beach Holiday. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Dar es Salaam International Airport
After collecting your luggage, you’ll be met by a local representative for the five-minute shuttle transfer to the Domestic Terminal.
Kilindi
Ever since it opened Kilindi has created quite a buzz as one of the best properties on Zanzibar. Kilindi was originally designed for Benny Andersson, famed for being a member of 1970’s pop group ABBA, and it has established itself as a stylish boutique hotel offering a very high level of luxury.
Ever since it opened Kilindi has created quite a buzz as one of the best properties on Zanzibar. Kilindi was originally designed for Benny Andersson, famed for being a member of 1970’s pop group ABBA, and it has established itself as a stylish boutique hotel offering a very high level of luxury.
"The room was beautiful and the housekeeping did an amazing job. "
Mr & Mrs EfromCroydonArrived 26 Sep 2023, 4 nights
Kilindi manages to combine elegance and sophistication without being pretentious. With beautiful Arabic inspired architecture and excellent food and service, it is a great a place to relax and be pampered in a quiet area of Zanzibar. See our full report on Kilindi
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Serena Inn
The Serena Inn in Stone Town is part of the internationally renowned Serena chain, which has hotels all over East Africa. The buildings which make up the Serena Inn were once used as the residence for a Chinese doctor but it has been a hotel for the since the 1990s and has all the facilities you would expect of an international-style chain – including a choice of restaurants, a swimming pool, shop and coffee shop. It even has a conference centre.
The Serena Inn in Stone Town is part of the internationally renowned Serena chain, which has hotels all over East Africa. The buildings which make up the Serena Inn were once used as the residence for a Chinese doctor but it has been a hotel for the since the 1990s and has all the facilities you would expect of an international-style chain – including a choice of restaurants, a swimming pool, shop and coffee shop. It even has a conference centre.
The Serena Inn is generally regarded as the best hotel in Stone Town, and it is a very well run establishment. When we were there last the team were helpful and friendly. The hotel can also arrange sunset dhow cruises around the harbour, or picnic trips to a sandbank for lunch!
"Perfect Hotel in Stonetown"
J and CfromClaytonArrived 26 Sep 2019, 4 nights
What could be a draw-back for some people is that this is quite a large hotel – there are 51 rooms in total. It is the kind of place where all the staff wear immaculately ironed matching uniforms, and have a fixed gracious smile. It can feel a little commercial, but it certainly isn’t pretentious and everyone is genuinely very welcoming. See our full report on Serena Inn
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Princess Salme Spice Tour
Discover the captivating story of the smart and rebellious Princess Sayyida Salme, the youngest daughter of Sultan Said. Join a knowledgeable local guide to follow in her footsteps through palaces and plantations, as well as the fascinating Zanzibar spice trade on a working plantation. Read all about Princess Spice Tour
Ends: Dar es Salaam International Airport
On arrival at the Domestic Terminal, you’ll be escorted to a shuttle for the International Terminal, taking just five minutes.
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
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 Island