Zanzibar & Pemba Twin Island 10-Day Getaway
Explore Zanzibar's Stone Town, East Coast, and North Coast, then fly to Pemba Island for cloves, forests, and Misali Island.
A pure island itinerary without safaris. On Zanzibar, travel from Stone Town to Paje and Nungwi, combining cultural exploration with water activities. Then, fly to the much less visited Pemba Island, staying in Chake Chake and on the northern coast. Pemba offers simpler facilities and longer drives, but rewards you with tranquility and pristine coral reefs, making it perfect for couples looking to slow down and diving enthusiasts.
From June to September, the Pemba Channel can experience rough seas, making flights a more reliable option than ferries.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Stone Town
Zanzibar（Stone Town、Old Fort of Zanzibar、Forodhani Gardens Night Market）
Take a taxi from Zanzibar Airport to the old town (about 20 minutes). Explore on foot in the afternoon and visit the waterfront night market in the evening.
Stay: Stone Town
Day 2 · Prison Island and Old Town Heritage
Zanzibar（Prison Island (Changuu)、Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market、Darajani Market、Freddie Mercury Museum）
Take a morning boat trip to Prison Island (about 3 hours round-trip, including 30 minutes of boat travel each way). Spend the afternoon walking through the old town.
Stay: Stone Town
Day 3 · Spice Farm, Cross the Island to Paje
Zanzibar（Spice Farms (Kizimbani)） → Paje & Jambiani（Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park、Zanzibar Butterfly Centre、Paje Beach）
Visit a spice farm in the morning and Jozani Forest at midday (about 2 hours of driving total), arriving in Paje by evening.
Stay: Paje
Day 4 · Southeast Coast Tidal Flats
Paje & Jambiani（Paje Seaweed Farms & Seaweed Center、Jambiani Beach、Kuza Cave、The Rock Restaurant）
Based in Paje, explore the coastline (about 30–40 minutes of driving). Observe the seaweed farms during low tide.
The east coast has a large tidal range. Check the daily tide tables before planning your water activities.
Stay: Paje
Day 5 · Head North along the East Coast to Nungwi
Nungwi & Kendwa（Kiwengwa Beach、Nungwi Beach、Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond）
Drive north from Paje along the east coast (about 1.5–2 hours), with an optional stop at Kiwengwa, arriving in Nungwi in the afternoon.
Stay: Nungwi
Day 6 · Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling
Nungwi & Kendwa（Mnemba Atoll、Kendwa Beach）
Take a morning boat trip to the atoll for snorkeling (about half a day round-trip). Head to Kendwa Beach in the evening to watch the sunset.
Stay: Nungwi
Day 7 · Fly to Pemba Island, Stay in Chake Chake
Pemba Island（Chake Chake、Pemba Museum (Nanzim Fort)）
Drive to the airport (about 1.5 hours) and fly to Pemba (about 35 minutes). Spend the afternoon exploring Chake Chake's old town.
Inter-island light aircraft have strict luggage limits. Confirm flight schedules in advance.
Stay: Chake Chake
Day 8 · Misali Island Snorkeling
Pemba Island（Misali Island Marine Conservation Area）
Drive to the west coast pier in the morning, then take a boat to Misali Island (about 30 minutes) for a full day of island exploration.
Stay: Chake Chake
Day 9 · North to Ngezi Forest and Beach
Pemba Island（Wete、Ngezi Forest Reserve、Vumawimbi Beach）
Drive from Chake Chake via Wete to Ngezi Forest (about 1.5 hours), then continue to Vumawimbi Beach.
Hire a local guide for Ngezi Forest; the walk takes about 2–3 hours.
Stay: North Coast (Makangale)
Day 10 · Clove Plantation and Departure
Pemba Island（Pemba Clove Plantations）
Drive south from the northern coast (about 1.5 hours), stopping at a clove plantation along the way, to reach Pemba Airport for your departure.