Coconut Beach Holiday: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Coconut 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.
Emerson on Hurumzi
The grande dame of Stone Hotel’s hotel scene, Emerson on Hurumzi offers a boho-chic glamour with Swahili flair. Opened in 1999 as Stone Town’s first boutique hotel, Emerson & Green (as it was originally named) revealed an architectural transformation unlike anything the city had previously seen. Three venerable merchant houses had been gutted, painstakingly renovated and showcased Swahili style with a decidedly theatrical twist.
The grande dame of Stone Hotel’s hotel scene, Emerson on Hurumzi offers a boho-chic glamour with Swahili flair. Opened in 1999 as Stone Town’s first boutique hotel, Emerson & Green (as it was originally named) revealed an architectural transformation unlike anything the city had previously seen. Three venerable merchant houses had been gutted, painstakingly renovated and showcased Swahili style with a decidedly theatrical twist.
Today, though not sophisticated, Emerson on Hurumzi remains distinctly Zanzibari, original and immense fun. Each of the 22 romantic rooms is different, yet all are vibrant to the point of kitsch, decorated with plush fabrics and antique Zanzibari furniture.
Some of the rooms enjoy deep balconies, but even without them, the hotel’s open-sided, rooftop restaurant offers some of the finest skyline views in the city and, at the top of increasingly steep and narrow stairs, one of its most iconic dining spots.
"Hotel has many attractive features...Rooftop restaurant was a fun experience."
Ms E.fromLondonArrived 5 Sep 2022, 2 nights
Sitting cross-legged on Persian carpets, sipping a cool midday mocktail and gazing out over ramshackle roofs, make it a very easy place to like. Low-key lunches, sunset drinks to the sound of muezzins, and dinners accompanied by live music complete this exotic retreat in the heart of Stone Town’s labyrinthine shopping quarter. See our full report on Emerson on Hurumzi
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Stone Town Discovery Tour
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. Read all about Stone Town Tour
White Sand Villas
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a privately owned boutique resort near the vibrant town of Paje, Zanzibar. A member of Relais & Chateaux it is set in 3.6 hectares of lush tropical gardens with a 200m beachfront. White Sand Villas was built with luxury, comfort and private space in mind.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is a privately owned boutique resort near the vibrant town of Paje, Zanzibar. A member of Relais & Chateaux it is set in 3.6 hectares of lush tropical gardens with a 200m beachfront. White Sand Villas was built with luxury, comfort and private space in mind.
"You will want for no creature comforts staying here."
R&G from Seattle fromUSAArrived 10 Aug 2023, 3 nights
With its minimalistic, modern, Scandinavian style and friendly atmosphere, White Sand Villas offers a refreshing alternative to several of Zanzibar’s other luxury ‘boutique’ hotels. The large villas combine plenty of privacy with great facilities and a high level of service. We think that the resort is a really exciting addition to Zanzibar’s coastline. See our full report on White Sand Villas
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
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.
Princess Salme Spice Tour
Half-day
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.
More about Princess Spice Tour
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
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