Morning: Visit to the Old Slave Market and Anglican Cathedral Start your day with a visit to the Old Slave Market, located at Christ Church Anglican Cathedral. This poignant site serves as a reminder of Zanzibar’s role in the East African slave trade. Tour the underground slave chambers where enslaved people were held before being sold, and learn about the history of slavery in Zanzibar and its eventual abolition. Afterward, explore the Anglican Cathedral, built on the site of the former slave market, which houses a striking crucifix made from the tree under which explorer David Livingstone’s heart was buried in Zambia. Afternoon: Darajani Market and Local Shopping Next, head to Darajani Market, the bustling main market of Stone Town. It’s the perfect place to experience local life, with vendors selling everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices to textiles and handcrafted goods. Wander through the spice stalls and shop for famous Zanzibari spices such as cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon to take home. Afterward, take time to visit some of the many local shops and boutiques that line the streets of Stone Town. Art lovers should check out Adele's Art Gallery and Memories of Zanzibar, which sell unique crafts and souvenirs. Evening: Dinner at Emerson on Hurumzi End your day with dinner at Emerson on Hurumzi, one of Stone Town’s most iconic rooftop restaurants. Dine on traditional Zanzibari dishes while enjoying panoramic views of the town’s rooftops and the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The menu features local specialties like octopus curry, spiced rice, and fresh seafood.

Morning: Spice Tour Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island,” and no trip to Stone Town is complete without a spice tour. Start your third day with a visit to one of Zanzibar’s spice farms, located just outside of Stone Town. You’ll learn how spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla are grown and harvested. The tour is a sensory experience, allowing you to smell and taste the fresh spices and tropical fruits. You’ll also hear about Zanzibar’s historical significance as a key player in the global spice trade. Afternoon: Prison Island After your spice tour, take a short boat ride to Prison Island (Changuu Island). The island was once used as a prison for rebellious slaves and later as a quarantine station during outbreaks of disease. Today, it is home to a giant tortoise sanctuary, where you can see the Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. After visiting the tortoises, spend some time swimming or snorkeling in the clear waters around the island. Evening: Waterfront Dining at The Silk Route For dinner, head to The Silk Route, a fine-dining restaurant located along Stone Town’s waterfront. The restaurant offers a fusion of Indian and Zanzibari cuisine, with dishes like tandoori prawns, coconut curries, and naan bread. Enjoy your meal while watching the dhows (traditional sailing boats) glide across the sea.

Morning: Visit to the House of Freddie Mercury Zanzibar is the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, the legendary lead singer of Queen. Begin your morning with a visit to the Freddie Mercury House, a small museum dedicated to his life. Learn about his early years growing up in Zanzibar and how his Zanzibari and Parsi heritage influenced his music. Afternoon: The Zanzibar Gallery and Local Art In the afternoon, explore Stone Town’s vibrant art scene. Visit the Zanzibar Gallery, where you’ll find a collection of works by local artists, including paintings, photography, and sculptures. The gallery is also a great place to shop for unique souvenirs, including handmade jewelry and traditional Swahili crafts. Evening: Taarab Music at the Dhow Countries Music Academy Immerse yourself in the sounds of Taarab, a traditional genre of Swahili music that blends Arabic, African, and Indian influences. Head to the Dhow Countries Music Academy to watch a live performance of this melodic, soulful music. The academy is dedicated to preserving Zanzibar’s rich musical heritage and often hosts concerts featuring local Taarab musicians.

Morning: Relaxing Beach Time at Mangapwani On your final day, escape the city for some beach time. Head to Mangapwani Beach, located about 30 minutes north of Stone Town. This quiet, uncrowded beach offers a peaceful retreat where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the beauty of the Indian Ocean. There’s also a historical site nearby, the Mangapwani Slave Caves, where slaves were hidden after the official abolition of the slave trade. Afternoon: Farewell Lunch at Lukmaan Restaurant Return to Stone Town for a farewell lunch at Lukmaan Restaurant, one of the most popular local eateries. This casual restaurant serves authentic Zanzibari dishes like biryani, pilau, ugali, and mishkaki (grilled meat skewers). Don’t miss out on the refreshing fresh juices made from tropical fruits. Evening: Departure from Zanzibar After lunch, take some time for any last-minute shopping or a final stroll through the streets of Stone Town. Then, transfer to the airport for your flight home, leaving with cherished memories of your 5-day adventure in Zanzibar’s cultural hub.