1-Day Zanzibar Tours 2026–2027

How Do Zanzibar's Day Tours Compare?

All four tours last a full day and include transport, a guide and lunch. The main differences are the type of experience and the start time: Safari Blue starts earlier because it departs from Fumba on the south-west coast.

The lower price applies to groups of four or more and the higher price to a solo traveller, because transport and guiding costs are shared across your group.

What Is Included in Every Day Tour?

Every Livingwell day tour includes the essentials, so the price you see is the price you pay for the itinerary described:

• Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation anywhere in Zanzibar
• An English and Swahili-speaking guide
• Entrance fees for the main sites on the itinerary, and boat transfers where needed
• Lunch and bottled water

Not included: optional extras such as snorkel hire on Prison Island or Stone Town museums, drinks beyond those provided, tips, travel insurance and Zanzibar's mandatory visitor insurance.

Which Day Tour Suits You?

• First-time visitors: Stone Town & Spice Farm for history and food, or Stone Town & Prison Island to add the tortoises
• Families with children: Prison Island & Jozani, with tortoises, monkeys and easy walking
• Swimmers and snorkellers: Safari Blue, a full day on the water
• Cruise passengers and short stopovers: the Stone Town tours, which start closest to the port and Stone Town hotels. Tell us your schedule and we will suggest the best fit.

If you have more than one day, our 2-day packages pair an excursion with a villa night and a free beach day, and the Zanzibar packages page compares every option.

What Should You Bring and When Should You Go?

Bring light clothing that covers shoulders and knees for Stone Town, comfortable shoes, sun protection and insect repellent, plus swimwear and a towel for Prison Island or Safari Blue. Carry some cash for optional extras and tips.

Day tours run year-round. June to October and January to February are the driest months, with calmer seas for boat trips. During the long rains, roughly April and May, showers are common, but most tours still run; Safari Blue depends on sea conditions. For more on the seasons, see our Zanzibar travel guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 1-day tour in Zanzibar?

It depends on your interests. Stone Town & Spice Farm suits history and food lovers, Prison Island & Jozani suits wildlife lovers and families, and Safari Blue suits swimmers and snorkellers.

How much does a Zanzibar day tour cost?

Our private day tours cost $85–$210 per person. The lower price applies to groups of four or more and the higher price to a solo traveller.

Do the day tours include hotel pick-up?

Yes. All four tours include pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation anywhere in Zanzibar, including Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and Jambiani.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Every day tour includes lunch: at a local restaurant on the land tours, and a seafood lunch on a sandbank on Safari Blue.

Are the day tours private?

The three land tours are private, with your own guide and vehicle. Safari Blue runs as a small group on a traditional dhow with up to 12 guests; ask us if you would like a private boat.

Can I do two day tours in a row?

Yes. Many guests book two different day tours on consecutive days, or choose a 2- or 3-day package that combines excursions with villa nights and beach time.

Which day tour is best for cruise passengers?

The Stone Town tours start closest to the port. Send us your arrival and departure times and we will recommend the tour that fits your day.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations made more than 7 days before the tour date receive a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days may incur a partial fee, depending on bookings already made on your behalf.