Exploring Zanzibar: A Guide to Beaches and Nightlife

Tanzania Trip: Two-Part Adventure — Mainland & Zanzibar✨

This was the itinerary I followed for my trip to Tanzania — the first 6 days spent on the mainland in Dar es Salaam, and the next week exploring the beautiful islands of Zanzibar. I made the most of every moment: beaches, wildlife, food spots, nightlife and some incredible day trips.
All locations and links are added below for easy access.

A vlog of my full Tanzania experience will be live on my YouTube soon…

DAY 1–6: Mainland (Dar es Salaam)

I arrived in Dar es Salaam in the morning and headed straight to my hotel on the coast.

Hotel: Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam
A beachfront hotel with a pool, restaurants and gorgeous ocean views.
🔗 https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ramada/dar-es-salaam-tanzania/ramada-resort-dar-es-salaam/overview

Waterfront Dining:
I ate at The Waterfront Restaurant, which had amazing food right by the sea.
🔗 https://www.waterfront.co.tz/

Dinner & Nightlife:
• Samaki Samaki Masaki — fun, lively and great seafood.
🔗 https://samakisamaki.com/
• Masaki Nightclub
• XI XLV Nightclub for late-night dancing.

Food Spots I Loved:
• Wavuvi Kempu Restaurant & Bar — chilled, beachfront and great for a relaxed night.
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/wavuvi_kempu/
• Cape Town Fish Market Tanzania — sushi & seafood with a South African twist.
🔗 https://capetownfishmarket.co.tz/
• The Fish Monge Restaurant — delicious local seafood.

DAY 6: Ferry to Zanzibar

I took the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town, Zanzibar, then a coastal drive up to Nungwi.

DAY 6–13: Zanzibar

Hotels I Stayed At:
• Sandies Baobab Beach, Nungwi — tropical, beachfront and super relaxing.
🔗 https://www.sandies.com/sandies-baobab-beach/
• Isaraya Luxury Overwater Villas (Pingwe) — crystal clear waters and the dreamiest views.
🔗 https://isarayazanzibar.com/

Nungwi & Kendwa Highlights

Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond
I spent the day learning about rescued sea turtles and got to feed and swim with them.
🔗 https://www.mnarani.net/

Zanzibar Kendwa Beach
Clear blue water and I even spotted starfish along the shoreline.

Beaches I Loved:
• Nungwi Beach
• Kendwa Beach — perfect sunsets

Pingwe Stay

I moved down to Pingwe for a more chilled, luxury beach experience at Isaraya.
Turquoise water, sunrise views and total calm — such a dreamy stay.

Stone Town & Day Trips

I spent a day exploring Stone Town, wandering the shops and soaking up the culture.

Lunch at Lukman Restaurant
A must-visit local spot with delicious, authentic Zanzibar food.
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/lukmanrestaurant/

Nakupenda Sandbank Trip
Such a magical day — white sand, clear water and a freshly cooked seafood lunch.
Tours leave from Stone Town.

Prison Island (Changuu Island)
I took a boat over to see the giant tortoises, some over 150 years old.
Also visited the small prison museum and did a bit of snorkelling.

Final Thoughts 🇹🇿✨

My Tanzania trip was such a beautiful two-part adventure — lively city moments in Dar es Salaam, followed by tropical island days in Zanzibar. From marine turtles and starfish to sandbanks, nightlife and incredible food… it’s a destination I’ll never forget.