6 days · Stone Town and Chumbe eco-lodge

6 Days Stone Town & Chumbe Island Experience

Two nights in Stone Town with a Prison Island trip, then three nights at the Chumbe Island Coral Park eco-lodge.

Check availability Book now See the full itinerary Download the packing list ↓

6 Days Stone Town & Chumbe Island Experience Overview

A 6-day trip that combines Zanzibar's history with time on a protected island. You start in Stone Town, with its old alleys, markets and buildings, and learn about the island's Swahili culture and past.

Then you move to Chumbe Island, a small, secluded island with a protected coral reef and eco-lodges. Spend your days snorkelling, walking the nature trails and resting on the beach.

Highlights

Stone Town: historic streets, the Sultan's Palace, the Old Fort and Freddie Mercury's birthplace.
Chumbe Island Coral Sanctuary: snorkelling on one of the best-protected coral reefs in the region.
Eco-lodges: sustainably designed accommodation on Chumbe Island.
Spice tour: Zanzibar's history as the “Spice Island” on a guided tour of spice plantations.
Beaches: quiet beaches and turquoise water on Chumbe Island.
Sunset dhow cruise: a sail on the Indian Ocean at sunset.

Did You Know? Near Mangapwani village there is a tidal cave called the “Blue Room”, which glows blue when sunlight filters through its opening. It is a good spot for a swim or a photo.

Best months December to March and June to October

Start point Zanzibar International Airport

Ends at Zanzibar International Airport

Why travel with us

Why choose Ahsante Tours

Every safari is private to your group and planned by our own team in Moshi. This is what that means once you are on the road.

20+ Years operating from Moshi

5.0 Tripadvisor rating

200+ Tripadvisor reviews

What you can count on

7 Eco-bungalows only Chumbe has just seven bungalows, and visitor revenue funds the island's conservation and education work.

All-in All-inclusive on Chumbe Three nights at the Chumbe Island eco-lodge with meals, soft drinks, water, coffee, tea and snacks.

✈ Transfers included Airport transfers and boat transfers to and from Chumbe Island.

24/7 Support on the road Our team is reachable throughout your trip.

Day by day

6 Days Stone Town & Chumbe Island Itinerary

Switch between a one-screen summary and the full day-by-day.

Day 1

Arrival in Zanzibar

On arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, a private transfer takes you to your hotel in Stone Town. Settle in and spend the rest of the day as you like. Dinner is at the hotel restaurant. Pick up time: depending on your arrival time Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel or similar Meals: – / – / –

LandscapeStone Town

lidia stawinska 08RSrc3Pndk unsplash scaled

Day 2

Stone Town & Prison Island Tour

After breakfast, take a guided tour of Stone Town. Walk the narrow alleys and visit the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, Darajani Market and the Sultan's Palace, and learn about Zanzibar's Swahili and Arab roots and its role in the spice trade and slavery. In the afternoon, take a boat to Prison Island. Once a prison and quarantine station, it is now known for its giant tortoises, which can live for over 100 years. Walk around the island, see the tortoises and the old prison ruins, then return to your hotel in Stone Town. Start time: 09:00 Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel or similar Meals: B / L / –

LandscapeStone Town and Prison Island

Day 3

Transfer to Chumbe Island

After breakfast, check out and take the boat to Chumbe Island, a private island known for its coral reefs, clear water and biodiversity. Check in at the Chumbe Island Coral Park eco-lodge and spend the rest of the day snorkelling on the protected reef or resting on the beach. Chumbe Island is a protected conservation area with a coral reef sanctuary and forest reserve. There are only seven eco-bungalows, designed to have minimal impact on the environment. As a not-for-profit enterprise, visitor revenue funds all conservation management and Chumbe's environmental education programmes with local schools and communities. Operating for more than 20 years, Chumbe is the world's first financially self-sustaining marine protected area and a certified Global Ocean Refuge. Start time: 07:00, boat to Chumbe departs at 09:30 Accommodation: Chumbe Island Eco Lodge – Sea Front Bungalow Meals: All-inclusive basis

LandscapeCoral park

bente hagens ilo2qEJYWNQ unsplash scaled

Day 4

Chumbe Island Marine Park & Relaxation

A guided snorkelling tour in the Chumbe Island Coral Park, one of the most biodiverse marine areas in East Africa, with tropical fish, corals and sometimes sea turtles or dolphins. If you prefer land, walk the island's nature trails through mangroves and forest. Lunch is fresh seafood and Swahili dishes. The afternoon is free for a beach walk or rest. Accommodation: Chumbe Island Eco Lodge – Sea Front Bungalow Meals: All-inclusive basis

LandscapeCoral reef and forest

moses londo 8U1hcf lrU0 unsplash 1 scaled

Day 5

Dolphin Watching or Kayaking & Beach Time

After breakfast, choose a dolphin watching trip along the coast or kayaking in the island's sheltered water. Or spend the day on the beach, perhaps with a private picnic. Accommodation: Chumbe Island Eco Lodge – Sea Front Bungalow Meals: All-inclusive basis – sodas, water, coffee, tea and snacks (alcoholic drinks not included)

LandscapeCoast

crispin jones 3FLPfT zYXY unsplash scaled

Day 6

Departure

Breakfast on Chumbe Island, then the boat back to Zanzibar. A driver takes you to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward travels. If you want more time on the coast, you can extend to Pemba or Mafia Island. Pick up time: boat from Chumbe departs at 09:00 Accommodation: None Meals: B / – / –

Want this as a PDF to share with your group? Download the itinerary

Price per person, by group size

Prices available until 14 days before departure. Price per person depends on group size.

Group size Per person Note

1 person (booking alone) $3,150

2–4 people, per person $2,076

5–9 people, per person $1,999

10+ people, per person $1,920

What is and is not included

Read the short list, or open each line for the detail.

Included

2 nights at Tembo House, Stone Town
3 nights at Chumbe Island Eco Lodge (Sea Front Bungalow)
Stone Town tour and Prison Island boat trip
Lunch after the Stone Town tour
Boat transfers to and from Chumbe Island
Park fees, government fees & taxes
English speaking guides
Airport transfers

Not included

Visa
Tips
International flights
Travel insurance
Safari add-ons
Any items of a personal nature
Zanzibar insurance

Downloads

Packing lists and trip documents

Free Safari Packing List with gear necessary and recommendations from Ahsante Tours Team

PNG Free Safari Kit Checklist Free Safari Packing List with gear necessary and recommendations from Ahsante Tours Team

Reviews from our travellers

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 212 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Priya S 
 
 
 
 Verified A Memorable Safari - Thanks to the Wonderful Team at Ahsante Tours
We had a fantastic experience with Ahsante Tours on our Tanzania safari. Everything was well organized, and the trip went smoothly from beginning to end. Holyfield Edwin, our main contact, deserves special recognition. He was warm, professional, responsive, and incredibly helpful, patiently answering all our questions both before the trip and while we were on safari. When I accidentally left my Kindle at Rafiki Retreat in Arusha, he went out of his way to arrange for it to be retrieved and sent to Kigali, our final destination. That kind of personal attention really stood out. Our guide and driver for nine days, Aston, was equally outstanding. He worked incredibly hard every day, was always patient and professional, and made us feel safe on the road. His knowledge of wildlife and ability to spot animals were impressive—we saw the Big Five multiple times! Most of all, we loved his genuine enthusiasm. He seemed just as excited about each sighting as we were, which made the experience even more enjoyable. He was also considerate and unobtrusive, allowing us to take in each moment at our own pace. The accommodations were generally three-star, and we enjoyed most of the bush camps and hotels along the way. Ahsante also coordinated our Rwanda extension to see the gorillas through Mist Safari, which was another wonderful experience. Brian K., our contact in Rwanda, was super responsive and easy to communicate with. All in all, we were very happy with Ahsante Tours. The team was reliable, thoughtful, and professional, and the personal touches made a real difference. We would absolutely recommend them to anyone planning a Tanzania safari, especially if you value good communication, a knowledgeable guide, and a team that genuinely cares about your experience. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for a trip filled with wonderful experiences and memories we will cherish for years to come!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sam S 
 
 
 
 Verified Trip of a lifetime!
I went with Ahsante Tours via Explore on a trip to climb Kilimanjaro (Lemosho route) followed by safaris in Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. All the guides were very friendly and nice to talk to - I got along with all of them very well. For the Kilimanjaro climb, I was consistently impressed by how above and beyond all the staff went to make sure we had everything and we were comfortable. The level of care, service and concern for our health and safety was unmatched. For the safaris, our guide was very knowledgeable with what everything was and was amazing at spotting even the smallest animals in secretive hiding spots. I think this was the best trip of my life and I will always remember it incredibly fondly!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sophie N 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible
An incredible experience with the best team of guides and porters we could have asked for. They made it fun, interesting and ensured we were safe and happy at all times. I cannot thank Mussa, Joshua , Michael , Juma , Uhuru and the rest of the team enough for the trip of a lifetime. Thank you 🙏
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Blair T 
 
 
 
 Verified 10/10 review for a great company
Uk - Scotland based review. This is my second time using Ahsante tours and they can’t be faulted. I booked Kilimanjaro in 2025 with them and they were brilliant from the first initial contact. They planned out the trip according to my dates etc and were in communication throughout until I arrived. I used them again this year to book a safari trip for my partners birthday. Again, from initial contact their communication was excellent. I provided them with how I’d like my trip to look and executed it to perfection. We stayed with a Masai tribe before starting safari trip and this was a 10/10 experience. Would recommend. We thereafter visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara and then Serengeti for safari game drives. An experience that will last a life time that was made possible by using Ashante Tours. All accommodation we stayed in was clean, staff all friendly, food was good, all packed lunches provided for game drives and they were good as well. We had a safari guide Godwin, who was with us for 6 days. He was so friendly, so knowledgeable and just an overall really nice guy. Couldn’t have picked a better guide myself. The Weru Weru lodges, where you stay when booking with Ahsante is clean, good food and staff very friendly (both times). Would recommend anyone looking to book a trip to climb Kilimanjaro or safaris to book through Ahsante tours. Both times zero complaints. If I was to return to Tanzania I will use again. Ahsante to all - Ahsante Tour staff 👏🏻
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ukiyo 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect!
Professional, flexible, and friendly team. We spent 17 days with this company. From Kili to Safaris, everything was organized and managed to a perfection. Big thanks to Daniel, Benson and Derick.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Shabana S 
 
 
 
 Verified They didn’t just get us to the summit — they got us through Kilimanjaro
I don’t think you fully understand the importance of choosing the right Kilimanjaro team until you are actually on that mountain. We climbed with Ahsante Tours in September 2026, and there are moments from those days that I will genuinely never forget. Kilimanjaro tests you in ways that go far beyond physical fitness. There are long days, altitude, exhaustion, freezing temperatures, moments of complete awe and moments when your mind and body simply do not want to cooperate anymore. And during those moments, the people around you become incredibly important. Our Ahsante team were exceptional. The guides knew when to push us, when to slow us down, when we needed encouragement and when we simply needed someone beside us. The porters were absolute heroes. Watching how hard this team works while still greeting us with warmth, humour and encouragement every day gave me an entirely new level of respect for what goes into getting someone up Kilimanjaro. Summit night is where I understood it most. By that point, this wasn’t a holiday or even just a trek anymore. It was mental, physical and emotional. There were moments when reaching Uhuru Peak felt impossibly far away, but our team never stopped believing that we could get there. And we did. I stood at Uhuru Peak knowing that although my legs had carried me there, I absolutely had not got there alone. The organisation, food, camps and logistics were all handled extremely well, but what separates a good Kilimanjaro company from an unforgettable one is the people. These are the people who see you exhausted, cold, emotional and completely stripped of your usual comforts — and somehow keep you moving forward. To everyone at Ahsante who carried, cooked, guided, encouraged, laughed with us and quite literally walked this journey with us: asante sana. Kilimanjaro gave me one of the hardest and most extraordinary experiences of my life, and I will always be grateful that Ahsante Tours was part of it. Five stars, without hesitation. ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Heena K 
 
 
 
 Verified Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
My Kilimanjaro Experience with Ahsante Tours 🏔️ Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was something I wanted to do for the adventure, but the experience turned out to mean so much more than I expected. From the beginning, Ahsante Tours made the process smooth and well organised. The communication before the climb, the arrangements, and the preparation all gave me confidence going into the journey. The climb itself was challenging—physically. But having a supportive and experienced team around me made a huge difference. The guides were encouraging throughout the entire climb, constantly checking on us, reminding us to take it *pole pole*, and making sure we were comfortable and safe. The porters were equally incredible. Seeing how much they carried and how hard they worked every day gave me an entirely different appreciation for the people behind the climb. Summit night was by far the toughest part. It was cold, dark, exhausting and mentally challenging, but every step brought me closer to the goal. Finally reaching Uhuru Peak at **5,895 metres** was a feeling I honestly cannot put into words. After all the preparation, tiredness, doubts and long days, standing at the summit and knowing **I DID IT** was unforgettable. But what I loved most about this experience is that Kilimanjaro taught me things beyond climbing a mountain. It taught me to appreciate my comfort at home, to trust my body, to keep moving at my own pace, and to understand that sometimes you are capable of much more than you think. I am genuinely grateful to the entire Ahsante Tours team for being part of such an important experience for me. From the first step to the final descent, their support contributed greatly to making this journey memorable. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Duncan 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable trip (in a good way)
I joined an Ahsante group climbing the Kilimanjaro Machame route. Ascending isn’t easy, but the Ahsante team worked hard to maximise the chances of a successful ascent. Out of our group, nearly all managed to get to the top (something that isn’t usual). The guides were superb - supportive, very experienced and very friendly. Our team contained a medical doctor who was very reassuring and who was conducting research on the effects of altitude on the body. The Ahsante team are very welcoming, experienced and knowledgeable. The friendliness of the group, the stunning scenery and the Ahsante team made this an unforgettable trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   seangamage 
 
 
 
 Verified Life long memories.
Our experience was split into two parts. Firstly, the Ahsante team got me and my friend to Uhuru Peak. Nine days, Northern Circuit - absolutely amazing. Professional, supportive and fun; we could not have asked for more. After the climb, Ahsante got four of us from Weru Weru River Lodge to Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Central/Northern Serengeti. Knowledgeable guides, great camps - saw the Great Migration over the Mara River, lions, rhino, cheetah, elephant, zebra, crocodile, hippo, giraffe. Life long memories.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   mark s 
 
 
 
 Verified Safari-tastic!
Our 5 day Safari was amazing (if a little too long!) We saw such a great variety of animal life , and our drivers/ guides Godwin and Derek were very knowledgeable and could answer pretty much every question we asked, adding more information where they could. Godwin is a very skilled driver ( Derek is still training so not allowed to drive with customers) and handled those bumpy roads well. It was also great that he had car mechanic knowledge to sort out a few problems with our jeep along the way. They are both very professional but also friendly and we really enjoyed our time with them!

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the holiday package?

The package typically includes airport/ferry transfers, accommodation, breakfast, guided tours (e.g. Spice Tour or Stone Town Tour), and local transport. Specific inclusions may vary based on the package chosen.

What activities can I do in Zanzibar?

You can explore Stone Town, go snorkelling or diving, relax on the beaches, visit spice farms, go on a sunset dhow cruise, or visit Jozani Forest and its red colobus monkeys.

Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?

Yes, Zanzibar is generally very safe for tourists. It is advisable to take standard precautions, such as securing your belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night.

What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is best visited during the dry seasons: December to March (hot and dry) and June to October (cooler and dry).

Do I need a visa to visit Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the same visa rules apply. Most travellers need a Tanzanian visa, which can be obtained online, on arrival, or at an embassy.

Awards and certifications