Zanzibar Tanzania Vacation
Zanzibar: Under The Palms Retreat
Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa
May 21 – 30, 2027 (9 Nights)
Early Bird Retreat Price: $3,150
Deposit: $400
Late Bird Retreat Price: $3,650
Deposit: $600
All prices are in United States Dollars (USD).
Zanzibar Under the Palms Retreat Team
Wafa Aouchiche
Retreat Planner and Host
Retreat Overview
We’re excited to launch our first Under The Palms Retreat: A Premium Edition. A slower way to experience Zanzibar, Tanzania.
This 10-day retreat is intentionally curated for a small group of like-minded people seeking meaningful connection, cultural immersion, rest, and adventure — without the rush of fast tourism.
Together, we’ll journey through three distinct parts of Zanzibar:
• 3 nights in historic Stone Town
• 3 nights in the laid-back coastal village of Paje
• 4 nights in the turquoise waters and white sands of Nungwi
While we’ll be staying in beautiful, thoughtfully selected accommodations throughout the island, the experience is less about excess and more about ease, care, and intention.
Expect beach days, ocean air, slow mornings, and unforgettable moments woven throughout the retreat. We’ll spend time learning from local communities, including visiting an Islamic school and exploring the women-led seaweed farms that are deeply connected to Zanzibar’s coastal culture and economy. We’ll also enjoy a full Blue Day experience on the water — one of the many ways we’ll connect with the island beyond the surface.
This retreat is designed for people who value presence over performance. Most guests are personally vetted through Burgundy Roots Retreats, which helps create an atmosphere that feels grounded, open, and genuinely special.
This is not fast tourism. It’s intentional travel with purpose, beauty, and depth.
We ask that you travel with heart open and spirit ready!
Yallah, Bismillah ❤️
Zanzibar Under the Palms Itinerary
Day 1: Arrivals & Introductions
Welcome to the island of Unguja, popularly known as Zanzibar!
You’ll arrive in Zanzibar and will make your way to our hotel in Stone Town. The first day is intentionally relaxed, allowing everyone time to settle in and ease into the retreat experience.
Morning / Afternoon
• Airport arrivals
• Private transfers
• Hotel check-in
• Free time to relax
Evening
• Welcome Dinner
• Guest introductions
• Retreat welcome gathering
Day 2: Stone Town
Exploring the Heart of Zanzibar. Today is dedicated to discovering the rich history and culture of Stone Town through a guided experience led by Ally.
Morning
• Guided Stone Town Tour with Ali
Afternoon
• Lunch
• Free time for cafés, shopping, museums, photography, or relaxation
Evening
• Free evening
Day 3: Ocean Adventure
Grab your sunscreen, bathing suit, and snorkeling gear (if you’d like), because today we’re heading out for Safari Blue — a full day of adventure on Zanzibar’s stunning turquoise waters.
We’ll board a traditional dhow sailing boat and cruise out to a breathtaking sandbank in the middle of the ocean and lagoon. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, and taking in the beauty of Zanzibar’s crystal-clear waters.
Afterward, we’ll head to another island to enjoy a delicious seafood lunch surrounded by some of the island’s most beautiful scenery.
Please note: if you purchased the meal plan, lunch on this day is included.
Day 4: Paje
Today we head to a new side of the island — the vibrant and laid-back shores of Paje Beach.
Known for its stunning coastline, turquoise waters, and relaxed atmosphere, Paje offers a completely different energy and experience of Zanzibar.
During our stay, we’ll visit the local seaweed farms and learn more about the women and communities behind this important part of the island’s culture and economy. We’ll also explore some of Paje’s hidden gems — from beautiful bodies of water and peaceful corners of the coast to thoughtfully curated cafés and restaurants that capture the spirit of the area.
We’ll also spend time visiting a beautiful local madrassa, offering an opportunity to connect more deeply with the culture, faith, and everyday life of the community.
This part of the journey is all about slowing down, staying curious, and experiencing Zanzibar with intention.
Day 5: Seaweed
Today, we’ll drive to the Seaweed Centre for an immersive visit led by an expert local guide.
At the centre, you’ll learn about seaweed farming — the second-largest industry on the island — and its important role in supporting local communities. Located in Paje, this inspiring social enterprise creates opportunities for women algae farmers to improve their standard of living and participate in meaningful economic development that directly benefits the community. Depending on the tide, we may even have the chance to witness the seaweed harvest firsthand.
After our visit, we’ll head to a beautiful hidden lagoon for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear freshwater. We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing there, enjoying good food, meaningful conversation, and the peaceful surroundings.
After dinner, we’ll gather together for a fun and lighthearted evening of card games designed to help everyone connect, unwind, and get to know each other better.
Day 6: Wellness day
Enjoy a day off! You can sleep, jetski, go to the spa, do a Pilates class and much more. go to the SPA and do what you wish! If you wish to try out a traditional sunset Dhow, please let us know! Costs; $45-$50 USD
Day 7: Nungwi
Northern Zanzibar Experience Begins
We will make our way north, stopping along the way for one of Zanzibar’s most famous cultural experiences.
Morning
• Check-out from East Coast accommodation
En Route
• Spice Farm Experience
Afternoon
• Arrival and check-in at our hotel
• Free time to enjoy the villas
Evening
• Dinner
Day 8: Beach Day & Sunset Cruise
Kendwa Beach Experience
A full day dedicated to enjoying one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches.
Morning
• Leisure breakfast
• Relaxation
Afternoon
• Beach Day at Kendwa Beach
Evening
• Sunset Cruise Experience
Day 9: Free day
Relaxation & Connection
A flexible day allowing guests to choose how they spend their time before coming together in the evening.
Morning
• Free time
Afternoon
• Pool time
• Beach time
• Optional activities
Evening
• Burgundy Roots Anniversary Sunset Drinks
• Reserved gathering at Le Saint Tropez, Kidoti
Day 10: Departure
We’re sad to see you go but pray that all those who cam as strangers, leave as friends! Safe journey insh’Allah!
What’s Included on the Zanzibar Tanzania Vacation?
Included:
- Accommodations – Shared accommodations (2 people per room)
- Daily Breakfast – EXCLUDES Lunch & Dinners
- 6 attractions – Private lagoon swim, Seaweed farm, Safari Blue Boat ride, Stone Town Tour, Sunset Show, Sunset cocktail party
- Daily transportation – EXCLUDES airport pick up/drop off
- Personal tour guide – Local tour guide available at all times
- Tour curator – 24/7 in-country support by local team and our remote team
- Personal photographer
- Airport Shuttle – Must arrive and depart at specific times. The airport shuttle will be at the airport at 2:00 pm on arrival day and leave for the airport on the last day at 10:00 AM.
Not Included:
- International airfare
- Remaining meals – lunch & dinners are NOT included
- Travel/medical insurance
- Additional expenditure – Any extra accommodation, transportation or activities not mentioned in itinerary. Also any extra spendings (Covid-19 PCR test, tips, souvenirs, telephones, etc.)
- Yellow Fever vaccine
- Tourist visa – $50 USD for non Americans and $100 USD for Americans
Zanzibar Photo Gallery
Embark on a visual journey through the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Zanzibar with our curated photo gallery. Discover the beauty of this enchanting island one image at a time. Click a photo to start the slideshow.
A Few Words From Our Travelers In Zanzibar
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Join the Adventure?
Join us for an incredible journey through Zanzibar with Summiyah! Immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable moments. Secure your Tanzania vacation today and get ready for an amazing adventure.
