History, privately
A private historian leads the slave market site and Christ Church Cathedral, followed by Prison Island’s giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old.
Giant tortoises on Prison Island, a helicopter loop over Stone Town and Jozani, Mnemba Atoll coral drop-offs, and a spinner dolphin marine reserve
See Pricing & Inclusions ↓OverviewDesigned for luxury travellers who crave absolute marine privacy, world-class snorkelling, and high-altitude aerial scenery. This package integrates a private helicopter loop over the island with elite coral atoll preservation tracking. It highlights the historic architecture of Stone Town and its deeply moving slave market history, the giant Aldabra tortoises of Prison Island, and the pristine coral drop-offs of Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve. High-end highlights include a private helicopter loop over Stone Town and Jozani Forest, a private ocean sandbar sundowner in the middle of the Indian Ocean, a private island beach barbecue bonfire, and an exclusive Swahili Ukili weaver cultural encounter.
Private historian leads the slave market site and Christ Church Cathedral — one of the most moving historical experiences in East Africa
Prison Island private speedboat: feeding giant Aldabra tortoises over 100 years old and exploring the historic island ruins
Private ocean sandbar vintage wine sundowner as the water turns gold — a setup in the middle of the Indian Ocean
Dawn helicopter loop over Stone Town's coral-stone rooftops and Jozani's green canopy — breathtaking aerial views of both
Mnemba Island: a private atoll with absolute privacy, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear snorkelling in turquoise lagoons
Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve private boat: spinner dolphins, blue-fin trevally, and coral drop-offs in pristine waters
Kuza Cave sacred subterranean pools: crystalline freshwater cavern used for centuries of Zanzibar spiritual healing
Helicopter return from lodge lawn to Stone Town: the finest final transfer experience in all of Zanzibar

Helicopter loop over Stone Town and Jozani: the only way to appreciate the full scale and beauty of both landmarks at once
Prison Island Aldabra tortoises: feeding creatures over 100 years old on a private island — a deeply memorable encounter
Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve: one of the finest coral dive and snorkel destinations in the entire Indian Ocean
Mnemba private island: absolute seclusion, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise water with no other guests
Slave market and Christ Church Cathedral: the most important and moving historical experience available in East Africa
Helicopter departure from the lodge lawn: an extraordinary and exclusive final transfer back to Stone Town
Stone Town · Prison Island · Jozani Chwaka Bay · Mnemba Island Atoll
VIP tarmac greeting at Abeid Amani Karume Airport. Private luxury SUV into the heart of the historic capital. Check-in at Park Hyatt Zanzibar in the Sultan Suite — elegant oceanfront palace blending Swahili architecture with modern luxury. Indian Ocean views, coral-stone architecture, and the serene historic harbour. Early arrivals explore Stone Town's narrow winding streets, carved wooden doors, and historic waterfront. Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Private historian leads exploration of the old slave market site and Christ Church Cathedral — once one of the largest slave markets in East Africa. History of the market, the abolition movement, and the role of the Anglican Church in ending the trade. The Christ Church Cathedral built in the 19th century on the former slave market site with striking Gothic architecture and stained glass windows. The nearby Slave Chambers where enslaved people were held — a deeply moving and educational experience.
Private luxury speedboat to Prison Island (Changuu) — historic 19th-century prison architecture never used for its intended purpose and the giant Aldabra tortoises that inhabit the island. Feeding these magnificent creatures, some over 100 years old. Exploring the island's beautiful beaches and historic ruins. Late afternoon: private sandbar in the middle of the ocean. Premium vintage wines from a private sandbar setup as the water turns gold at sunset — a truly unforgettable sundowner.
Rising at dawn for a private helicopter flight looping over the historic coral-stone rooftops of Stone Town and the dense green canopy of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park — breathtaking aerial views of the maze of narrow streets and lush forests below. Landing at Jozani for a private walking tour: Red Colobus Monkeys leaping through the canopy. Drive to the northeast coast. Check-in at Mnemba Island Lodge (AndBeyond) — a luxury private island resort.
A full day of absolute relaxation on Mnemba Island — a private atoll surrounded by crystal-clear waters. The stunning turquoise lagoon, white-sand beaches, and lush tropical vegetation. Swimming in the warm clear water, snorkelling along the shore, or relaxing on the beach. Absolute privacy and seclusion with no other tourists in sight. The afternoon yours to enjoy the resort's exceptional amenities.
Private boat charter to Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve for elite snorkelling — magnificent coral drop-offs, spinner dolphins, and schools of blue-fin trevally in crystal-clear water. The best snorkelling spots selected by your guide: sea turtles, reef sharks, and a dazzling array of tropical fish. A luxury breakfast served on a private sandbar or secluded beach within the reserve — dining in absolute privacy with turquoise water stretching around you.
Afternoon excursion to Kuza Cave in Jambiani — walking down stone steps into a prehistoric limestone cavern. Cool humid air, echoing dripping water, and a mystical atmosphere in one of Zanzibar's most sacred natural sites. Swimming in the crystalline subterranean freshwater pools traditionally revered by locals for their healing properties. The cultural significance of the cave for centuries of spiritual ceremonies and healing rituals explained.
A relaxed day enjoying the private oceanfront plunge pool with stunning turquoise water views, the gentle sea breeze, and the peaceful serenity of your private island retreat. Optional swimming, snorkelling, or premium spa therapy using local oils. The day culminates in a dramatic beachside seafood barbecue bonfire dinner served under hanging lanterns — warmed by a roaring central bonfire pit with the sound of the waves providing a soothing soundtrack.
Travel to a coastal village to interact privately with indigenous Swahili women weavers. The deep history of hand-weaving traditional Ukili palm fronds into intricate floor mats and sultanate-style baskets — passed down through generations. Watching the entire process: harvesting and preparing palm fronds to intricate weaving patterns. Private performance of traditional oral storytelling and music. Farewell multi-course dinner at Mnemba Island Lodge paired with vintage wines.
Relaxed luxury breakfast watching the turquoise water. Private helicopter transfer from the lodge lawn directly back to Stone Town — the most efficient and spectacular final transfer in Zanzibar. Complementary spa session at your city hotel. Private Stone Town tour if missed on Day 1. International departure the following day.
We are here for that. Every Finders & Keepers Safaris itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed departure — the pace, the lodges, the length, the dates and the party travelling can all be reshaped around you. Tell us what you would change and a specialist will rebuild the journey and price it honestly, before you commit to anything.
Tailor This Journey →


Stone Town’s history with a private historian, then a private atoll: Mnemba Island with &Beyond.
A private historian leads the slave market site and Christ Church Cathedral, followed by Prison Island’s giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old.
A dawn helicopter loop over Stone Town’s rooftops and Jozani’s canopy, and a vintage wine sundowner on a private sandbar.
&Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge is a private atoll with white-sand beaches and clear snorkelling, with a private boat to the marine reserve’s spinner dolphins and coral drop-offs.
Hold 2027 for half the usual deposit
Confirm any 2027 departure with a 15% deposit instead of the usual 30%, booked before 31 December 2026.
30% off the single supplement
Travelling on your own? We cut the single traveller supplement by 30% across selected 2027 departures.
Bring three, the fourth travels free
Book four guests on a 2027 group departure and the fourth guest’s safari cost is on us.
The same unforgettable journey, priced by season.
Reserve today with a low early deposit to lock in your 2027 dates and pricing.
Spread the rest across convenient instalments, at a pace that suits you.
Final balance due one month before departure — nothing more to pay once you fly.
Duffel, sun hat, reef-safe sun cream and dry bag
Tides govern the best beach and water experiences
Zanzibar's beaches are tidal — swimming conditions vary significantly between high and low tide depending on which coast you're staying on. Your specialist will recommend the best-suited beach for your priorities.
Visa on arrival or e-Visa, from $50
Private, tailor-made departures on your dates, or join a small group
A deposit of 30% is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due 60 days before departure. All itineraries can be tailored — extend a stay, add a destination, or adjust the pace to suit you. Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation and personal effects is required for all guests. Your dedicated specialist remains on call throughout your journey for any changes or assistance you need.


