Day 1: Zanzibar
ITALY / ZANZIBAR (-/-/D)
The beautiful island of Zanzibar, also known as the "Spice Island," became a major trading hub for spices as early as the 19th century. Among the most famous is the clove, introduced here in 1818, which thrived in the tropical climate and fertile soils of western Zanzibar and nearby Pemba.
Today, Zanzibar is mainly known for its stunning white-sand beaches—especially Nungwi, ranked among the top 10 beaches in the world—but the island has so much more to offer. Its rich and diverse history has seen occupation by the Portuguese, the Sultanate of Oman, and the British over the past 500 years. These influences left a mix of architectural styles and cultural elements that culminate in the capital, Stone Town, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Beneath its warm tropical waters, you'll find hundreds of coral reefs teeming with marine life such as Napoleon wrasse, graceful manta rays, sharks, kingfish, sea turtles, barracudas, and wahoos. It’s a spectacular underwater kingdom and ranks among the world’s top 10 diving sites.
We’ve combined a beach holiday with our passion for horses—you'll ride through these natural wonders, explore lush forests, visit traditional villages, and gallop for miles on Nungwi’s white beaches during low tide.
Pick-up at Zanzibar Kisauni International Airport (ZNZ) and transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to Nungwi in the north of the island. Check-in at the Z Hotel in a Garden View Room. Free time to relax and dinner included.
Day 2:
ZANZIBAR (B/-/D)
2 hours on horseback.
This ride explores the sandbanks, depending on the tides and could take place early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Walk to the stables where, after being assigned a horse, you will ride through the village of Nungwi to reach the stunning sandbanks that emerge during extreme low tide—shaped by the moon. You may never again see sand so white or waters so crystal-clear. This trek is suitable only for experienced riders as it involves long canters and some coastal rock passages. Once at the sandbanks, you'll have plenty of opportunities for canters and amazing photo and video shoots. Free time for the rest of the day.
Day 3:
ZANZIBAR (B/-/D)
3 hours on horseback.
Departing from the stables, we ride south along the main beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa—walking, trotting, and cantering along this breathtaking coastline. We’ll reach Kilindi Bay, a great spot for photos, then head inland to the cultivated lands of Kilindi. Stop at another stable to visit the facilities and meet other horses while enjoying a short refreshment. After a ~30-minute break, we ride back north, ending with a 7 km beach canter along Kendwa and Nungwi’s white sands. Free time in the afternoon and 30-minute swim with the horses.
Day 4:
ZANZIBAR (B/-/D)
Final ride—90 minutes—through the village and jungle of Kidoti. Depart from Kidoti stables; a vehicle will pick you up from the hotel and take you there. You'll ride through remote villages and a forest rarely seen by tourists. After returning to the stables, transfer back to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5:
to 7: ZANZIBAR (B/-/D)
Free days to relax on Nungwi’s beautiful beach. Optional activities (available for an extra charge) include: deep-sea fishing, diving, snorkeling near Pemba Island, sunset cruises, kite surfing, kayaking, and more. You can also book excursions to the capital Stone Town (built entirely from coral and stone), Jozani Forest—home of the red colobus monkeys—or Prison Island, accessible by boat and famous for its giant tortoises.
Day 8:
ZANZIBAR / ITALY (B/-/-)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Italy. Alternatively, extend your journey—contact us for a personalized quote for a safari in one of Tanzania's iconic parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Arusha, including horseback safaris.
Note: The itinerary is indicative. The order and timing of horseback excursions will be confirmed upon arrival on the island. It’s possible to shorten or extend the beach stay (minimum 3-night stay required).
Legend:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: from ° to °°°°°
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Difficulty: °°° (Intermediate)
Accommodation: Boutique hotel
Equipment: Trekking English saddles
Horses: A cavalry of 25 mixed-breed horses, all well-tempered and most are excellent swimmers
Pace: 4 rides (30 min horse swim, 2-hour sandbank ride, 3-hour northern ride, 90 min Kidoti jungle ride)
What to bring: Riding apparel, protective helmet, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle
Max weight: 85 kg
Minimum age: 16 years (younger children can take pony lessons)
Type: Equestrian stay with accommodation in a boutique hotel
ACCOMMODATION
7 nights at the Z Hotel in Nungwi, located directly on one of the world's top 10 beaches. Opened in 2010, this boutique hotel combines laid-back beach living with contemporary London-inspired design. Nestled in a tropical garden with direct access to the award-winning Nungwi beach and the warm Indian Ocean, Z Hotel offers several room types: Garden View, Sea View, Rooftop Suites, Ocean Front Cottage, Z Suites, and Kidoti Villas. All rooms include LCD TVs, cable, Wi-Fi, and charging stations.
Facilities include a panoramic bar and restaurant, spa and gym, and a wide range of excursions and activities. The hotel hosts one of the world’s top diving, snorkeling, and fishing centers. Mnemba Atoll—home to one of the highest concentrations of turtles—is just 30 minutes away by boat.
Departure dates: Available year-round upon request with a minimum of 2 participants
(Closed from April 15 to May 31 due to the rainy season)
Participants: Minimum 2, Maximum 10
