Zanzibar is a group of islands off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It has a lot of history, a lively culture, and beautiful natural scenery. This island paradise has an amazing mix of things to do that go far beyond the postcard-perfect beaches for people who have never been there before. Zanzibar has something for everyone, whether you want to learn about the culture, see historical sites, see animals, or just relax.
This guide lists the best things to do in Zanzibar, with expert tips and timeless advice to help you get the most out of your first trip. These activities are still relevant all year long and will help you connect with this special place on a deeper level.
1. Walk Around the Alleys of Stone Town
Stone Town is the cultural and historical center of Zanzibar. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has a lot of narrow alleys, busy bazaars, intricately carved wooden doors, and coral stone buildings that tell stories from long ago.
Main Points:
- Go to the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib): This building used to be the home of Sultan Barghash and is now a symbol of Swahili coastal architecture.
- Visit the Old Fort: This structure was built in the 17th century by Omani Arabs and now houses local art galleries and cultural events.
- Visit the Freddie Mercury House: The famous Queen frontman was born here. Music fans are interested in the site.
- Visit the Darajani Market: See how people live there and try new spices and fresh fruits and vegetables.
📝 Tip: Hire a local guide to help you find hidden places and learn more about Stone Town’s rich history and culture.
2. Take It Easy on the Beaches with White Sand
The beaches in Zanzibar are some of the most beautiful in the world. They have soft white sand and turquoise waters surrounded by palm trees. The calm, warm waters are great for swimming and relaxing.
Best Beaches for People Who Are New to the Area:
- Nungwi Beach: It’s in the north and is known for its sunsets, beach bars, and swimming that is easy at all times.
- Kendwa Beach: It’s quieter than Nungwi Beach, which is just south of it, but it’s just as beautiful, making it a great place for travelers who want to relax.
- Paje Beach: A great place to kitesurf because it has a calm, relaxed atmosphere and a mix of adventure and peace.
- Jambiani Beach: A village feel with fewer tourists.
📷 Photo Ideas: Sunset at Nungwi or walking along the low-tide sandbanks at Paje are both great times to take pictures.
3. Go on a Spice Tour — The Island of Spices
People call Zanzibar the “Spice Island” for a good reason. It grows cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, nutmeg, turmeric, and other spices on its farms.
What to Expect:
- Walk through spice plantations that are full of life.
- Find out how spices are grown, picked, and used.
- Try fresh exotic fruits right off the tree.
- Learn about the island’s history of trade.
There are a lot of farms close to Kizimbani and Kidichi, and it’s easy to set up half-day tours.
🌿 Why it’s timeless: Spice tours are fun for both foodies and history buffs because they teach you about different cultures and give you a taste of them.
4. Go Sailing on a Traditional Dhow at Sunset
Fishermen and traders have used the Swahili dhow, a wooden sailing boat, for hundreds of years. Taking a sailboat ride on one is a peaceful and romantic way to see the Indian Ocean.
Features of the Sunset Dhow Cruise:
- Tropical fruits and drinks
- Music from the area on board
- The sunset over the horizon is breathtaking
You can book dhow trips in Stone Town, Nungwi, or Kendwa. It’s a great thing to do for both couples and people traveling alone.
5. Diving and Snorkeling in Mnemba Atoll
Zanzibar is a great place for divers. Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine reserve off the northeast coast, is one of the best places to go.
You Might See These Marine Animals:
- Colorful coral reefs
- Dolphins
- Turtles in the sea
- Fish that live on reefs
- Whale sharks sometimes show up (seasonally)
You can go snorkeling or diving from Nungwi, Kendwa, and Matemwe.
🌊 Lasting appeal: The underwater life is so diverse that every trip is different, no matter when you go.
6. Go to the Jozani Forest and See Red Colobus Monkeys
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park on Zanzibar and is in the middle of the island. It’s a must-see for nature lovers.
Why Visit:
- It’s the only place in the world where you can see the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey.
- Walkway through mangroves
- Plants and animals that are native to the area
This eco-tourism activity has little effect on the environment and helps protect it.
🐒 Expert tip: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to see more animals.
7. Go to Prison Island (Changuu Island)
Prison Island is only a short boat ride from Stone Town. It has both history and nature.
Why Visit:
- Originally built to hold slaves who were acting up
- Later used as a place to keep people with yellow fever
- Now a sanctuary for giant tortoises, with tortoises given by the Seychelles
- There are great places to snorkel along the coral reef
It’s a half-day trip, so you can easily fit it in with a Stone Town tour.
8. Try the Food from Zanzibar That You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
The food in Zanzibar is a tasty mix of Indian, Arab, Persian, and African flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Zanzibar Pizza: A popular street food in the area with sweet or savory fillings
- Urojo Soup (Zanzibar Mix): A spicy soup with potatoes, bhajias, mango, and other things
- Seafood platter: Grilled fish, fresh lobster, and octopus
- Pilau and biryani: Rice dishes that are very spicy
- Curries with seafood or chicken and coconut
Check out the Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town to try some local food in a fun, open-air setting.
🍽️ Longevity factor: Food is a way to connect with culture, and the dishes here don’t change with modern cooking trends.
9. Paje Has Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
Paje, on the southeast coast, is a great place for people who want to do water sports. The shallow lagoons and steady trade winds make it a great place for both beginners and experts.
Some of the Things You Can Do Are:
- Renting and taking kitesurfing lessons
- Wind surfing
- Paddleboarding
🪁 Year-round relevance: These sports can be played all year long because Zanzibar has steady coastal winds. The main seasons are from January to March and from June to October.
10. Tour of the Villages’ Culture
A guided cultural tour through villages like Jambiani, Kizimkazi, or Makunduchi will help you learn more about life on the island.
Experiences May Include:
- Going to schools and homes in the area
- Watching people make coconut ropes or weave things
- Taking part in local music and dance
These tours promote responsible tourism and let you connect with the community in a real way.
11. Kizimkazi Has Dolphins
Kizimkazi is a village on the southern coast that is famous for its dolphins, especially bottlenose and humpback dolphins.
What You Should Know:
- The morning tours are the best
- Ethical operators don’t chase or stress out dolphins
- If the weather is right, you could swim close to them
🐬 Sustainable insight: Always pick tour companies that care about animals and the environment.
12. Buying Souvenirs and Handicrafts
Zanzibar has beautiful souvenirs that show off its rich cultural history.
What to Buy:
- Baskets and other things made by hand
- Figures and masks made of carved wood
- Oils and spices that have spices in them
- Kanga and Kitenge cloth
- Beads or cowrie shells used to make jewelry
You can help local artists by shopping at cooperatives and local markets like Memories of Zanzibar, The Dhow Countries Craft Centre, and the Stone Town street markets.
13. Go to the East Africa Slave Market Memorial
This sad place in Stone Town marks the spot of the old slave market, which was very important in the island’s history.
Important Features:
- Anglican Cathedral: Built on the site of the old slave market
- Slave chambers: Rooms that have been kept underground
- Memorial statue: A way to remember the people who died during the slave trade
If you want to learn about Zanzibar’s painful but important history, you have to go here.
14. Go to a Local Festival
There are many events on Zanzibar’s calendar that celebrate its music, culture, and traditions.
Major Festivals:
- Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF): A big event that honors African cinema and arts
- Sauti za Busara: One of the best music festivals in Africa
- Mwaka Kogwa Festival: A traditional Persian New Year celebration in Makunduchi
🎉 Everlasting appeal: These events show how Zanzibar’s culture and art are still alive and well.
15. Sign Up for a Cooking Class
Do you want to bring the flavor of Zanzibar home with you? You can take cooking classes in both Stone Town and rural villages.
You Will Learn:
- How to mix spices
- Making coconut milk
- How to make chapati or curry with seafood in the Swahili style
It’s a tasty and full experience that helps you understand the culture.
Last Thoughts
Zanzibar is more than just a place to go to the beach; it’s a treasure trove of history, nature, and culture. The experiences here are rich and last a long time, whether you’re walking through Stone Town’s old alleys, enjoying spices on a plantation, or swimming with colorful marine life in clear waters.
✅ Best Advice for People Who Are Going for the First Time:
- Best time to go: June to October (dry season) and December to February (warm and sunny)
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
- Language: English and Swahili
- Dress Code: Wear clothes that show respect, especially in towns and villages
This guide will help first-time visitors see not only the most popular sights in Zanzibar, but also some of its more hidden cultural and natural wonders. These things to do in Zanzibar will last and give you an unforgettable look into the heart of this magical island.
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