Zanzibar is a destination that captures the imagination of travellers worldwide. Steeped in a rich tapestry of history and culture, this Indian Ocean paradise has been a melting pot of African, Arab, Persian, and European influences for centuries.
From the labyrinthine streets of Stone Town—a UNESCO World Heritage site—brimming with intricately carved doors, bustling bazaars, and ancient mosques, to the scent of spices wafting through the air, Zanzibar offers a sensory journey unlike any other.
But Zanzibar’s appeal doesn’t end with its cultural treasures. The archipelago is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches, where powdery white sands meet turquoise waters. We offer luxury and budget Zanzibar packages tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable tropical escape.
With its unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights, Zanzibar is more than just a destination—it’s an unforgettable adventure that beckons all types of travellers. In this article we will list the top things to do in Zanzibar
1. Explore Stone Town’s Rich History and Culture
Stone Town, the historical heart of Zanzibar, invites travellers to step back in time and lose themselves in a maze of narrow alleys that twist and turn in delightful unpredictability. As a living reminder of Zanzibar’s storied past, Stone Town is a place where every stone and corner tells a tale of trade and migration.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it preserves an intricate architectural legacy, a unique blend of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences that have shaped its identity over centuries.
Walking through Stone Town’s labyrinthine streets, you are greeted by stunning carved wooden doors that grace the entrances of many buildings—each one a symbol of status, religion, or trade. As you wander, the aromas of cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon permeate the air, a nod to Zanzibar’s historic spice trade.
Amid this sensory immersion, you’ll find bustling markets like Darajani Market, where locals haggle over fresh produce, seafood, and traditional crafts, offering an authentic glimpse into everyday Zanzibari life.
2. Relax on the Pristine Beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa
Zanzibar’s northern coast is home to two of its most alluring beach destinations—Nungwi and Kendwa. These idyllic stretches of powdery white sand, bordered by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, make for a quintessential tropical paradise.
Nungwi, once a quiet fishing village, and its neighboring beach, Kendwa, are now beloved havens for sun-seekers, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and thrilling activities.
Nungwi Beach is a great spot to lounge under the sun with a book in hand or sip on a refreshing coconut water from a local beach vendor. For those with a penchant for water sports, Nungwi offers opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. You can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, embark on a dhow sailing adventure, or even try kite surfing.
Just a short distance away, Kendwa Beach provides a quieter yet equally breathtaking setting. Renowned for its calm, clear waters, it’s one of the best spots in Zanzibar for swimming at any tide—a rarity in this region.
Both Nungwi and Kendwa are brimming with opportunities to indulge in the local culture. As night falls, beachside bonfires and live music fill the air, offering a taste of the island’s nightlife. Sample freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection at beachside restaurants, or join a beach party where locals and visitors dance barefoot in the sand under the starry sky.
3. Embark on a Spice Tour
Zanzibar’s moniker as the “Spice Island” dates back centuries, when it served as a major hub for the global spice trade. These aromatic treasures, introduced through centuries of trade and cultural exchange, continue to play a central role in the island’s economy and cultural identity. Today, embarking on a spice tour offers visitors a unique way to experience Zanzibar’s rich agricultural heritage while immersing themselves in its sensory delights.
A typical spice tour takes you deep into the island’s lush plantations, where knowledgeable local guides introduce you to the secrets behind each spice. As you wander through fields brimming with fragrant plants, you’ll see, touch, and taste fresh spices directly from their source.
Expect to be captivated by the sight of clove trees—the very spice that once made Zanzibar a leading exporter—or the sweet aroma of vanilla pods, and the bright, fiery red seeds of the annatto plant. Each stop comes with intriguing stories and insights into how these spices have shaped the culture, trade, and cuisine of Zanzibar over the centuries.
4. Discover the Wonders of Jozani Forest
Nestled in the heart of Zanzibar, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park offers a captivating journey into the island’s unique biodiversity. As Zanzibar’s only national park, it plays a vital role in the preservation of the archipelago’s fragile ecosystems, spanning a mix of lush tropical forests, mangroves, and salt marshes.
One of the park’s standout attractions is the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, an endangered primate species found exclusively in this region. Recognizable by their striking coats of reddish-brown and white, these charismatic monkeys are a delight to observe as they leap gracefully between treetops or forage on the forest floor. The red colobus monkeys are famously unafraid of humans, offering visitors rare and intimate glimpses of their social behaviour and interactions.
But Jozani Forest’s wonders extend far beyond its famous residents. The forest itself is a vibrant tapestry of towering mahogany, eucalyptus, and mangrove trees, creating a cool, shaded canopy teeming with life.
Another highlight of a visit to Jozani Forest is the eco-walk through its mangrove boardwalk. As you venture through the mangroves, you’ll learn about their vital role in sustaining Zanzibar’s delicate ecosystems, while witnessing crabs and small fish darting through the shallow water below.
5. Go Diving and Snorkelling in Mnemba Atoll
Mnemba Atoll, a small oval-shaped reef and island off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, is a paradise for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. Renowned for its stunning marine life and vibrant coral reefs, Mnemba offers one of the most spectacular underwater experiences in East Africa.
These reefs provide a vital habitat for countless marine creatures, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of colours and motion that can be observed at every turn. Snorkelers and divers alike are treated to clear visibility, making it easy to appreciate the intricate beauty of the reef ecosystem.
One of the most thrilling aspects of visiting Mnemba Atoll is the abundance of marine life. Schools of tropical fish, including clownfish, parrotfish, and angelfish, dart through the reefs, while majestic sea turtles glide gracefully through the water. For divers, it’s not uncommon to encounter larger species, such as moray eels, stingrays, and reef sharks, adding a touch of exhilaration to every descent.
Dolphins are frequent visitors to the area, and lucky travellers may spot them frolicking near the surface or swimming alongside their boats.
Mnemba is also known for its impressive population of green sea turtles, which often nest on the island. Divers and snorkelers have the rare opportunity to observe these gentle creatures up close, either feeding on seagrass or resting near the reef.
6. Visit the Prison Island (Changuu Island)
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is a fascinating and picturesque destination located just a short boat ride away from Stone Town, Zanzibar. Originally acquired by the Sultan of Zanzibar in the 1860s, the island was initially intended to serve as a detention centre for rebellious slaves. However, it never fulfilled this purpose.
In the late 19th century, the British repurposed it as a quarantine station for those with contagious diseases, particularly yellow fever, before they entered Zanzibar. Remnants of this era, including the old prison and quarantine buildings, can still be explored, offering a glimpse into the island’s storied past.
Today, Prison Island is best known for its conservation efforts involving the giant Aldabra tortoises. Some of these tortoises are over 100 years old and can weigh more than 200 kilograms.
Beyond its historical landmarks and tortoises, Prison Island boasts stunning snorkelling opportunities. For those seeking relaxation, the island’s pristine beaches provide a perfect place to unwind and take in breathtaking views of the turquoise sea.
7. Taste Authentic Zanzibar Cuisine
Zanzibar’s cuisine is a reflection of its vibrant cultural history, shaped by centuries of trade and a unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. To truly immerse yourself in Zanzibar culture, savouring its authentic cuisine is a must.
For an immersive dining experience, head to Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town during the evening. This lively night market is a sensory delight, with food stalls offering everything from freshly grilled seafood skewers to sugarcane juice and local delicacies.
Another excellent dining option is Emerson on Hurumzi or The Rock Restaurant for a unique dining experience that combines traditional Zanzibari flavours with stunning views of the island.
8. Sail on a Traditional Dhow for a Sunset Cruise
Sailing on a traditional dhow at sunset is one of the most enchanting experiences Zanzibar has to offer. These iconic wooden sailing vessels, with their distinctive triangular sails, have been used by Swahili people for centuries, primarily for fishing and trade.
Today, they also provide a glimpse into Zanzibar’s maritime heritage while offering an unforgettable journey across the waters of the Indian Ocean.
As you step aboard a dhow, the experience instantly evokes a sense of adventure and timeless charm. The magic truly begins as the sun starts its slow descent towards the horizon. Sailing past pristine beaches, small islets, and clusters of mangroves, you’ll find yourself captivated by the breathtaking scenery. As the sun sinks lower, it creates a dazzling reflection on the sea, making for a picture-perfect moment that embodies the romance and natural splendour of Zanzibar.
9. Experience the Cultural Rhythms of a Village Tour
A visit to one of Zanzibar’s traditional villages offers a rare opportunity to step into the daily lives of the island’s local communities and gain a deep appreciation for their rich cultural heritage.
As you walk through the village, you’ll encounter a way of life that blends past and present, where ancient traditions coexist with modern influences.
Many tours include visits to local homes, giving you a firsthand glimpse into the structure of family life, communal values, and the importance of extended kinship networks. The experience of sharing tea or a meal with a local family is not only heartwarming but also offers an intimate understanding of Zanzibar hospitality.
Craftsmanship plays a central role in village life, and visitors are often invited to witness artisans at work. From weaving mats and baskets to carving intricate wooden pieces, local crafts reveal the skills and creativity passed down through generations.
The village tour is also a journey through Zanzibar’s vibrant music and dance traditions. Drumming and traditional Swahili songs are often part of the experience, providing an energetic and immersive glimpse into local celebrations and rituals.
10. Visit the Old Slave Market
The Old Slave Market in Stone Town is a powerful and poignant site that holds deep historical and cultural significance. Visiting this site provides not only historical insights but also a profound connection to the resilience of those who suffered and the triumph of abolition.
The market was once the centre of the East African slave trade during the 18th and 19th centuries, where enslaved individuals were brought, held, and sold. Today, the site houses the Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church, built by missionaries in the late 19th century to commemorate the abolition of slavery.
A visit to the Old Slave Market includes a tour of the underground slave chambers, which evokes a visceral understanding of the suffering endured and highlights the resilience of those who survived.
The site also features exhibits and guided tours that provide detailed accounts of the slave trade’s history, including its abolition and the role Zanzibar played as a hub in the Indian Ocean slave routes. Through photographs and artifacts visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s history and the ongoing importance of human rights and freedom.
Visiting the Old Slave Market is not merely a historical excursion but an experience that fosters education and reflection. It is a must-see for travellers seeking to understand Zanzibar’s complex past and the global impact of the slave trade. By visiting, you honour the memories of those who endured while contributing to the preservation of an important historical site. View our Zanzibar holiday packages and start planning your dream vacation today.
