When travellers dream of Zanzibar, they often picture the rhythmic sway of palm trees lining luxury resorts. Beyond the polished edges of the popular tourist trail lies a quieter, more soulful Zanzibar, one that breathes through its ancient forests, sleepy fishing villages, and the everyday island life untouched by time.
The other side of Zanzibar invites a different kind of traveller. It’s in the long conversations with locals, the songs of red colobus monkeys high in the forest canopy, and the stillness of an empty beach where the only footprints are your own. We offer luxury and budget Zanzibar holiday packages tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable tropical escape.
In this guide, we’ll step away from the well-worn paths and into the hidden corners of Zanzibar—places where the island’s spirit feels raw and deeply authentic. These hidden gems aren’t just destinations; they’re invitations to experience the heart of Zanzibar on its own terms.
Kizimkazi
Tucked away on the southern coast of Zanzibar, Kizimkazi feels like a world apart from the bustling northern beaches. This peaceful fishing village is often bypassed by the average traveller, yet it holds some of the island’s most memorable encounters, both natural and spiritual.
Kizimkazi is best known for its early-morning dolphin excursions, where local boats skim across the Indian Ocean in search of pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Unlike the crowded tours elsewhere, dolphin spotting here feels more intimate, especially if you go with a community-based operator who respects the animals and the rhythm of the sea.
It’s not uncommon to find yourself floating in the shallows beside these gentle creatures, the water still and warm as glass.
But Kizimkazi offers more than marine life. It’s a place steeped in history. A short walk inland brings you to the Kizimkazi Dimbani Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic structures in East Africa, dating back to the 12th century.
Quiet and humble, the mosque is built from coral stone and etched with Kufic script—remnants of a time when Zanzibar was a thriving centre of trade, culture, and spiritual connection. Visiting the mosque, especially in the soft light of early evening, brings a rare sense of stillness, as if the island is whispering its past to you.
Chumbe Island
Just a short boat ride from Stone Town lies Chumbe Island, a private nature reserve and eco-island that feels like it belongs to another world entirely. Unlike the tourist-heavy stretches of Zanzibar’s coast, Chumbe is fiercely protected, both in spirit and in practice.
With visitor numbers strictly limited to preserve its delicate ecosystems, only a lucky few get to experience its rare magic at any given time.
At the heart of the island is the Chumbe Reef Sanctuary, one of the most pristine coral reefs in the region. This fully protected marine reserve is home to over 500 species of fish and 200 types of coral, many of which are endangered.
Snorkelling here is unlike anything else in Zanzibar—you’re floating over a kaleidoscope of life. The water is clear, the currents gentle, and the marine life flourishing.
Above ground, the island is no less remarkable. The coral rag forest, unique to Chumbe, hosts rare wildlife like coconut crabs and Ader’s duikers. Every element of the Chumbe experience is designed around sustainability. Even the meals—fresh, locally sourced, and delicious—are prepared with minimal environmental impact.
A climb to the top of the historic lighthouse offers sweeping views of the turquoise sea and Zanzibar’s main island in the distance, but the real reward of Chumbe is its stillness. There’s no Wi-Fi, no crowds, no schedule, only the sound of the wind in the forest, the lapping of waves, and the rustle of hermit crabs along the shore.
Jozani Forest
While many visitors to Zanzibar rush straight to the beaches, few take the detour inland to explore Jozani Forest, the island’s last remaining indigenous forest and one of its richest ecological treasures. Those who do are rewarded with a lush, almost mystical experience.
The forest is best known as the home of the endangered red colobus monkeys, a species found only in Zanzibar. With their expressive faces, rust-coloured backs, and acrobatic leaps between branches, they are both curious and charismatic, often coming surprisingly close to visitors.
Observing them in their natural habitat, socializing and foraging high in the canopy, is a quiet thrill that lingers long after you’ve left.
But the forest’s magic goes beyond its famous residents. Towering mahogany trees, strangler figs, and wild date palms form a green cathedral above the winding footpaths. Shafts of sunlight pierce through the leaves, illuminating butterflies, exotic birds, and flashes of blue from tree frogs hidden among the foliage. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and growing things.
Continue your walk and you’ll find yourself in the mangrove boardwalk, where wooden planks snake above an entirely different world: one of tidal pools, gnarled roots, and tiny crabs scuttling through the mud. These mangroves are essential not just for biodiversity but also for protecting Zanzibar’s fragile coastline from erosion.
Guided tours are available and highly recommended, as local guides share fascinating insights into the forest’s ecosystem and the spiritual significance it holds for nearby communities. And unlike more touristy attractions, there’s a peacefulness here that allows for true connection.
The Spice Farms of Kiwengwa and Uroa
Zanzibar’s nickname, The Spice Island, is more than just a romantic echo from the past—it’s a living part of the island’s identity. While many visitors opt for the well-trodden spice tours near Stone Town, those in the know head east to Kiwengwa and Uroa, where the experience is more authentic, personal, and deeply rooted in local life.
In these quieter villages, family-run spice farms open their gates to curious travellers, offering a glimpse into the everyday routine of spice cultivation. There are no flashy demonstrations or scripted tours here, just real people with generations of knowledge, guiding you through fragrant groves of clove trees, cinnamon bark, and vanilla vines that curl up wooden supports like jungle threads.
You might find yourself crushing a nutmeg shell in your palm, inhaling the warm aroma of freshly picked cardamom, or watching as turmeric is dug from the earth, golden and pungent. These visits are interactive and sensory, often ending with a homemade cup of spiced tea and a generous spread of tropical fruits grown right on the farm.
Beyond the spices themselves, the real gift of these visits is the connection with the land, and with the people who tend it. Farmers share stories of how cloves once built Zanzibar’s fortunes, or how rain patterns have shifted over the years. Children may join in to show you how to peel cinnamon from a branch, and the air is filled with the kind of laughter that only comes from genuine hospitality.
By supporting these small farms, travellers contribute directly to local livelihoods while experiencing a side of Zanzibar that’s earthy and deeply rewarding.
Makunduchi
Nestled in the far south of Zanzibar, Makunduchi is a village where tradition still holds sway and the past feels tangibly close. Far removed from the island’s resort-lined coastline, Makunduchi offers a glimpse into an older, more rooted Zanzibar.
At the heart of Makunduchi’s cultural identity is the Mwaka Kogwa Festival, a vibrant celebration of the Shirazi New Year, rooted in Persian traditions and now uniquely Zanzibari in expression. Held every July or August, the festival is unlike anything else on the island.
Men engage in mock battles with banana stalks, a symbolic ritual said to cleanse the community of past grievances. Women gather in traditional dress to sing taarab songs, chant blessings, and parade through the village, offering food and heartfelt wishes for the year ahead. It’s theatrical, joyful, and deeply spiritual.
Beyond the festival, Makunduchi is a place where the architecture and atmosphere speak volumes. Traditional Swahili homes, built from coral stone and lime, line narrow, winding lanes. Many are adorned with carved wooden doors and inner courtyards, quiet sanctuaries shaded by mango trees.
Life moves slowly here. You’ll see elders sitting beneath the trees sipping spiced coffee, children playing barefoot in sandy alleyways, and women weaving mats or preparing meals over open fires.
What makes Makunduchi so special isn’t just the preservation of customs, it’s the pride with which they are upheld. The villagers welcome respectful visitors, especially those willing to listen, learn, and appreciate the cultural tapestry that defines this part of the island.
Insider Tips for Discovering Zanzibar’s Hidden Side
Exploring Zanzibar’s lesser-known corners can be a deeply rewarding experience, but a little planning and local know-how go a long way in making your journey both meaningful and smooth. Here are some insider tips to help you experience the island’s hidden gems.
Best Time to Visit Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots
The best time to explore Zanzibar’s quieter side is during the shoulder seasons—April to early June, and September to mid-December. Avoid peak tourist months (late December and July-August) if you want to experience these areas in peace.
Embrace Local Transport
For a real taste of local life, consider hopping on a dala dala, Zanzibar’s shared minivans that crisscross the island. They’re cheap, colourful, and an adventure in themselves, though not always the most comfortable. For more flexibility, renting a bicycle or scooter is ideal in rural areas like Jambiani, Uroa, or Kizimkazi, where traffic is light and distances manageable.
Local taxis are available but can be pricey—agree on a fare upfront, as meters are rarely used outside of Stone Town.
Hire Local Guides for Deeper Connection
Hiring a local guide—especially in places like Jozani Forest, spice farms, or heritage villages like Makunduchi—opens up a deeper layer of understanding. Many guides are from the communities you’ll visit and can offer personal stories and access to places you might otherwise miss. Look for independent guides or ask your accommodation for community-based recommendations.
Respectful Tourism Etiquette
Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, and respecting local customs is essential. Dress modestly when away from the beach: cover shoulders and knees in villages and public spaces. Always ask before taking photos of people. Learn a few Swahili greetings (like Jambo or Asante sana)—they go a long way in building a connection.
The Soul of Zanzibar Lies in Its Quiet Corners
Zanzibar may dazzle with its turquoise waters and world-famous beaches, but its true soul resides in the places that don’t make it onto most travel brochures.
It’s found in the rustle of spice leaves in Kiwengwa, in the slow rhythm of village life in Makunduchi, and in the echo of footsteps along the forest paths of Jozani. These are the moments that linger, the ones that don’t just show you Zanzibar, but help you feel it.
To truly know this island, you have to slow down. Step away from the resorts and curated excursions, and allow yourself to wander into the unexpected. It’s in these quiet corners that Zanzibar reveals its heart: generous, grounded, and full of quiet wonder.
So leave space in your itinerary for the unplanned. Sit beneath a mango tree with a local guide, float in the still waters off Chumbe Island, or sip tea with a spice farmer who calls the land home. Because here, in the hush between the highlights, Zanzibar doesn’t just become a destination, it becomes a memory etched into your spirit.
And those are the stories worth carrying home.
