26 December 2023
On any holiday you want to make the most of what you do, be it excursions, tours or simply a lazy day by the pool or at the spa.
Zanzibar may seem like a fairly small territory, but you’ll find to your surprise that this island has a wealth of things to see and do.
Once you start exploring Zanzibar, you’ll quickly find that every part of the island, from its pretty towns to its breathtaking coastline, is packed with experiences you won’t want to skip.
Below we’ll list our top 10 best things to do in Zanzibar for a truly unforgettable stay. Besides being enjoyable, these activities let you genuinely immerse yourself in the beauty of this stunning island. Read on to find out how to make your Zanzibar adventure unforgettable.
The 10 Best Things To Do In Zanzibar
Jozani Forest Tour
First on the list is a fascinating private tour of the lovely Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. You’ll get to watch Colobus monkeys move gracefully through the forest reserve and learn how the island’s wildlife evolved in its own way, cut off from the mainland.
Along the way you’ll pass tall eucalyptus and mahogany trees and spot a wide variety of birds, such as Mangrove kingfishers, Forest Batis, African paradise flycatchers and many more.
On the mangrove walk you move above the swamp, and you may spot some Indian Ocean tropical fish darting among the roots, so keep your camera at hand!
Stone Town And Spice Tour
Don’t miss this one: a full-day tour leads you through a world heritage site full of fine buildings that reflect a culture blending elements of Africa, the Arab region, India and Europe.
As you wander these charming streets, you’ll also get to admire the cathedral, see the historic slave markets, explore the Sultan Palace, enter the old Arabic fort and take in the famous Zanzibar doors.
After that, think about stopping at the Jambo spice farm, where you can lose yourself in the fragrant world of Zanzibar’s spices. As well as seeing the different spices, you can support the local community by buying handmade items.
Nungwi Village Tour
If you would like to see some of the conservation work, particularly with hawksbill and green turtles, you can get close and feed them, and afterwards learn how local people make a living, as you can see from their fishing and farming.
This tour also lets you visit local boatmakers and watch how boats are built from scratch, giving you a change of pace before you finish with a Swahili-style lunch.
If you’re after the best things to do in Zanzibar, this excursion is a great way to engage with the local culture. You can expect a packed programme as you make your way around the village.
Dolphin Tour
If you are hoping for some magical wildlife encounters, think about joining a morning boat cruise. You’ll have the chance to get close to charming bottlenose dolphins. And if you’re in an adventurous mood, you can go one step further and swim with these friendly dolphins at Menai Bay.
You’ll get a wonderful chance to watch them in their natural habitat, which everyone in your group can enjoy, and on a tour the guide can tell you more about these remarkable animals.
Close by, you can also join an island snorkelling tour to see the colourful fish and varied ecosystems of these lovely tropical waters. An animal tour ranks among the top things to do in Zanzibar, and it’s something you won’t forget in a hurry!
Kuza Cave Tour
If a popular tourist experience appeals to you, don’t skip the well-known rock restaurant, set on a dramatic outcrop that juts out into the sea. Once you’ve visited, you’ll be able to swim and explore the cave nearby.
On this excursion you not only discover Zanzibar’s hidden treasures, you also benefit from a knowledgeable guide who deepens your understanding of the island’s culture and history. It’s a great way to find the local gems of Zanzibar!
In an ancient limestone cave you’ll find a crystal-clear pool of mineral water to dip into, leaving you refreshed and energised for the remainder of your trip.
Cheetah’s Rock
A visit to Cheetah’s Rock ranks among the best things to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania. At this rescue and conservation center you can interact with cheetahs, lemurs, monkeys, gazelles and even tigers, feeding them and seeing them in a more personal way. It’s a unique place.
You can also talk to the center’s guides, who will tell you more about their work and the story behind each animal, which makes the visit very personal and informative.
It is a truly special experience to spend time near these majestic animals, and it might even change the way you think about them.
Paje Or Jambiani Beach
If you’re not really keen on tours or excursions, why not keep it simple and head to the beach?
You’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar’s coast here, with clean white sand and turquoise water that will leave you in awe.
Stroll through the shallows at low tide, or just lie back on a towel and let the calm surroundings take your breath away. The beach is also a good choice if you have children and want somewhere they can run around freely.
Prison Island
There is another notable landmark for you to explore: a sanctuary full of wildlife that includes a converted prison. This fascinating place is only a short 30-minute boat trip from Stone Town’s harbor.
The real stars here are the Aldabra tortoises, which wander freely around the island waiting for you. You can feed them and spend time with them, which is certainly a highlight of the visit!
If you’re feeling curious, you can ask a guide to give you an insight into the area’s fascinating history.
A trip to Prison Island is a good way to spend some time, or a stop on a longer tour, or an easy way for nature and wildlife lovers to get closer to it. Given the variety it offers, you’ll never be quite sure which pleasant surprises are waiting for you.
Sauti Za Busara
If you’d like to dive into Africa’s lively musical traditions, the Old Fort hosts a special event that is not to be missed. The cultural festival also features fringe events across Stone Town, including a lively carnival parade through the streets. It is usually held in February each year.
You’ll hear a wide range of voices, from emerging artists to experienced professionals, all performing music firmly rooted in cultural identity. It’s a chance to deepen your trip in a truly immersive and engaging way. If you’re after the top things to do in Zanzibar, this one is well worth considering!
The Safari Blue Cruise
This experience starts in Fumba village; once you are on board, you can snorkel, try dhow sailing, stop at sandbanks or visit a mangrove lagoon, while enjoying a seafood buffet with the finest fruit grown and picked locally.
The boat takes you around Kwale Island, with a few places where dolphins can be seen. You can go ashore on the island and soak up the atmosphere of this inclusive area, so there is always something new to discover.
What if a guided tour isn’t for you?
Good as these options are, we know that such experiences are not for everyone, and some people prefer a freer trip that doesn’t bind them to a set itinerary. Perhaps you would like to explore the island at your own pace? Either way, you can still experience Tanzania to the full!
It is easy to hire a car and hit the road, seeing Zanzibar and its many sights along the way, such as the Zanzibar Butterfly Center, the Jozani sea turtle and tortoise sanctuary, or perhaps the Maungani park and garden.
Driving along the east coast, you’ll come across plenty of hotels, forests, clearwater caves and, further south, even a sporting lodge, so you clearly have lots of choice in what to do and see.
Keep in mind, though, that some centers, museums or restaurants may ask you to book ahead or pay an entry fee, so it can help to draw up a rough list of the places you’d like to visit each day.
Travel Advice
Once you have a good itinerary and your days are planned, it is worth thinking about when you travel: April to May is the rainy season, while the rest of the year is fine, though the odd shower can make the air humid.
The island lies within the malarial belt, which may be a concern away from the coastal areas. Up-to-date vaccinations and mosquito nets reduce your risk of catching malaria, though, and if you are unsure, check with your doctor.
You’ll also want to be polite to local people by respecting their customs and sensitivities; although people are quite tolerant, it never hurts to make a good first impression on those you meet.
Treating the environment and the animals around you with care and kindness is simply good manners, and it helps you learn more about the culture too.
Conclusion
A guided tour may look like the simplest way to see the country’s majestic places, but whichever excursion you choose, you can certainly have plenty of memorable and exciting experiences. And – let’s be honest – if you’re searching for the best things to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania, you’ll have a huge range of options!
The experiences above cater to all sorts of interests and needs, but you’ll want to note that some of these tours can involve a lot of walking. Bear this in mind and work out whether it will affect you or your group.Simpler, more accessible experiences are always an option.
Can’t decide which things to do in Zanzibar and which places to see? Get in touch! We’ll help you plan your trip and make sure you get the most out of your time in Tanzania.
