Amazing Things to do in Zanzibar: Explore Africa’s Tropical Paradise 🌴
Zanzibar, also known as Spice Island, is a stunning tropical paradise located off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa. This amazing island is often overlooked by tourists, but in my opinion this is one of the best places to travel to in Africa.
In terms of size, Zanzibar is home to roughly 1.6 million people and covers a total land area of approximately 2,460 square kilometers. This includes the two main islands of Unguja and Pemba, as well as several smaller islets.
I personally recommend staying in Unguja, as it’s the larger of the two main islands and is where the capital (Zanzibar City) is located. Whereas Pemba is smaller and less developed, with a more rural and traditional way of life.
Join me in exploring all the best things to do in Zanzibar (Unguja island) and take advantage of my insider travel tips!
Best Activities in Zanzibar (Unguja) 🇹🇿
#1 Tangawizi Spice Farm
The Tangawizi Spice Farm is set in lush, tropical surroundings and is famous for its spice tours. For me, this is easily one of the best things to do in Zanzibar.
At the farm you’ll learn about the fascinating customs and traditions of the local communities and discover some cool life facts, such as the crazy way pineapples grow (see below!)
Here you can shop for souvenirs, as the gift shop sells a wide variety of spices and amazing local products. I highly recommend their handmade soaps and mango tea.
Overall, Tangawizi Spice Farm is one of the classic things to do in Zanzibar, as it’s a fantastic way to experience the rich cultural and agricultural heritage, while also enjoying beautiful scenery.
#2 Mnemba Island: Top thing to do in Zanzibar
Mnemba island is a stunning private island located off the coast of Zanzibar. It’s surrounded by white sandy beaches and the most calm and crystal-clear waters you’ll probably ever see.
The island is also dedicated to eco-tourism and is home to a variety of protected species, including turtles and coral reefs. This is easily one of the most beautiful things to do in Zanzibar.
Click here to book a tour – it’s one of the best day trips I’ve ever done!
#3 Stone Town: Classic thing to do in Zanzibar
Stone Town has a rich history, having been a hub of East African trade for centuries. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with a guide, you can easily explore its narrow streets, historic buildings, and iconic landmarks.
Visiting Stone Town is a must-do in Zanzibar. You’ll experience a fascinating melting pot of cultures here, with influences from African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European cultures. We loved exploring the markets, mosques, churches, and synagogues to experience this cultural diversity firsthand.
The architecture in Stone Town is incredible, with intricate details and designs that reflect its rich history and cultural influences. While you’re in town, you should check out buildings like the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Palace Museum. If you’re a culture vulture like me, this is one of the best things to do in Zanzibar!
I strongly recommend a guided tour to really make the most of the town and avoid getting lost!
#4 Nakupenda Beach: Fun thing to do in Zanzibar!
After our tour of Stone Town, we headed to Nakupenda beach, which is about 7km (30 minutes) away from the town.
Nakupenda has got seriously amazing coral reefs and is one of the whitest sandbanks in Africa, making it an absolute must-see in Zanzibar.
Although this beach is easily one of the best places to go in Zanzibar, I *STRONGLY SUGGEST* doing a guided tour, as we had an absolute disaster getting here (more about this below).
This tour of Nakupenda looks great, and even stops at Prison Island (also known as Changuu Island), which is famous for its historic prison and giant tortoises. Totally wish we’d done this tour! 😂
⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ Crazy Travel Story ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️
En route to Nakupenda, it quickly became apparent that our Captain was drunk and downright dangerous! Empty bottles of whisky filled our boat and he took us insanely fast through choppy waters we were almost catapulted off at various points! It was like something out of a horror movie! To add to the drama, our boat broke down in the middle of the ocean and it took about 25 minutes to restart. When we eventually got to the island the Captain sped off…but within seconds we heard a loud bang and the boat came to a complete stop again. Then the entire engine fell off and he then had to be rescued by a large boat! Anyway, we survived the ordeal and once we got to the island we had a great time!
#5 Restaurant on the Rock: Popular thing to do in Zanzibar
Restaurant on The Rock is a famous seafood restaurant located on a small rock island off the coast of Zanzibar. The restaurant is only accessible by boat during low tide and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
However, as this was about a 2 hour drive from our hotel, we never actually made it there. Since it offers a unique dining experience and picturesque location, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Zanzibar. So, you might want to check it out for yourself.
#6 Jozani Forest: Encounter Zanzibar’s Rare Red Colobus Monkeys
Just a short drive from Zanzibar’s famous beaches lies a hidden gem – the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. This lush forest reserve offers a refreshing escape into nature and the opportunity to see one of the island’s most unique inhabitants – the endangered Red Colobus monkey.
Endemic only to Zanzibar’s tiny island area, these red primates with striking faces and long fluffy tails are found nowhere else in the world. Their chosen habitat is the protected evergreen forests of Jozani Chwaka Bay, which contain some of the last remaining groundwater forests in the region.
To experience an up-close encounter with the Red Colobus, take a guided nature walk along the well-marked trails that wind through the reserve’s towering trees, ferns, and mangrove swamps. An experienced local guide will help point out the groups of monkeys leaping from branch to branch in the forest canopy above. Listen closely and you may hear their territorial barking calls echoing through the trees!
Jozani forest is also home to other indigenous species like the Syke’s monkey, bushbabies, duikers, and more than 50 types of butterflies. So, if you’re a nature lover, this is by far one of the best things to do in Zanzibar!
#7 Zanzibar’s Culinary Delights: Try the Local Cuisine
Zanzibar, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, offers a feast for the senses in more ways than one! One of the best things to do in Zanzibar is trying the amazing local cuisine, which is essentially a fusion of flavours influenced by Arabic, Indian, African, and European culinary traditions.
Zanzibari cuisine is a reflection of the island’s diverse cultural heritage, characterised by spices, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and aromatic dishes that will truly tantalise your taste buds. In my opinion, you can’t fully experience Zanzibar without trying the local delicacies.
On your foodie adventure, I recommend heading to Stone Town, which is the heart of Zanzibar’s culinary scene. Here, narrow streets are lined with amazing markets, local eateries, and spice bazaars. Expect to try local seafood, from freshly caught fish to coconut-infused curries, which are a cornerstone of Zanzibari cuisine.
In the evening (from 6pm onwards) explore the Forodhani Gardens Night Market, where vendors grill fresh seafood on open flames, serving up things like grilled lobster, octopus skewers, and Zanzibar pizza (a popular street food, which is a savoury crepe-like snack).
Zanzibar also has tons of amazing desserts and treats that are well worth trying. Indulge in mandazi (sweet, deep-fried doughnuts dusted with sugar), kashata (coconut candy flavoured with cardamom and cloves), or try a glass of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice (my personal fave). For those with a sweet tooth, this is one of the best things to do in Zanzibar!
#8 Visit Prison Island: Top Thing to Do in Zanzibar
This small island may have a foreboding name, but visiting Prison Island is easily one of the top things to do in Zanzibar. Prison island (Changuu Private Island) is just a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town.
As the name suggests, Prison Island was once used as a prison for rebellious slaves in the 19th century and you can still see the ruins of the prison cells. However, the island is now better known for its current inhabitants – a population of Aldabra giant tortoises!
These enormous tortoises, which can weigh over 500 pounds, are one of the oldest living species on the planet. On Prison Island, you can get up close with these gentle giants, snap photos of them lumbering around, and learn about conservation efforts to protect them. Feeding the tortoises is one of the best things to do on Prison island.
The island itself also boasts some beautiful sandy beaches and a coastal forest trail to explore. What I love about the trail is that it winds through mangroves and other lush vegetation where you can spot the small Aldabra rail bird (this is a totally adorable creature so keep your eyes peeled!)
Before you leave, be sure to stop and cool off for a swim in the crystal blue waters and enjoy a packed lunch on the beach. For me, a half-day tour to Prison Island combined with snorkeling is easily one of the top things to do when visiting this amazing Indian Ocean archipelago.
With wildlife encounters, beach time, snorkeling and a taste of history, Prison Island is easily one of the best things to do in Zanzibar! It really does offer something for everyone to enjoy.
#9 Visit Local Villages for an Authentic Taste of Zanzibar
While the white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters of Zanzibar are AMAZING, you also need to experience the warmth and traditions of the Zanzibari people by venturing into the island’s local villages.
One of the top villages to experience Swahili culture is Nungwi (on Zanzibar’s northern tip). This laidback fishing village has remained largely untouched, carrying on with daily life much as it has for centuries.
When you get here, stroll along the narrow lanes to find women drying seaweed, sardines and octopus caught by the fishermen that morning! You might also get to spot local artists hand-carving doors or weaving beautiful baskets and mats from dried grass. When you’re exploring the area you’ll also probably get to see some adorable kids kicking about soccer balls made of rags and shouting “Jambo!” to greet you.
For a glimpse into Zanzibar’s ancient past, don’t miss the atmospheric ruins of Bweju, one of the island’s oldest villages. Crumbling mosques, tombs and homes dating back to the 15th century give a haunting look into Zanzibar’s early Shirazi settlers. As you wander the deserted stone alleys, friendly local guides offer rich detail on the history and significance of the site.
#10 Snorkel or Scuba Dive in Zanzibar’s Pristine Waters
With its sparkling turquoise waters, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life, Zanzibar is a snorkeler and scuba diver’s dream destination. This idyllic island off the coast of Tanzania offers some of the most incredible underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
For those wanting to stay close to shore, Zanzibar has some excellent snorkeling opportunities. Just suit up and head into the shallows to discover a underwater kaleidoscope of colour. Glide over reefs teeming with tropical fish and keep an eye out for friendly reef sharks, oversized starfish, and graceful rays.
To explore deeper waters, book a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion to one of Zanzibar’s best dive sites. The Mnemba Atoll, a circular island 3 km off Zanzibar’s northeast coast, is renowned for having some of the best coral reefs in the area. The underwater landscape here features stunning drop-offs, caves and canyons, with waters rich in biodiversity. Drift along and you’ll likely spot reef sharks, moray eels, lionfish and even migratory whale sharks passing through. This is easily one of the best things to do in Zanzibar if you’re a true water baby!
Another unmissable destination is Chumbe Island, one of the Indian Ocean’s best preserved coral islands and a designated Marine Protected Area. Considered Zanzibar’s premier reef, Chumbe boasts over 200 species of hard and soft corals, over 400 species of fish, and shallow waters ideal for beginners and families. Please note that diving in the Marine Protected Area of Chumbe Island is not possible. However, since the reef is shallow, snorkelling on Chumbe becomes a very special experience, where you can come face-to-face with curious batfish and parrotfish or drift over fields of swaying anemones!
With warm temperatures year-round and excellent visibility, Zanzibar is a snorkeling and diving paradise!
#11 Experience a Stunning Sunset Cruise
One of the top things to do in Zanzibar is a sunset cruise – where you’ll get to see the sky turn brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple.
On our cruise, we witnessed unforgettable views of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean, which was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring all of the best things to do in Zanzibar.
I highly recommend taking the time to relax and take in your surroundings. After all, the slower pace of life here is one of the top reasons people come to Zanzibar in the first place!
Zanzibar FAQs 🏴
1. Is there anywhere I should Avoid in Zanzibar? 🚫
Tip: I would avoid visiting the Baraka Natural Aquarium, which is meant to be a sea turtle conservation lagoon.
I got more than I bargained for here – a giant turtle decided to sneak up on me and take a little chunk out of my leg! As the lagoon was so murky, I had to go to hospital for a tetanus shot to stave off any infections.
I felt very sorry for all of the reptiles held in this run down tourist trap, as it was really dirty and there was no supervision. When we visited, we even had to tell several children to stop picking up and harassing the turtles, so I highly recommend avoiding this unethical place.
It is rare for people to be bitten by sea turtles but it can and did happen – I have also seen a few posts recently on Instagram with people reporting similar experiences of being bitten. Possibly because there is no supervision and the turtles are being wound up by unruly children, which is not okay!
Fortunately I had SafetyWing Insurance in place, which covered my hospital bill. For me, it’s the best insurance provider out there because you don’t have to pay for a whole year upfront. Instead, you’re charged every 28 days, until you cancel, making it extremely flexible.
Another massive benefit of SafetyWing is that there’s no limit on travel duration, so you don’t need a return date (and a return ticket) in order to activate your insurance. So in my opinion, it’s the perfect safety net for anyone on the move.
You can check SafetyWing Insurance out for yourself here:
While I hope you never have to use your insurance, it’s there in case of emergencies that can seriously rack up expenses and ruin your trip.
2. Where to Stay in Zanzibar? 🛌🏻
Sandies Baobab Beach: Located on Unguja Island, in Nungwi, this 4-star hotel has got to be one of the best places to stay in Zanzibar. Sandies is right on a pristine beach, with a stunning outdoor swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
The food is also incredible at Sandies. Despite not intending to do an all-inclusive trip, we enjoyed our meals so much that we hardly ate anywhere else. When you get here, you can sample traditional dishes like biryani, samosas, and pilau rice, as well as fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Also, every Saturday, Sandies does a huge outdoor buffet, which is truly out of this world.
This ended up being one of the most amazing places we’ve ever stayed and I would go back in a heartbeat!
However, if this gorgeous hotel doesn’t appeal, you can also find some accommodation deals, using Hotellook, which is my go to resource for finding the best hotels around the world!
3. Best time to visit Zanzibar? 🌞
The best time to visit Zanzibar largely depends on your preferences and what you plan to do. If you prefer sunny and dry weather, consider visiting from June to October.
If you prefer quieter travel and lower prices, I recommend visiting Zanzibar during the low season from March to May, or from November to early December.
Tip: Whatever time you decide to visit, make sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and light, breathable clothing.
4. Is Zanzibar safe to visit? ⚠️
Zanzibar is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Although we personally felt very safe here, I’d recommend taking some common-sense precautions.
Some of the most important safety precautions to take in Zanzibar are:
- To avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you;
- Keeping your belongings close e.g. wear your rucksack on your front, or use a bumbag!
- Since Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, be respectful of local customs and dress appropriately; and
- Although the prevalence rate of malaria in Zanzibar is low, you might want to pack some mosquito repellant just in case!
As long as you take the necessary precautions and are respectful of the local customs, you’ll find Zanzibar to be a generally safe and welcoming destination.
5. How long should you spend in Zanzibar? ⌛
We stayed for 7 nights and this felt like the perfect amount of time to experience Zanzibar at a leisurely pace.
If we had the time, after our island getaway, we would have flown to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) to do a safari, as this is the closest safari to Zanzibar and is home to more than half of all Tanzanian elephants. So you might want to check this out if your diary is free!
My mini Zanizbar Vlog ⬇️
Map with the best travel tips for Zanzibar 🗺️
Conclusion: Best things to do in Zanzibar 🌴
Overall, Zanzibar offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and relaxation that makes it a must-visit destination in Africa (I know I’m already itching to go back).
I hope my blog outlining the best things to do in Zanzibar inspires you to visit this incredible corner of the world!
If you have any questions about Zanzibar, feel free to ask me in the comments below 🏴 !
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