Top 10 Things to Do in Zanzibar
In Zanzibar the African, Arabian, Persian, Indian, and European cultures have mixed together to form the Swahili culture.
There are a lot of things to do in Zanzibar when you visit. Because of its historic role as a trading centre for spices, it is known as the Spice Island and has to offer a variety of experiences both on the coast and in the interior.
If you want to fully experience this special place, through historical walks, spotting exotic wildlife and going snorkelling, you should arrange to spend at least seven days there.
Don’t forget to purchase the compulsory travel insurance policy from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) via the Visit Zanzibar website at a rate of $44 for each adult and $22 for each child before you leave.
A standard tourist visa costs $50 (or $100 if you are a US citizen).
You also have to pay the daily infrastructure tax, at $10 per person according to the category of accommodation you have.
This article will help you with a list of things to do in Zanzibar when you get there.
Table of Contents
Top 10 things to do in Zanzibar
1. Get Lost in the Historic Alleys of Stone Town
First, you can have a bit of a wander through Stone Town’s old alleyways, you know, those narrow paths that feel like they go on forever.
Then there is Stone Town itself, the historic place that is actually listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites catalog. It’s in Zanzibar City, and it’s especially well known for its twisting streets that you really need to walk through on foot. The main sights there are the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral and the East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition. For those, you’ll pay a ticket fee of 15,000 TZS, which is roughly $5 to $6. Also, if you are into music stuff, you can drop by the Freddie Mercury Museum; it’s located in Freddie’s childhood home, and it’s usually open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Adults pay $10, and kids pay $6.
Location: Western coast of Unguja Island, Zanzibar City.
Best for: History buffs, culture vultures, solo travelers, and photographers.
2. Immerse Yourself in a Swahili Spice Farm Tour
Enjoy a sensory experience with your tour around a spice farm in Zanzibar through active engagement with various spices such as cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, among others. Watch the ancient practice of coconut tree climbing and indulge in tasting seasonal fruits. The tours for travelers usually take about 2 to 3 hours in the dry season, from June to October. The place is in the Kizimbani area, it’s about 15 to 30 minutes from Stone Town.
Location: Kizimbani region, about 15-30 minutes inland from Stone Town.
Best for: Families, couples, foodies, and curious minds.
3. Swim in the Tide-Free Waters of Nungwi and Kendwa
In the north of Zanzibar, particularly in Nungwi and Kendwa, the tides are very small, which is why the area is ideal for swimming and various water sports all day long. Nungwi is full of activities like beach bars and building boats, whereas Kendwa boasts a wide and soft beach along with a quiet atmosphere, attracting couples and people seeking luxury. With the help of the low tide, walking from one place to another takes only 20 minutes.
Location: Northernmost tip of Unguja Island, 70-120 minutes from the airport.
Best for: Families with children, avid swimmers, sunset chasers, and social butterflies.
4. Snorkel and Dolphin Spotting at Mnemba Atoll
Located off the northeast coast of East Africa, Mnemba Atoll is famous for its snorkeling and has been referred to as the “Tropical Fish Capital.” Its crystal-clear water permits a depth of 20+ meters visibility, and one may see the green sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and colorful reef fish during the tours. The tours take 4-5 hours and depart from Matemwe or Nungwi, anchoring around the island, since it is a private resort. Non-East African visitors will have to pay a conservation fee for the marine park, which varies between $ 10 and $ 25.
Location: Northeast coast, with departures from Matemwe or Nungwi.
Best for: Marine life lovers, snorkelers, divers, and adventurers.
5. Track Red Colobus Monkeys in Jozani Forest
The Jozani Chwaka Bay, the only national park of Zanzibar, serves as a 50 sq km protected area for the threatened species of red colobus monkeys in Zanzibar, allowing people an easy opportunity to observe them up close. The park is open from 7:30 AM till 5:00 PM every day, costing 30,000 TZS (about $11-$12 USD) per visit and includes a guide service. Ideal viewing times are between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM.
Location: Central-southern Unguja, about 38 kilometers south of Stone Town.
Best for: Wildlife photographers, eco-enthusiasts, families, and birdwatchers.
6. Sail on a Traditional Wooden Dhow at Sunset
The Sunset Dhow Cruises provide a classic sailing experience, embarking from places such as Stone Town and Nungwi, for $30-$60 per person.
These tours depart daily from the Forodhani waterfront in Stone Town, as well as from Nungwi and Kendwa beaches, running from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Fresh tropical fruit skewers, local snacks, and cold beverages are included.
Location: Daily departures from Stone Town, Nungwi, and Kendwa.
Best for: Couples, groups, photographers, and honeymooners.
7. Visit the Giant Tortoise Sanctuary on Prison Island
Changuu Island, also referred to as Prison Island, is an island with a long and varied history. The island was intended to serve as a prison but later evolved to become a quarantine site for those suffering from yellow fever. While historic colonial remains are available for viewing, the most attractive part of the island is its numerous tortoises.
Location: Approximately a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town.
Best for: Animal lovers, families, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts.
8. Discover the Ancient Wonders of the Spice Tour
Spice Tour reveals historic places and the effects Arab, Persian and early European civilizations have had. The spice tour offers knowledge on how Zanzibar was an important trading post for spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg
9. Dive into the Underwater Paradise
The atoll of Mnemba has coral gardens, colourful underwater walls and a number of interesting shipwrecks filled with various kinds of sea life, which is why it is an excellent diving spot for both beginner and experienced divers.
10. Relax on the Beautiful Beaches
In addition, the stunning beaches of Zanzibar appeal to every kind of preference, whether one chooses the more lively area with facilities at Nungwi or the calm, pretty white sands of Matemwe, giving tourists the opportunity to sunbather, swim or enjoy seafood at restaurants located right on the beach.
FAQs on Top 10 Things to Do in Zanzibar
Q1. What are the best things to do in Zanzibar?
The best things to do in Zanzibar encompass exploring the historic alleys of Stone Town, tracking endangered red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, and touring a traditional working spice farm. You should also experience the tide-independent northern beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa, sail on a traditional wooden dhow sunset cruise, and snorkel the marine reserve of Mnemba Atoll. Ecotourism activities like swimming in the subterranean waters of Kuza Cave or visiting the Mwani Zanzibar seaweed cooperative in Paje provide deep cultural immersion. A diverse itinerary balances history, unique wildlife, and pristine marine encounters.
Q2. What should I do in Zanzibar for the first time?
If you are visiting Zanzibar for the first time, you should split your stay between the historic streets of Stone Town and the swimmable northern beaches of Nungwi or Kendwa. A guided tour of the Old Slave Market site and the Anglican Cathedral is essential to understand the island’s Swahili history. Exploring a working spice plantation in Kizimbani and taking a half-day boat tour to Prison Island to see Aldabra giant tortoises are also highly recommended introductory activities. These classic excursions ensure a well-rounded understanding of the island’s geography and culture.
Q3. Is Zanzibar worth visiting?
Zanzibar is highly worth visiting because it presents a unique blend of pristine marine reserves and deep multicultural history unmatched in the Indian Ocean. The island’s extensive Swahili trading tradition, its UNESCO-protected buildings, and its distinctive wildlife provide more than just the usual kind of tropical beach holiday. Although visitors have to arrange and pay for compulsory pre-trip expenses like the $44 USD travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, the great variety of cultural, ecological and historical excursions means that the destination offers excellent value.
Q4. What can you do besides the beach?
There are numerous inland activities you can do in Zanzibar besides the beach, ranging from deep historical walks to unique culinary and ecological excursions. You can wander the maze-like alleys of Stone Town, explore the Freddie Mercury Museum, or track endemic monkeys in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. Taking an interactive spice farm tour or swimming in the mineral-rich pools of Kuza Cave in Jambiani offers memorable experiences. Additionally, dining at the Forodhani Night Market showcases the island’s authentic Swahili street food culture.
Q5. What are the best Zanzibar activities?
The best Zanzibar activities are those that engage all your senses, such as snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, walking through Kizimbani spice plantations, and wandering the UNESCO-listed Stone Town. Marine adventures like swimming with dolphins and tracking green sea turtles are world-class. For culture seekers, hand-milking coconuts with Zanzibari Mamas, tasting Swahili street food at Forodhani Gardens, or joining a drumming circle at Kuza Cave are top-rated. These experiences connect you directly to the island’s daily life, ecology, and heritage.
