Discover Paradise: The Best Things to Do in Zanzibar

Step into a world where turquoise waters meet powdery white sand and ancient history whispers from every alleyway. Welcome to Zanzibar, the ``Spice Island`` of Tanzania, where vibrant culture and natural beauty await. Our curated list of the best activities is your guide to an unforgettable tropical adventure.

1. Lose yourself in historic Stone Town

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town is a labyrinth of winding alleyways, carved wooden doors, bustling markets, and ancient buildings. Let a guided tour introduce you to the city’s rich history, influenced by African, Arabian, Indian, and European cultures. Then, spend time exploring on your own, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Experience the soul of Zanzibar on our guided Stone Town tour

Step back in time and get lost in the labyrinthine alleyways of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the historical heart of Zanzibar. Our guided walking tour reveals the city’s rich, multicultural history, blending Swahili traditions with layers of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.

What you will see and experience

  • The Former Slave Market Site: Begin your tour at the powerful and sobering site of the former slave market, one of the last open slave markets in the world before its abolition in 1873. Now home to the Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church, you will visit the underground slave chambers that held captured people in brutal conditions. See the altar, which stands on the exact spot of the whipping post, and reflect on this dark chapter of history and the resilience of those who endured it.

 

  • Intricate Architecture and Carved Doors: Wander through the narrow streets, admiring the distinctive Swahili architecture crafted from coral stone and mangrove timber. Your guide will point out the ornate, intricately carved wooden doors that grace the entrances of historic homes, each telling a story of its former owners through its design.

  • Iconic Landmarks: Witness the legacy of Zanzibar’s sultanate with visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum, and the Old Fort. You’ll also see other notable buildings like St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, known for its twin spires.

 

  • The Bustling Darajani Market: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the lively Darajani Market, a hub of local life. See vibrant displays of fresh produce, colorful fabrics, and the famous spices that give Zanzibar its nickname, “The Spice Island”.

 

  • Cultural Fusion: Hear the beautiful call to prayer from one of the town’s many mosques, often standing near Christian churches, a testament to the city’s long history of religious diversity and tolerance.

 

  • Forodhani Gardens: As the day ends, your tour may conclude at the picturesque waterfront park, where you can watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean and observe the vibrant evening food market.

2. Feed giant tortoises on Prison Island

Take a short boat trip from Stone Town to Changuu (Prison Island), where a population of Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely. While the 19th-century prison was never used for inmates, the island has become a sanctuary for these magnificent, long-lived creatures.

Discover Prison Island: Where history and nature converge

A guided tour to Prison Island, or Changuu Island as it is locally known, offers a captivating blend of history, wildlife, and natural beauty just a short boat ride from Stone Town, Zanzibar. Step ashore and uncover the island’s intriguing past as you explore its historic ruins and meet its most famous, long-lived residents: the giant tortoises.

What you will see and experience

A living history lesson
  • The historic prison complex: Built by the British in 1893, the prison was intended to house rebellious slaves and convicts, but was never used for this purpose. Your guide will explain how the buildings were repurposed as a quarantine station for those suffering from yellow fever and other diseases.

 

  • The former cells: Take a walk through the remnants of the old prison block, where you can still see the thick stone walls and feel the weight of its intended purpose. Some of the cells have been converted into small shops and a museum, providing historical context.

 

  • A tale of resilience: Learn about the island’s more sinister beginnings in the 1860s, when it was used as a holding pen for “difficult” slaves by Arab traders before they were sold in Stone Town’s infamous slave market.

 

An incredible wildlife sanctuary
  • The giant tortoises: Encounter the endangered Aldabra giant tortoises, some over 100 years old, that roam freely in a protected sanctuary. Your guide will share the remarkable story of how these creatures came to the island as a gift from the Seychelles and how conservation efforts brought them back from the brink of extinction. You’ll even have the opportunity to feed these gentle giants.

 

  • Vibrant birdlife: As you stroll through the forested interior of the island, keep an eye out for other wildlife, including colorful peacocks and various native bird species.

 

A tropical island paradise
  • Snorkeling in turquoise waters: Beyond the historical sites, Prison Island is surrounded by crystal-clear water and a thriving coral reef ecosystem. Put on your snorkeling gear (provided on our tour) and discover a world of vibrant fish and other marine life.

 

  • Relaxing on the sand: At low tide, a stunning white-sand beach emerges, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. You can also take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Stone Town from across the water.

Why choose a guided tour?

While it’s possible to reach the island on your own, a guided tour offers a much richer experience. Your knowledgeable local guide will provide fascinating insights into the island’s complex history, ensuring you don’t miss any of the cultural significance behind its beautiful facade. From the somber stories of the slave trade to the hopeful tales of conservation, a guide connects you to the authentic soul of this special place.
Join us and step back in time on an unforgettable journey to Prison Island

3. Snorkel or dive the Mnemba Atoll


Just off the northeast coast, this private marine reserve boasts some of the best coral reefs and underwater visibility in Zanzibar. With an abundance of colorful fish and opportunities to spot turtles, it is an essential experience for any underwater enthusiast.

Discover the underwater paradise of Mnemba Atoll, Zanzibar

Join us for an unforgettable snorkelling and diving adventure at Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine reserve in the crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar. Discover vibrant coral gardens teeming with life, encounter magnificent marine species, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Zanzibari coast.

What you’ll see on your Mnemba marine safari

  • Diverse marine life: The vibrant coral reefs are home to a staggering 600 species of reef fish, including colorful parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, and Moorish idols. Look out for camouflaged creatures like frogfish and leaf fish, and the distinctive Picasso triggerfish.

 

  • Green sea turtles: Mnemba is a vital nesting site for endangered green sea turtles. You will have the chance to see them gliding gracefully through the water or resting among the coral.

 

  • Playful dolphins: Our tour includes a stop to observe and, if you’re lucky, swim alongside pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins in their natural habitat. Your guides will ensure this magical encounter is respectful and responsible.

 

  • Unique dive sites: Certified divers can explore specific sites like “Kichwani” and “Wattabomi,” known for their soft and hard coral formations and diverse inhabitants. More experienced divers can venture to deeper walls to spot larger species like barracudas, reef sharks, and tuna.

 

  • Seasonal visitors: Depending on the time of year, you might spot larger pelagic species. Whale sharks can be seen, and humpback whales migrate through these waters from July to September.

 

  • Spectacular sandbank: At low tide, a stunning white-sand sandbank emerges near Mnemba Island. Relax in the calm, turquoise waters or enjoy a secluded picnic lunch in this picture-perfect setting.

Experience the local culture on your tour

  • Dhow boat adventure: Our tour starts with a scenic cruise aboard a traditional Zanzibari dhow, a handcrafted wooden sailing vessel used by local fishermen for centuries. This journey offers a glimpse into the island’s maritime traditions and a different perspective of the coastline.

 

  • Community and conservation: The protected marine reserve is a testament to the community’s efforts to preserve its delicate marine ecosystem. The reserve’s creation and visitor regulations are a collaboration between conservation groups and the local community to restore threatened coral. By joining our tour, you contribute to this sustainable tourism model that directly benefits the local economy and conservation efforts.

 

  • Muyuni Village: Depending on the tides, your trip might involve a scenic drive through Muyuni, a traditional Swahili village. This provides a glimpse into the daily life of coastal Zanzibaris, their reliance on the sea for their livelihood, and their cultural heritage.

 

  • Local cuisine: Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies, often served with chapati and rice. You will be supporting local fishermen who use sustainable fishing methods.

Book your adventure today

Whether you are an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeller, our expert local guides will ensure a safe, fun, and memorable experience for everyone. Come and create unforgettable memories in Mnemba Atoll, a magical underwater world where adventure and nature meet.

4. Go on a sensory spice tour

Explore Zanzibar’s agricultural heart and discover why it’s called the “Spice Island”. A guided tour of a local plantation allows you to see, touch, and taste spices like cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg right at their source.

5. Catch a sunset dhow cruise

Relax aboard a traditional wooden dhow and set sail into the Indian Ocean for a magical sunset experience. Departing from Nungwi or Stone Town, these cruises offer breathtaking views, often accompanied by music and tropical fruits.

6. Indulge in Stone Town’s street food at Forodhani Gardens

When the sun sets, this park transforms into a bustling night market. Experience a culinary immersion by trying Zanzibari pizza, grilled seafood skewers (mishkaki), and other local specialties.

7. Relax on the idyllic Kendwa Beach

Located on the northern tip of the island, Kendwa is famous for its white sand and tranquil turquoise waters. It’s one of the few beaches on the island that is not significantly affected by tides, meaning it stays swimmable all day long.

8. Witness the rare red colobus monkey in Jozani Forest

Visit Zanzibar’s only national park, a protected forest with walking trails through eucalyptus trees and mangrove swamps. Here, you can get an up-close look at the rare and endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey, which is found only on the island.

9. Have lunch at the iconic Rock Restaurant

Perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean near Pingwe Beach, this famous eatery offers a dining experience like no other. At low tide, you can walk to the restaurant; at high tide, a small boat will ferry you across.

QUICK LINKS

Ready to add paradise to your itinerary?

Get in touch now to extend your trip with a Zanzibar beach holiday.
ENQUIRE NOW