There are so many things to do in Zanzibar that you’ll be spoilt for choice and, no matter how long your stay is, you'll definitely wish it was longer!
To help you make the most of culture-rich Zanzibar Island, here’s the lowdown from our team of African travel experts on the things you won’t want to miss!
Firstly a little orientation…
The Zanzibar Archipelago sits in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania. It’s actually made up of 3 main islands (Unguja, Pemba, and Mafia) and a number of smaller islands.
Unguja, the largest island, is the place most people are referring to when they talk about Zanzibar Island, and that’s what we’re covering in this article.
The capital of Unguja is Zanzibar City, and the historic section of Zanzibar City is Stone Town - an ancient culture-rich melting pot, where Persian, Arabic, Indian, and European influences have merged over centuries offering a unique and fascinating destination.
Stone Town is an ancient trading town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is really the heart and soul of Zanzibar Island.
There’s so much to see in this captivating town, but here are some of the key things you won’t want to miss in Stone Town...
Simply walking the streets of Stone Town has to be top of your list of Zanzibar attractions.
You can easily spend hours soaking in the Swahili culture and admiring the historic Zanzibari architecture and craftsmanship.
Wood carving is a unique part of Swahili culture and the beautiful Zanzibari-carved wooden doors are truly a sight to behold!
With so much to see and so much history to take in, a walking tour is a great idea - this will take you to many of the main sights in town, whilst explaining the history of the island too.
Yes, Queen’s famous frontman was born in Stone Town in 1946!
The family’s former home is now a small museum paying homage to Zanzibar Island’s most famous inhabitant.
The oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort is located on the seafront.
Built in the 17th century to protect the island from the attacking Portuguese, nowadays the Old Fort is one of the main sights in Stone Town.
Grabbing a bite to eat with the locals at this buzzing nighttime food market has to be top of your list of things to do in Zanzibar!
These gardens in central Stone Town are transformed every night into a spectacular evening food market, teaming with some of the most delicious and authentic culinary delights.
The aromas are fabulous and the range of dishes is extraordinary.
Come with a large appetite and soak up the delicious smells and vibes!
The market’s mix of cultures and flavours, coupled with its proximity to the Indian Ocean, means that Swahili cuisine is possibly the best food in all of Africa!
Expect fresh fish and food cooked with traditional spices and plenty of coconut.
Stone Town is famous for its rooftop restaurants, which are the best spot to enjoy golden hour over Zanzibar Island.
Watch the sunset with panoramic views and listen to the evening Call to Prayer for an exotic-feeling evening.
Zanzibar is sometimes called ‘The Spice Island’ because of the abundance of spices grown there, including cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, turmeric, and cumin.
As a key stop on the trading route between Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, spices, along with gold, ivory, and many other precious minerals, were just some of the valuable commodities traded here. As a result, trade of one kind or another has been an intrinsic part of this island’s culture and has shaped its history for thousands of years.
Taking a tour to find out more about the spice island’s history, trying different locally grown spices, and hearing how they are traditionally used is a great thing to do in Zanzibar.
Another thing traded on Zanzibar Island for many years was slaves, marking a much darker side to this island’s history.
Stone Town was host to one of the world's last slave markets until it was shut down by the British in 1873.
An Anglican church now stands on the site of the former market, with a memorial statue.
Outside the cathedral, there is an exhibition centre that documents the history of slavery in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
This island’s white sand beaches, fringed with palm trees and gently lapped by the crystal clear Indian Ocean, make Zanzibar a true tropical paradise.
Because of this, you’d be crazy not to prioritize some serious beach time as one of your top things to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania!
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Zanzibar beaches but, to help guide you, we asked our knowledgeable African travel experts for just a few of their favourites
Located on the southeast coast, Paje Beach has all the makings of paradise: beautiful white sand, swaying palm trees, clear turquoise waters, and some lovely beach bars and restaurants, definitely making it one of the top Zanzibar attractions.
Bordered by a small village on one side, Paje is peaceful and quiet, with a relaxed backpacker vibe. It’s a great alternative to some of the more popular beaches in the north of Zanzibar Island.
The beach is known for its watersports, particularly kitesurfing, drawing enthusiasts from all over the world.
It’s also great for scuba diving, with the reefs offshore here home to turtles, starfish, and many other colourful creatures.
Nungwi Beach, in the northwest of the island, is one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful and popular beaches. And it’s easy to see why!
Its soft sand beaches and clear blue waters are idyllic and, facing west, Nungwi also has some of the best sunsets on the island.
A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat is a not-to-be-missed Zanzibar activity if you visit this beach!
Nungwi is also one of the liveliest areas on Zanzibar Island, with beach resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars offering a variety of night-time entertainment, so a great option if you’re looking for some nightlife.
But, this isn’t just a beach for party-goers, as Nungwi also has incredible coral reefs - ideal for diving and snorkeling. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins or turtles!
Sometimes referred to as the “little sister” of Nungwi, Kendwa Beach - a 10-minute drive from Nungwi - is much quieter than its sibling.
There is still some nightlife to be found though - after the sun goes down, this small coastal spot comes alive with relaxed beach parties.
This is one of the few beaches on Zanzibar Island where the tide doesn’t really change, which means it’s perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
And the sunsets at Kendwa Beach are legendary, so sit back and enjoy it when the sun starts to go down over another day in this tropical paradise!
Perched on a rock just offshore, about 20 minutes from Paje, this tiny restaurant has become world-famous thanks to its iconic location!
To reach it when the tide is in, take a small boat, while at low tide, you can simply walk to it.
Lunch is definitely the best time to go, as by dinner time it’s usually too dark to appreciate this unique setting properly. The food here is more expensive than in most places on the island, but it’s an unforgettable experience so certainly makes for one of the best things to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
But be warned: with only 12 tables, it’s often fully booked, so reserve your spot well in advance!
Commonly referred to as Prison Island, Changuu Island is a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town on the main Zanzibar Island.
The island’s unofficial name developed when, in a dark chapter of Zanzibar’s history, slave traders used Changuu Island as a holding space for slaves in transit.
Today, the island is a popular relaxation spot for Zanzibar locals and tourists, who come to swim, snorkel and sunbathe. There's a resort on Prison Island, complete with a swimming pool, sun loungers, and a restaurant, so it has everything you need for a day trip.
But what also makes this island special is that it’s now a sanctuary for Aldabra tortoises - one of the largest tortoises in the world, and thought to be one of the longest-lived creatures in the world.
It’s estimated that the oldest tortoise on Changuu is 196 years old - now that’s a Zanzibar attraction!
With so many things to do in Zanzibar, this tropical paradise shouldn’t be missed when visiting Tanzania and East Africa.
We offer a range of African trips that include time on the fabulous Zanzibar Island - check out our Zanzibar trips here or to plan your island getaway today, speak to one of our African travel experts
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