Zanzibar is just about as tropical as it gets, with beautiful stretches of pure, white sand beach to be enjoyed around the island, palm-fringed shorelines with outstanding vistas, and plenty of opportunities for encountering marine life and wildlife.
This has long been an important trading hub on the East African coast, and Zanzibar offers travelers an eclectic mix of culture, cuisine, and history that reflects the long-established ties between the island, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
The historic Stone Town is the island’s most impressive settlement, and there are museums and forts to wander around and restaurants and cafes to dine at.
Away from the old streets of this small city, the island is home to small fishing villages and coastal communities, where life is slow and it’s easy to relax. There is a lot to do when visiting the island, but to help you to plan your trip, here’s our guide of things to do in Zanzibar.
VISIT STONE TOWN
Stone Town is Zanzibar’s historic center. It’s the old part of what is now the modern Zanzibar City, and it’s recognized as an important UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stone Town can trace its origins back hundreds of years, but most of the current buildings date to the 19th century when the British used the city as their base in the region.
The best thing to do in Stone Town is simply to walk the veritable maze of streets and buildings, exploring the hidden mosques and shops, wandering the fort, and visiting the House of Wonders, the island’s national museum.
SPICE ISLAND TOUR
One of the first things you should do when you arrive on Zanzibar sign up for a spice tour. The island is world-famous for its production of spices and you will have the opportunity to visit a private estate and sample spices in their natural harvested state.
These tours usually include a beautiful local lunch and local celebration.
SAFARI BLUE CRUISE
On this island, visitors can get the best views of the blue ocean while snorkeling and enjoying the cool morning air with fresh fruit.
Afterward, there are options to keep snorkeling or see a hidden lagoon before enjoying a seafood buffet lunch on Kwale Island. It is here that there are massive baobabs, small shops, and more beach paradise. Don’t expect the snorkeling to be great though, unfortunately, the area the safari blue cruise takes place has become so massively commercial the reef has been ruined. A sad sight to see and a bit of a disappointment for the marine enthusiast.
You can book your trip in advance here.
THE ROCK RESTAURANT The Rock restaurant is pretty synonymous with Zanzibar and is usually mentioned in every Zanzibar guide. The restaurant is located in Pongwe (the southeast part of the island) and is accessible by motorbike or taxi cab from Paje. We made the special trip out to The Rock to get some nice photos of the iconic spot. If you visit during high tide and a free boat taxi will deliver you to the rock (unless you feel like swimming).
PAJE BEACH
If there is a backpacker spot on Zanzibar, it’s Paje beach. The beach has hip cafes, burger joints, kite surfing companies, bars, and hostels making it one of the great places to visit in Zanzibar.
For those looking to have an active holiday in Zanzibar the most popular thing to do in Paje is kite surf. There are an endless amount of schools and rental shops all dying to take you out on the water and show you the ropes of kitesurfing. If you’re not a beginner Paje has just the right amount of wind to spend the entire Zanzibar holiday improving your kitesurfing skills. It’s often considered one of the best places in the world to go kite surfing and it’s easy to understand why when you feel the wind and see the gorgeous water.
NAKUPENDA SANDBANK DAYTRIP
Nakupenda sandbank located just off Stone Town. A Full day trip dedicates Prison Island’s giants' tortoises visit, snorkeling, sunbathing, the taste of Seafood, and seasonal fruits. Snorkeling off Prison island, viewing a stunning array of colored corals and tropical fish of the islands before reaching our dream place Nakupenda. A place where brilliant birdlife exists, very white sand, limpid, and crystalline water.
You can book your trip in advance here.
SWIM WITH TURTLES
Nakupenda sandbank located just off Stone Town. A Full day trip dedicates Prison Island’s giants' tortoises visit, snorkeling, sunbathing, the taste of Seafood, and seasonal fruits. Snorkeling off Prison island, viewing a stunning array of colored corals and tropical fish of the islands before reaching our dream place Nakupenda. A place where brilliant birdlife exists, very white sand, limpid, and crystalline water.
You can book your trip in advance here.
After all these activities, there’s only one thing left for you to do and that’s to unwind at the beaches, perhaps with a cold Kilimanjaro beer in hand.
Zanzibar has some world-class beaches all over the island, so wherever you go, you’re sure to love it
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