13 Incredible Activities You Can’t Miss In Zanzibar

Are you thinking of visiting Zanzibar? Here are the top 13 activities you can’t miss while staying at this paradise island.

Zanzibar archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, consists of several islands and the biggest one is Unguja, referred to as Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is an island paradise with white sandy beaches and turquoise water, a long history, rich culture, amazing wildlife, delicious cuisine, and mostly, an island of spices.

To make the most of your stay in Zanzibar, check out these incredible activities.

1. Experience a spice tour

Going for a spice tour is a must-do activity. Zanzibar is also called a spice island, due to many spices being grown here and exported to the whole world.

You will be taken through the plantation and see how different spices and fruits grow. You will have the chance to taste some fruit and buy spices to take back home.

Therefore, have cash with you if you wish to purchase some.

Book the spice tour with a traditional cooking class here, or you can opt for a spice tour with the Stone Town tour here.

2. Explore Stone Town

Stone Town is under Unesco Site Heritage and it is the historical part of the capital city of Zanzibar, Zanzibar City.

Taking a tour through Zanzibar Town, you will learn about the history of Zanzibar, walk through narrow aisles, shop for souvenirs, and visit some sights.

For example, the Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church symbolizes freedom from slavery and holds significant historical and cultural importance globally.

You will also see the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Sultan’s Palace.

3. Visit Jozani Forest

By visiting Jozani Forest you will enjoy a walk through the lush forest where you can see the endangered Red Columbus Monkeys.

This is the only place in the entire world where you can see them. Don’t miss such an opportunity while you are there.

Book your tour of Jozani Forest here.

4. Relax on your hotel’s beach

Zanzibar is a paradise island with stunning beaches. Therefore you will want to spend some time at your hotel’s beach to relax and enjoy the tranquility.

Choose your hotel wisely, so you enjoy your time there. Pick one of the best hotels here.

Hotels in Zanzibar offer different water or sports activities, dining, and types of accommodation.

5. Go snorkeling or diving

Zanzibar offers amazing underwater life with colorful corals and various fish species.

You can snorkel and dive whole year round, but seeing the whale sharks, turtles, and dolphins, the best time is from September to February.

For the best diving, you may want to visit the island of Pemba or Mafia

6. Go to Prison Island

In the past, Prison Island was built to hold the prisoners. However, no prisoners were ever there. Instead, there was a quarantine for people with yellow fever.

Now, it is a popular island to encounter giant Aldabra Tortoises and enjoy the sun, beach, and ocean with snorkeling.

The Prison Island is about 5 km away from the Stone Town. You can book the tour here.

7. Take a dhow boat cruise

From Nungwi, Kendwa, or Stone Town you can take a traditional dhow boat cruise.

You will enjoy a snack, and traditional music while sailing the Indian Ocean during beautiful sunset.

8. Buy some souvenirs

You don’t want to come back home from Zanzibar without souvenirs. There are so many beautiful things to buy.

You will find many small shops in Stone Town, or you can shop at the most popular Darajani Market.

This is the main market in Stone Town where you will also find fruits, street food, and snacks.

9. Explore other beaches

Zanzibar is heaven for beach lovers. There are so many beautiful beaches to explore, therefore you don’t have to stay on one beach.

The island is not so large, so you can divide your stay into different beaches and hotels.

10. Eat at the Rock Restaurant

The Rock Restaurant is one of the most famous places in Zanzibar. It is a restaurant built on a rock in the ocean.

When there is a low tide, you can walk there, however, when the tide is high, you will be transported by boat.

As it is a very popular place, you must have a reservation. In case you don’t want to eat there, it is still a nice place to go to take pictures.

11. Try the street food

If you are in Stone Town, don’t miss the tasting of the street food. There are street food markets where you can try some Zanzibar cuisine.

Photo credit: iStock-igorbondaren

However, the best one is at Forodhani Gardens. It is a nice park located along the sea walk, next to the main landmarks, House of Wonders and Old Fort.

The street vendors prepare delicious grilled seafood and traditional meals like Zanzibar pizza, kebab, and more. The smell of spices and grilling will make you hungry even if you were not before.

12. Go Kitesurfing

If you are a surfer, or kitesurfer, or would like to try it, head to Paje Beach which is popular with kitesurfers.

There are many kitesurfing schools and rental shops to help you to start.

For surfers, there are more beaches to be active in Zanzibar. Check out the best beaches for surfing here.

13. Visit the seaweed farm

The seaweed farming is one of the important income for Zanzibar and local communities.

You will see the seaweed growing in the sea in rows and the women are the ones harvesting the croop. The seaweed is exported for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

While you can see the seaweed growing on any beach, at Paje Beach is a Mwani center where you can go for a guided tour of the seaweed farm.

The Wrap-Up: Top 13 Things To Do In Zanzibar

As you can see, Zanzibar is not only about beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water. Zanzibar offers so much more for those interested in history, culture, food, sport, marine life, and wildlife.

When you visit Zanzibar, make sure to explore these activities and pick the ones that excite you the most.