Top Things To Do In Zanzibar | Island Adventures

Top Bucket List Experiences, Must-Do Things & Unmissable Attractions.

Stone Town - A Journey Through Time
Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of Stone Town, where carved wooden doors, spice-laden air, and echoes of Swahili, Arabic, and Indian cultures blend into a sensory feast. Wander from the Old Fort to the House of Wonders, and feel history come alive in every coral-stone wall.

Insider Tip: Visit early morning before the crowds for soft light and peaceful streets.
Timing / Best Time: Late afternoon for golden-hour photography and cooler weather.

Nungwi Beach - The Island’s Northern Gem
Nungwi’s dazzling turquoise waters and powdery sands offer one of Zanzibar’s most idyllic coastal escapes. Watch local fishermen repair dhows at sunset, swim in crystal-clear shallows, or snorkel among colorful reefs that fringe the shoreline - it’s barefoot paradise at its best.

Best Way: Stay overnight at a beachfront resort and take a sunset dhow cruise.
Good to Know: The tides are gentle here, making Nungwi perfect for year-round swimming.

The Zanzibar Spice Tour
Step into the island’s fragrant heritage with a guided spice farm visit. Smell vanilla vines, taste fresh cinnamon bark, and see nutmeg, cloves, and star fruit harvested before your eyes. It’s an immersive journey into Zanzibar’s aromatic past, once known as the “Spice Island” of East Africa.

Insider Tip: Bring small change for local products - organic soaps, oils, and teas.
Timing / Best Time: Best experienced in the morning before the midday heat.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Home to the rare red colobus monkey, this lush rainforest teems with exotic flora and fauna. Wooden boardwalks meander through mangrove swamps, where butterflies dance in beams of sunlight. It’s the island’s last remaining natural forest and a peaceful escape from the beaches.

Best Way: Take a guided walk to learn about conservation efforts and native species.
Good to Know: Wear mosquito repellent and closed shoes for comfort.

The Rock Restaurant - Dining in the Ocean
Perched on a tiny coral outcrop near Pingwe, The Rock offers one of the world’s most picturesque dining experiences. Accessible by foot at low tide or by boat when the tide rises, this seafood restaurant serves fresh catch with panoramic views of the turquoise Indian Ocean.

Insider Tip: Reserve ahead and request a late lunch to see the tide transform your approach.
Timing / Best Time: Visit at high tide for dramatic photo ops.

Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve
This marine paradise north of Zanzibar is a diver’s dream, with coral gardens alive with turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish. The water visibility is exceptional, making it ideal for snorkeling, diving, or swimming with dolphins. Mnemba epitomizes the island’s pristine underwater beauty.

Best Way: Book a half-day snorkeling or diving excursion from Nungwi or Matemwe.
Good to Know: Only guests at Mnemba Island Lodge can stay overnight, so plan a day trip.

Prison Island (Changuu)
Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, this historic island tells a tale of quarantine, freedom, and conservation. Visit the 19th-century prison ruins and meet the giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old, roaming peacefully under swaying palms.

Insider Tip: Combine with a snorkeling stop on nearby sandbanks.
Timing / Best Time: Late morning or early afternoon when the light enhances the water’s color.

Unique Experiences

Traditional Dhow Sunset Cruise
Sail into the horizon aboard a handcrafted dhow as the wind fills the triangular sail and the sea glows with the setting sun. The rhythmic sound of waves and live taarab music create a romantic, old-world charm unique to Zanzibar’s coast.

How to Do It: Book through reputable local operators in Stone Town or Nungwi.

Zanzibar Cooking Class
Discover the secrets of Swahili cuisine - from coconut curry to chapati and pilau - using spices grown right on the island. Cooking with locals provides a window into daily life and the heart of Zanzibar’s culinary culture.

Good to Know: Classes often include a market visit to select ingredients.

Forodhani Night Market
Each evening, Stone Town’s seafront turns into a lively food bazaar. Try grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, and sugarcane juice as lanterns light up the promenade. The atmosphere blends local chatter, sizzling grills, and ocean breeze into a sensory delight.

Timing: Best after sunset when the stalls are busiest.

Village Spice Farm Experience
Join a local family on their working spice farm to plant, harvest, and cook using homegrown herbs. You’ll gain insight into Zanzibar’s sustainable farming and daily life beyond the tourist trail.

How to Do It: Arrange directly through community-run cooperatives for authentic encounters.

Swahili Henna & Craft Workshop
Learn the art of traditional henna or palm-leaf weaving guided by local artisans. It’s a hands-on way to connect with the island’s creative heritage and support women-led workshops.

Good to Know: Designs and techniques often vary between villages - ask about their cultural meaning.

Hidden Gems / Off-The-Beaten Path

Kizimkazi Village
This quiet fishing village in southern Zanzibar offers dolphin encounters, serene beaches, and ancient mosques. Less commercial than the north, Kizimkazi retains a traditional rhythm of island life.

Getting There: Reach by car in 1.5 hours from Stone Town via the main coastal road.
Timing: Morning for dolphin tours; late afternoon for tranquil sunsets.

Kuza Cave, Jambiani
Hidden within a lush tropical forest, this limestone cave features turquoise water perfect for swimming. Local guides share stories of its spiritual importance and ancient rituals once held here.

Good to Know: Bring swimwear and a towel - the water stays refreshingly cool year-round.
Timing: Visit mid-morning for the best light streaming through the cave.

Mkokotoni Market
This bustling northern market is where locals buy and sell everything from fish to fabrics. Few tourists make it here, giving an authentic glimpse of everyday Zanzibari commerce.

Getting There: A 45-minute drive from Nungwi; best to visit with a local guide.
Good to Know: Photography should be done respectfully - always ask first.

Paje’s Kite Lagoon
Beyond its famous beaches, Paje’s inner lagoon offers shallow turquoise water ideal for beginner kite surfers. The views of sails against pastel skies are breathtaking at sunrise.

Timing: Visit between June and September for steady trade winds and fewer crowds.

Chumbe Island Coral Park
A private eco-reserve with one of East Africa’s best-protected reefs. Visitors can snorkel, hike, and explore an untouched ecosystem while supporting conservation projects.

Good to Know: Only a limited number of daily visitors are allowed - pre-booking is essential.

Bwejuu Beach
A serene and largely undeveloped stretch on the southeast coast, perfect for quiet reflection and long barefoot walks. The wide tidal flats glow pink at sunset - ideal for photographers seeking solitude.

Getting There: Accessible via taxi or motorbike from Paje in under 20 minutes.
Timing: Early evening for calm tides and magical lighting.

Unusual / Quirky Experiences

Freddie Mercury’s Birthplace
Fans of the Queen frontman can visit the modest house where he was born and a small museum dedicated to his life. It’s a fascinating link between global pop culture and Zanzibar’s multicultural past.

Why Go: A unique musical pilgrimage few expect on the island.
Good to Know: The museum is small but centrally located near Shangani Street.

Seaweed Center in Paje
Learn how local women harvest, dry, and process seaweed into sustainable skincare products. It’s an inspiring eco-social enterprise promoting community empowerment.

Why Go: Experience eco-tourism that supports female entrepreneurs.

Full Moon Party at Kendwa Beach
Once a month, Kendwa transforms into an electrifying beach party with bonfires, drums, and dancing beneath the stars. It’s a vibrant contrast to Zanzibar’s usual tranquility.

Good to Know: Check dates ahead; accommodation fills up quickly around full moon weekends.

Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
Walk through a lush enclosure filled with hundreds of native butterflies fluttering freely. It’s educational, beautiful, and directly supports local conservation.

Why Go: Perfect for families or photographers looking for a quiet, magical stop.

Suggested Activities by Region / City

Stone Town

• Visit the Old Slave Market & Anglican Cathedral - a moving reminder of Zanzibar’s complex history.
Insider Tip: Combine with the Peace Memorial Museum for broader context.

• Shop for local crafts and textiles in Darajani Market.
Best Way: Go with a local guide to navigate the maze-like alleys.

• Stroll the waterfront promenade at sunset.
Good to Know: It’s safest and most atmospheric just before dark.

Nungwi & Kendwa

• Join a sunset dhow cruise with live music.
Insider Tip: Bring a light jacket - sea breezes can get cool.

• Visit the Mnarani Turtle Conservation Pond.
Best Way: Arrive early to see feeding time and learn about turtle rescue efforts.

• Enjoy beachfront dining with freshly grilled lobster.
Good to Know: Cash is preferred in smaller beach shacks.

Paje & Jambiani

• Take a kitesurfing lesson in the lagoon.
Insider Tip: Morning sessions offer calmer winds for beginners.

• Cycle along the coast between villages.
Best Way: Rent a bicycle locally and follow the shoreline paths.

• Relax at oceanfront cafés watching the tides roll in.
Good to Know: Wi-Fi can be spotty - download maps in advance.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Do’s / Recommended Activities:

• Snorkeling and Diving at Mnemba Atoll
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and enjoy the best visibility.

• Kite Surfing in Paje
Good to Know: Beginners should book certified lessons - winds are strong midyear.

• Dhow Sailing at Sunset
Tip: Ideal around the new moon when skies are clear.

• Forest Walk in Jozani Park
Good to Know: Local guides help spot rare species and enhance the experience.

Cultural & Food Experiences

Do’s / Recommended Experiences:

• Swahili Cooking Class
Tip: Ask about vegetarian versions - many dishes adapt beautifully.

• Spice Farm Visit & Lunch
Good to Know: Wear comfortable shoes and bring mosquito repellent.

• Evening Taarab Music Show
Tip: Check hotels or cultural centers in Stone Town for live performances.

• Forodhani Food Market Feast
Good to Know: Bargain politely and sample small portions to try more dishes.