Best Things To Do in Zanzibar, Tanzania

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THINGS TO DO AND SEE

Zanzibar has a multitude of sightseeing options that can tempt every visitor. Of these, the beaches are the main attraction. If you are not too much of a beach person, fret not. There are many land activities that are just as much fun. Do not forget to check out the subtle charm of Stone Town, the most important city on the archipelago. Locals organise tours for visitors, enlightening them about the natural diversity and history of Zanzibar. Try and cover as much as possible on your stay. Each experience is too unique for you to miss.

  • Diving: Unguja and Pemba regions of Zanzibar are abundant with coral reefs, making it one of the top spots in the world for diving. There are certified lessons for first-time divers. Warm water throughout the year and visibility of up to 60 metres have made diving in Zanzibar an experience to remember.
  • Things to do in Stone Town: Zanzibar’s very own UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in the archipelago. Walk around the tiny streets of this town to discover its architectural beauty and reminders of the era when Zanzibar was a major trading centre of the world. You can still glimpse it through the bustling markets. Do keep an eye out for the various mesmerising doors in town. Do not forget to check out the Arab Fort.
  • Beaches: One of the best things to do in Zanzibar is to explore the beaches on the northern, eastern and southern coasts of the island. The sand here is powdery white, and when coupled with the pristine waters, makes it a magical sight.
  • Spice Tour: The climate of Zanzibar makes it ideal to grow a variety of spices on its islands. Head out from the main settlements into the rural areas on a spice tour and discover what it offers. Besides spices, there are a large variety of herbs grown here and the tours give information on them as well. You can make purchases on this tour itself.
  • Prison Island Tour: References for Prison Island indicates that it was used by Arab merchants to confine slaves. Today, it is a site for giant tortoises imported from Seychelles. They are gentle by nature and families can play with them for amusement.
  • Things to do in Zanzibar at night: Kendwa Rocks hosts a new moon party every month. There is food, drinks, concerts, DJs, acrobats, fire-eaters etc out on the beach and tourists as well as locals enjoy the celebrations. However, there is a high entrance fee for this party.

Below we have a list of things to do in Zanzibar and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Zanzibar getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Zanzibar with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Zanzibar

Here is the list of things to do in Zanzibar and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Cheetah's Rock

    4.7 (445 Votes)
    Cheetah's Rock

    Zoo

    Cheetah’s Rock is an adventure tour for families visiting Zanzibar. Unlike most zoos, visitors can interact with the animals in the open. The wild inhabitants here are either rescued or donated to the institution. The most popular animals on the list are the cheetah Tyson, the white lion and the zebra. To ensure a beautiful and peaceful experience, the tour takes in only a limited number ...Read more
  2. Nakupenda Beach

    4.9 (308 Votes)
    Nakupenda Beach

    Beach, Snorkeling

    Nakupenda beach is one of the many beaches in Zanzibar that has clear, blue waters and pure white sands. The waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. In case you visit in the morning, you are likely to spot dolphins in the water. You can swim with these gentle mammals if you want. There are chefs on the beach who can cook you some delicious and fresh seafood. All in all, if you want to sp...Read more
  3. Princess Salme Museum At Emerson On Hurumzi

    Museum

    Right next to the hotel Emerson on Hurumzi is the Princess Salme Museum. She was a daughter of the Sultan of Oman who ruled his country from the island of Zanzibar. Princess Salme eloped from here and married a German merchant. Post his death three years later, she wrote her autobiography in which she provides a detailed picture of the social situation in Zanzibar when she lived here. She also ...Read more
  4. Nungwi Beach

    4.6 (162 Votes)
    Nungwi Beach

    Beach

    Situated on the northern tip of Zanzibar island, Nungwi is a calm and peaceful seaside village with its own beach. One of the reasons why it is calm is also because most of the tourists visiting here can be found underwater. Nungwi is a major scuba-diving and snorkelling centre in Zanzibar. Enthusiasts recommend the night dives offered by many diving centers. These dives give you a chance to se...Read more
  5. Paje Beach

    Beach, Waterfront, View Point

    Paje is a beach on the east coast of Zanzibar. Known for its Swahili style of construction, Paje is a fishing village where time stops still. Walk along the lanes of the village and note the tiny details of fisherman community. Most tourists opt for kitesurfing on the beach and there are instructors available if you do not know the sport. Every evening, the men in the village gather for a game ...Read more
  6. Kendwa Beach

    Beach

    Just a few kilometres away from Nugwi is the village of Kendwa. The tiny village has a lot to be explored and celebrated than its northern cousin. You can take a guided tour of the village, proceeds of which go to NGOs working for the community. You can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters near the beach. During low tides, you can walk along the beach strip connecting Kendwa and Nungwi. Kendwa R...Read more
  7. Tangawizi Spice Farm

    4.3 (249 Votes)
    Tangawizi Spice Farm

    Farm

    A trip to the Spice Island of the World is incomplete without learning about the most valuable produce on the archipelago. Tangawizi Spice Farm offers guided tours to one of the spice farms in the interior of Zanzibar. Here you can learn about the cultivation of spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, black pepper etc. There are several tropical fruits like jackfruits, tangerines, mango etc. gro...Read more
  8. Jambiani Beach

    Beach, Waterfront, View Point

    If you want to stay away from crowded beaches, Jambiani Beach is one option for you. Situated in the south-eastern coast of Zanzibar, this village is devoid of underwater activities and tourists. You will find the local dhows that will take you to see the coral reefs adjoining the land. You can spot starfish, sea urchins, colourful tropical fish or even octopuses if you are lucky. Stroll along ...Read more
  9. Mtoni Palace Ruins

    Ancient Ruin

    Princess Salme’s European life is documented in a museum dedicated to her but the Omani princess was born in the Mtoni Palace of Zanzibar, every inch the Omani princess. The palace is unoccupied and lies in ruins, but glimpses to Princess Salme’s ancestral home are easily available. You can visit the spice plantations on the property or attend the sunset concert if you have prior bo...Read more
  10. Dhow Countries Music Academy

    Entertainment, Performance

    Learn more about the music of Zanzibar in the Dhow Countries Music Academy in Stone Town. Here you will find a variety of courses and performances centred on the local music traditions and instruments. The DCMA also grooms its students on live performances of their art. Visitors can attend the fusion and jam sessions on Tuesday and Friday evenings. On the first and third Friday of every month, ...Read more
  11. The Beautiful Eyes

    Art Gallery, Photo Gallery

    Photography enthusiasts must pay a visit to The Beautiful Eyes photo gallery in Stone Town. The photos are exclusively centred on life on the Zanzibar islands. You can purchase prints of your favourite images from the gallery or splurge on books that will teach you how to take the perfect shot. Besides, you can also learn the art of photography from the workshops held here. (You need at least f...Read more
  12. Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery

    Art Gallery

    If you are familiar with henna, you would agree with its grace and loveliness. The Henna Art gallery in Stone Town is a place where you will see the dark paste being used to create some exquisite artwork. These include souvenirs, paintings, cards etc. The paintings largely follow the East African style of art. The artists are mainly local women from Stone Town and each artist has her own style ...Read more
  13. Tazari Caves

    Cave

    Tazari caves are the largest limestone caves in Zanzibar. They are located right off the coast in Nugwi and offer magnificent views of the sea from some caves. Although they were discovered quite recently, archaeologists say that the caves have existed for billions of years. Evidence points out that they were used as hiding places for slaves. Some evidences also suggest that people lived in the...Read more
  14. Changuu Island

    4.4 (159 Votes)
    Changuu Island

    Island, View Point

    Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, was used as a prison for slaves of the Arab merchants. Late in the 19th century, an architect Lloyd Matthews built the impressive prison on the island. It was also used as a quarantine centre for yellow fever epidemics. Some of the extra buildings constructed during this time were converted into guest houses to boost tourism. Another reason toruists ...Read more
  15. Forodhani Gardens

    Park

    Forodhani Park is located just next to the sea in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It has two famous attractions of Stone Town as its neighbours; the Old Fort and House of Wonders. You can stroll along the garden, taking in the cool sea breeze or spend a relaxed evening with your family. Post-sunset, the park comes alive with people visiting the garden as well as the food stalls in the vicinity. Most of t...Read more