Have you googled “Zanzibar excursions” but still haven’t gotten a clear idea of what you’d like to do?
You’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ve decided to tell you about some of the most interesting activities to do in Zanzibar.
Here is the list of unmissable things to do in Zanzibar
1. Explore the rich history of Stone Town
No trip to Zanzibar is complete without a visit to Stone Town, the old part of the island’s main city. The city offers a striking contrast to the endless turquoise sea and sandy beaches you’ll admire during your trip.
There is so much to see in Stone Town, a place overflowing with charm. Think beautiful crumbling buildings, Arab-style rooftop bars, lively beaches, chaotic markets, and sunset dhow cruises.
While you’re here, we recommend exploring some of the moving historical attractions related to the slave trade, long since abolished, commemorated by several statues and a church. You could also visit Prison Island, with its incredible protected population of century-old giant tortoises, or stop by Freddie Mercury’s birthplace, which recalls the period when Zanzibar was a British protectorate.
If you head to the Darajani market, you’ll find rows of tempting spice stalls and the local fish auction. You can also watch traditional palm weaving, and it’s easy to lose track of time wandering through alleyways filled with African art, masks, shells, and Maasai jewelry.
Finally, don’t miss the chance to dine on the rooftop terrace of Emerson Spice Tea House, where you can enjoy a five-course tasting menu at sunset. Also, make sure to stop by the beachfront Forodhani Gardens for a true immersion into Zanzibar street food. Try the sweet freshly pressed sugarcane juice, Zanzibar’s take on pizza (yes, you read that right—pizza!), and samosas with an incredibly spicy sauce!
2. Go kitesurfing in a dream setting
Zanzibar is an ideal destination for kitesurf lovers, with shallow turquoise lagoons and warm, steady winds. The southeast is the best area for kiting, especially the beaches of Dongwe, Paje, and Jambiani. Paje Beach has the highest number of kite centers, where you can rent equipment or take lessons if you prefer.
3. Discover medicinal plants in Jozani Forest
In the heart of the island lies Jozani Forest, the last remaining indigenous forest on the island. It is home to the Zanzibar red colobus monkey and the only place where you can see it living freely. You can take a walk with a guide who will show you the different plants and their medicinal uses, which is quite fascinating – the route lasts about an hour.
Read also: What to see in Tanzania if you don’t want to miss the wonders of wild nature
4. Dine in a one-of-a-kind setting at ‘The Rock’, Pingwe Beach
The Rock is a restaurant with an Instagram-worthy setting!
It’s a small restaurant perched on a rocky outcrop in the sea, and you’ll hardly find a better place for a sunset aperitif and seafood feast! Most of the seafood comes from the coral reef around the restaurant, and the menu is a fusion of Italian and Zanzibari influences.
5. Paddleboard through the mangrove swamps
If you head to southeastern Zanzibar, to Chawaka Bay near Pingwe, you can explore the beautiful endangered mangroves and native wildlife.
You don’t need to be experienced, and you can join this tour even if you’ve never stood on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) before.
6. Dive alongside green turtles and rays
There are many dive sites in Zanzibar, and diving is possible all year round. The private Mnemba Atoll, northeast of the island, is the premier dive site: a protected area with excellent visibility where you can spot dolphins, green turtles, tiny seahorses, moray eels, and rays.
7. Learn about the secret life of seaweed
If you are staying in the Paje area, we recommend setting aside a couple of hours of your day for the Karibu Seaweed Tour, another socially responsible local business. The tour will give you an insight into seaweed production, and you can also buy wonderful organic beauty products and souvenirs at the dedicated shop!
The tour will allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture by helping to harvest and plant seaweed with the local ‘mamas’. After the tour, you’ll be able to taste a fresh seaweed juice and learn about its properties as a superfood drink.
8. Spend the day on the Safari Blue
This safari is probably one of the most popular day trips in Zanzibar.
You can be picked up from your accommodation anywhere on the island and taken to the Menai Bay Conservation Area, where you’ll explore remote sandbanks, islets, and pristine marine life aboard a traditional dhow boat.
You’ll be able to swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters, spot dolphins, swim in a hidden mangrove lagoon, and then recharge with a delicious Swahili barbecue.
In short, it’s absolutely amazing!
9. Go surfing
Zanzibar may not be the first place that comes to mind as a surfing destination, but you can definitely surf here! The outer reefs are suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers when the tides and waves are right.
Aquaholics, in Paje, was the first center to offer surfing in Zanzibar, and I recommend letting them take you out to catch some waves, because it would be difficult to do it without someone who knows the spot and the necessary tides. You can get a ride out to these reefs aboard boats loaded with surfboards and practice catching waves with instructors, while a surf photographer will be on hand to capture your best moves!
Read also: Safari in South Africa: when to go to see incredible wildlife up close
Conclusions
In this article, we talked about some of the activities you could enjoy once you land in Zanzibar. As you’ve read, there truly is something for everyone!
So, if you’re planning your next trip to Zanzibar but don’t feel like stressing over the organization, searching for flights, and booking accommodation and excursions, take a look at this link and discover our amazing Tanzania Tour.
