Zanzibar isn’t the kind of place you tick off in a single afternoon. It’s an island that tempts you to slow down, take a breath, and then immediately distracts you with another reason to wander, swim, or taste something new. Sunlight on turquoise water, alleys lined with carved wooden doors, spices drying in the sun – there’s a lot going on here. So, if you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Zanzibar, here’s a guide that blends beaches, history, and those experiences you’ll probably still be talking about years later.
1. Wander Through Stone Town
Stone Town is the island’s cultural heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to see it? Aimlessly. Get lost in the maze of narrow alleys, admire ornate doors with brass studs, stop at spice stalls, and just let the city unfold around you. Don’t miss the House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib), the Old Fort, and the buzzing Darajani Market.
Stone Town is messy, vibrant, sometimes chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s also where you feel Zanzibar’s blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences most vividly.
2. Relax on Nungwi and Kendwa Beaches
When people picture Zanzibar, they’re often imagining the north coast. Nungwi and Kendwa offer stretches of sand so white they almost hurt your eyes at midday. Nungwi is lively, with bars and water sports, while Kendwa feels a little calmer, especially at sunset.
Both beaches are swimmable all day thanks to minimal tidal variation, making them great if you don’t want to plan your dip around the clock.
3. Spice Tour Adventures
Zanzibar didn’t earn its nickname “Spice Island” for nothing. A guided spice farm tour introduces you to cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon – ingredients you’ve probably got in your kitchen but never seen growing on a tree.
Tours usually include tastings and demonstrations (yes, you’ll be sniffing leaves and guessing which spice they belong to), and it’s a surprisingly engaging way to understand the island’s history.
4. Explore Jozani Forest
Home to the endangered red colobus monkey, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the island’s only national park. The monkeys are friendly enough to pose for photos, and the forest itself is lush, with boardwalks that wind through mangroves.
It’s a reminder that Zanzibar isn’t all about beaches – its biodiversity is just as striking.
5. Try Snorkelling and Diving
The waters around Zanzibar are as clear as glass, which makes snorkelling and diving unmissable. Mnemba Atoll is the most famous spot, offering coral reefs and plenty of colourful fish. Visibility is excellent, so even beginners get a front-row seat to the underwater world.
If diving isn’t your thing, traditional dhow trips often include snorkelling stops, so you can mix adventure with a slow sail across the ocean.
6. Visit Prison Island
A short boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island (Changuu Island) is home to giant Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old. The island was once used to house slaves and later as a quarantine station, so it comes with a layered history as well as the appeal of wildlife.
It’s a half-day trip that mixes history, animal encounters, and plenty of photo opportunities.
7. Go Kite Surfing in Paje
Paje, on the southeast coast, has become a global hotspot for kite surfing thanks to steady winds and shallow waters. Even if you’ve never tried it before, there are schools offering lessons, and the vibe is wonderfully laid-back. Think barefoot beach cafés, hammocks, and a mix of locals and travellers watching the kites dance across the horizon.
8. Sunset Dhow Cruises
There’s something timeless about sailing on a wooden dhow as the sun dips into the Indian Ocean. Many cruises include snacks or drinks, but honestly, the experience is in the simplicity: sails catching the evening breeze, the water glowing gold, and silence broken only by waves.
It’s one of those “must-do” activities not because it’s flashy but because it captures the island’s soul.
9. Feast at Forodhani Night Market
Every evening in Stone Town, Forodhani Gardens transforms into a buzzing food market. Stalls serve skewered seafood, sugarcane juice, meat kebabs, and the famous “Zanzibar pizza” – a strange but delicious stuffed pancake.
It’s not fancy dining, but it’s energetic, communal, and a brilliant way to taste local street food.
10. Combine Beach and Safari
Zanzibar isn’t an isolated escape – it’s often paired with mainland adventures. After days spent on white-sand beaches, many travellers head to Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife safaris. The contrast between lions in the savannah and hammocks by the sea is what makes the coastal beauty of Tanzania so memorable.
This dual experience is one of Tanzania’s biggest strengths. Few destinations let you summit Africa’s tallest mountain, spot elephants on safari, and relax on a tropical island, all within a single itinerary.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Currency: Tanzanian shilling is the local currency, but US dollars are widely used.
- Dress code: Zanzibar is majority Muslim, so modest clothing is advised in towns and villages. Swimwear is fine at resorts and beaches.
- Transport: Dala-dalas (shared minibuses) are cheap but crowded; taxis or private transfers are more comfortable.
- Best time to visit: June to October is the dry season with comfortable weather; December to February is also popular but hotter.
These aren’t obstacles, just things to keep in mind so your trip flows smoothly.
Final Thoughts
The best things to do in Zanzibar aren’t just a checklist – they’re an invitation to experience the island at its own pace. From the history of Stone Town to the freedom of kite surfing in Paje, from spice farm tours to lazy afternoons on Kendwa Beach, it’s an island that balances adventure and serenity.
And perhaps that’s the real magic. Zanzibar doesn’t demand that you choose between culture and relaxation. It gives you both – and then tempts you to stay longer than you planned.