Zanzibar is one of the most captivating destinations in East Africa. Located off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, this tropical archipelago is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, historic Stone Town, spice plantations, and vibrant Swahili culture.
For travelers visiting Tanzania on safari or those seeking a relaxing island holiday, Zanzibar offers a perfect combination of history, adventure, culture, and beach relaxation.
At Big Life Safari, we organize tailor-made Zanzibar experiences that complement a Tanzania wildlife safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park. Below are the top 10 things to do in Zanzibar, carefully selected by our travel specialists.
1. Explore Stone Town – The Historic Heart of Zanzibar
Stone Town is the cultural and historical center of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through its labyrinth of narrow streets feels like stepping back in time. The town reflects centuries of trade between Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe.
Visitors can explore some of the island’s most important landmarks including:
- The Sultan’s Palace (Beit al-Sahel)
- The House of Wonders
- The Old Slave Market and Anglican Cathedral
- The famous Zanzibari carved doors
Stone Town is also filled with boutique shops, spice markets, art galleries, and seaside cafés. A guided walking tour provides deep insight into the island’s history and Swahili culture.
Recommended duration: 2–3 hours
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon
2. Relax on Zanzibar’s Famous Beaches
Zanzibar is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. Powdery white sand and warm Indian Ocean waters create the perfect setting for relaxation.
Some of the best beaches include:
- Nungwi Beach – Excellent swimming conditions with minimal tides
- Kendwa Beach – Known for sunset views and beach nightlife
- Paje Beach – One of the world’s best kitesurfing destinations
Activities available include snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and sunset dhow cruises.
Recommended duration: Half day or full day
3. Take a Zanzibar Spice Tour
Zanzibar is famously known as the “Spice Island.” For centuries, cloves and other spices grown here were exported worldwide.
A guided spice farm tour allows visitors to experience the island’s agricultural heritage. Guests walk through plantations where they can smell and taste spices directly from the plants.
Common spices found on these farms include:
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Cardamom
- Turmeric
Most tours also include tastings of tropical fruits such as mango, jackfruit, pineapple, and starfruit.
Recommended duration: 2–3 hours
Best time to visit: Morning
4. Experience Safari Blue – Zanzibar’s Best Ocean Excursion
Safari Blue is widely considered the best marine excursion in Zanzibar. This full-day adventure explores the beautiful Menai Bay Conservation Area.
Guests sail aboard traditional wooden dhows, stopping at sandbanks and coral reefs for snorkeling and swimming.
Highlights include:
- Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
- Relaxing on pristine sandbanks
- Swimming in turquoise lagoons
- Enjoying a seafood barbecue lunch on a small island
Safari Blue showcases the incredible marine biodiversity of Zanzibar.
Recommended duration: Full day (09:00 – 16:30)
5. Visit Jozani Forest National Park
Jozani Forest is the only national park in Zanzibar and the primary habitat of the rare Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey, a species found nowhere else in the world.
Guided forest walks allow visitors to observe these unique monkeys up close while learning about the island’s ecosystems.
The park also features:
- Mangrove forests
- Tropical vegetation
- Unique bird species
- Butterflies and small wildlife
Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours
6. Visit Prison Island and Meet Giant Tortoises
Prison Island (Changuu Island) lies just 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town. Although originally built as a prison, it later became a quarantine station.
Today the island is famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old.
Visitors can:
- Interact with giant tortoises
- Snorkel in clear waters
- Relax on small beaches
Recommended duration: Half day
7. Enjoy Dinner at The Rock Restaurant
One of Zanzibar’s most iconic dining spots, The Rock Restaurant sits on a coral rock in the Indian Ocean near Michamvi Beach.
During high tide the restaurant is surrounded by water and accessed by boat, while at low tide visitors can walk across the sand.
The restaurant is known for fresh seafood dishes including lobster, prawns, octopus, and grilled fish.
Recommended time: Lunch or sunset dinner
8. Discover Local Life at Darajani Market
Darajani Market is the busiest market in Zanzibar and offers visitors an authentic look into local life.
Located in Stone Town, the market is filled with:
- Fresh seafood stalls
- Tropical fruits and vegetables
- Spices and herbs
- Local street food vendors
It is a vibrant and colorful place where visitors can experience everyday Swahili culture.
Recommended duration: 1–1.5 hours
9. Go Snorkeling or Diving in Zanzibar’s Coral Reefs
Zanzibar offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in East Africa. Coral reefs around the island are home to colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant marine life.
The best snorkeling locations include:
- Mnemba Atoll
- Kendwa reefs
- Paje lagoon
Both beginners and experienced divers can enjoy the island’s underwater world.
Recommended duration: Half day
10. Take a Sunset Dhow Cruise
A traditional dhow cruise at sunset is one of the most romantic experiences in Zanzibar.
Guests sail along the coastline while enjoying spectacular views of the Indian Ocean as the sun sets behind the horizon.
Many cruises include music, drinks, and light snacks, creating a relaxing end to the day.
Recommended duration: 2 hours
Plan Your Zanzibar Holiday with Big Life Safari
Many travelers combine Zanzibar with a Tanzania safari in Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. After days of wildlife viewing, Zanzibar provides the perfect place to relax on the beach.
At Big Life Safari, we organize:
- Zanzibar beach holidays
- Safari + beach combinations
- Private island excursions
- Luxury honeymoon trips
Our local expertise ensures a seamless travel experience across Tanzania.
Contact Big Life Safari to design your perfect Tanzania and Zanzibar adventure. info@biglifesafari.com +255754834152
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