Things to Do in Zanzibar

Stone Town has been the capital of the archipelago since its earliest colonial rulers and remains the seat of Zanzibar’s semi-autonomous government today. It’s the cultural and historical heart of the island and one of Zanzibar’s best activities, with carved wooden doors, a UNESCO World Heritage listing, and centuries of Arab, Indian, African, and European influence packed into a walkable old town. It’s not one to skip on any Zanzibar trip.

For the full list of what to do once you’re there, see our dedicated Stone Town guide.

Zanzibar earned its “Spice Island” nickname through centuries of trade in cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, with roots dating back before the 16th century. Many working plantations still operate today, and a guided spice tour is one of the most popular and genuinely engaging things to do in Zanzibar. You’ll walk through the fields, sample fresh produce, and learn how the spice trade shaped the island’s history.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is famous for the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, and you’ll likely also spot bush babies and a good range of birds and butterflies along the way. Walking the forest trail is a highlight if you’ve got a longer stay, and an easy stop to slot in en route to Paje, since it sits directly on the way and saves you a separate detour.

Just off the coast of Stone Town, Prison Island (also known as Changuu Island) is a short boat ride away, roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on departure point. It was built in the 1890s as a prison, but was used primarily as yellow fever quarantine station. Today it’s best known for its population of giant Aldabra tortoises, some estimated at more than 150 years old, which roam freely and can be fed by visitors. The entry fee is $15 per person for non-residents.

Boat trips out for snorkeling are one of the most popular things to do in Zanzibar, and they’re done all over the island. Mnemba Atoll, off the northeast coast, is the pick for anyone based near the northern beaches (Nungwi and Kendwa), with excellent visibility and abundant reef life. Over 600 marine species inhabit the Mnemba Atoll, including green sea turtles, octopus, seahorses, and dolphins. With water visibility sometimes reaching 130 feet (40 meters), it’s perfect for snorkeling.

Swimming with dolphins, or simply spotting them from the boat, is a popular activity on both the northern and southern beaches. For the best odds of an actual sighting, book from Kizimkazi in the south, where resident pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins are seen far more consistently than further north.

Safari Soles recommends: booking our dolphin tour for the early morning. During the morning, the water is cooler, so dolphins are more likely to be near the surface. Seeing dolphins isn’t guaranteed, but there’s about an 80% chance you’ll see these incredible marine mammals.

The Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond, also known as the Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium, is a natural tidal pool sanctuary for sea turtles at the northern tip of the island. It’s a worthwhile stop as you can feed and, at some pools, get in the water with rescued green and hawksbill turtles being rehabilitated before release. It’s an easy walk from Nungwi or Kendwa beaches, or reachable by boat, with an entry fee of around $10.

Hopping on a dhow cruise to watch the sunset is one of Zanzibar’s most memorable experiences, often mixed with singing and other informal entertainment as the sky changes color. These cruises run along the island’s western side, where you’ll watch the sun drop straight into the sea.

Scuba diving is done at sites all around the archipelago, with dive centers based out of most of the main beach towns. Wherever you’re staying, you’ll be able to book a session locally and head out to explore the surrounding reefs.

The northern beaches, particularly Nungwi and Kendwa, are the hub for Zanzibar’s water sports scene. Options include:

• Jet skiing
• Parasailing
• Flyboarding
• Banana boat and tube rides
• Hoverboard surfing
• Kayaking
• Stand-up paddleboarding

Away from the coast, quad bike tours are a fun way to see a side of Zanzibar most beach-based visitors miss entirely. Trails cut through rice fields, sugarcane plantations, and small farms, giving a proper look at the island’s rural landscape rather than just its shoreline.

Riding a horse along the sand, or just inland from it, is a popular activity around Nungwi, home to a dedicated horse club. Exploring the island on horseback is a memorable way to see the coast. Picture riding along the beach at sunset, or even swimming alongside your horse in the shallows.

One of Zanzibar’s most iconic dining spots, The Rock Restaurant sits on a solid rock slab surrounded by water off the southeast coast. You reach it on foot at low tide, or by boat once the water rises, and the setting alone makes it worth the trip. Seating is limited, so book ahead, especially for sunset.

Tandem skydiving is now fully up and running on the island, with jumps over Kendwa and Nungwi. Jumping from around 10,000 feet gives roughly 30 seconds of freefall and a five-to-ten-minute parachute descent, with views over the coastline that are hard to match from anywhere else on the island.

Zanzibar has strong fishing conditions nearly all year round, and deep-sea fishing here has a reputation as some of the most exhilarating and challenging in the region. Charters are available from most of the main beach towns, whether you’re after a half-day trip or a full day further offshore. Deep-sea catches include marlin, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and giant trevally.

Ready to plan your trip? Get in touch with the Safari Soles team to start building your itinerary.