When you think of Zanzibar in Tanzania, you likely picture its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
And while the many beautiful beaches are undeniably what captivates travellers most, Zanzibar offers more than just sun, sea, and sand.
With its rich culture and history, the island boasts a range of unique experiences. Here are our top things to do during a Zanzibar holiday that doesn’t involve lounging on the beach.
Old coastal trade village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is a time capsule of history and the cultural heart of Zanzibar. Stone Town’s captivating architecture exudes a distinctive old-world charm that is unique in Africa. Mainly dating from the 19th century, the buildings reflect a fascinating fusion of Swahili, Arab, Indian, Persian, and European influences.
You can spend hours exploring its historic winding alleys and hidden courtyards; every corner reveals a new and exciting hidden gem. Once your legs tire from exploring, you can enjoy the lively local ambience by relaxing in a café, where you can unwind and witness the bustling fishing boats in action.
For music aficionados, Stone Town holds a special place as the birthtown of the legendary Freddie Mercury. You can pay homage to the iconic rock star by visiting the Freddie Mercury Museum, a must-see destination for fans of Queen and its charismatic frontman.
For an unforgettable encounter with nature, you can visit Jozani Forest, situated within Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. It stands as the largest expanse of woodland on the island and is most known for sheltering the rare and endangered red Colobus monkeys, endemic to Zanzibar’s main island.
You can explore the forest’s nature trails and boardwalks with a local ranger to spot these charming primates, easily identifiable by their distinctive vibrant coats, agile tree-leaping, and playful tail-balancing antics.
While the red Colobus monkeys are the star attraction, amidst the forest’s lush canopy, you can also encounter over 50 species of butterflies and be serenaded by the calls of more than 40 different bird species, including the great hornbill.
Zanzibar is known as the The Spice Island of Africa. For centuries, spices have played an integral role in shaping its identity as a thriving trading hub.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Portuguese traders first introduced them to the island from their voyages to India and South America. Spices such as nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon found fertile soil and a welcome climate in Zanzibar.
Nowadays, it is possible to go on spice tours where you can engage your senses by smelling, touching and tasting a variety of spices and fruits. A visit to the villages of Kizimbani and Kinchi is a must, where you can learn about diverse spices such as turmeric, vanilla, cardamom, chilli, saffron, lemongrass and black pepper. It’s a great chance to gain insights from locals about how they are grown and how they can used in cooking and traditional medicine.
Zanzibar’s history also bears the weight of a sombre and tragic chapter, and the island was once a centre for the captivity and trade of slaves. During the peak of this period, 50,000 Africans were traded annually at the colossal slave market in Stone Town.
To gain a deeper understanding of this brutal history, consider a visit to the Old Slave Market and Anglican Cathedral, both now transformed into a museum and memorial.
The site was once the epicentre where slaves were bought and sold, consisting of several interconnected structures, including slave chambers, a market square, and holding pens.
The preservation of this area serves as a powerful reminder of the inhumanity endured during this period. We strongly recommend enlisting the expertise of a guide, as they can offer invaluable insights into the complex and painful history.
As the sun sets in Stone Town, a remarkable transformation takes place at Forodhani Gardens. Grills sizzle, spices scent the air, and colourful dishes are prepared right before your eyes.
What was once a peaceful park during the daytime becomes a sensory delight, offering an unforgettable street food experience.
Influenced by Middle Eastern, Indian, and African culinary traditions, there are an array of Tanzanian and Zanzibari delicacies on offer at the night market. Among the standout options are seafood kebabs, mantabali (Zanzibari stuffed chapatis), chicken shawarma, Zanzibari pizza, and the refreshing delight of freshly squeezed sugar cane juice infused with lime and ginger.
Zanzibar’s traditional hand-made dhow boats were predominantly used for coastal trade and ferrying passengers.
During your visit, you can embark on a full-day boat trip to explore the beauty of Menai Bay and Kwale Island aboard a dhow sailing boat. The crystal-clear waters provide opportunities to spot humpback and bottlenose dolphins.
The highlight of a boat trip comes as the day draws to a close, as a stunning Zanzibar sunset unfolds over the water and the horizon transforms into a canvas of brilliant colours.
The Rock is an iconic restaurant on the peninsula of Michamvi. Built just off the shore on Pingwe beach atop an existing rock in the ocean, this restaurant has only 12 tables, and offers a largely European menu consisting of fresh seafood, pasta etc.
What truly sets The Rock apart is its exceptional location. Ascending the wooden staircase, you’re greeted by an awe-inspiring panorama of the shimmering turquoise Indian Ocean.
The Rock serves both lunch and dinner, however, its small capacity means it’s a good idea to secure a reservation in advance.
You can choose to visit the island of Zanzibar, as a conclusion to your exhilarating safari in Tanzania or Kenya, or as a delightful reward following your ascent of Kilimanjaro. Just make sure you venture beyond the sand and sea and let Zanzibar’s multifaceted allure etch memories in your heart that will last a lifetime.
A Tanzanian safari, a must for your safari wish list. An amazing safari experience including Serengeti & Ngorongoro. A 4-star beach stay, on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar a perfect ending.
On this tour, you experience the biggest highlights of Kenya; Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara. The tour concludes with a relaxing holiday on the exotic island of Zanzibar.
Experience Africa’s iconic animals on a short safari tour. Get up close to nature and sleep in comfortable tents on the Serengeti. The tour concludes with a beach holiday in wonderful Zanzibar.
Enjoy the best of Kenya. You get up close to the nature and unique animal life in some of the country’s best national parks before digesting your experiences on white sandy beaches in Zanzibar.
Combine three of Tanzania’s absolute highlights: ascend Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, go on a safari with fantastic animal life and conclude your tour with a beach holiday on Zanzibar.
Fly to the Serengeti, where great animal experiences await. You drive through the landscape on a fantastic safari to the Ngorongoro crater before flying to Zanzibar on a beach holiday.
Fancy experiencing Serengeti’s animal life without compromising on comfort? Then this is your tour! Enjoy the view from your lodge in the middle of the Serengeti and conclude the tour in Zanzibar.
The goal of this tour is the peak of Kilimanjaro on the renowned Machame route. The reward and relaxation await on the white sandy beaches on the exotic island of Zanzibar.
Longing to laze under a shady palm in Zanzibar overlooking the sea? Fancy a taster of safari in Africa’s largest national park? Then this is the tour for you.
This is the tour for you if you don’t have a lot of time at your disposal but would like to enjoy a taste of a safari in Tanzania, followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
A Tanzanian safari, a must for your safari wish list. An amazing safari experience including Serengeti & Ngorongoro. A 4-star beach stay, on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar a perfect ending.
On this tour, you experience the biggest highlights of Kenya; Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara. The tour concludes with a relaxing holiday on the exotic island of Zanzibar.
Experience Africa’s iconic animals on a short safari tour. Get up close to nature and sleep in comfortable tents on the Serengeti. The tour concludes with a beach holiday in wonderful Zanzibar.
Enjoy the best of Kenya. You get up close to the nature and unique animal life in some of the country’s best national parks before digesting your experiences on white sandy beaches in Zanzibar.
Combine three of Tanzania’s absolute highlights: ascend Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, go on a safari with fantastic animal life and conclude your tour with a beach holiday on Zanzibar.
Fly to the Serengeti, where great animal experiences await. You drive through the landscape on a fantastic safari to the Ngorongoro crater before flying to Zanzibar on a beach holiday.
Fancy experiencing Serengeti’s animal life without compromising on comfort? Then this is your tour! Enjoy the view from your lodge in the middle of the Serengeti and conclude the tour in Zanzibar.
The goal of this tour is the peak of Kilimanjaro on the renowned Machame route. The reward and relaxation await on the white sandy beaches on the exotic island of Zanzibar.
Longing to laze under a shady palm in Zanzibar overlooking the sea? Fancy a taster of safari in Africa’s largest national park? Then this is the tour for you.
This is the tour for you if you don’t have a lot of time at your disposal but would like to enjoy a taste of a safari in Tanzania, followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
