Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, Zanzibar promises a unique and enriching experience for every visitor. For the adventurous at heart, dolphin watching and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters are unforgettable. If relaxation is more your style, the pristine beaches provide the perfect setting for sunbathing and unwinding. Explore historic Stone Town with its winding alleys and rich architectural heritage, and immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the spice plantations, whilst Jozani National Park and Prison Island are both must-see destinations.
Most Popular Activities on Zanzibar Island
Diving Excursions
The pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters and the inviting warmth of the Indian Ocean, create an ideal environment for underwater exploration. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, you can enjoy thrilling wall, drift, or night dives in shallow waters teeming with tropical fish and marine flora. Diving centers on Pemba and Unguja Islands offer educational courses, while Chumbe Island features a coral rock shoreline and fringed reefs dedicated to marine conservation.
Hotel Lodges
Visitors can choose from a wide range of accommodation options to suit every taste, all within a couple of hours of world-class safari destinations, whether it’s a charming hotel in Stone Town, a cozy beach-side lodge or luxurious resort. The all-inclusive award winning boutique Baraza Resort and Spa is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-end getaway. And Mnemba Island provides a unique, private island retreat offering seclusion and top-tier luxury, ideal for those seeking an exclusive and intimate escape.
Prison Island
Just a short distance from Stone Town, this island is perfect for a special day trip. Historically, it was used by the ruling Arabs to detain slaves, and later British colonialists built an unused jailhouse on the site. The island is also home to a large population of giant Aldabra tortoises, a gift from the Seychelles Islands. Visitors can enjoy a beautifully-fringed coral reef ideal for snorkeling and a stunning white sandy beach with full refreshment facilities, where you can relax and sunbathe throughout the day.
Dolphin Watching
On the southern tip of the main island, the tranquil fishing village of Kizimkaze is the perfect starting point for special boat trips to see schools of Bottle-Nosed Dolphins, that are often spotted close to shore, and on occasion you may even be lucky enough to have the rewarding experience to swim with them. You can also visit its 12th-century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, making it an ideal day trip that combines both natural beauty with cultural history.
Island Beaches
The beautiful and exotic ‘spice islands’ are characterised by idyllic white sandy beaches lined with sweeping palm trees, and lapped by warm turquoise waters: it’s the perfect setting to unwind, soak up the sun, and relax. These pristine archipelago beaches are dotted with picturesque fishing villages like Ras Nungwi, where local craftsmen still practice traditional dhow building and lead a peaceful, unchanged way of life. This local community supports a marine sanctuary for injured turtles, nursing them back to health before their release.
Spice Plantations
The history of Zanzibar is deeply intertwined with its spices, introduced by the Sultans of Oman and linked to the island’s notorious slave trade. A special tour offers a detailed exploration of these spices, including their uses in cooking and cosmetics. You’ll be dazzled by the vibrant sights and rich smells, and it’s the perfect place to purchase these valuable spices and their natural oils. Visitors will be intrigued by the sheer variety of spices produced and their incredible value in curing and alleviating common ailments.
Honeymoon Romance
For those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime romantic honeymoon destination, the numerous soft sun-swept beaches and warm tropical waters of Zanzibar´s Indian Ocean provide a magnificent and beautiful background setting for such a special occasion. If your desire is for absolute seclusion on a serene private beach, the tiny paradise island of Mnemba is without doubt the perfect choice for your ideal boutique honeymoon hideaway.
Jozani Forest
This National Park located in the central-eastern region of Zanzibar’s main island, features a premier nature trail guided by locals with deep knowledge of the area. This ancient woodland has a diverse range of wildlife, and is home to a resident population of primates that includes Syke’s Monkey, the rare and indigenous Red Colobus Monkey that roams freely on both the forest floor and up in the tree canopy, and the elusive Zanzibar Leopard, which – though scarcely seen – is believed to hunt under the cover of night.
Stone Town
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the island’s capital is a living monument to a bygone age where little changed in the last two hundred years from when it was the region’s most important trading centre. Its a magnificent labyrinth of ancient narrow streets and winding alleyways, bustling bazaars and mosques, that owes its legacy to being the heart of the gold, ivory and slave trade. There’s an array of extraordinary places to explore such as the palaces, colonial buildings, fortresses, and many fascinating museums.
