Zanzibar Island
Things To Do in Zanzibar
While beach lounging is the primary pursuit, Zanzibar offers rich historical experiences, boat excursions, spice tours, and unique terrestrial wildlife.
Explore Historic Stone Town
Wander through the labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone alleys of Zanzibar's historic capital. Discover architectural treasures that blend Swahili, Arab, Indian, Persian, and European elements, famous for their ornately carved wooden brass-studded doors. Key highlights include the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Palace Museum, and the moving Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the former slave market.
Take a Guided Spice Tour
Zanzibar isn't called the 'Spice Island' for nothing. Visit a local shamba (farm) to see, touch, smell, and taste fresh cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, turmeric, and black pepper. You'll learn about their medicinal uses and agricultural history, and enjoy a traditional lunch made with farm-fresh spices.
Snorkel or Dive at Mnemba Atoll
Mnemba Atoll is the premier marine conservation area in Zanzibar. Located off the northeast coast, this coral reef sanctuary boasts outstanding visibility and is teeming with green sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, colorful reef fish, and occasional whale sharks or manta rays.
Visit Jozani Forest & Meet Colobus Monkeys
Walk the nature trails of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, Zanzibar's only national park. The forest is home to the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey—a species endemic to the island. You can watch these playful, habituated primates swing from branches at close range, followed by a walk through the beautiful mangrove swamp boardwalk.
Take a Boat to Prison Island (Changuu)
A short 20-minute dhow ride from Stone Town lies Changuu Island. Originally built to house rebellious slaves and later used as a quarantine station, the island is now best known for its sanctuary of giant Aldabra tortoises, gifted from the Seychelles in the late 19th century.
Dine at the Iconic Rock Restaurant
Located off Pingwe beach on the southeast coast, this tiny restaurant is built on a natural coral rock structure in the Indian Ocean. At low tide, you can walk out to the restaurant, but at high tide, you'll need a short boat ride. It has become one of the most photographed dining spots in the world.