9 Top Things to do in Zanzibar

9 top things to do in Zanzibar are some of the many activities in Zanzibar that you can take part in while on Zanzibar holidays. Zanzibar is a beautiful island paradise located off the eastern coast of Africa rich in history and culture, great Zanzibar beaches, as well as cuisine like no other. Zanzibar was a trading outpost and with this brought about a diverse culture in Zanzibar. Zanzibar Island has a lot to offer; are you after relaxation following climbing Mountain Kilimanjaro or simply want to indulge yourself in a serene and beautiful white sand beach, Zanzibar is just the right place for you.

There are so many places and things to do in Zanzibar but below are the 9 top things to do in Zanzibar, which you can do over a period of time with the least time you can spend on a Zanzibar safari tour is 3 days. Below are the 9 top things to do in Zanzibar that you can choose from to include on your Zanzibar honeymoon holiday or Zanzibar holiday;

Explore the Stone Town

The Stone town is the central point of Zanzibar, located off the coast and a sheltered harbor formerly a fishing village which turned into a trading center. Stone town was previously the base of slave trade, as a port from where slaves were sent abroad and some retained to work in plantations of colonialists then, until Zanzibar became independent in 1963. Because of the many races that settled here long time ago, there is a mix of cultures here from African and Arabic, with colonial architecture. Because of the unique influences and culture, Stone town was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000.

Stone town has a population of about 16000 residents as of 2016, with tourism being the largest source of income in the town. Some of the activities you can do in Stone town include;

Guided walking tour. This takes you around stone town, giving you an opportunity to know more information with the help of a guide. While on your guided walking tour in stone town, you shall see fascinating architecture of buildings quite ancient but yet beautiful.
Visit the Old Fort. The Fort is a historical artefact that was built by the Omani Arabs back in 1699, making it one of the oldest buildings in Stone town.
Visit the Slave museum. As mentioned earlier, a dark history is associated with Stone town, which is best described and explained in the Slave museum in the town. A visit here shall have you learning about all the dark history of Stone town, say you shall come across “rooms” of 12 by 12 foot with only one tiny window as an air supply to over 30 slaves in the room.

9 Top Things to do in Zanzibar — Stone town

During your visit of Stone town, you shall also get to visit and wonder around Drajani market from where you can shop a number of items including Zanzibar food and spices, among so many other activities done on a Stone town tour.

Snorkelling in Zanzibar

There is an opportunity for you to enjoy snorkelling in Zanzibar, among a number of other sea adventures say swimming with the dolphins!

Visit Jozani Forest

Jozani forest is a great place to see primates in Zanzibar say the Zanzibar red colobus which is endemic only to Zanzibar. Jozani forest is best visited while from Stone town as a stopover.

Visit the Prison Island

This is actually not a prison of any kind, it was only a place where rebellious slaves were kept back in 1860s and a place where people with yellow fever were quarantined. This Prison Island is a beautiful place to visit especially to see giant tortoises very old with some being as old as 150 years.

Experience authentic Zanzibar food

Zanzibar is a beautiful island with not only a diverse culture but also a diverse local cuisine with travellers getting an opportunity to experience the authentic Zanzibar food. There are several Zanzibar food tours you can take to explore the various local dishes there are in Zanzibar, say the Zanzibar pizza, biryani and pilau, Urojo soup, Zanzibar tea, among so many others.

Take a spice tour in Zanzibar

Zanzibar apart from the perfect white sand beaches is a hub for spices, which re locally grown here given the favoring land. There are a number of spice farms in Zanzibar which you can actually visit with a spice tour. You shall learn how to grow the spices right from the farms, how to make them and refine them to the way you know it say dried and ground ready for consumption. Some of the spices you may come across on your spice tour in Zanzibar include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and black pepper.

Visit Nungwi Beach

Nungwi beach is a great place to visit, and is one of the best and most beautiful Zanzibar breaches. Nungwi beach is a picture perfect Zanzibar breach with soft white sand and turquoise water. Apart from Nungwi beach, Kendwa beach is only 10 minutes away by car. Perfect sunsets can be caught here, be sure to experience it and take some incredible pictures!

Eat at the Rock Restaurant Zanzibar

One of the best and most sought after Zanzibar restaurant that you can eat from is the picture perfect Rock Restaurant which is actually on postcards as well. The Rock restaurant is a unique beautiful restaurant located off the coast of Pingwe. To get the best experience, eat at the Rock restaurant for lunch and be amazed by amazing sights. Due to its high demand, pre-booking is required.

Pingwe and Matemwe Beaches

These are the best and slightly out of the way beaches where travellers after exclusivity and serenity to unwind can go and stay at. Pingwe and Matemwe beaches are great for disconnecting, and a popular destination for honeymooners: – most Zanzibar honeymoon holidays take travellers here.

With so many places to visit and things to do in Zanzibar, plan on visiting Zanzibar for amazing and relaxing holidays, with opportunities to walk on soft white sand beaches, especially after long wildlife safaris in Tanzania. Reach out to a tour operator of your choice for an amazing Zanzibar holiday safari package, or have them help you tailor your dream Zanzibar holiday.