Things to do in Zanzibar

Things to do in Zanzibar : There is a lot to do in Zanzibar whether you are traveling solo, as a family, as a group or for a honeymoon trip.

Take a walk in Stone town

You can wander around the streets of Stone town during your tour on Zanzibar island and get to experience the way of life on the island and also get a better understanding of the people and the culture of Zanzibar.

Guided tours around Stone town can be done with the help of a local guide and these walks can take about 3 hours. Some of the things you can do while in Stone town include admiring the carvings and architecture in Stone town, visiting the Old fort, visiting the house of wonders, visit the slave museum, shopping and so much more.

Visit Changuu island

Another activity which you can engage in during a trip to Zanzibar island is visiting Changuu island which is also referred to as the Prison island.

The Changuu island is located off the coast and can be accessed by a 30 minute boat ride from Stone town. Giant tortoises are among the major attractions on the island and some of these tortoises are as old as over 150 years.

Snorkelling

You can also take part in snorkelling during a tour of Zanzibar island. Some of the places to engage in snorkelling while in Zanzibar include Mnemba atoll which is considered the best spot for the activity.

All year round, you can engage in snorkelling in Zanzibar during a trip and enjoy seeing the coral reefs and marine species found on the island such as turtles, various fish species, and dolphins among others.

Diving

Zanzibar island is also a good place for diving all year round during a trip to Tanzania. The island has different spots for diving and they include Nungwi, Mnemba atoll, Kichwani, wattabomi, Nankivell and Hunga reef, Boribu reef, Kendwa reef, Chakatuni, Haji, Turtle gap, coral garden, Pange reef, Nyange reef, Pegasus wreck, Big wall and many others.

During a diving experience on Zanzibar island, you get to see the marine life of the Indian ocean, explore ancient wrecks and so much more. The best time for diving is said to be February, March, July, August, September, December and January.

Swimming with the dolphins

Another activity to take part in during a trip to Zanzibar island is swimming with the dolphins. Kizimkazi is among the places where you can swim with dolphins and this activity can be done in the morning or in the afternoon.

Mnemba island is another place where you can swim with the dolphins. It is not a guarantee to see these dolphins however and the best time to see the dolphins is the dry season from June, July, August and September.

The types of dolphins which can be seen during a trip to Zanzibar island include spinner dolphins, bottle nose dolphins, Rizzo’s dolphins, humpback dolphins, Frazer’s dolphins, spotted dolphins among others.

Relaxing at the beach

Zanzibar can also be enjoyed by simply relaxing at the white sand beach and staring at the Indian ocean.

There are many beaches to go to when in Zanzibar and they include Nungwi beach, Paje beach, Bwejuu beach, Kendwa beach, Jambiani beach, Kiwengwa beach, Kizimkazi beach, Pongwe beach among others.

Kite surfing

Kite surfing is also done during tours to Zanzibar island and Paje beach is among the places where this activity can be done.

The best time for kite surfing is from December to March and also from June to September. Bwejuu, Jambiani, Paje are also other places where kite surfing can be done during a trip to Zanzibar island.

Spice tours

Zanzibar island is also referred to as the spice island and there are many species which are grown on the island.

During a trip to Zanzibar island, you can visit the spice farms and taste fruits as well as food prepared using the spices. Some of the spices grown on the island include cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper and many others.

The spice tour on Zanzibar island also involves walking around the farms and seeing how the spices are grown, and also learning about the uses of the different spices. After your spice tour you can also buy some of these spices and take them with you when traveling back home to remember your experience on the island.

Jozani forest tour

Jozani forest is the only national park on Zanzibar island and it is home to the rare red colobus monkeys.

You can take part in a nature walk during a tour of the Jozani forest and enjoy seeing colobus monkeys, sykes monkeys as well as various bird species. The forest is located south east of Zanzibar.

Forodhani market

You can also visit Forodhani market during a trip to Stone town and get to taste the various street foods of Zanzibar island.

There are many other local markets to visit around Zanzibar island like Darajani market, which can be accessed by walking through the alleyways of Stone town.

Dhow cruise experience

Zanzibar island also offers amazing dhow cruises during trips to the island. these dhow rides are done in traditional dhows and the activity is carried out on the Indian ocean.

The sunset cruises are the best dhow ride experiences and this activity can start from Fumba village. You can also take part in snorkelling during the dhow cruises.

Cycling

Cycling around Zanzibar island is another way to get to the different destinations on the island. You can take part if cycling as an individual or join a group and ride to different places on the island with the help of a local guide.

There are many different routes you can follow as you cycle around Zanzibar as you get an experience of the culture and way of life of the people of Zanzibar. The bicycles can be rented for this activity and these services are offered by different tour operators.

Visit Zanzibar island and enjoy taking part in various activities and see different attractions on the island.