Stone Town
1. Wander the old town
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, mosques and Swahili-Arab houses. Get lost, then hire a licensed guide for the history. Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees.
2. Former slave market and Anglican Cathedral
The cathedral was built on the site of East Africa’s last open slave market. The memorial and small museum tell a hard but important story.
3. Forodhani Gardens night market
Every evening on the seafront, stalls grill seafood and make “Zanzibar pizza” (a stuffed, fried pancake). Agree prices before ordering.
4. Darajani Market
Stone Town’s busy main market, with spices, fish, fruit and everyday life.
5. The Old Fort and the waterfront
The 17th-century Omani fort hosts craft stalls and events. Nearby, the House of Wonders has been under restoration after a partial collapse in 2020.
6. Freddie Mercury House
A small museum in the house where the Queen singer lived as a child.
Island tours
7. Prison Island (Changuu)
A 20–30 minute boat ride from Stone Town to see giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old, plus snorkelling. There is a small entrance fee.
8. Spice tour
Visit a spice farm to taste cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and fresh fruit. Usually half a day from Stone Town.
9. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Guided walks to see the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey and a mangrove boardwalk.
10. Mnemba Atoll snorkelling
The island’s best reef, with turtles, reef fish and sometimes dolphins. Boats leave from Matemwe, Kiwengwa and Nungwi.
11. Safari Blue
A full-day dhow trip in the Menai Bay Conservation Area with snorkelling, a sandbank stop and a seafood lunch.
Beaches and relaxing
12. Nungwi and Kendwa beaches
The north coast has deep water that’s good for swimming at any tide, plus the island’s best sunsets.
13. Kitesurfing in Paje
The shallow lagoon and steady winds make Paje one of Africa’s best places to learn, especially from June to September and December to February.
14. The Rock restaurant
A seafood restaurant on a rock in the sea near Michamvi; at high tide you arrive by boat. Book ahead.
15. Sunset dhow cruise
Sail on a traditional wooden boat at sunset, from Nungwi or Stone Town.
Responsible tips
- Choose dolphin trips that don’t chase or crowd the animals, or skip them.
- Don’t buy shells or coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Ask before photographing people, especially women.
- Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania; leave them at home.
More Zanzibar guides
- Zanzibar travel guide
- Zanzibar itinerary: 5, 7 or 10 days
- Where to stay in Zanzibar
- Best time to visit Zanzibar
- Zanzibar airport transfers
- Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar ferry
- Tanzania visa and Zanzibar insurance
FAQ: things to do in Zanzibar
What is Zanzibar famous for?
Its beaches, Stone Town, spices and its Swahili culture.
Is Prison Island worth visiting?
Yes, especially with kids. Combine it with a Stone Town day or a sandbank trip.
Where is the best swimming in Zanzibar?
Nungwi and Kendwa in the north, where tides affect the beach least.
Plan your trip to Zanzibar
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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