Things to do in Zanzibar
There are so many things to do in Zanzibar beyond spending your days on beautiful beaches. From the historic streets of Stone Town to coral reefs, spice farms and unforgettable sunsets, the island offers plenty to discover.
If you are staying in the north of Zanzibar, many of the island’s best experiences can easily be combined with a relaxing beach holiday. Here are some of our favourites.
1. Discover Stone Town
A visit to Zanzibar would not be complete without spending some time in Stone Town. The historic centre of Zanzibar City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and reflects centuries of African, Arab, Indian and European influences.
Walk through the narrow streets, discover Zanzibar’s famous carved wooden doors, visit the Old Fort and explore the markets and small local shops. Stone Town is also one of the best places to learn more about the island’s complex history.
Allow at least half a day – or combine your visit with a spice tour.
2. Visit Nungwi and Kendwa
Two of Zanzibar’s best-known beaches are located in the north of the island.
Nungwi is lively, with restaurants, beach bars, boats and plenty of activities. Kendwa has a more relaxed atmosphere and is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon.
And there is one thing we especially recommend: stay for sunset.
Watching the sun disappear into the Indian Ocean from Zanzibar’s northwest coast is one of those simple experiences you remember long after your holiday is over.
3. Snorkel around Mnemba
For anyone who loves the ocean, a snorkeling trip around the Mnemba area is one of Zanzibar’s classic excursions.
The waters off the northeast coast are known for tropical fish and coral reefs, and boat trips usually include several opportunities to swim and snorkel.
You do not need to be an experienced diver. A snorkeling excursion is an easy way to experience another side of Zanzibar – below the surface.
4. Experience a Zanzibar Spice Farm
Cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, pepper and tropical fruits have played an important role in Zanzibar’s history.
A guided spice tour is much more interesting than simply walking around a plantation. Local guides explain how the plants grow, how different spices are harvested and how they are traditionally used.
It is an easy excursion to combine with Stone Town and gives you a completely different impression of the island.
5. Take a Boat Trip
Some of the best Zanzibar memories begin on a small boat.
Depending on the excursion, you can visit sandbanks, snorkel in clear water, stop at small islands or simply spend a few hours on the Indian Ocean.
A traditional dhow cruise around sunset is another beautiful option, particularly for couples.
Our advice: don’t try to pack too much into one day. Sometimes the best part of a Zanzibar boat trip is simply being out on the water.
6. Visit Jozani Forest
Zanzibar is not only about beaches and ocean.
Jozani-Chwaka Bay is one of the island’s important natural areas and is particularly known for the Zanzibar red colobus monkey. The area also offers a completely different landscape from the northern beaches. Zanzibar’s Jozani-Chwaka Bay Conservation Area has also been on Tanzania’s UNESCO tentative list since 1997.
A visit works particularly well as part of a day trip through the south or southeast of the island.
7. Experience Local Zanzibar
Not every memorable experience needs to be a formal excursion.
Visit a local market, stop in a village, try Zanzibari food or simply take the time to talk to people you meet along the way.
Zanzibar becomes much more interesting once you leave the resort areas for a while. The island has its own rhythm, traditions and everyday life – and experiencing some of that is an important part of travelling here.
8. Do Absolutely Nothing
Yes, this belongs on the list.
You do not need an excursion every day.
Spend an afternoon by the pool, walk along the beach, have a cold drink, read a book or watch another Zanzibar sunset.
The island is best enjoyed when you leave some space in your itinerary for doing absolutely nothing.
Things to Do in Zanzibar from M&M Villas
At M&M Villas Zanzibar, we are happy to help our guests discover the island beyond the hotel.
Our location in the north of Zanzibar gives you easy access to Kendwa and Nungwi, while day trips to Stone Town, spice farms, Mnemba and other parts of the island can also be arranged.
If you are unsure which excursions are worth doing, just ask us. We would rather recommend a few experiences that fit your holiday than fill every day with tours.
Come to Zanzibar, slow down – and discover the island your way.
