Top 10 Things to Do in Zanzibar

Zanzibar punches well above its weight for a small island. History, beaches, wildlife, culture, food — it has everything. The hard part isn't finding things to do, it's narrowing it down. Here are the ten experiences you absolutely cannot miss.

1. Explore Stone Town

The island's UNESCO-listed old capital is a living museum of Swahili, Arab, Indian and Portuguese history. Lose yourself in the narrow alleyways, admire the carved wooden doors, and soak up the call to prayer echoing across rooftops at dusk. Give it at least two full days.

2. Snorkel Mnemba Atoll

One of the top snorkelling sites in the Indian Ocean. The waters around Mnemba Island are teeming with sea turtles, spinner dolphins, hawksbill turtles and hundreds of species of tropical fish. Most tours depart from Nungwi and Kendwa early morning when visibility is at its best.

3. Visit a Spice Farm

Zanzibar earned its title as the Spice Island through centuries of clove, nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon trade. A half-day spice farm tour lets you walk through living plantations, taste spices straight from the source and learn the history of the trade that shaped the entire Indian Ocean region.

4. Watch the Sunset from Nungwi

Nungwi beach faces west, which means it catches the most spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets. Pull up a beach chair, order a fresh coconut or a cold Kilimanjaro beer, and watch the sky turn amber, pink and violet over the water. It never gets old.

5. Eat at Forodhani Night Market

Every evening, the waterfront gardens of Stone Town transform into a bustling open-air feast. Try Zanzibar pizza, grilled lobster, fresh sugar cane juice and urojo soup for a few dollars. This is the best introduction to Zanzibari food culture and an unmissable evening.

6. Take a Sunset Dhow Cruise

A traditional wooden dhow sailing into the Indian Ocean sunset is one of those experiences you'll remember your whole life. Most cruises include snorkelling stops, fresh fruit and drinks. Book through a local operator for the most authentic experience.

7. Visit Prison Island & Giant Tortoises

A short boat ride from Stone Town, Changuu Island (Prison Island) is home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old. You can hand-feed them and walk among them — extraordinary creatures that make for incredible photos. The surrounding coral is also great for a quick snorkel.

8. Kite Surf in Paje

The village of Paje on Zanzibar's East Coast is one of the best kite surfing destinations in the world, thanks to consistent trade winds and a vast shallow lagoon at low tide. Complete beginners can take a full course in 3–4 days. Non-surfers can take paddleboarding or kayaking lessons instead.

9. Swim with Dolphins at Kizimkazi

The waters off Kizimkazi on the island's southern tip are home to resident pods of humpback and spinner dolphins year-round. Early morning boat trips take you out to swim alongside them in the open ocean. It's one of those bucket-list moments that genuinely delivers.

10. Discover the East Coast Beaches

The East Coast — Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu — has a completely different feel to the north. Long stretches of white sand, swaying palms, seaweed farms tended by local women, and a quieter, more authentic atmosphere. Time your visit around high tide for the best swimming, and watch the sunrise paint the Indian Ocean pink.