Best Things to Do in Zanzibar

Top things to do in Zanzibar

• Stone Town walking tour. Narrow streets, carved doors, the House of Wonders area and the Old Fort.
• Forodhani Gardens night market. Sea-front seafood, sugar-cane juice and the famous Zanzibar pizza in the evening.
• Spice tour. Visit a spice farm to see and taste cloves, vanilla, cinnamon and more.
• Prison Island. A short boat ride to see giant tortoises and snorkel.
• Mnemba Atoll snorkelling. Boat trip from the north-east coast for coral, tropical fish and often dolphins.
• Jozani Forest. See the rare red colobus monkeys and walk the mangrove boardwalk.
• Sunset dhow cruise. A traditional sailing boat at golden hour, with drinks and snacks.
• Kitesurfing and water sports at Paje. Lessons for beginners and good wind for experienced riders in season.

Where to stay

• Nungwi and Kendwa (north). Swimmable at all tides, lively sunsets and a wide choice of resorts. Best for first-timers and groups.
• Paje and Jambiani (south-east). Wide, shallow beaches, kitesurfing and a relaxed, boutique feel. The tide goes out far, so it is best for activities and quiet stays.
• Stone Town. A UNESCO World Heritage old town with markets, history and rooftop dinners. Best for a night or two of culture.
• Matemwe and Pwani Mchangani (north-east). Quiet beaches, upmarket villas and easy access to Mnemba Atoll. Best for honeymoons and privacy.

Getting around

Taxis and hotel transfers are the easiest way to travel. Minibuses (dala-dalas) are cheap but slow. Many travellers book a private driver for day trips.

Tips

• Pack modest clothes for Stone Town and villages, and swimwear for the beach.
• The tide goes far out on the east coast, so check tide times for swimming.
• Bring cash in small US dollar notes or Tanzanian shillings for markets, though cards work at most hotels.

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