Zanzibar Discovery Guide
Zanzibar instantly conjures images of idyllic beaches and an exotic history of Omani Sultans and Portuguese colonisers. It’s one of the most popular beach destinations for safari travellers in East Africa and for good reason. Aside from being incredibly beautiful and boasting gorgeous resorts, the island offers plenty of activities that will appeal to all kinds of travellers. Whether you want to bliss out on the beaches, delve into the local history or experience Zanzibari gastronomy during a cooking class, this Tanzanian island offers it all.
In this guide, we’ll introduce 13 of the top experiences, excursions and tours available on Zanzibar to help you plan the best safari in Africa.
Most travellers’ first introduction to Zanzibar is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stone Town, an exotic blend of Asian, Arabic and African architecture that reflects its storied history. Its whitewashed buildings have seen everything from sultans to slaves and are still alive today, with labyrinthine streets that open out into lively squares.
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Darajani Market and visit the Sultan’s Palace Museum to learn about the lives of those who once ruled Zanzibar. Head to the House of Wonders to experience Swahili and Zanzibari cultures, then witness the 17th-century Old Fort that was constructed to defend the island from Portuguese naval attacks.
Zanzibar boasts plenty of fine-dining and gourmet restaurants but there’s nothing quite like an evening at the alfresco Forodhani Market. It kicks off in the late afternoon and continues well into the night, with elaborate displays of freshly caught fish and seafood that are grilled right before your eyes. If you’re not into seafood, there are also plenty of locally-inspired meat dishes, as well as salads and decadent desserts to complement your meal.
Zanzibar is surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life and there’s no better way to experience them than on a snorkeling or diving excursion. Head to the protected marine conservation area around Mnemba Atoll to see green turtles, large pelagics and the occasional whale shark or explore the Pange Sandbank that’s alive with colorful tropical fish. Zanzibar has no shortage of snorkeling and diving operators, with the opportunity to do your dive certification if you’re just starting out.
History buffs shouldn’t’t miss a visit to Changuu Island (also known as “Prison Island”), which is just 25 minutes by boat from Zanzibar. Rebellious slaves were detained here during the 19th century, prior to being sold and shipped abroad. Later, the island became a quarantine area for those with yellow fever and other infectious diseases, with many of its buildings now transformed into a tourist resort. A highlight of Changuu Island is the opportunity to get up close to its resident giant Aldabra tortoises, which were sent as a gift from the British governor of Seychelles in 1919.
You can’t come to Zanzibar without talking about spices, with the island once serving as an important stopover for spice merchants en route to India. Learn about their cultivation and economic significance throughout Zanzibar’s history on a guided spice tour while seeing how they are grown. Taste the finished result (alongside locally grown tropical fruits), then purchase packaged spices to take home with you.
Around 100 kilometres to the northeast of Zanzibar is its little sister island of Pemba, which is an idyllic destination to visit on a day cruise. Jump aboard a traditional Zanzibari dhow and sails to its stunning beaches or explore the hilly interior where tropical fruits and spices are grown. In the northwest of Pemba Island is the Ngezi Forest, which is home to endemic Pemba flying fox, velvet monkeys and Zanzibar red colobus, while tropical fish inhabit the coral reefs and steep walls of the Pemba Channel.
Zanzibar is ringed by stunning beaches where the azure waters of the Indian Ocean lap up against pristine white sands. The east coast is renowned for its calm waters and uncrowded beaches while Nungwi and Kendwa are popular with backpackers. If you want to get active kite surfing, head further south to Paje, or escape to the tranquility of pretty Matemwe in the northeast.
If you’ve ever wanted to swim with dolphins, then the waters of Kizimkazi off the southwest coast of Zanzibar are the place to do it. Aside from bottlenose dolphins, the area is renowned for its humpback dolphin sightings, with the animals resting each evening at nearby Menai Bay before heading out to play. The pods are quite accustomed to the visiting tourist boats and aren’t shy about you jumping in the water with them, making for some incredible encounters.
Zanzibari cuisine is quiet unique, with dishes that combine Persian, Arabic and Indian influences. There are plenty of places on the island where you can participate in a cooking class, both privately run and organised by beach resorts. A cooking class is an ideal way to learn about Zanzibar’s culinary history and indigenous ingredients, with most including a visit to a local market where you can select your produce before heading back to the kitchen to prepare them.
When it comes to water sports, kitesurfing is one of the most popular activities around Zanzibar, with the island experiencing ideal conditions. There are numerous operators offering kite surfing lessons and rental equipment, catering to either beginners or advanced enthusiasts. You can surf the sandy-bottomed water close to shore or tackle the waves that break on the offshore reefs.
Positioned in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is a great place for deep-sea fishing, with big game species such as barracuda, wahoo, kingfish and yellowfin tuna all for the taking. Spend a day out with local fishing experts who know the conditions and how to lure the fish while enjoying the serenity of the Zanzibari waters.
If you’ve ever wanted to get up close to baby turtles, then don’t miss a visit to the Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium. This natural lagoon was originally set up to rehabilitate and study marine turtles that had been caught in fishing nets, including hawkbill turtles that were hunted for their patterned shells and green turtles that were hunted for meat. Aside from learning about the conservation efforts and seeing turtles of all ages, the proceeds from entrance fees go to supporting an education project for local children.
There’s no better way to end your day than with a dhow trip at sunset to watch the day’s last rays illuminate Zanzibar and the waters of the Indian Ocean. You’ll be surrounded by the white sails of other dhows billowing on the horizon as fishermen return with the day’s catch. For the best views, cruise to the northeastern tip of the island and around Mnemba Atoll with a cocktail in hand.
Planning a Serengeti safari or Kenya/Tanzania tour? Our safari experts can help you organise a beach break on beautiful Zanzibar to complement your adventure.
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