If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar, you’re in for a treat. This East African island has it all – from pristine beaches and azure waters to interesting historical sites and vibrant cultural experiences. To help you make the most of your time on the island, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 things to do in Zanzibar.
Top Things to do in Zanzibar
- Take a spice tour
- Explore Stone Town
- Visit Prison Island
- Go on a dolphin and snorkling tour
- Visit Nungwi Beach
- Go on a safari
- Visit the Jozani Forest
- Go scuba diving
- Visit the Zanzibar Museum
- Go on a Dhow Cruise
1. Take a Spice Tour
One of the best ways to learn about Zanzibar’s rich history and culture is to take a spice tour. These tours typically last around 3 hours and will take you to a spice farm where you’ll learn all about the different spices that are grown on the island. You’ll also get to see how these spices are used in traditional cooking and medicine, and you’ll even get to sample some of the dishes that are made with them. I really loved this, since normally all the spices are already sold in the supermarket and you don’t see the natural environment and how the spices really look. Loved to learn something and educate myself.
2. Explore Stone Town | Top Things to do in Zanzibar
No trip to Zanzibar would be complete without spending some time exploring Stone Town, the island’s capital. This historic city is full of interesting sights, including the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Arab Mosque. You can also find plenty of good shops and restaurants here, and if you’re looking for a souvenir, be sure to pick up some Zanzibar spices. Don’t be surprised by the meat and all the fish that are sold there. The smell is horrible, but I loved the experience.
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3. Visit Prison Island
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Zanzibar is Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. This small island was once used as a quarantine station for sick slaves, and today it’s home to a colony of giant tortoises. You can also find a beautiful beach here, and it’s a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
4. Go on a Dolphin and Snorkeling Trip
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Zanzibar’s marine life is to go on a dolphin and snorkeling trip. These trips typically last around 3 hours and will take you to a number of different snorkeling sites where you can see a variety of fish and coral. You may even get to swim with a dolphin!
♥ Please respect nature, don’t come to close and never step on the coral.
5. Visit Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, and it’s easy to see why. This beautiful stretch of sand is lined with palm trees and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. It’s also a great place to go swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. I’ve stayed at one of the coolest hotels in Nungwi, hotel Dreams Nungwi. Want to know more? Read my article about my stay, experiences and prices.
6. Go on a Safari | Top Things to do in Zanzibar
One of the best things to do in Zanzibar is to go on a safari. There are a number of different safari companies that offer tours, and you can choose from a half-day tour or a full-day tour. These tours will take you to see a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. From Zanzibar you can fly to Tanzania to Serengeti airstrip or Arusha. I did this trip and made the ultimate 10 day route to follow if you also want to combine Zanzibar and a safari in Tanzania.
7. Visit the Jozani Forest
The Jozani Forest is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Zanzibar, and it’s easy to see why. This beautiful forest is home to a variety of animals including monkeys. You can also find a number of different hiking trails here, and the forest is a great place to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
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8. Go Scuba Diving
One of the best things to do in Zanzibar is to go scuba diving. There are a number of different dive sites around the island, and you can choose from a half-day trip or a full-day trip. These trips will take you to see a variety of different fish and coral, and you may even get to swim with a dolphin!
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9. Visit the Zanzibar Museum
The Zanzibar Museum is a great place to learn about the island’s history and culture. This museum is home to a variety of exhibits, including a slave exhibit, a coral exhibit, and a Zanzibar spice exhibit. You can also find a number of different shops and restaurants here, and the museum is a great place to pick up a souvenir. I was pretty impressed by this museum.
10. Go on a Dhow Cruise
One of the best things to do in Zanzibar is to go on a dhow cruise. What is a dhow I hear you think? It’s a traditional wooden Arabian boat. These cruises typically last around 2 hours and will take you to a number of different destinations, including the Spice Island, the Prison Island, and the Dolphin Island. You can also find a number of different shops and restaurants here, and the dhow cruise is a great way to relax and soak up the sun.
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beautiful blog post with nice information. Thank you for sharing…