10 things to do in Zanzibar : There is a lot to experience and take part in when visiting Zanzibar island and some of the activities include the following;
- Visit the beach
Zanzibar island is famous for its white sand beaches which are found on different parts of the island.
Some of the Zanzibar beaches which are found around Zanzibar island include Nungwi beach, Kendwa beach, Paje beach, Kizimkazi beach, Jambiani beach, Kiwengwa beach, Matemwe beach, Bwejuu beach among others.
While relaxing at the beach in Zanzibar, you can also enjoy drinking coconuts, sunbathing or taking walks along the beach. There are many resorts and hotels found along the beaches of Zanzibar island where you can also stay the nights and also enjoy views of the ocean. Transfers to these beaches can be organized by the hotels or by a private guide.
- Go to stone town
When visiting Zanzibar island, you can also visit the famous Stone town and get to experience the culture and way of life of people on the island, 10 things to do in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar island has diversity in culture and during a tour around the historic town of Stone town, you can get to know more about the history of the island and its people, slave trade in Zanzibar and also visit many places around the town.
Places to visit around Stone town include the House of wonders, the Old Fort, the palace museum, the Old slave market. Walks around the narrow streets of Stone town can also be done during tours in Zanzibar and the Zanzibari doors can also be seen during these walks around the town. The stone town tour costs about 25 USD per person, 10 things to do in Zanzibar.
When visiting Stone town, you can also try out the local foods on the island which are sold in the restaurants and markets.
- Visit Prison island
Another activity to do when visiting Zanzibar island is going to the Prison island. Prison island is also known as Changuu island and it is located about 5km away from Stone town.
Prison island in Zanzibar can be accessed by taking a boat from Stone town and this boat ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Changuu island is known for the giant aldabra tortoises which can be seen during a tour of the island.
There is also a turtle sanctuary where the tortoises can be seen. Snorkeling and swimming are also activities which can be done during a tour of the Prison island which can be a half day tour.
- Spice tour
Zanzibar Spice tours are also carried out during holidays on Zanzibar island and it is also among the popular excursions on the island.
This activity involves visiting the spice plantations on Zanzibar island and getting to know how the spices are grown. During spice tours, you can also enjoy tasting the local food prepared using the spices.
The spices grown on Zanzibar island include cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom among others. There are also tropical fruits which are grown on the island and they include coconuts, jackfruit among others, 10 things to do in Zanzibar.
- Dolphin tours
Dolphin tours are also carried out when visiting Zanzibar island and they involve going for a boat ride on the Indian ocean to where the dolphins can be spotted.
The dolphins can be spotted during the dolphin tours and you can also enjoy swimming with the dolphins during this activity which can be done in the morning or afternoon. Dolphin tours can be done around Kizimkazi Beach which is found on the southern coast of Zanzibar.
The dolphin tour takes about 2 hours and the chance of seeing these dolphins is about 80% since they are free. Other marine species which can be seen during holidays around Zanzibar island include green turtles, octopus, humpback whales as well as different species of fish.
- Jozani forest
The Jozani forest is part of the Jozani Chwaka bay national park which is the only national park on Zanzibar island. It is located south east of Stone town and Jozani Chwaka national park covers about 50 square kilometers.
This national park is home to the red colobus monkeys which are endemic to Zanzibar island. Activities which are done around Jozani forest include guided nature walks and also mangrove boardwalk.
- dhow rides
Zanzibar island is also a perfect destination for dhow rides or dhow cruises which can be done in the morning or afternoon. These dhow rides can be done as private tours or as part of a group tour.
The dhows in Zanzibar are also a good activity to experience for couples who can enjoy the sunset dhow cruises and these dhow cruises take about 2 to 3 hours.
The safari blue excursion is another experience which is exciting during a tour around Zanzibar island and it starts from Fumba village and involves taking a boat to Menai bay where you can engage in snorkeling and swimming and during the dhow ride, you can also enjoy many tropical fruits and a buffet of seafood.
- Swimming
Zanzibar island is also good for swimming and there are many places where you can swim in Zanzibar.
Pongwe beach is the best place for swimming during a tour of Zanzibar island and other places where you can swim include Nungwi, Paje, Jambiani, Kiwengwa, Matemwe among others, 10 things to do in Zanzibar.
- Snorkeling
Snorkeling is another activity to do when visiting Zanzibar island and the best place for this activity on the island in Mnemba atoll which is found on the north eastern coast of the island.
Other places where snorkeling can be done during a trip to Zanzibar island include Nungwi beach, Paje beach and also Jambiani beach. This activity is very exciting as you can experience the rich marine life of the island and also see the beautiful corals.
Snorkeling can be done anytime of the year however the best time for the activity is around July to September and also around February and March.
- Diving
Diving is another activity to do when visiting Zanzibar island and the best time for this activity is during February, March, July and also August.
