Things to See and Do When Visiting Zanzibar
Best Things To Do in Zanzibar
Whether it is a romantic escapade, cultural visit, a fun-filled family holiday, or simply a quiet retreat at the heart of nature such as:-
Stone Town – UNESCO Heritage Site, Spice and Fruit Farm, Jozani National Park, Mnemba Atoll, Bawe/Prison Island, Pemba Island, Diving/Snorkeling, Kitesurfing, Sailing, Forodhani Garden, Turtle Sanctuary, Butterfly Center.
Best 15 Things To Do in Zanzibar
1. Go snorkeling or scuba diving.
Zanzibar is a top-class scuba diving and snorkeling spot with excellent marine sightings and healthy coral reefs surrounding the island. Here are some of the best places to try scuba diving and snorkeling:
- Mnemba Island is Located in Matemwe you can sport Diving and snorkeling.
- Shane’s Reef – is located near Nungwi, you can spot diverse marine species here.
- The Great Northern – located near Stone Town, this is a shipwreck site that is now home to vivid marine life.
- Other top diving sites include Hunga Reef, Hammerhead, Dolphin Wall, Boribu Reef, and Ukombe Reef
2. A dhow is a traditional Swahili boat.
A sunset dhow cruise is a refreshing and relaxing experience whereby you watch the sun paint the sky with different hues of orange, red, and yellow as the waves of the Indian Ocean crash against your dhow.
3. Explore the streets of Stone Town
Stone has a lot to offer. Its narrow streets, stunning architecture, historical sites like the Palace Museum and the Old Fort, and stunning beaches make for a great vacation destination!
4. Enjoy delicious seafood at the Rock Restaurant
Located at Pingwe beach, the Rock Restaurant is a tourist favorite that serves a wide range of seafood. What makes this restaurant special? Well, the Rock Restaurant is literally built on top of a rock, surrounded by the Indian Ocean. To get to the restaurant, you need a boat although it’s just right off the coast!
5. Swim with the dolphins at Kizimkazi beach
Dolphins are fun and friendly animals that make great swimming partners! Swim with the dolphins at Kizimkazi and learn more about their behavior and habitat!
6. Go kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is an extreme and thrilling watersport! The conditions in Zanzibar are ideal for kitesurfers, with strong steady winds! Zanzibar is, indeed, one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world! Paje beach, Jambiani, Nungwi, and Kiwengwa are some of the top kitesurfing spots in Zanzibar.
7. Explore Prison Island
Prison Island, also known as Changuu, is at a 30-minute boat ride away from Stone Town. The island was used as a prison for rebellious slaves in the 19th century. However, today, it’s known for the giant tortoises that it’s home to, some of which are older than a hundred years!
You can also snorkel around the island and enjoy seafood and snacks at the restaurant on the island!
8. Visit the Jozani Forest
Known for its numerous medicinal plants and trees, red Colobus monkeys and the unusual Zanzibar Sykes’ monkeys, the Jozani Forest is the only National Park in Zanzibar!
The mangrove boardwalk at the Forest is an exceptional experience!
9. Go on a spice tour
Also known as Spice Island, Zanzibar is known for the many spices that it grows. You can take a spice tour in Zanzibar and buy some spices to cook delicious Swahili food!
10. Enjoy delicious food at the Forodhani Gardens Food Market
The Forodhani Gardens Food Market opens up every evening at Stone Town, Zanzibar. If you want to have a taste of the delicious local Swahili cuisine, this is your best chance! All kinds of street food are available here ranging from Mishkaki to Chipsi Mayai.
