Things to do in Zanzibar
Queen of the spice islands
With a UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, beautiful beaches, and a lush national park, the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar is an ideal spot for travelers who want a mix of relaxation, history, and natural discovery. The main city of Stone Town is full of historic structures and is a great place for immersing yourself in local culture. While many of the Zanzibar’s attractions are located in the city, the island is small enough to explore in its entirety—some of the best things to do in Zanzibar include visiting remote beaches, conservation areas, and spice farms.
Top 8 attractions in Zanzibar
Stone Town
Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium and Marine Turtle Conservation Lagoon
Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib)
Darajani Market (Marikiti Kuu)
Mtoni Palace
Mwanakwerekwe Market
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All about Zanzibar
When to visit
The best time to visit Zanzibar is between mid-June and September, when the chance of rain is at its lowest. Like elsewhere in the region, there are two rainy seasons: the long rains, which start in March and run until June, and the short rains, which take place in November and December. Note that as Zanzibar is a majority Muslim island, many restaurants are closed during Ramadan, so it’s not the best time for vacationers.
Getting around
There are all sorts of ways to get around Zanzibar. Taxis are widely available in Stone Town, but they can be harder to find in other parts of the island. If you’re heading out to somewhere further afield, you may wish to book a taxi for the day or go on a guided tour—though budget travelers may prefer to hop aboard dala dala, shared taxis (usually converted trucks or minibusses) that generally run along fixed routes.
Traveler tips
If you want to try authentic Zanzibari cuisine, head over to Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town. This well-known spot has an extensive menu of quintessential dishes, from seafood curries to bokoboko, a wheat porridge sweetened with honey. There are also tons of options for vegetarians, including beans, rice, and stewed vegetables. Wash it all down with a glass of date milk or some green grape juice.
People Also Ask
Zanzibar is well known for two things: its white-sand beaches and its spices. (In fact, it’s sometimes referred to as a “Spice Island,” and spice farm tours are a popular activity here.) Music fans will know the island as the birthplace of rock legend Freddie Mercury, the front man of the band Queen.
...MoreYes, there is a lot to do in Zanzibar. Popular activities include touring the historic attractions in Stone Town, visiting spice plantations, and learning how to cook local food. Zanzibar is also a beach destination, with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and just laze around on powdery white sand.
...MoreYes, you can drink alcohol in Zanzibar—but you won’t see alcohol in local restaurants and you’re not supposed to bring any booze with you to the island. Many hotels and resorts catering to international travelers do have alcohol available; some hotels don’t offer it, however, so be sure to check your property’s policies if you need to know before you go.
...MoreDo make sure to visit Stone Town and learn about the island’s rich culture and history—Zanzibar offers much more than just beaches. Don’t wear revealing clothing (except at foreigner-focused resorts or on the beach), as the island is conservative, and doing so may be perceived as disrespectful to local cultural values.
...MoreWhile many travelers opt to spend around a week on the island, three days is enough to get a feel for Zanzibar. This will give you enough time to hang out on the beach, tour Stone Town, visit a spice farm, and try your luck at spotting endemic creatures in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park.
...MoreYes, you need malaria pills for Zanzibar, and it’s wise to bring insect repellant to decrease your chances of getting bitten. Traveling to Zanzibar also increases your risk of exposure to certain food-borne illnesses. Make sure you talk to your doctor about what vaccines you’ll need well in advance of your trip.
...MoreZanzibar information
Number of Attractions | 8 |
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Number of Tours | 938 |
Number of Reviews | 3,905 |
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