One of the most interesting places to go to the beach in Africa is Zanzibar, an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania. It boasts a long coastline with white sand and calm, clear water, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing day by the sea. Beyond the beaches, there are plenty of Things To Do In Zanzibar—from exploring the historic streets of Stone Town, snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, and visiting the aromatic spice farms, to enjoying sunset dhow cruises and spotting dolphins off the coast.
Also, Zanzibar was a major hub for the trade of slaves in East Africa. This is an important part of history that we should all learn about on your Zanzibar Beach Holidays. This blog talks about the Top 10 Things to Do in Zanzibar while you’re on vacation there.
1. Visit the Cultural Heart of Stone Town
Zanzibar’s historic and cultural capital is Stone Town. It has a lot of alleyways, coral stone houses, and intricately carved doors that show how Arab, Indian, Persian, and European cultures have influenced it throughout the years. Every Zanzibar Vacation should start here.
- Find the Old Fort, which the Omani Arabs erected in the 1700s.
- Go to the Anglican Cathedral, which was constructed on the site of an old slave market.
- Walk inside the Old Dispensary, which has a combination of Indian and European design.
- Look at the beautiful Zanzibar Doors made of mango or jackfruit wood and covered in brass studs.
- Visit the House of Wonders, which was once the tallest building in Zanzibar. It holds cultural exhibits and overlooks the sea.
You may see history, architecture, and real Zanzibar culture up close when you walk through these lanes. You don’t need an itinerary. Just walk and immediately stop when something catches your eye. Also, you may follow the sound of the sea or the smell of grilled meat. This is where your real Zanzibar beach travel begins.
2. Find Out About the History of The Slave Trade in Zanzibar
There is a terrible past behind the beauty of Stone Town. Zanzibar used to be an important stop on the East African slave trade. A lot of the structures near the old market used to be part of that system. You can go to the East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition today to learn about this history clearly and politely.
A list of things you can see here:
- The Exhibition has got detailed Boards in English and Swahili that show you the history of slavery in Zanzibar in detail.
- The Slave Monument is a striking monument of chained stone figures in a pit that reminds us of the misery of people.
- The Anglican Cathedral is a calm cathedral built on the site of the old slave market. It stands in quiet contrast to the stories it remembers.
You have to pay roughly 15,000 TZS (about USD 6.50) to get inside the museum. It is open every day from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, and the material is easy to understand, so you don’t need a guide to look around. This element of your Zanzibar Beach Holiday adds dimension to the island’s splendour.
3. Get Some Local Street Food at Forodhani Market
The streets along the ocean in Stone Town flood with lights and the smell of cuisine at night. This is the Forodhani Night Market, where people from the area cook and sell food by the sea. Food enthusiasts would adore this Zanzibar beach activity.
Some foods you have to try are:
- Zanzibar Pizza, which is a cross between an omelette and a chapati and can be topped with sweet or savoury ingredients.
- Mishkaki, is grilled meat skewers with spices over charcoal.
- Urojo Soup is a spicy street stew with potatoes, mango, crunchy garnishes, and a sour broth.
- Fresh sugarcane juice that you can see being pressed.
Be careful at seafood stands that don’t show prices. Some sellers may try to trick tourists into paying more than they should. Sticking with vendors that have printed menus or pricing that are easy to see is the best way to go. You may usually get decent meals where residents are waiting in line.
4. Go To Prison Island Via Boat
Prison Island, also called Changuu Island, is a short boat journey from Stone Town. Even though it was called such, no prisoners were ever kept here. Originally, the location was going to be a slave prison. Later, it was utilised as a quarantine station, and finally, it became a state-run hotel.
Today, it’s famous for its huge tortoises, some of which are more than 150 years old.
What you can expect on this trip:
- You can walk among and feed Aldabra tortoises, some of which are older than any person you’ll meet in a Tortoise sanctuary.
- Check out the remains of the old hospital ruins of the quarantine station.
- You can swim on the beach, although it gets busy with boat guests.
The boat ride costs between $15 and $30 per person, depending on how many people are in the group. The cost of getting to the island is roughly $4 per person. The full trip should take about two to three hours.
5. Go to a Live Music Show at the Dhow Countries Music Academy
You might hear music in the alleys of Stone Town at night. That’s the sound of the Dhow Countries Music Academy, where local youth groups play and dance to traditional music. You can enjoy:
- Taarab music, which is a mix of Swahili poetry, Arabic tones, and coastal rhythm
- Live drumming and dance shows in a small and open space.
Tickets that are easy on the wallet. The show starts at about 8 PM and costs roughly 15,000 TZS (USD 6.50). This is one of the cultural experiences in Zanzibar that lets you engage with its present customs, not simply its history.
6. Swim and Relax at Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach is one of the island’s most popular spots, located to the north. It boasts beautiful white sand and quiet blue sea, and you can swim there at any time of day. The tide here stays the same, unlike beaches where the water draws away throughout the afternoon. What makes Nungwi special are:
- The beach is clean; there’s no seaweed growth, even at low tide.
- Swimming is safe for families and kids all day long because the tides are modest.
- Restaurants and beach bars nearby are great places to try seafood and unwind.
It takes around an hour and a half to go to Nungwi from Stone Town by shuttle or hired taxi. Many Beach Resorts in Zanzibar are here, and they have both high-end and low-cost options.
7. Snorkel at Matemwe and Visit Mnemba Island
Matemwe Beach is further along the northeast shore. If you desire fewer people, this beach is perfect for you. It is longer and quieter than Nungwi. Matemwe is also the finest point to start a journey to Mnemba Island, which is one of the Best Places In Zanzibar to go snorkelling. Expect to see:
- Clear, shallow water with colourful coral and good visibility.
- There are a lot of different kinds of reef fish that swim near to shore.
- Traditional dhow boats take you to the reef and back.
Matemwe features long hikes, peaceful sections, and laid-back resorts.
This is an excellent choice for couples, people travelling alone, or anyone looking for peaceful vacation ideas in Zanzibar with beautiful scenery.
8. Eat at The Rock Restaurant
The Rock Restaurant sits on a small island off Pingwe Beach and is one of the most photographed places in Zanzibar. You can walk to it when the tide is low. You will need a boat when the tide is high. Some important things to know:
- Make a reservation ahead of time, as the space is limited and often filled by sunset.
- It’s open from noon to 8 PM; it’s great for lunch but even better at sunset.
- You can take pictures; even if you don’t eat there, you can still go and enjoy the view.
It’s one of the most unique romantic Activities to Do in Zanzibar, perfect for special meals or recollections of the sunset.
9. Swim with Turtles at Baraka Natural Aquarium
At the Baraka Natural Aquarium, located in Nungwi, you will see a natural tidal pool where green sea turtles swim near the body of water. You may watch them swim alongside you, feed them, or even swim with them. Some relevant information:
- Doors open at 8:00 AM and close at 6:45 PM
- Admission is USD 10 per person
- Snorkel gear is available for rent at a cost of approximately USD 10, but visibility is decent even without it
- Come early. Mornings are the ideal time to visit because there are fewer people there.
Among the beach activities that Zanzibar has to offer, this is one of the most entertaining and family-friendly options.
10. Take a Spice Farm Tour in the Countryside
Zanzibar is called the “Spice Island” for a reason. Spices were the island’s principal trade before tourism. These spice plantations still influence the economy and culture.
Explore the island through fragrance, touch, and taste on a guided tour of one of the many spice farms around Stone Town or in the countryside. Expect these sights and activities:
- Fresh cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg can be smelled and touched on the plants.
- Enjoy fresh tropical fruits, including jackfruit, starfruit, and custard apple, straight from the trees.
- Discover how local farmers use traditional tools to grow and harvest spices.
- During your tour, observe women creating palm leaf items such as crowns, necklaces, and rings.
- Purchase handmade spice packets as gifts or souvenirs.
Spice tours go 1.5–2 hours and cost $10–15 per participant. Many excursions end with a handmade Swahili lunch. For those interested in Zanzibar’s history beyond the coast, this is one of the most immersive cultural excursions.
Zanzibar Doesn’t End with the Beach
These are just a few of the many experiences that make a Zanzibar Beach Holiday truly special. But the island holds far more than these ten activities. You can go kayaking through mangrove creeks, take a cooking class in a Swahili village, sail through the sunset on a traditional dhow, or simply spend an afternoon watching the tide roll in with a plate of grilled octopus in hand. And for those craving even more adventure, Zanzibar is the perfect starting or ending point for unforgettable Safari Tours In Tanzania—from tracking the Big Five in the Serengeti to witnessing the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater.
We’ll be sharing more ideas, guides, and tips in upcoming blogs to help you explore every side of this beautiful island. So, stay connected with Great Image Expeditions for more local insight and honest travel advice.
And if you’re thinking of planning your next Zanzibar Beach Holiday, our team is ready to craft a journey that fits your pace, your curiosity, and your comfort. Every trip with us is built with care and deep local knowledge, so all you have to do is arrive, breathe in the salt air, and begin.
