Zanzibar is a beautiful island located off the coast of Tanzania. It has long been a popular
Watch Acrobatics and Capoeira on the Beach
Some evenings, just before sunset, local boys perform acrobatics and capoeira on the beach outside the Livingstone Beach Restaurant in Stone Town.
Buy Spices and Fabrics at Darajani Market
For a truly excellent, immersive, and sensory shopping experience, head down to Darajani Market, the heartbeat of Stone Town. It’s a great, local experience and one of the free things to do in Stone Town (well, that is, if you don’t buy anything).
Eat at a Zanzibar Pizza at Forodhani Gardens
Each evening, at Forodhani Gardens on the seafront of Stone Town, street vendors set up their stalls, selling seafood and meat kebabs, samosas, Rojo soup (Zanzibar Mix), fruit, grilled maize, Zanzibar pizzas, and sugar cane juice to tourists and locals alike.
Dine at a Rooftop Restaurant
Eating at a rooftop restaurant is one of the most romantic things to do in Stone Town. They are the perfect place to relax for the evening, enjoy the call to prayer, and watch the sunset on copper-colored rooftops.
Learn About the Slave Trade
Zanzibar is described as a melting pot, with a blend of Arabic, African, Indian, and European heritages, creating a unique cultural mix on the island rarely seen elsewhere. One of the reasons for this is Zanzibar’s dark past, and I think it’s vital that people are aware of the atrocities that happened.
Visit the Maalum Cave
This is a new edition for 2024, but I recently visited the Maalum Cave near Paje, and it was SO GOOD!
Take a Village Tour
It’s OK to visit many villages on the island; an organized village tour with a guide is an excellent way to get an insight into daily life while contributing to the local economy. Jambiani on the East Coast is a great village to visit, and the people are very welcoming.
Try the Local Foods
As an important trading hub on the old spice route between the East and West, Zanzibari cuisine is, you’d imagine, pretty excellent. Taking influences from all over the world, I’d go as far as to say that the food in Zanzibar is my favorite in all of Africa!
Learn to Cook Zanzibari Style
Food plays a big part in daily life wherever you go, so what better way to get an insight into the local culture? There are a few classes on the island; some will even take you to the markets to buy the ingredients first.
Go on Safari Blue
Safari Blue is known as Zanzibar’s best boat trip!
Go on a Sunset Dhow Cruise
What better way to see the sunset than from out on the water? There are various options, from romantic cruises to crazy party boats. Most include drinks, and some also include food.
Scuba or Snorkel at the Mnemba Atoll
Take a trip to the Mnemba Atoll and snorkel or scuba dive in one of the most beautiful spots. You’ll find abundant marine life and may even see some dolphins.
