Zanzibar. The name itself evokes visions of pristine beaches, the feel of warm breezes off the Indian Ocean, fragrant spices, and exotic locales. Located 22 miles off mainland Tanzania in east-central Africa, Zanzibar offers a delightful blend of history, unique cultural diversity, adventure, and idyllic, white sandy beaches.

For hundreds of years, Zanzibar's claim to fame was its desirability as an important trade center between Persia, Arabia, and East Africa, transporting spices, ivory, and gold. This heritage is evident in the markets, delicious traditional dishes, entertainment, and architecture of Zanzibar.

Are you planning a first-time visit to Zanzibar? With so much to see and do, it's easy to lose track of all you hope to experience on your dream vacation. So to help you plan a trip that will check all the boxes for you, we have listed our view of the top five things to do in Zanzibar.

Things to do in Zanzibar

Due to its geographical location and unique cultural blend, every corner of the island offers something special for visitors. Of course, topping the list for most people is a visit to Zanzibar's famous beaches--the main attraction of this island paradise. Let's jump to Zanzibar's top beaches you won't want to miss.

1. Best Beaches in Zanzibar

Paje Beach

Paje Beach is the perfect destination for every beach lover. It has it all: stretches of white sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze, turquoise blue waters, and stunning sunsets. Also known as the "kitesurfing paradise," Paje Beach is a favorite among kitesurfers and scuba divers. Its warm waters offer an abundance of marine life, from turtles, moray eels, and octopuses to colorful schools of fish, a delight for snorkelers and swimmers, too. And for first-timer divers, you can even get your professional scuba diving certification right there on the beach.

The easiest way to reach Paje Beach will be via road. For those traveling from mainland Tanzania, either take a 2-hour ferry ride from Dar Es Salaam to Stone Town on the coast of Zanzibar or fly from Arusha or any of the small airstrips in the national parks of Northern Tanzania. From Stone Town, you can either take a private taxi or dala dalas (local buses) to reach Paje Beach. If you book a trip with Sababu Safaris, we will take care of all the transfers for you - they will be arranged in advance, so you won’t have to worry about anything upon your arrival on the island.

Matemwe Beach

Zanzibar’s longest beach is a picturesque destination where you can enjoy the local culture and water activities, like scuba diving. Located in the northeast of Zanzibar, the long stretch of sandy beaches with a backdrop of palm trees will keep you mesmerized. Matemwe beach is home to the world-famous Mnemba Atoll, a popular place for scuba divers surrounded by beautiful coral reefs.

The best way to reach Matewe beach is by taking private transportation from Stone town. It takes around 45 minutes to reach this stunning beach.

Jambiani Beach

Located in the southeast part of Zanzibar island, Jambiani Beach is another one of the quieter beaches to enjoy. A picturesque tableau of nature at its finest, with miles and miles of white sand, it's a fishing village and more remote than many other tourist locales on the island. Calm sea conditions provide excellent fishing, and deep-water fishing tours are available.

Zanzibar has been proactive in protecting and restoring the coral reefs that encircle the island and engaging in sustainable, ecologically sound practices such as seaweed farming along this eastern coast. Visitors to Jambiani Beach will likely see seaweed farmers harvesting their crops for local use and export.

The best way to reach Jambiani beach is by local transportation from Stone Town.

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach is the most popular of all the beaches of Zanzibar, for many reasons. Located at the northern tip of Zanzibar, visitors enjoy stunning sunsets and some of the liveliest nightlife on the island.

But it's not just for party lovers. There are plenty of other activities, too, such as tours of the village at Nungwi to soak up some traditional Zanzibarian culture, enjoy a ride in a traditional dhow boat, or stroll along the beach at sunset.

The best way to reach Nungwi Beach is by private car or taxi from the airport. The drive will take just over an hour.

Kendwa Beach

Often called the little sister of Nungwi beach, Kendwa beach is famous for its full moon parties on the Kendwa rock. The otherwise quiet beach of Kendwa comes alive each full moon with parties, attracting crowds from all of Tanzania. The parties are wild and a favorite among the younger generation.

But apart from the live full moon parties, Kendwa also offers spectacular white sandy beaches. Walking along the shore of Kendwa, you will see colorful starfish dotting the white sands. The best way to reach Kendwa is by local transportation, either by taking a local taxi or a bus from Stone Town, a little under two hours away.

While we've listed a few better-known beaches, Zanzibar offers hundreds of lesser-known beaches, some just a little more remote but just as beautiful and inviting. If you're interested in traveling a bit off the beaten track, consider visiting Kizimkazi Beach, Michamvi Beach, and Pongwe Beach. Really, the list could go on and on.

But Zanzibar is so much more than miles and miles of white sand and clear blue waters. Here are a few more attractions you won't want to miss.

2. Stone Town

Stone Town, also known as Mji Mkongwe ("old town" in Swahili), is the oldest district in Zanzibar and is located in the western part of Unjuga, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago. One of the oldest living Swahili trading towns and the cultural center of Zanzibar, it was developed in the early 1800s by Arab slave and spice traders. Stone Town is a multicultural melting pot with its own unique twist and a degree of modernization.

The plastered and lime-washed buildings reflect their Swahili, Indian, Arab, and European cultural influence.

While strolling through Stone Town, you can visit its many historical sites, including the Darajani Market, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Sultan's palace, and the old slave market in the center of town.

And if you want to try some local delicacies, Forodhani Gardens is the place to be. Forodhani Park or Jubilee Gardens is a small park in Stone Town. The garden is located along the picturesque sea line of Stone Town in front of the famous House of Wonders. It is at night the place comes to life. You'll find numerous food vendors bustling up and down the street, selling all sorts of food, from delicious seafood to Zanzibar pizzas, with various vegetarian options too! Choose from a wide variety of kebabs, bread, juices, and grilled delicacies. A trip through the gardens will fill you up--and you'll wish you had room for more!

Given the mix of culture and the many attractions to visit, Stone Town is a must-see while in Zanzibar.

Here's a little more detail on two attractions in Stone Town worth a visit.

Also read: Your Perfect Honeymoon in Tanzania

3. Spice Tour

In the early 19th century, Zanzibar used to be the largest producer of cloves in the world. The spice trade boomed when the Osmanis arrived in Zanzibar in the mid-1850s. The island flourished in the subsequent decades from thriving slave, spice, and ivory trades.

A tour of a spice farm is an exhilarating journey through the world of spices, where you can connect with the locals and sample the wares. These tours are always interesting, especially so if you're versed in the culinary arts!

Also read: Tanzania Food Guide: What to Eat in Tanzania

4. Jozani Forest Tour

Also known as the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, Jozani Forest is the only national park on the island of Zanzibar. A day trip to Jozani Forest will take you deep into the flora and fauna of this famous island.

Among the many animals, look out for the Red Colobus monkeys, a species unique to Zanzibar Island. Apart from the Red Colobus monkeys, you will also get the chance to see bushbabies and a variety of butterflies and birds.

Along with the fauna, the Jozani flora is also a visual treat for nature lovers. The Pete-Jozani Mangrove Boardwalk on the other side of the forest is home to different species of medicinal plants. A trip through this greenery will leave your soul refreshed.

5. Prison Island Tour

Also known as Changuu Island, Prison Island has become a major tourist attraction in Zanzibar. Located off the shore of Stone Town, you can reach Prison Island by boat within 30 minutes of leaving Stone Town. As you approach the coast, the magical turquoise blue waters will welcome you.

The biggest highlight of the island is the Giant Tortoise sanctuary famous for the Aldabra tortoises. Males may have carapace lengths of up to 1.22 meters and weigh up to 250 kg. The oldest being 192 years old, the first tortoise was a gift from the Seychelles Governor in 1919. Stroll around the sanctuary and spend some time with these unique animals.

Apart from the tortoise sanctuary, you can also visit the ruins of the old prison, then end your day by indulging in some water activities. You can go snorkeling to see the beautiful coral life near Prison Island or relax on the beach before returning to Stone Town.

Wrapping Up

The Zanzibar Islands, though a mix of Arabic, European, Indian, and African cultures, have a charm all of their own. Famous for their spice trade and early slave trade, the islands now rely on tourism more, as their spice business slowly dwindles. A tour through the islands will be as enlightening as it is captivating, as you come to appreciate the multicultural hospitality of the people.
While you can take with you a souvenir or two when you depart, the spicy fragrances of the markets, the aromas of fresh flowers, and the salt of the sea breezes will stay with you far longer. Feel free to contact us at Sababu Safaris for assistance with arranging personalized tours around the islands or the perfect vacation package to experience the best of Zanzibar.

Top 5 Things to Do in Zanzibar