27 Unique Things to Do in Zanzibar Island in 2025

Planning Tool Kit

Plan your travel most appropriately. Find out how you can make your travel time memorable.

Enjoy Beaches

Explore Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, and more beaches during your holidays in Zanzibar.

Culinary Experience

From taking a cooking class to going for the spice tour, there’s so much for culinary experience.

Nature & Wildlife

If you love nature, you’ll enjoy visiting Baraka Natural Aquarium, Selous Game Reserve, Cheetah’s Rock, and Jozani Forest.

Zanzibar Island, located in the Indian Ocean, is a semi-autonomous region in Tanzania.

From its pristine beaches to the UNESCO World-Heritage Site, Stone Town, Zanzibar is popular for several reasons.

If you are planning to travel to this beautiful island anytime soon, we recommend considering the unique things to do in Zanzibar that we are going to share with you in this blog.

But wait! Have you booked your package yet? If not, you must book it with the leading travel agency, Next Holidays, which can help you customize it according to your requirements and budget.

Now, let’s find out how you can make unforgettable memories in Zanzibar!

Things to Do in Zanzibar

Zanzibar Island is full of places to explore, which is why there are so many things to do in Zanzibar.

From the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town to beautiful beaches, there is so much to do.

You can take a cooking class if you like, or you could take a spice tour of one of the famous plantations.

The Old Fort and Zanzibar Butterfly Island are must visit places too!

Enjoy the local food in Darajani Market and watch the beautiful sunset from a beachside restaurant.

We can go on and on, but the list is never-ending!

Keep reading to find out more places to visit and things to do on the island.

Take the Spice Tour

Plantation Tours

Zanzibar Island is popularly known as The Spice Island. This is why the spice tour is an important part of the Zanzibar experience.

One of the best things to do in Zanzibar, the tour will increase your knowledge about the types of spices and their smells. It will also give you an understanding of the farming methods here.

Location: Spice farms in Kizimbani, Dole Village, Masingini Forest, etc.

Price: Starting from 131.85 AED

Activity Duration: 2-3 hours depending on the spice tour

Indulge in Street Food

Culinary Experience

To immerse yourself in the cultural vibe of the island, indulging in street food is among must do things in Zanzibar.

While there’s a wide variety of food items that you’ll savor during your stay, you cannot miss trying the Zanzibar mix (urojo), sugarcane juice, and Zanzibar pizza.

Location: Forodhani Gardens and Darajani Market, Stone Town

Activity Duration: 2-3 hours

Explore Selous National Park on a Safari

Nature &Wildlife

Selous Game Reserve, now known as Nyerere National Park, is among the top places to visit in Zanzibar for nature lovers.

It has the largest population of elephants in Tanzania. Moreover, you’ll get to watch zebras, impalas, reedbucks, giraffes, hyenas, elands, hippos, buffaloes, African hunting dogs, leopards, lions, and several other species here.

Location: Southeast Tanzania

Price: 183.65 AED for adults | 110.19 AED for children under 15 | Valid for 24 hours

Activity Duration: 2-3 hours

Try BBQ at Bamboo Zanzibar

Culinary Experience

Looking for top things to do in Zanzibar? We highly recommend the barbeque at Bamboo Zanzibar Designer Hotel.

Enjoy delicious salads, grilled steak, lobster, and much more in the BBQ. Also, if you wish, you can even stay here at the hotel—it is popular for its hospitality.

Location: Mfumbwi Jambiani, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Price: 165.28 AED

Timings: 7:30 AM to 10 PM | Private BBQ packages available (Must be booked 24 hours in advance)

Activity Duration: 2-3 hours

Take a Guided Tour to Stone Town

Culture & Heritage Tours

Arabic, Swahili, British, Persian, and Indian cultures have shaped Stone Town’s history over the years.

Among the most visited tourist places in Zanzibar is this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the island.

Location: Unguja, Zanzibar

Price: 128.56 AED for 1-2 persons | 91.82 AED for 3-10 persons | 73.46 AED for 11-25 persons

Activity Duration: 3-4 hours

Take a Cooking Class

Culinary Experience

We have already stated that one of the best things to do in Zanzibar is to take a spice tour. But, if you like cooking, why not take it a notch up?

Learn the Zanzibar way of using these spices and cooking food that is famous worldwide. By taking a cooking class, you get to take back a new skill home!

Location: Depends on where you book your package from

Price: Approx 202 AED for 1 | Changes according to group size
Activity Duration: 3-4 hours

Visit Uzi Island

Culture & Heritage

There are a number of tourist sites in Zanzibar, which is why you may not get to have a proper local experience in other places.

But when it comes to Uzi Island, it’s pretty much untouched by foreigners. Thus, when you visit this place, you’ll get to see the real Zanzibar.

From a local fishing community to a calm beachside, Uzi Island will provide you with an authentic experience.

Location: South of Zanzibar

Price: Approx 570 AED for an adult | Approx 294 AED for a child | Depends on your tour operator

Activity Duration: 6-8 hours

Watch Sunrise at Jambiani Beach

Beaches

Small boats, white sand, and seaweed farms are what mark the 5-kilometer-long Jambiani Beach.

The best things to do in Zanzibar involve taking picturesque strolls on the beach for a soothing experience. You can also go kite surfing or swimming in the crystal-clear waters here.

Location: South coast of Zanzibar

Price: Free

Activity Duration: 1 hour

Go to the People’s Palace Museum

Culture & Heritage Tours

Thinking about Zanzibar what to see? Worry no more.

The People’s Palace Museum or Beit al-Sahel used to be home to Zanzibar’s Sultan and his family.

When you visit the palace, you’ll witness the furniture, personal belongings, and photographs of the royal family.

Location: Mizingani Rd, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Price: 11.02 AED entry fee | 18.37 AED guided tour fee

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM (Mon-Fri) | 9 AM to 3 PM (Sat, Sun, & Holidays)

Activity Duration: 1-2 hours

Go to Baraka Natural Aquarium

Nature Tours

Some of the best places to see in Zanzibar are related to nature and one such place is the Baraka Natural Aquarium.

Here, you can watch marine life in its natural habitat. The aquarium is home to several marine creatures, including turtles and a wide variety of fish species.

Location: Nungwi, Village in Unguja, Tanzania

Price: 36.73 AED

Timings: 9 AM to 11 AM | 1 PM to 3 PM | Open Monday to Friday

Activity Duration: 1-2 hours

Take a Tour of the Old Fort

Culture & Heritage Tours

The best places to go in Zanzibar involve those that give travelers an insight into the culture and history of the island.

One such place is the Old Fort, which was initially built to protect against foreign invaders. Later, this fortress served a number of purposes.

Location: Mizingani Rd, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Price: Free entry

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

Activity Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Go to Zanzibar Butterfly Center

Sightseeing Tours

A butterfly conservatory and a tropical garden, the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre showcases butterflies in their natural habitat.

Among the places of interest in Zanzibar, this center is well-renowned. Its main focus is on educating visitors about the behavior, life cycle, and conservation of butterflies while offering an amazing experience.

Location: Pete, Tanzania

Price: 22.04 AED for adults | 11.02 AED for children aged between 2 and 12 years

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Activity Duration: 1.5-2 hours

Visit the Freddie Mercury Museum

Culture & Heritage Tours

When you ask for the must see places in Zanzibar, the Freddie Mercury Museum will be a part of the list you get.

The museum used to be home to British singer-songwriter, Freddie Mercury and his family. In fact, it’s the place where the Queen's lead vocalist was born.

Visit this place and witness everything related to Freddie’s career as a musician.

Location: 57 Kenyatta Rd, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Price: 36.73 AED for adults | 22.04 AED for children

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Activity Duration: 1-2 hours

Visit Cheetah’s Rock

Nature & Wildlife

The topmost things to do in Zanzibar for nature lovers include visiting Cheetah’s Rock. A wildlife rescue center, the sole purpose of this place is to offer a safe, comfortable space for animals.

When you visit Cheetah’s Rock, you’ll find numerous rescued animals, including lions, cheetahs, zebras, leopards, and various species of birds.

Location: Cheetah's Rock Kama/ Zanzibar TZ, 2344, Tanzania

Price: 587.68 AED for The Great Wildlife Tour | 550.95 AED for VIP Otter Experience | 1028.44 AED for a combined experience

Timings: 9 AM to 11:30 AM | 1:45 PM to 6 PM

Activity Duration: 4-5 hours

Swimming in Kuza Cave

Adventure Activities

Kuza Cave is extremely significant for the locals of Zanzibar because of its cultural and historic significance. People use it for gatherings, rituals, and ceremonies.

Here, a natural freshwater pool is known to have healing properties, which is why swimming in it is a must do in Zanzibar.

Location: Kibigija, Jambiani, Tanzania

Price: 36.73 AED for adults | 18.36 AED for children aged under 13 years

Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Activity Duration: 1-2 hours

Party at Kendwa Beach on a Full Moon

Beaches

One of the top attractions in Zanzibar is a full moon party at Kendwa Beach. People gather around and dance to the beats of Afro and Swahili music.

Enjoy fire dancers and bonfires as you stand under the fully lit moon, with your feet bare on the sparkling white sand.

Location: Northwestern coast of Zanzibar

Price: Free

Activity Duration: 3-4 hours

Rest at Nungwi Beach

Beaches

When you are exhausted by sightseeing and traveling back and forth on the island, the best Zanzibar things to do involve taking some time off.

You can rest at Nungwi Beach during the daytime while watching scenic views, including beautiful sunsets.

At night, the place turns into a lively social scene, with people gathering for beach parties and African music playing around.

Location: Village in Unguja, Tanzania

Price: Free entry

Activity Duration: 2-3 hours

Explore a Beach by Horseback Riding

Adventure Activities

Take a horseback ride on white sandy beaches while you enjoy stunning views of palm trees on one hand and the turquoise blue waters on the other.

The best places in Zanzibar are all about enjoying the beach vibes and soaking in the vibe of the place.

Location: Nungwi Beach & Kama Beach

Price: Approx 275.47 AED per person

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

Activity Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours

Stay at a Beachfront Hotel

Beaches

Looking for something to do in Zanzibar?

If you haven’t experienced a stay at a beachfront hotel, you have to do that first.

In Zanzibar, there are a number of places where you can find beachfront hotels. Based on your budget and requirements, you can look for the hotel that you like the most.

Waking up to beautiful views with the sound of waves will make you feel like you’re in heaven.

Location: Matemwe, Nungwa, Kendwa, Zanzibar City, etc

Price: 367.30 AED to 1836.49 AED per night based on the time of the year and place

Activity Duration: Overnight

Go Shopping in Darajani Market

Shopping

Nestled in the center of Stone Town, Darajani Market or Darajani Bazaar is among the best places to visit in Zanzibar.

From handmade crafts to textiles to spices, you will find everything here in the market. In fact, it is the best place where you can shop for souvenirs and something for your friends and family.

Location: Stone Town, Zanzibar

Price: Free entry

Recommended Hours: 9 AM to 11 AM | 5 PM to 6:30 PM

Activity Duration: 1-2 hours

Stuff Yourself at Rock Restaurant Zanzibar

Culinary Experience

Rock Restaurant is one of the best Zanzibar tourist spots for food. So, if you want a memorable culinary experience, we recommend you try a meal here.

Let us tell you: the restaurant is located on the water. Thus, during low tide, you can walk back to the shore but during high tide, you’ll need a ferry.

Don't forget to have a look at the menu of this fine-dining restaurant before making it a part of your itinerary.

Location: Pingwe, Michamvi, Tanzania

Timings: 12 PM to 10 PM

Activity Duration: 2-3 hours

Explore the Jozani Forest

Nature & Wildlife

With an area of nearly 50 square kilometers, Jozani Forest is among the popular Zanzibar tourist attractions.

It is popular for its wide diversity of flora and fauna as well as for conserving the endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey.

We suggest going for a guided tour for proper exploration.

Location: Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park is in the southern part of Zanzibar.

Price: 26.81 AED (entry + guided tour)

Timings: 7:30 AM to 5 PM

Activity Duration: 3-4 hours

Visit Prison Island

Beaches

Looking for more things to do in Zanzibar?

Take a boat ride from the capital of Zanzibar Island to Prison Island.

Even though it is called Prison Island, it was never actually a prison (only a building for prison was once built).

During your ride back from Prison Island to Zanzibar City, you’ll get a stunning view of Stone Town’s waterfront architecture, including mansions and palaces.

Location: 5.6km northwest of Stone Town

Price: 55.09 AED entry fee

Activity Duration: 2-3 hours

Take a Dhow Cruise

Adventure Activities

Now, let’s talk about the most exciting activities in Zanzibar.

A traditional wooden boat that has been used for ages in the Indian Ocean area. That's what a dhow boat is.

You can choose between a daytime outing or a sunset experience when going for a dhow cruise. The more popular ones are sunset rides because of the beautiful colors of the sky.

Location: Stone Town, Kendwa Rocks, and Nungwi Beach

Price: 183.65 AED for two

Activity Duration: 2-4 hours

Try Scuba Diving

Adventure Activities

If you are in search of unique things to do in Zanzibar, you should consider scuba diving here.

Nyange Reef (close to Stone Town): Cheapest Reef to Reach

Blue Lagoon (near Michamvi Village): Best for Beginners

Leven Bank, Pemba Channel: Witness Moray Eels and Barracudas

Mnemba Atoll: Heart-Shaped, Best for Spotting Turtles

Barrier Reef: All About Soft Corals

Location: Pemba Island, Mafia Island, Tumbatu Island, and Mnemba Atoll

Price: 477.48 AED to 1928.30 AED

Activity Duration: 50 minutes

Go Kayaking

Adventure Activities

Clear kayaking is one of the most perfect Zanzibar activities to do—here you will get to watch clear waters through the hull of your kayak.

It is the perfect way to experience marine life, including tropical fish and coral reefs, especially for those who are scared of sports like scuba diving, swimming, or snorkeling.

Location: Uzi Island, Paje Beach, Kendwa Beach, and Stone Town

Price: 110 AED for a ride up to 15 minutes | 183.65 AED for 15-30 minutes | 275.47 for 30 minutes-1 hour | Price may vary based on the tour operator

Activity Duration: 15 minutes to 1 hour

Snorkeling

Adventure Activities

Snorkeling is among Zanzibar top things to do since the island has the best coral reefs.

We recommend traveling to the Island between mid-November and January or June and August since the waters are calm during these periods.

Here, you’ll find sharks, dolphins, lungfish, pipefish, and shrimp.

During the months of September and October, you might witness sperm whales and humpback whales.

Between December and April, you might see whale sharks and manta rays.

Location: Prison Island, Chumbe Island, and Mnemba Island

Price: 202 AED for adults | 146.02 USD for children aged between 4 and 11 years

Activity Duration: 4-4.5 hours

Book Your Trip to Zanzibar

Now that you know everything about things to do in Zanzibar, let’s find out some of the best packages for you.

You can book our Zanzibar Holiday Packages from Dubai. Or, if you would like, we can customize a package for you that includes all the places and activities you wish to cover.

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