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Things to Do in Zanzibar

Things to Do in Zanzibar

Zanzibar Zanzibar Urban/west, Tanzania Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

The island's natural environment provides a playground for various outdoor pursuits.

Land-Based Exploration

Hiking & Trekking

Dedicated hiking trails are limited. Jozani Forest offers easy, flat boardwalks suitable for all fitness levels.

Quad Biking / ATV Tours

Explore villages, spice plantations, and off-road trails. This provides a thrilling way to see the island'the island's interior.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Mainly casual cycling along beach roads or through villages. No dedicated mountain biking trails.

Water Sports & Wildlife Encounters

  • Snorkeling & Diving: Excellent options with reputable dive revolves around the north and east coasts.
  • Kitesurfing: Paje and Jambiani are world-renowned destinations due to consistent winds. Courses and rentals are easy to find.
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) & Kayaking: Available at many beach resorts, a peaceful way to explore calm waters.
  • Dolphin Tours: Offered from Kizimkazi or Stone Town of zanzibar. Pick operators prioritizing dolphin welfare; avoid tours guaranteeing swimming with or touching dolphins.

Aerial Adventures

  • Parasailing: Offered at some larger coastal resorts, providing aerial views of the coastline.
  • Hot Air Ballooning: Aleven even though not common, some specialized operators may offer unique aerial perspectives.
  • Scenic Flights: Few choices, some private charters could arrange flights over the island.
  • Drone Photography: Permitted in most locations, with respect to privacy and local regulations.

Wildlife & Conservation

  • Jozani Forest: Encounter habituated Red Colobus Monkeys, an endemic species.
  • Prison Island: Interact with Giant Aldabra Tortoises in their sanctuary.
  • Mnemba Atoll: Observe diverse ocean animals while underwater exploration.
  • Cheetah's Rock: A private animal rescue center offering guided tours and interactions. Research ethical practices before booking.

Fishing & Boating

  • Deep Sea Fishing: Organized tours for big game fishing (tuna, marlin, sailfish) from Nungwi and Stone Town.
  • Traditional Dhow Cruises: Evening boat trips or day trips on conventional wooden sailing boats.
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: Observe marine life without getting wet.
  • Island Hopping: Explore smaller, nearby islands and sandbanks.

Safety Notice for Water Activities

Always choose reputable tour operators for aquatic activities. Check equipment condition and ensure guides are certified. Prioritize your safety above all else.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Zanzibar's rich culture through hands-on experiences and traditional performances.

Hands-On Cultural Learning

  • Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare authentic Swahili dishes. Many classes begin with an excursion to a local market to source ingredients.
  • Spice Tours: Educational and interactive tours on spice farms, offering views into the island's aromatic heritage.
  • Wood Carving/Handicraft Classes: Some local artisans in Stone Town of zanzibar offer informal training sessions on traditional crafts.
  • Language Learning: Informal Swahili lessons from area experts or schools. Learning basic phrases is deeply appreciated.

Cultural Performances & Events

Traditional Music & Dance

Taarab Music: A distinct combination of Arab, African, and Of indian origin music, performed at special events or by students at the Dhow Countries Music Academy.

Seasonal Festivals

Mwaka Kogwa Festival: (Shirazi New Year) A traditional fire-jumping festival in Makunduchi village (usually in July), a deep dive into local traditions.

Arts & Film Festivals

Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF): Annually in July, this event focuses on cinema, music, plus creative works from the Dhow Countries. Sauti za Busara: An annual music gala in February, celebrating African music.

Community Engagement

Many guesthouses and tour operators in small communities like Jambiani and Paje offer tours directly supporting local communities. Village walks, seaweed farming visits, or co-op visits bring direct financial rewards.

Relaxation & Wellness

Most luxury vacation spots have high-quality spas with treatments using native seasonings. Standalone spas are also available. Yoga retreats and studios in Paje and Jambiani create peaceful environments for practice.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Nungwi/Kendwa offer the most active nightlife with beach bars. Kendwa Rocks is famous for full moon parties. Paje/Jambiani are more laid-back with smaller bars and occasional beach bonfires.

Shopping & Markets

Discover unique souvenirs and local goods at Zanzibar's markets and artisan shops.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Darajani Market (Stone Town of zanzibar): Main bustling market for fresh produce, spices, fish, meat, and various local goods.
  • Spice Market (Stone Town of zanzibar): Dedicated spice stalls selling fresh spices, essential oils, and spice-based products.
  • Artisan Workshops: Many small shops and classes in Stone Town sell carved wooden items, paintings, textiles, jewelry, and traditional Zanzibari chests.
  • Village Co-ops: Some villages feature small co-ops selling crafts, like seaweed products in Paje and Jambiani.

Souvenir Recommendations

Local Spice Blends

Locally grown cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. Purchase from reputable spice shops or farms for good quality.

Miniature Zanzibari Doors

Popular carved wooden doors replicating the intricate designs of Stone Town's architecture.

Kangas & Kitenges

Colorful patterned fabrics widely worn by local women, perfect as sarongs or home decor.

Jewelry & Art

  • Silver and beadwork, often with local designs.
  • Tinga Tinga art (brightly colored African art) or local scenes by island artists.
  • Crafted items from coconut shells.
  • High-end boutiques in Stone Town of zanzibar of zanzibar and luxury resorts offer curated art and fashion.

Ethical Shopping

  • Support Local: Buy directly from artisans or small local shops to ensure your money directly reaches the community.
  • Bargain Fairly: Negotiation happens, but do so respectfully and with a smile.
  • Avoid Illegal Wildlife Products: Do not purchase items from endangered species or marine protected life, like coral or specific shells.
  • Check Origin: Inquire about the source of goods to encourage responsible practices.

Shipping & Customs

  • Shipping services are available from Stone Town for larger purchases, but they might be expensive and slow.
  • Know your home country's's customs regulations regarding agricultural products (spices) and any wildlife products.
  • Report all items upon journey back to avoid customs issues.
  • Consider small, lightweight souvenirs for easier transport.

Additional Shopping Considerations

Bargaining Practices
  • Bargaining is expected in markets; approach it with good humor.
  • Start with an offer lower than the asking price, then work towards a mutual agreement.
  • Know the approximate value of articles beforehand to avoid overpaying.
Payment Methods
  • Cash (Tanzanian Shillings or USD) is preferred at local markets.
  • Credit cards are accepted at larger shops and resorts.
  • Mobile payment options are increasing in some areas.

Sustainable Shopping Choices

Choose souvenirs that genuinely reflect local craftsmanship and culture. This supports the island's economy and its inhabitants directly.

Activity Planning Summary

Prioritizing Your Adventures

  • Book popular activities like diving or spice tours in advance, especially during high season.
  • Group activities by location to reduce travel time between sites.
  • Plan outdoor adventures for mornings to avoid peak heat and maximize enjoyment.
  • Include dedicated time for beach relaxation to balance active exploration.

Embracing Local Experiences

  • Seek out community-based tours for personal contact with the local lifestyle and culture.
  • Learn a few basic Swahili phrases; locals always appreciate the effort.
  • Taste street food from the region and dining experiences for an true culinary journey.
  • Engage in conversations with locals to get a comprehension of their everyday lives and traditions.
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