The Best 9 Things to do in Zanzibar

Last updated July 14th, 2023.

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So good the Sultan of Oman swapped his homeland for it, Zanzibar is perhaps the original Indian Ocean escape. Long before the Seychelles or Mauritius had even been visited by outsiders, Zanzibar was shaping the world with its trade in spices. Today this archipelago off the coast of Tanzania has a wealth of attractions. These are my picks for the best 9 things to do in Zanzibar.

1. Absorb the atmosphere of Stone Town

The semi-autonomous island chain’s capital, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot. It’s likely you’ll find yourself here at one time or other, since it’s also the docking point for ferries from Dar es Salaam.

Stroll just a few meters from the customs formalities though, and you’ll find yourself among narrow vehicle-free streets unchanged since medieval times.

Best explored with a local in the lead, Stone Town is a cacophony of sensuality. So grab a good pair of shoes and uncover the secrets of its winding paths to capture the essence of this city, from its colonial-era marvels, to its ancient doorways and impressive spice trade.

2. Delve beneath the waves

For me, Zanzibar is one of Africa’s best diving destinations. Few islands are able to boast the range of dive sites and diving opportunities that can be found around the coast of Zanzibar.

Not only that, but dives are pretty easy to arrange too, with a good number of trustworthy outfits in operation.

It’s the southern portion of the island that’s generally regarded as better for diving, with the north instead home to stunning beaches (as we will see). The reefs on this area of coast regularly receive visits from reef sharks and manta rays, while dolphins are also known to frequent the area.

Lagoons mean its suitable for those who’ve only just discovered the joys of scuba. More open reefs provide intermediate and advanced divers with just the right amount of challenge to make it interesting but not hair-raising.

3. Explore the ruins of Mtoni Palace

Stone Town’s Palace Museum wasn’t the only place inhabited by the sultan and his family before their overthrow in the 1960s.

Roughly four miles (six kilometres) north stands the remnants of another royal structure, the Mtoni Palace. Built in the late 1820s for Sultan Seyyid Said, it was primarily used as the residence of the sultan’s wives and children.

Contemporary reports have it as a beautiful balconied structure surrounded by pleasant gardens. But even today, in ruins, it remains an intriguing link with Zanzibar’s past.

4. Admire the work of the Marine Turtle Conservation Centre

This centre in Nungwi to the north of the island is well worth the journey, even by dalla dalla minibus. Entrance fees help to protect the turtles that live in Zanzibar’s warm waters, with fishermen now willing to bring in injured animals for help.

The centre’s sheltered pools provide them with a safe place to built up their energy before being re-released. Given that turtle populations are struggling, it’s more than a noble endeavour.

The downside is perhaps that the turtles are strictly hands-off wild animals – this is not a petting zoo. But once you’ve started learning about these incredible survivors of the era of the dinosaurs, and see the enthusiasm of the staff here, that won’t matter a jot.

5. Sample delights at Forodhani Gardens food market

Right on the seafront beside the Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens is an important area of greenery within Stone Town. But come nightfall, it’s also one of the best places to sample the island’s unique cuisine.

Each night as the sun goes down local stall holders start to prepare their menus. Lit by lamps, it’s possible to sample a number of different dishes, including curries, fish and Zanzibari pizza. (They are also Kit Kats and Mars Bars).

The joy is in the ability to try a number of different dishes just meters apart, alongside the unique atmosphere that comes from the mix of tourists and locals. Nervous? Join a guided tour like this one so you know exactly what you’re eating!

6. Catch the ferry to Pemba

Read some travel guides and you might think Zanzibar stands alone off East Africa’s coast. Its sister island of Pemba further north, is visited by only a small number of people by comparison.

A journey there still feels like you’re heading off the beaten track. I had to find my own way into town from the ferry, almost everyone else being picked up by relatives.

For some, Pemba lacks the obvious attractions of Zanzibar. However, part of its charm is its laid-back fazed-by-nothing nonchalance that makes Stone Town feel like the fastest moving place on Earth. It also rivals Zanzibar when it comes to diving.

7. Soak up the sun on the northern beaches

Not everywhere on Zanzibar is suitable for striping off. It’s best to be aware of local sensibilities and stick to beaches known for sunbathing.

For the most part this means heading to the northern beaches of Zanzibar, where you’ll also find many of the island’s top resort stays.

Nungwi is the focal point for the beach scene. The fine white sand meets warm shallow turquoise waters that are so clean they welcome whale sharks at certain times of year. Just be careful of the tide, which can cut beaches off, meaning a scramble over rocks.

8. Stay in a traditional town house

The tall, whitewashed houses of Stone Town were built with thick coral stone walls intended to keep them cool during even the hottest of summer months.

Several of these archetypal structures in Stone Town have been opened as simple guest houses filled with lovingly authentic detail.

They might not have the greatest of views – generally of next door – but their rich hardwoods and sometimes rambling structures are a great base for any exploration of this area of the island.

Not only that, but they are surprisingly good value for money, especially when compared to the internationally-owned resorts of the north of the island.

9. Party at Santi ze Busara

You’ll need to time your trip to Zanzibar perfectly to take advantage of the last of my best 9 things to do in Zanzibar.

Santi ze Busara is a music festival whose Swahili name translates as ‘Sounds of Wisdom’. It welcomes well-known musical guests from right across the continent, who together represent just about every genre going.

The festival’s first stage was constructed on the grass banks within the walls of the Old Fort, though today you’ll find events taking place right around Stone Town, in what is undoubtedly one of the coolest festivals on African soil.

Best 9 things to do in Zanzibar

Although known predominantly for its beaches, the Zanzibar archipelago has plenty to interest even the most casual of visitors. From reefs just waiting to be dived, to celebrated music festivals, Zanzibar manages to evolve and adapt while always maintaining its authentic heart. Hence my choice of the best 9 things to do in Zanzibar.