Top Zanzibar Attractions: Discover the Best Things to Do on Your Zanzibar Vacation

Zanzibar is an island with many facets—an island that offers a rich blend of history, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible experiences. Its allure lies not only in its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters but also in the deep history that permeates its architecture, spice farms, and traditions. With so many things to see and do, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Whether you’re an avid history lover, nature enthusiast, or beach aficionado, Zanzibar’s attractions are sure to leave you in awe.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through Zanzibar’s top attractions, providing you with insights into the best places to visit, things to do, and tips on how to make the most of your time on this beautiful island. From the iconic Stone Town to the serene beaches of Nungwi, prepare to discover why Zanzibar is such a highly regarded destination for travelers from all over the world.

1. Stone Town: The Heart of Zanzibar’s Rich History

No visit to Zanzibar is complete without a trip to Stone Town, the island’s historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where Zanzibar’s history comes to life—where the influence of the Arabs, Persians, Indians, and Europeans is visible in the architecture, culture, and atmosphere.

Stone Town’s maze-like streets are lined with intricately carved wooden doors, bustling markets, and ornate mosques. As you wander through its narrow lanes, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time to a bygone era of sultans and traders.

What to See in Stone Town:

• The House of Wonders: Once a palace, The House of Wonders is now a museum showcasing Zanzibar’s rich history. It offers an insight into the island’s past, from the arrival of the Arabs to the colonial era. The building itself is an architectural marvel, featuring a mix of Swahili, Arab, and European influences.

• The Old Fort: Built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, The Old Fort is a testament to the island’s turbulent history. This stronghold was used to defend Zanzibar against foreign invaders. Today, it is a cultural center, offering art exhibitions, performances, and local craft markets.

• Sultan’s Palace: Also known as the Beit al-Sahel, the Sultan’s Palace was once the home of Zanzibar’s royal family. It provides a glimpse into the opulence of Zanzibar’s past, showcasing royal artifacts, furniture, and photographs. The palace overlooks the Indian Ocean, offering a stunning view of the coastline.

• Forodhani Gardens: Forodhani Gardens is a vibrant public square along the waterfront. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a Zanzibar sunset and sample some of the island’s most famous street food. The night market here offers a variety of local delicacies, including Zanzibar pizza, samosas, and grilled seafood.

Stone Town is also home to numerous historic sites such as the Anglican Cathedral, built on the site of a former slave market, and the Old Slave Chambers, which narrate Zanzibar’s dark history as a major center for the slave trade.

2. Jozani Forest: A Hidden Natural Gem

If you’re an animal lover or someone who enjoys being surrounded by nature, Jozani Forest should be at the top of your list of Zanzibar attractions. Situated in the middle of the island, this dense forest is home to the rare Red Colobus monkeys, an endemic species found only in Zanzibar.

The forest is also part of the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, which includes swampy mangroves and diverse flora and fauna.

What to Do at Jozani Forest:

• Guided Walks: A guided walk through the forest offers visitors the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including the Zanzibar Sykes monkeys, mango trees, and a plethora of bird species. The knowledgeable guides will give you insights into the forest’s ecosystems and conservation efforts to protect the Red Colobus monkeys.

• Mangrove Swamp Walk: Jozani is home to one of the last remaining mangrove swamps on Zanzibar. The mangroves are vital to the island’s ecosystem, helping to prevent soil erosion and providing a safe haven for marine life. The swamp walk takes you through the mangroves and allows you to explore a unique side of Zanzibar's environment.

• Wildlife Watching: The Red Colobus monkeys are the main attraction at Jozani Forest, but there are also many other animals and birds to spot, including tree frogs, butterflies, and various palm squirrels.

Jozani Forest is an excellent destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those looking to explore Zanzibar’s less-traveled spots.

3. Spice Plantations: Zanzibar’s Spice Legacy

Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island, and for good reason. For centuries, Zanzibar has been one of the world’s largest producers of spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Today, spice tours are one of the most popular Zanzibar attractions for travelers.

These tours offer visitors an authentic experience of the island’s agricultural history and allow you to see, smell, and taste the spices that have shaped Zanzibar’s culture and economy.

What to Expect on a Spice Tour:

• Spice Farms: The spice farms are spread across the island, especially in the central and southern parts of Zanzibar. During a spice tour, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through spice gardens where you’ll see how each spice is grown, harvested, and processed.

• Interactive Experience: Spice tours are highly interactive, allowing visitors to touch and smell spices directly from the plants. You’ll learn about the history of spice trade and how spices are cultivated and exported.

• Tasting Opportunities: In addition to the visual experience, spice tours also include tasting sessions, where you can sample spices, fruits, and herbs grown on the farms. Some tours also offer homemade spice tea, spice jams, and vanilla ice cream for you to try.

• Cultural Insights: Many spice farms are run by local families, and visiting these farms offers a chance to interact with the local community. You’ll hear stories about Zanzibar’s rich history as a major spice trade center and learn about traditional farming methods passed down through generations.

A spice tour is a sensory journey, one that will deepen your understanding of Zanzibar’s heritage and culture while offering an authentic, hands-on experience.

4. Prison Island: A Fascinating Historical Site

Prison Island (also known as Changuu Island) is another fascinating destination in Zanzibar. Located just a short boat ride from the mainland, Prison Island was originally intended to house rebellious slaves, but it’s better known today for its giant tortoises, clear waters, and snorkeling opportunities.

What to Do on Prison Island:

• Explore the Ruins: The island was once home to a prison for slaves and criminals, but today, you can visit the ruins and learn about its history. The prison was never used for its intended purpose, but it still offers a glimpse into Zanzibar’s colonial past.

• Giant Tortoises: The island is home to a population of Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. You can walk around the island and interact with these gentle giants, some of which are large enough to ride!

• Snorkeling and Swimming: Prison Island offers beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. The coral reefs around the island are teeming with colorful fish, and the water is warm and inviting for a swim.

The combination of history, nature, and stunning beaches makes Prison Island a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Zanzibar.

5. Nungwi Beach: The Ultimate Zanzibar Beach Experience

No trip to Zanzibar is complete without visiting its most famous beach: Nungwi Beach. Located on the northern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi is renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lively atmosphere.

What Makes Nungwi Beach Special:

• Golden Sands and Clear Waters: Nungwi Beach is everything you imagine when you think of a tropical paradise. The soft, white sand and clear blue waters make it the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing with a cocktail in hand.

• Water Sports and Activities: Nungwi is an excellent place to indulge in various water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and kite surfing. The waters here are rich with marine life, and there are plenty of dive shops offering excursions to nearby coral reefs.

• Nightlife: Nungwi’s nightlife is also worth mentioning. After a day of beach relaxation, the area comes alive with music, cocktails, and beach parties. You can enjoy dinner on the beach with fresh seafood while watching the sunset, then dance the night away at one of the beach clubs.

• Luxury Resorts and Accommodation: Nungwi is home to some of Zanzibar’s most luxurious resorts and hotels, offering incredible oceanfront views, private villas, and world-class amenities. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort or a boutique hotel, Nungwi has something for everyone.

Nungwi Beach is the perfect destination for anyone seeking an idyllic beach experience combined with adventure, relaxation, and vibrant nightlife.

6. Other Must-See Zanzibar Attractions

While Stone Town, Jozani Forest, and Nungwi Beach are the main attractions, Zanzibar has a treasure trove of other experiences worth exploring:

• Mnemba Atoll: Mnemba is an exclusive island that is known as one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Zanzibar. The coral reefs here are home to an abundance of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish.

• Dhow Boat Tours: Experience Zanzibar’s maritime heritage by hopping on a traditional dhow boat for a day trip to nearby islands. You can sail around the coastline, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, and relax in the serene waters of the Indian Ocean.

• The Rock Restaurant: If you’re a foodie, you can’t miss dining at The Rock Restaurant, located on a rock in the middle of the ocean. This unique restaurant offers breathtaking views, delicious seafood, and a dining experience unlike any other.

• Dolphin Watching: For nature lovers, Kizimkazi in the southern part of the island is a great place to go dolphin watching. You can take a boat trip out to see the playful bottlenose dolphins and even swim alongside them.
  

When to Visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s tropical climate means that it’s a great destination to visit year-round, but the best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the weather is sunny, dry, and perfect for beach activities. However, if you’re looking for fewer crowds and lower prices, the rainy season (March to May) may be more suitable, though some activities, such as water sports and beach outings, may be limited. Zanzibar is a paradise for travelers seeking adventure, history, and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring the winding streets of Stone Town, soaking up the sun on Nungwi Beach, discovering the fascinating history of Prison Island, or immersing yourself in the lush greenery of Jozani Forest, Zanzibar’s attractions offer something for everyone. With its stunning beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, Zanzibar is truly one of the most unique destinations in Africa.

Plan your visit to Zanzibar today and experience the magic of this stunning island for yourself!