Zanzibar Travel Guide | Things to Do | Plush Explorer

There are places you visit for the beach.

Then there are places where the beach is only the beginning.

Zanzibar is one of those places.

You can spend the morning walking through the narrow streets of Stone Town, smelling spices and freshly cooked food from the market. By afternoon, you’re on a boat crossing the Indian Ocean. The next morning, you could be swimming in clear turquoise water, exploring a spice farm or watching a dhow sail across the horizon.

And that’s before you start exploring the island properly.

For first-time visitors, Zanzibar can feel overwhelming because there are so many things to do and so many different areas to choose from.

Should you stay in Stone Town?

Nungwi?

Kendwa?

Paje?

Should you visit Mnemba Island?

Is a spice tour worth it?

How many days do you actually need?

We’ve put together this guide to help you experience Zanzibar beyond simply checking into a beach resort.

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First, What Makes Zanzibar Special?

Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, famous for its beaches, history, Swahili culture, spices and Indian Ocean setting.

But what makes it particularly interesting is the combination.

You have:

Beach

History

Culture

Food

Marine life

Adventure

Nature

Relaxation

You can have a very different holiday depending on which parts of the island you explore.

That’s why we’d recommend spending at least 5–7 days if you want more than a beach resort experience.

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1. Explore Stone Town

Start with the history of Zanzibar

If you’re staying in Zanzibar for several days, don’t spend the entire trip at the beach.

Start in Stone Town.

Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar.

Walking through it feels completely different from being at a modern beach resort.

The streets are narrow.

The buildings are old.

The doors are beautifully carved.

People move through the markets.

Spices fill the air.

And the architecture reflects Zanzibar’s long history as a trading centre along the Indian Ocean.

Stone Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our tip:

Don’t just drive through Stone Town.

Walk.

Give yourself time to get slightly lost.

That’s when you start noticing the small details.

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2. Visit the House of Wonders Area

The waterfront around Stone Town is one of the easiest places to begin exploring the city.

You’ll find historic buildings, the Forodhani area and views across the Indian Ocean.

The House of Wonders is one of Zanzibar’s most recognisable historic buildings, although visitors should check its current access status before planning a visit because restoration work can affect access.

The surrounding area is still worth exploring.

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3. Eat at Forodhani Gardens

One of the best ways to experience Zanzibar is through food

As evening arrives, Forodhani Gardens comes alive with food vendors.

You’ll find seafood, grilled meats, Zanzibar pizza and other local dishes.

It’s informal.

It’s busy.

It’s sometimes chaotic.

And that’s part of the fun.

What should you try?

Zanzibar Pizza

Grilled seafood

Octopus

Urojo

Fresh sugarcane juice

Spiced tea

Don’t expect everything to look like the food you are used to.

That’s the point.

You’re travelling.

Try something new.

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4. Take a Spice Tour

Discover why Zanzibar is called the Spice Island

Zanzibar’s connection with spices is an important part of its identity.

A spice tour gives you the opportunity to see and smell products such as:

• Cloves
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla
• Nutmeg
• Cardamom
• Lemongrass
• Black pepper

The experience is much more interesting when you interact with the people working on the farms rather than simply walking around taking photographs.

Our tip:

Ask questions.

Where does the spice come from?

How is it grown?

How is it harvested?

How is it used in local cooking?

You’ll leave with a better understanding of why spices have played such an important role in Zanzibar’s history.

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5. Visit Jozani Forest

Meet Zanzibar’s red colobus monkeys

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to the Zanzibar red colobus monkey.

These monkeys are endemic to Zanzibar, meaning they’re found naturally in this part of the world.

A visit to Jozani provides a completely different experience from the beach.

Instead of sand and ocean, you’re walking through forest.

Good for:

• Families
• Nature lovers
• Photographers
• Wildlife enthusiasts
• Travellers who want something beyond the beach

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6. Take a Boat Trip to Mnemba Island

One of Zanzibar’s most popular marine experiences

Mnemba Island and its surrounding marine environment are famous for clear water and marine life.

Depending on conditions and the specific tour, you may have opportunities for:

• Snorkelling
• Swimming
• Dolphin sightings
• Marine-life viewing
• Boat trips

Important tip:

Mnemba is a private island, so don’t think of it as somewhere you simply arrive and explore independently.

Book through a reputable operator and understand exactly what your excursion includes.

Also remember that marine environments are fragile.

Don’t touch coral.

Don’t chase wildlife.

Don’t collect shells or marine life.

The best souvenir is the photograph.

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7. Spend a Day at Nungwi

Zanzibar’s lively northern beach

Nungwi is one of the island’s most popular beach destinations.

You’ll find:

• Beautiful beaches
• Resorts
• Restaurants
• Water activities
• Diving
• Boat trips
• Sunset experiences

Nungwi is particularly good if you want more activity around your beach holiday.

Best for:

Couples

Families

Friends

First-time Zanzibar visitors

Travellers who enjoy a little nightlife

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8. Watch the Sunset in Kendwa

Slow down

Kendwa is famous for its beautiful beach and sunsets.

Find somewhere comfortable.

Order a drink.

Watch the boats.

Wait for the sun to disappear.

You don’t need to make everything an excursion.

Some of the best Zanzibar experiences are simply moments when you stop moving.

Our tip:

If your itinerary includes both Nungwi and Kendwa, don’t treat them as identical.

Spend time in both and decide which atmosphere suits you.

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9. Explore Paje

The beach for adventure

On the southeast coast, Paje has become particularly popular with travellers interested in kitesurfing and a more relaxed beach atmosphere.

If you’re adventurous, this is where you can consider trying:

• Kitesurfing
• Paddleboarding
• Snorkelling
• Cycling
• Beach activities

Even if you’re not interested in kitesurfing, Paje is worth considering for its laid-back atmosphere.

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10. Visit the Rock Restaurant

Yes, it’s touristy. And yes, it’s worth seeing.

The Rock Restaurant has become one of Zanzibar’s most photographed dining locations.

It sits on a rock formation in the Indian Ocean and can be reached differently depending on the tide.

It’s a destination that is particularly popular for photographs and special meals.

Our advice:

Don’t visit simply because Instagram says you should.

Go because you like the setting and experience.

And book ahead, especially during busy travel periods.

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11. Take a Traditional Dhow Cruise

Experience Zanzibar from the water

The dhow is one of the most recognisable symbols of the East African coast.

A sunset dhow cruise is one of the simplest ways to experience the coast.

The engine gets quieter.

The shoreline moves into the distance.

The sky changes colour.

And suddenly the holiday feels slower.

Our tip:

Ask what is actually included in your cruise.

Some tours include food.

Some include drinks.

Some focus purely on sailing.

Don’t assume all dhow cruises are the same.

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12. Go Snorkelling

See Zanzibar beneath the surface

The Indian Ocean around Zanzibar is full of marine life.

Depending on location and conditions, snorkelling can give you views of:

• Tropical fish
• Coral
• Sea turtles
• Starfish
• Other marine organisms

One important rule:

Don’t stand on coral.

Even if the water is shallow.

Coral reefs are living ecosystems and can take years to recover from damage.

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13. Try Scuba Diving

If snorkelling leaves you wanting more, Zanzibar offers opportunities for scuba diving.

The waters around areas such as Nungwi, Mnemba and other dive locations attract divers because of their marine environments.

For beginners, choose a properly certified dive operator.

For experienced divers, ask about the dive sites available during your travel dates.

Before booking:

Check the operator’s certifications.

Ask about equipment.

Understand the dive conditions.

And make sure your insurance covers the activity if necessary.

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14. Visit Prison Island

History, nature and giant tortoises

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is a popular excursion from Stone Town.

The island is known for its history and its population of Aldabra giant tortoises.

A typical trip can combine:

• Boat ride
• Island exploration
• History
• Tortoise viewing
• Snorkelling
• Beach time

It’s an easy excursion to add to a Stone Town stay.

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15. Explore the Beaches of the East Coast

The eastern side of Zanzibar is particularly beautiful.

But there’s something travellers should understand.

Tides matter.

In some areas, the ocean can move dramatically away from the beach during low tide.

That can be beautiful and fascinating.

It also means you may not have the same swimming conditions all day.

Our tip:

Don’t judge a beach solely from a photograph.

Ask about:

• Tide times
• Swimming conditions
• Seaweed
• Water activities
• Seasonal conditions

The reality can be very different from the photograph.

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16. Experience Zanzibar’s Local Culture

This is one of the most important tips in this guide.

Don’t make Zanzibar only about the resort.

Talk to people.

Try local food.

Learn a few Swahili words.

Visit local markets.

Take a guided cultural experience.

Learn about the island’s history.

Travel becomes much more meaningful when you understand the place you’re visiting.

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17. Take a Food Tour

Zanzibar’s food reflects its history.

African.

Arab.

Indian.

Persian.

European.

And Indian Ocean influences all come together.

Try:

Pilau

Biryani

Urojo

Zanzibar Pizza

Seafood

Octopus

Fresh tropical fruit

And don’t forget the spices.

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18. Visit a Local Market

Markets give you a glimpse into everyday life.

You can find:

• Spices
• Fresh produce
• Seafood
• Clothing
• Crafts
• Souvenirs

But remember that markets are working environments, not just tourist attractions.

Ask before photographing people.

Respect people’s space.

And bargain politely where bargaining is customary.

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19. Have a Slow Beach Day

This sounds almost too simple to include.

But don’t underestimate it.

After visiting Stone Town, taking boats, touring spice farms and exploring the island, schedule a day where you do absolutely nothing.

Sleep late.

Have breakfast.

Swim.

Read.

Have lunch.

Swim again.

Watch the sunset.

That’s a holiday too.

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20. Watch the Sun Go Down

If you leave Zanzibar without watching at least one proper sunset, you’ve missed something.

Depending on where you’re staying, you can experience sunset from:

• A beach
• A dhow
• Stone Town waterfront
• Kendwa
• Nungwi
• A rooftop
• A restaurant

And don’t rush it.

Stay until the sky gets dark.

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Where Should You Stay in Zanzibar?

This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Stone Town

Choose Stone Town if you want:

• History
• Culture
• Food
• Architecture
• Easy access to city attractions

Best for: 1–2 nights.

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Nungwi

Choose Nungwi if you want:

• Beach
• Activities
• Restaurants
• Diving
• Nightlife

Best for: couples, friends and first-time visitors.

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Kendwa

Choose Kendwa if you want:

• Beautiful beach
• Relaxation
• Sunset
• Resort experience

Best for: couples and beach lovers.

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Paje

Choose Paje if you want:

• Kitesurfing
• Adventure
• Younger traveller atmosphere
• Relaxed beach life

Best for: adventure travellers and active couples.

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Matemwe

Choose Matemwe if you want:

• Quiet beaches
• Relaxation
• Marine experiences
• A slower atmosphere

Best for: couples and travellers seeking peace.

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How Many Days Do You Need?

3 Days

Possible, but rushed.

I’d recommend:

Stone Town + one beach destination

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5 Days

A good short Zanzibar holiday.

Stone Town + Nungwi/Kendwa

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7 Days

Our favourite for first-time visitors.

You can combine:

Stone Town + one northern beach + one eastern/southern experience

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10 Days

Now you can slow down.

You can include:

Stone Town + Nungwi/Kendwa + Paje/Matemwe + excursions

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A Sample 7-Day Zanzibar Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive in Zanzibar

Transfer to Stone Town.

Check in.

Explore the waterfront.

Dinner.

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Day 2 — Stone Town

Walking tour.

Historic sites.

Local food.

Forodhani Gardens in the evening.

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Day 3 — Spice Tour + Transfer

Morning spice farm experience.

Continue to your beach accommodation.

Relax.

Sunset.

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Day 4 — Mnemba / Marine Experience

Boat trip.

Snorkelling.

Swimming.

Return to the beach.

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Day 5 — Beach Day

No major schedule.

Swim.

Relax.

Explore.

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Day 6 — Jozani + Paje

Visit Jozani Forest.

Continue toward Paje.

Explore the beach.

Watch the sunset.

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Day 7 — Final Morning

Breakfast.

Last swim.

Transfer to the airport.

And you’re probably already thinking:

“I should have stayed another three days.”

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Zanzibar for Couples

Zanzibar works exceptionally well for couples.

But don’t spend the entire honeymoon inside your hotel.

Plan at least a few experiences together.

Try:

• Sunset dhow cruise
• Private beach dinner
• Spice tour
• Snorkelling
• Stone Town walking tour
• Spa treatment
• Restaurant experience
• Photography session

The goal isn’t to fill every hour.

It’s to create moments you’ll remember.

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Zanzibar for Families

Zanzibar can also be an excellent family destination.

But choose your accommodation carefully.

Look for:

• Family rooms
• Swimming pools
• Easy beach access
• Child-friendly food
• Activities
• Reliable transfers

Don’t plan five excursions in seven days.

Children need downtime.

So do adults.

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Zanzibar for Adventure Travellers

If you want more than a beach holiday, consider:

Kitesurfing

Diving

Snorkelling

Cycling

Forest walks

Boat trips

Fishing

Cultural tours

Spice tours

Zanzibar can be much more active than the typical resort brochure suggests.

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Zanzibar for Golfers

Zanzibar can also be incorporated into a broader golf-focused East African itinerary.

For Plush Explorer’s golf travellers, one interesting approach is to combine mainland Tanzania or Kenya golf experiences with several days of island relaxation.

Imagine:

Golf → Safari → Zanzibar

or

Nairobi → Golf → Safari → Zanzibar

That gives you three very different experiences in one journey.

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What Should You Pack for Zanzibar?

Keep it practical.

Beach

• Swimwear
• Light clothing
• Sandals
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses

Exploring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight trousers
• Light shirt
• Reusable water bottle

Stone Town and cultural visits

Dress respectfully, particularly when visiting religious or culturally significant areas.

A lightweight cover-up or clothing that covers shoulders and knees can be useful.

Adventure

If you’re diving or doing water sports, check with your operator about what equipment is provided.

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Zanzibar Travel Tips

Carry some cash

Cards are useful in many places, but don’t assume every small vendor accepts them.

Keep some local currency available.

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Don’t overpack your itinerary

Stone Town one day.

Spice tour another.

Beach the next.

You don’t need an activity every morning.

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Check tide times

Especially if you’re staying on the east coast.

The beach experience can change significantly throughout the day.

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Book popular experiences early

Some excursions and restaurants can become busy during peak travel periods.

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Use reputable tour operators

For boat trips, diving, snorkelling and other activities, don’t choose an operator solely because they offer the cheapest price.

Safety matters.

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Respect local culture

Zanzibar is a destination with strong cultural and religious traditions.

Dress appropriately away from the beach.

Ask before photographing people.

Be respectful when visiting communities and religious sites.

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Is Zanzibar Expensive?

It doesn’t have to be.

You can build a Zanzibar holiday at different budget levels.

Your biggest costs are likely to include:

• Flights
• Accommodation
• Transfers
• Excursions
• Food
• Activities

Luxury resorts can make Zanzibar very expensive.

But you can also find boutique accommodation and simpler stays that make the destination considerably more accessible.

The trick is deciding where to spend your money.

Maybe you don’t need a luxury room for seven nights.

Maybe spend more on the experience instead.

A good snorkelling trip.

A great local guide.

A memorable dinner.

A sunset cruise.

Those are the things you’ll remember.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar?

There isn’t one perfect month for everyone.

The best time depends on:

• Weather
• Beach conditions
• Activities
• Diving
• Kitesurfing
• Your budget
• Crowd levels

If you have fixed travel dates, we recommend planning around those dates rather than assuming there is one universally perfect season.

And if you’re travelling specifically for diving, kitesurfing or marine experiences, check the seasonal conditions for those activities before booking.

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Zanzibar vs Kenya Coast

This is one of the questions we hear often.

Should I go to Zanzibar or Diani?

The answer depends on your trip.

Choose Kenya Coast if:

You want to combine the beach with a Kenya safari.

You want Diani.

You want golf.

You want a Kenyan itinerary.

Choose Zanzibar if:

You want an island experience.

You want Stone Town.

You want spice tours.

You want Swahili history.

You want a dedicated island holiday.

We’ve created a separate comparison guide for this:

Zanzibar vs Kenya Coast: Which Beach Holiday Should You Choose?

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The Zanzibar Experience We Recommend

If this is your first visit, don’t make it simply:

Airport → Resort → Airport

You’ll miss too much.

Instead:

Stone Town

Then:

Spices

Then:

Ocean

Then:

Marine life

Then:

Local food

Then:

Beach

Then:

Sunset

That’s when Zanzibar starts to make sense.

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Plan Your Zanzibar Escape With Plush Explorer

At Plush Explorer, we want to help travellers experience Zanzibar rather than simply book a room there.

Whether you’re looking for:

A romantic getaway

A family holiday

A beach escape

A safari + Zanzibar combination

A golf holiday

A group trip

A luxury experience

we can help you put the pieces together.

Explore Zanzibar

Zanzibar Travel:
Explore Zanzibar with Plush Explorer

Kenya & Tanzania Travel:
Explore More African Destinations

Travel Packages:
View Plush Explorer Travel Experiences

Start Planning:
Plan Your Zanzibar Holiday

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Final Thought

Zanzibar is easy to photograph.

The turquoise water.

The white sand.

The palm trees.

The dhows.

The sunsets.

But the photographs are only part of the experience.

The real Zanzibar is found in the spice markets.

In Stone Town’s narrow streets.

In the conversations with locals.

In the taste of freshly prepared seafood.

In the sound of a dhow moving across the Indian Ocean.

In the first time you see the underwater world through your mask.

And in those quiet evenings when you’re sitting beside the sea with nowhere else you need to be.

Don’t just visit Zanzibar for the beach.

Go for the story.

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Start Your Zanzibar Story

Plush Explorer

Travel More. Experience More. Play More.

Start Planning Your Zanzibar Holiday

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