The Zanzibar archipelago is made up of islands with some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. Although Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, its citizens prefer to identify as Zanzibaris. Residents have their own elected leaders and government structures. Islam is the dominant religion on the island, which was conquered from the Portuguese by Arabs (controlled by the Sultan of Oman) for centuries.
The British eventually took possession of the Island from the Arabs. Foreign occupancy and intermarriage have shaped the island’s architecture and cultural history. There is a significant mix of African (Swahili) and Arabic culture. It is also worth noting that due to the heavy Islamic influences, residents of the island are more traditional and down to earth than in mainland Tanzania. There are numerous locations to explore and activities to enjoy while in Zanzibar.
The islands are a wonderful hideaway for tourists looking for a peaceful and relaxing environment in which to enjoy the Indian Ocean and all it has to offer. Zanzibar has beautiful beaches, a vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and a variety of other exciting activities. This article is fairly detailed and will cover the majority of the significant sights and activities that make Zanzibar such an excellent location to visit. If you are looking for things to do in Mombasa or top attractions in Dar es Salaam, you may read about these as well.
We also have an Amazing three-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari package that may be paired with a visit to Zanzibar for an unforgettable African adventure. We have a full page about the best attractions in Arusha and what to do in Tanzania. You might be interested in learning more about Mount Kilimanjaro or Tanzania’s cultural attractions.
Top Attractions in Zanzibar & Stone Town
Visit Stone Town’s attractions and meet the locals:
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural hub of Zanzibar. The town is located on the main island of Unguja and receives its A Guide to Zanzibar Tanzania.
The name refers to nineteenth-century buildings influenced by European, Arabic, Indian, and Swahili settlers. Because Stone Town has a well-documented history due to its Arab and European roots. A tour of the town provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the island’s residents throughout history.
The town is located in the middle of Zanzibar and was historically a popular stopover for both general commodities and slave traders traveling to and from the mainland. Stone Town is distinguished by its tiny lanes, bazaars, antique buildings, and several mosques.
The town’s primary features are the Anglican Church cathedral, the ceremonial palace, the Kidichi Persian Baths for Sultan Said (sadly, the pool, massage table, and changing rooms have not been carefully preserved), the Dunga ruins, the Peace Memorial Museum, and the Makusurani burial for Past Arab kings. The Mtoni Palace Ruins, located north of town, are also well worth a visit.
The Mtoni Palace, built in the 1800s, was destroyed by fire, but its remains continue to draw a large number of people. You can also visit the historic slave market, the House of Wonders (one of the Sultan’s six palaces), other heritage sites, and observe the town’s architecture.
The Old Fort,
Also known as Ngome Kongwe, is a fascinating 17th-century structure built by the Omani Arabs after they expelled the Portuguese. It was later utilized to defend the town from foes such as the Mazrui Arabs in the 1700s. A local guide can share with you.
Learn about its history and the crucial role it played in defending the town from prospective enemies. Most hotels and resorts in Stone Town offer day trips conducted by an experienced guide. In the next chapters, we will go into greater detail about some of Stone Town’s main attractions.
Visit the Local Markets in Stone Town:
While in Stone Town, you can visit the Darajani market to discover how locals make ends meet or shop for fruits, large fish, meat, and veggies. You can participate in fish auctions, where merchants set a price for the largest catch.
Participating in the fish auction is fascinating since it allows you to mix. Join the locals and get a chance to witness rare and massive aquatic creatures. If you have spare change, you can participate in the auction.
You may put a price on one of the bigger fish and gift it to the female fish merchants who make less money. While in the market, you can get fresh fish, which will be fried or grilled and accompanied with potato chips.
Aside from fresh fish at Darajani Market,
You may also visit the night markets along the streets for roasted pork, French fries, and local cuisine. The food markets are open from late afternoon until late at night. These food markets are popular with residents who are rushing.
When you visit the markets in Stone Town, you will note that the locals are really nice and down to earth. English is frequently spoken, and you can initiate conversations to inquire about life on the island. If you want to buy local souvenirs, jewelry, and clothing, go to the boutique stores on Changa Bazaar Street, Kenyatta Road, and Ginzenga Street.
Visit the Livingstone House:
This building can also be found in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It was constructed by Sultan Sais Majis around 1860. Later, it served as the headquarters for explorers and missionaries visiting East Africa on specific missions.
One of the explorers was the renowned Dr. David Livingstone. Livingstone stayed at the building before embarking on his trip to the East African mainland. The British bought the home in 1947, and it now houses government tourist offices.
Visit Religious Establishments:
Although Islam is the prevalent religion on the island, Zanzibar also has Christians and Hindus. Stone Town features Hindu temples, Christian cathedrals, and several mosques.
The Shakti Temple, for example, stands out for its distinctive architecture, whilst the Malindi mosque is the island is oldest and features an uncommon but basic design. Christians can visit the Anglican Cathedral, which was established in the nineteenth century. The cathedral, located near one of Stone Town’s main slave marketplaces, is worth a visit.
Prison Island:
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, remained uninhabited until the Arabs settled there in the 1860s. The island was utilized as a temporary refuge for slaves who were deemed rebellious or had the potential to launch revolts. The slaves were held there before being sold overseas.
The island was frequently utilized to quarantine people who became ill during yellow fever outbreaks. When Zanzibar became a British colony, the island was purchased from the Arabs and a proper prison was constructed. The prison was never used after its completion and has since been transformed into a magnificent resort. Four huge Aldabra tortoises were introduced to the island in 1919 as a gift from the Seychelles’ British Governor.
During the 1950s Places The numbers had risen to the hundreds. Trafficking in later years lowered their numbers significantly, but they have recovered since the government created a vast enclosure to protect them. Some of the tortoises are reported to be over a century old.
After caressing and touching the tortoises, you can go swimming on the beach and appreciate the breathtaking scenery and bird life, especially the magnificent peacock. To get to the island from Stone Town, you will need to hire a boat and embark on a 30-minute ride.
The Island’s Slavery History:
If you are interested in learning about the islands role in the slave trade, you can hire a local guide to take you to the old slave market, slave caves, and the top things to do and see in Zanzibar. The Mangapwani Slave Chambers are maybe a better spot to visit if you want to understand about the horrors of slavery and Zanzibar’s role in the trade.
The majority of slaves from the mainland and other parts of East Africa were brought to Zanzibar before being transported for forced labor in various parts of the world. The Mangapwani Slave Chambers are located 12 miles from Stone Town. The Chambers were created underground and were used to shelter slaves even after slavery was outlawed. You can complete your fact-finding quest by taking a swim at the historic slave harbor.
Visit the beach:
As already as previously said, Zanzibar boasts some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. Each island has its own set of beaches and activities to offer. The beaches in the western section of Zanzibar have some of the most stunning sunsets, but those in the south are recognized for their large population of dolphins.
Nungwi is perhaps Zanzibar’s best and most picturesque beach. Its white sands and stunning turquoise waters will captivate practically anyone who arrives. It boasts a range of lodging options, clubs, pubs, and restaurants, and is where the majority of island residents go for the best parties and beach experiences.
On the eastern side of the shore, additional renowned beaches are Kendwa (known for its nightlife) and Paje. All The beaches offer gorgeous white sand and waters that are ideal for swimming and diving. To explore all of the beaches in a short period of time, choose a hotel that is conveniently positioned near the various islands. All Zanzibar beaches are free to the public.
Visit the Seaweed Centre,
The women have used the abundant seaweed on the coastal shores to create items such as smoothies, drinks, organic soaps, and oils. During your visit to the Center, you will meet the women and learn about how they produce their products.
You will have the opportunity to taste a seaweed smoothie and find out. This is what it is like. There are numerous ways to support the ladies at the Zanzibar Seaweed Centre. The simplest approach is to purchase some of their stuff.
Take a Sunset Dhow Cruise:
Hire one of the dhows (wooden boats) and sail to the ocean while you see the town/island fade into the distance. The majority of the dhows ensure that there are adequate Top Things to Do in Zanzibar.
The day’s supplies will include tasty snacks, sea cuisine (grilled fish, lobsters, octopus, and calamari), and drinks to keep everyone interested and happy. A Dhow trip will allow you to admire the overwhelming grandeur of the Indian ocean, and normally starts from the main island all the way to Kwale Island and fishing communities such as Fumba. Once you arrive at these islands or fishing settlements, you can step ashore to explore the region or climb old baobab trees. During the voyage, you may see dolphins, swim in the lovely green lagoons, and fish or snorkel near coral reefs and mangroves.
Quad Biking:
There is no better way to discover all that is lovely about Zanzibar than to ride a quad bike from one of the islands into the interior. A quad bike allows you to travel through sugar cane and pineapple plantations, rice fields, island settlements, coconut plantations, fruit and spice fields.
Snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing, and scuba diving:
The Parasailing Experience This is one example of an enjoyable sport. That will steal your breath away as you uncover stunning aerial views of the island and its hidden gems. Parasailing can be done alone, with friends, as a family, or with your spouse.
Aside from parasailing, the clean waters and coral reefs offer ideal conditions for scuba diving and snorkeling. The best snorkeling beaches in Zanzibar are Kendwa, Matemwe, Nakupenda, Nungwi, and Paje. The Pange Sandbank is considered the best snorkeling spot in the ocean (particularly for novices). The waters of the Sandbank are calmer and shallower.
Mnemba Island Lodge.
The Lodge is built.on a secluded island with ten magnificent bandas. Mnemba Island Lodge offers kayaking, windsurfing, snorkelling, and two scuba dives every day. If you intend to practice scuba diving, you must be experienced and qualified. If not, you will be required to undertake training before being allowed to enter the deep seas. The best dive sites may require venturing farther into the water with speed boats.
Take a dalla dala or boda (scooter).
Dalla dalas are inexpensive minibus taxes that operate on the islands. They don’t have a set stage and will stop anytime they notice a possible passenger. Dala Dalas are distinguished by their destination names and unique registration numbers. They are always filled with passengers and ready to take.