Zanzibar is not a destination known for must-see landmarks or world-famous attractions. Instead, its charm lies in its exotic allure, with stunning beaches taking center stage. Beyond the renowned beaches of Paje, Kendwa, and Nungwi, Zanzibar offers a variety of popular excursions that enhance the travel experience. Most of these excursions are short—lasting just a few hours or a full day—and can be done independently or with a local guide. I highly recommend the latter for a more immersive and hassle-free experience.
Why Hire a Local Guide in Zanzibar?
Booking excursions with a local guide proved to be incredibly beneficial for our trip, for several reasons:
- Stress-free planning: The guide organized all excursions and arranged the itinerary for us.
- Convenient transportation: We didn’t have to worry about how to get from place to place.
- Cultural insights: Our guide provided fascinating details about Zanzibar’s history and traditions.
- Better local interaction: We blended in more easily, especially in places like Stone Town.
- Insider tips: We received countless useful recommendations for our stay.
There is no standard package for excursions in Zanzibar. Most guides offer similar options, with pricing as the main differentiator. Based on my research, prices are negotiable depending on the number of excursions and participants. To give you an idea, we paid €350 for two people, which included airport transfers, transportation between Paje/Nungwi/Kendwa, and guided tours to Stone Town, Prison Island, The Rock, and a spice farm. If you prefer to explore on your own, you’ll need to rent a car or arrange for boat transportation where necessary. Entrance fees for certain attractions (e.g., Prison Island, the Spice Farm, or the Former Slave Market) are paid in cash on-site.
In this article, you’ll find a guide to the most popular excursions in Zanzibar and useful details about each.
1. Stone Town – The Historic Heart of Zanzibar
A visit to Stone Town is a must. One of my favorite aspects of this excursion was experiencing the lively Darajani Market, where locals hurriedly shop for fresh produce, spices, and artisanal souvenirs. Additionally, we explored the Former Slave Market, a poignant historical site, as well as the charming Emerson Hotels and the Old Fort of Zanzibar (Ngome Kongwe).
Top Attractions in Stone Town:
- Darajani Market: A vibrant market offering exotic spices, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, and souvenirs.
- Sultan’s Palace (Beit-al-Sahel): Former residence of Zanzibar’s royal family.
- The Cathedral Church of Christ & Former Slave Market: A solemn but essential visit to understand Zanzibar’s history with the slave trade.
- Jaws Corner: A local gathering spot, perfect for people-watching and enjoying traditional Tanzanian coffee.
- Emerson Spice Hotel: A beautifully restored boutique hotel with a rooftop restaurant offering spectacular city views.
- Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe): A cultural hub featuring artisan shops and an open courtyard for performances and festivals.
- Freddie Mercury’s House: Birthplace of the legendary Queen frontman.
- Forodhani Gardens: Famous for its night market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, samosas, and Zanzibar pizza.
2. Prison Island
Also known as Changuu Island, this former prison-turned-tourist attraction was initially used to detain rebellious slaves and later served as a quarantine station. Today, it is famous for its Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. While the island is worth visiting, a short trip suffices.
Highlights:
- Snorkeling in the surrounding waters
- Exploring the old prison ruins
- Observing the majestic Aldabra tortoises
3. Safari Blue
One of the most spectacular excursions in Zanzibar, Safari Blue offers a full day of exploring crystal-clear lagoons, coral reefs, and uninhabited islands. The experience includes a delicious seafood lunch paired with tropical fruit and refreshing drinks.
Highlights:
- Sandbanks perfect for relaxation
- Incredible marine biodiversity
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4. Jozani Forest
Home to the endangered red colobus monkeys, Jozani Forest is Zanzibar’s only protected forest area. It features lush mangroves, rare birds, and exotic butterflies.
Highlights:
- Scenic forest trails
- Red colobus monkey encounters
- Mangrove ecosystem exploration
5. The Rock Restaurant
Arguably Zanzibar’s most iconic landmark, The Rock is a picturesque restaurant perched on a rock in the middle of the ocean. Depending on the tide, you can reach it by boat or on foot. You can enjoy lunch or dinner here or simply take photos and explore the nearby Pingwe Beach.
6. Dolphin Watching in Kizimkazi
Kizimkazi, a quiet fishing village, is renowned for its dolphin tours. Tourists are taken to areas where dolphins frequently appear, and if lucky, you might get the chance to swim alongside them.
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7. Spice Farm Tour
Known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar offers an incredible farm tour where you can see, smell, and taste a variety of spices like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. You’ll also learn about their culinary and medicinal uses. My personal favorite experience in Zanzibar was visiting the spice farm—the intense aromas and flavors were unforgettable. At the end of the tour, a friendly local even climbed a coconut tree to fetch fresh coconuts for us!
8. Nakupenda Sandbank
Nakupenda is a temporary sandbank that emerges and disappears with the tides. It’s one of the most stunning spots for relaxation, snorkeling, and enjoying a picnic with fresh seafood. However, it’s a popular excursion, meaning it can get crowded. If you prefer a more intimate setting, ask your guide about less-frequented sandbanks nearby.
9. Mnemba Island
A private island with an extraordinary coral reef, Mnemba is famous for its incredible marine biodiversity. However, access to the island itself is restricted—you can only snorkel and explore its surrounding waters.
10. Sunset Fishing
For a relaxing and authentic experience, try sunset fishing on a traditional Swahili boat. You’ll enjoy the peaceful ocean views as you learn local fishing techniques. Some tours even offer the option to cook your fresh catch on a nearby island.
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Enjoy your Zanzibar adventures! 🥰
