Things to Do in Zanzibar: 12 Highlights You Must See

Stone Town & Culture

1. Stone Town – the old town

Winding alleys, carved wooden doors, the scent of spices and calls from the market: Stone Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and is the heart of the island. Plan at least half a day – preferably with a guide, because behind every door there is a story. Most beautiful as Stone Town & Spice Farm.

2. Former slave market & Anglican Cathedral

On the site of East Africa's last big slave market there now stands a cathedral with a memorial. A moving place that tells you a lot about the island's history. Background in the article History & Culture.

3. Forodhani Gardens & night market

When the sun sets over the harbour, the park by the sea turns into a street food market: Zanzibar pizza, grilled fish, fresh sugarcane juice. More about eating on the island in the food guide.

4. Darajani Market

Stone Town's big market is loud, colourful and real: spices, fruit, fish, fabrics. This is where locals shop – the best place to smell and taste Zanzibar.

5. Spice farm

Cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg: Zanzibar is called the Spice Island for good reason. On a farm you smell and taste everything right from the plant – a highlight for children too.

Nature & Wildlife

6. Jozani Forest

The island's only national park and home of the rare Red Colobus monkeys, which exist only in Zanzibar. Plus a mangrove boardwalk and dense forest. Afterwards, swim in the cave: Jozani Forest & Salam Cave.

7. Prison Island (Changuu)

A small island off Stone Town with giant tortoises, some of which are over a hundred years old. Combined with the Nakupenda sandbank on Prison Island & Nakupenda.

8. Dolphins off Kizimkazi

In the south, dolphins live in the bay. Experienced respectfully – at a distance and without chasing – it is an unforgettable morning: Snorkelling & Dolphins.

Sea, Beach & Sunset

9. Blue Safari & sandbanks

A day on the water with a dhow, snorkelling at the reef and seafood on a sandbank – for many the most beautiful day of the trip: Blue Safari.

10. The Rock

The restaurant on a rock in the sea is probably Zanzibar's most photographed motif. At high tide you reach it by boat, at low tide on foot. Combined with the Kuza Cave: The Rock & Kuza Cave.

11. Nungwi & Kendwa

In the north you can swim almost all day, and Kendwa has the famous sunsets. Experience them on Turtles & Sunset or from the water on the Sunset Dhow Cruise.

12. Paje & the lagoon in the southeast

A wide turquoise lagoon, seaweed farms, kitesurfers on the horizon: Paje shows the east coast at its most beautiful. Which beach suits you is explained in the beach comparison.

How much time do you need?

With a week you can do the highlights comfortably, with beach days in between. The 7-day route shows what that looks like in practice. And if you are looking for places off the beaten path: Zanzibar secret spots.