Want more than sun, sea and sand?

Our guide of what to see on Zanzibar Island

Coralie
Coralie
Travel Co-ordinator
Published on
02 Nov 2017
Updated on
28 Apr 2025
The Zanzibar Palace Hotel Stone Town

Jozani National Forest and the Red Colobus monkeys

Jozani National Forest Colobus Monkey
The red colobus monkey native to Zanzibar

As one of the last remaining habitats in the world for the Red Colubus monkey, this nature reserve is one of the must-see places on Zanzibar. Due to conservation efforts in the Jozani forest, the numbers of this native monkey have increased from endangered status. Guides will take you down pathways through the trees and, as the monkeys have become used to a human presence, be sure to have your camera ready for some amazing shots of these fascinating creatures.

An excursion here will take half a day and is easily combined with trips to some of the other amazing places Zanzibar has to offer.

Spice Tour

Spice
Zanzibar's iconic spices

Do you ever wonder where some of your favourite spices and flavours come from? A visit to Zanzibar would be incomplete without seeing the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices in their original plantations. You may even gain some cooking inspiration as the knowledgeable guides provide in-depth information about the spice’s use in traditional cuisine. It’s definitely a good idea to stock up on spices here so you can add that authentic taste to your meals back home.

Spice tours take a half day and include the chance to purchase spices and taste traditional Swahili food.

Prison Island

Giant Tortoise
Giant Tortoises thriving on Prison Island

Prison Island’s rather ominous name comes from its history as a slave prison and quarantine station. Its function now could not be further from its dark past, as it provides a haven for the endangered Giant Tortoise. These tortoises were imported from the Seychelles and have been allowed to thrive on the island due to dedicated conservation efforts.

As well as being able to get up-close and feed the tortoises, you can see further into the forest interior and spot even more beautiful wildlife such as peacocks and butterflies. If you still need a hit of sun, sea and sand, the beaches around the island are great for sun bathing and snorkelling.

Stone Town

Stone Town
Stone Town as sailors have seen it for centuries

One look at Stone Town and it is easy to see why it is an UNESCO World Heritage site; little has changed since the 19th Century and it buzzes with heritage and culture. Due to the melting pot of Arabic and African influences, an exotic atmosphere perpetrates the winding alleyways, bustling markets and old merchant houses.

The walking tours around the city take you to see such sites as the House of Wonders and the old Arab Fort, as well as revealing the darker history of the town and its prevalence in the African slave trade.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024