The island of Zanzibar, or Unguja, to give it its proper traditional name, is a stunning island off the coast of Tanzania surrounded by superb coral reefs and transparently calm seas. Most people are attracted to Zanzibar by its very chilled-out vibe. Sitting on a beach and relaxing, drinking tropical concoctions, and absorbing the sun's warmth - pure paradise for some, but not an ideal destination for travellers who don't enjoy a laid-back getaway.

The island is a treasure trove of interesting history due to its position as a key location in the slave trade between Africa and Arabia. Unguja was also an important hub (and resting place) for the periods between explorations for a certain Dr David Livingstone. The island is also known as the “Spice Island,” again due to its link with ancient Arabia, so there is plenty to discover away from the beaches. Below we explore what are the best bits to do on the island.

Stone Town

Lose yourself in the winding labyrinth of Stone Town's narrow alleys, where centuries of history and multicultural influences surround you. Let an expert guide lead you on a walking tour, unlocking the secrets held within the coral walls and elaborately carved doorways. Marvel at the Sultan's Palace Museum, its regal halls adorned with intricate Arabic calligraphy, Persian rugs and Zanzibari chests - a glimpse into Swahili royal opulence.

Wander through the hazy bazaars where hawkers call out amid vibrant kangas, fragrant spices, intricate woodcarvings and glittering Zanzibari chests. Barter for treasures as Swahili taarab music floats through the air. Stop to witness a tinga-tinga artist at work, brush strokes bringing to life the distinctive Zanzibari painting style on canvas.

The maze of winding alleys and towering beautifully carved wooden doors transport you to another era as you wander the bewitching streets of Stone Town at dusk. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the historic quarter of Zanzibar City, casts its spell as the golden sun slips below the horizon. The melodic call to prayer echoes out hauntingly from the towering minarets, competing with the shouts of street vendors selling fragrant spice packets and colourful kangas.

As the atmospheric evening falls, you will find yourself meandering through the lively Night Market in Forodhani Gardens. Enticing aromas waft from sizzling grills - smoky mishkaki skewers, succulent shawarma, and mouth-watering Zanzibari pizza dripping with sauce and eggs. Spices perfume the air as you sample fiery coconut soup and soft, syrup-soaked kokra fritters. The lively banter of locals haggling with vendors adds to the exotic hubbub.

Leaving the bustling market behind, you can easily slip into a dimly-lit Arabian coffee house for a tiny cup of spiced kahawa chungu. The pungent aromas of cloves and ginger mingle with the sweet apple-scented shisha smoke curling from the ornate hookahs. With a theatrical flourish, the tea master deftly pours the thick brew, regaling you with tales of Zanzibar's fabled days as a Sultanate and the centre of the spice and slave trades.

As darkness blankets the winding lanes, you can wander to a taarab club tucked into a crumbling palace courtyard. Sensual, haunting taarab music spills out - an intoxicating fusion of Arabic melodies, African rhythms, and longing Swahili poetry. The hypnotic melancholy tunes transport you to another world as swaying dancers take the stage amidst swirling clouds of incense. Alternatively, ascend to the rooftop of a beautifully restored Zanzibari mansion for cocktails under a canopy of stars. Peering over the ancient terracotta rooftops, you might glimpse the bobbing lanterns of dhows plying the harbour far below. A cool ocean breeze rustles the palms as revellers mingle over refreshing sangrias and fruity mojitos infused with the island's signature cloves and limes.

Into the night, you can indulge in the centuries-old ritual of the hammam at a tranquil Turkish bathhouse. After being steamed and gently scrubbed on heated marble slabs, you will emerge refreshed, succumbing to relaxing massages with fragrant Zanzibar clove oil. With your senses awakened, the narrow alleys beckon for one last adventure – perhaps an impromptu dance party at the legendary Africa House or a nightcap at a trendy rooftop lounge as the first call to morning prayer drifts through the pocket gardens.

Stone Town’s blend of Swahili, Omani, Indian, and European influences is fascinating, with its rich trading history and spellbinding ambiance, this ancient islet wills you to lose yourself in its exotic charms.

Spice Tours

Zanzibar is beset by a persistent aroma of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg hanging thick in the warm tropical air. This is the fabled "Spice Island," whose fertile plantations once attracted maritime explorers and made the island’s rulers immensely wealthy. Today, you can follow in their footsteps on a spice tour to discover the heritage and bounty of this island paradise.

The tour begins on a family-run spice farm, where a charismatic guide will take you around the plantations. As you meander through the vegetation, enjoy the guide's animated storytelling which brings to life the island's history as a pivotal stop along the ancient spice routes. With each spice you encounter, you will learn of its distinct origins, medicinal uses by traditional healers, and quintessential role in the lush Zanzibari cuisine.

The spice tour culminates at the Persian Garden of the Sultans. Strolling its shaded walkways amid jade pools and fountains, revel in the fragrances of turmeric, vanilla, cardamom, and lemongrass wafting from terracotta pots. At the tour's end, it’s time for a traditional Swahili feast featuring all the spices you've just encountered growing amid the thickets - steaming pilau rice infused with cloves, cinnamon, and rosewater; spicy coconut curries; and refreshing tropical juices like lemongrass and ginger.

A spice tour offers you the opportunity to learn about the island's agricultural and gastronomic customs, ancient healing traditions, and the tastes and scents that have attracted traders, explorers, and spice lovers for over a millennium.

Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest is one of the last remaining sanctuaries of Zanzibar's rapidly dwindling indigenous flora and fauna. A narrow path weaves through the canopy of ancient trees draped in vines – providing a green escape from the arid palm-fringed beaches that most visitors associate with Zanzibar

Take a guided tour through the forest to see the incredible wildlife including the endemic Red Colobus monkey. These primates are found nowhere else on earth except Zanzibar's rapidly shrinking habitat, and are just the start of Jozani's wild wonders. Try to spot a family of boisterous Sykes' monkeys; or perhaps the iridescent four-inch butterflies that flit and flutter about. Listen for strange bird calls like the Zanzibar red bishop that echo through the shadows. You might be lucky enough to spy the endangered Aders' duiker antelopes, with their sleek russet coats that perfectly camouflage into the undergrowth mere feet away.

For the grand finale, head off-trail towards a towering 1000-year-old Bungo tree, its massive trunk and twisting aerial roots forming a natural amphitheatre of sorts. Listen for those incredible Red Colobus monkeys, to see if they’ll offer an entertaining finale photo op.

Visiting Jozani Forest allows for up-close immersion into Zanzibar's precious biodiversity hotspot and will give you a sense of how important this place and these species are to the ecosystem of the island.

The Mnemba Atoll

For an unparalleled diving experience, head out on a dhow boat to explore the reefs in the crystal-clear shallows of Mnemba Atoll. This circular ring of islands and turquoise lagoons off Zanzibar's northeastern shores harbour one of the Indian Ocean's most nutrient-rich coral reefs. It's a kaleidoscopic paradise teeming with a Crayola box of animated marine life. Turquoise demoiselle fish dressed in neon yellow eye makeup flit through the staghorn coral gardens and bulbous pufferfish lazily inspect your intrusion into their domain.

In the space of a few flippered kicks, you will witness the change in the reef's topography from a flat carpet into a towering underwater citadel. Mammoth elephant ear corals form giant mazes and cavernous overhangs where groupers and oriental sweetlips hide in the shadows. As you swim over one of the many "Coral Heads" protruding from the atoll floor, watch out for clouds of damsels and dorys as they make way for a patrolling titan triggerfish and its entourage of blackfin unicorn fish.

You might be treated to the spectacle of an adult reef shark slaloming through the coral branches with that unmistakable singular focus.

Continue exploring to spot whitetip sharks snoozing motionless on the sandy floor, completely ignored by the schools of moorish idols, batfish, and long-nosed butterflyfish going about their daily business.

The appeal of Zanzibar's undersea gardens is in this incredible diversity and density of life. You’ll never want to stop snorkelling in this underwater wonderland!

Beaches, beaches and more beaches

The northwestern tip of the island, Nungwi, seems to exist in a permanent state of paradise - a dreamy escape from the real world. Local beach boys beckon lazily from the shade with offers of sunbeds and fresh-from-the-ocean seafood. But prepare to be mesmerized by the beach itself - a broad, brilliant white stretch of soft sand arcing in both directions as far as the eye can see. Looking westward, Nungwi's beach forms the ideal vantage point for Zanzibar's legendary Indian Ocean sunsets, where the horizon ignites nightly in a blaze of peach, tangerine and sun-melted reds.

For a change of pace, head down to Zanzibar's east coast to discover the kiteboarding and windsurfing nirvana of Paje Beach. Streaks of multi-coloured sails hover and careen over the sparkling ocean as steady trade winds whip off the Tanzanian mainland. The narrow shore is idyllic in its simplicity - with that opal-tinged water lapping at a quiet ribbon of pearl-white sand fringed by lively beach-shack bars and simple seafood grills. As golden hour approaches, Paje's rustic charm makes it one of the island's most picturesque sunset viewpoints.

From deserted coves and atolls to expansive beaches that seem to blend into the curvature of the ocean, Zanzibar's idyllic shores are unrivalled in their diversity and untapped natural splendour. These retreats of swaying palms, tranquil waters, and brilliant sunsets beckon you to shed the stresses of daily life and surrender to their exquisite bounty.

Prison Island

Prison Island, or Changuu Island, is a small island located about 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town, the old quarter of Zanzibar City. Despite its somewhat forbidding name, it has become a popular tourist destination, offering a fascinating blend of history and natural attractions.

Here's what you can experience on a visit to Prison Island:

The island's most iconic residents - a population of Aldabra giant tortoises that roam freely across the sun-baked terrain. These gentle giants can weigh over 500 pounds and live up to 200 years old. You'll have a chance to view these prehistoric reptiles up close, feed them fresh greens, and take photos while trying not to get in their ambling paths.

The tortoises were gifted to the islands by British seafarers in the late 19th century, but Prison Island has a much older human history as well. A short trail leads to the remnants of the island's actual prison, built around 1860 to house recalcitrant slaves and criminals during Zanzibari rule. The crumbling ruins include a few solitary confinement cells and jailers' quarters, bringing alive the harsh realities of Zanzibar's dark chapter in the notorious Indian Ocean slave trade.

From the southern beach, a vista of Stone Town's ancient skyline crowns the horizon across the channel. This vantage point highlights how Prison Island once served as a merciless quarantine station - sick passengers from arriving ships were forced to disembark here before entering the central port to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera and yellow fever.

To shake off the island's somewhat morbid legacy, most visitors spend their time enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds Prison Island. The western shores offer some of Zanzibar's calmest and most idyllic beaches, while offshore the clear shallows and coral gardens teem with angelfish, clownfish and sea turtles that swim right up to snorkelers.

While a bit haunted by its brutal penal history, Prison Island today provides a sanctuary of sorts. It's a place to connect with some of nature's most fascinating living relics, while also reflecting on the injustices and struggles that helped shape Zanzibar's complex identity at the crossroads of Africa and Arabia.

Kite Surfing and Wing Foiling

With its calm shallow waters and constant sea breeze Zanzibar has become a kite surfers paradise for both experts and novices alike. Wing Foils are also becoming much more common place too.

Paje Beach stands out as one of the top destinations, offering consistent side-shore winds that create ideal conditions for launching and landing, complemented by a wide, sandy beach and shallow waters that provide a safe environment for riders of all skill levels.

Nungwi Beach, located on the northern tip, is another sought-after spot, renowned for its strong and steady winds, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful sandbars that add to the allure of the experience.

On the northwest coast, Kendwa Beach beckons with its wide, sandy expanse and reliable side-onshore winds, making it a suitable choice for those of varying abilities to enjoy the thrill of the sport.

For those seeking a more laid-back kite surfing or wing foil experience, Jambiani Beach, situated on the southeast coast, offers lighter but still suitable winds, particularly in the morning hours, providing a serene setting to indulge in the sport.

Lastly, Kizimkazi Beach, on the southern coast, is a haven for experienced kite surfers and foilers, boasting consistent winds and relatively uncrowded conditions, allowing for an uninterrupted and exhilarating ride across the waves.

Food in Zanzibar

In the heart of Stone Town, the historic quarter of Zanzibar City, you'll find a host of charming eateries tucked away in the labyrinth of narrow streets. One such gem is Emerson on Hurumzi Tea House Restaurant, renowned for its delectable Zanzibari fare served in a beautifully restored Arabic house. Here, you can sample the unique flavours of dishes like urojo soup, mkate wa kumimina (coconut bread), and the beloved Zanzibar pizza.

For those seeking a taste of authentic Swahili culture, no visit to Zanzibar is complete without a meal at Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town. This lively night market is a hub of local street food vendors offering an array of mouth-watering delicacies, including the famous Zanzibari pizza, kebabs, and succulent seafood.

Away from the bustling streets of the city, you'll discover The Rock Restaurant, a truly unique dining experience. Perched on a rocky islet just off the coast of Paje Beach, this iconic restaurant offers a romantic setting with breathtaking ocean views, complemented by a menu featuring fresh seafood and international cuisine.

If you're craving a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Taarab Restaurant in Nungwi Beach, where you can indulge in an exquisite array of Italian and Greek specialties while enjoying the serene beachfront setting. This establishment is renowned for its wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood dishes, and an extensive wine list.

For a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience, consider Upendo Villas, a luxurious beachfront resort in Bwejuu. Here, you can savour a multi-course dinner while being serenaded by traditional Zanzibari dancers and musicians, creating an enchanting ambiance that perfectly encapsulates the island's rich cultural heritage.

Visit Zanzibar

A visit to Zanzibar/Unguja offers a unique mix of history, beach, wildlife and culture that is hard to match anywhere else. It is an excellent destination to pair with a safari in East or Southern Africa. For trip inspiration check out our itinerary ideas:

Kenya Safari and Zanzibar Beach holiday

Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach holiday

Uganda and Zanzibar luxury honeymoon