Zanzibar is a perfect island getaway for all those that need an escape from their busy and stressful routines. It’s also the best place to unwind at the end of a Tanzanian safari. Pristine beaches, delicious local food, exciting watersports activities and beautiful resorts are characteristic of Zanzibar.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Zanzibar:
- Head over to The Rock Restaurant for a scrumptious meal
The Rock Restaurant is located on a literal rock, surrounded by the Indian Ocean! It’s located away off the Pingwe coast and you reach the Restaurant via a raft. Dining here is a tremendous experience! You get delicious food with picturesque views!
Note: You have to book a reservation because of the high demand.
Best items to try: Fish carpaccio, lobster with couscous, gnocchi with prawns and spicy ice cream.
- Explore Stone Town
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historically significant buildings! Wander through the narrow streets of Stone Town, eat delicious food at the Forodhani Gardens Food Market, explore the Old Fort, visit the Palace Museum and shop for souvenirs at the Darajani Market!
- Explore the underwater world by scuba diving or snorkeling
The water around Zanzibar offers exceptional visibility and is home to abundant corals, making Zanzibar a hotspot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Here are the top scuba diving and snorkeling spots around Zanzibar:
- The Great Northern – the shipwreck here is stunning. It’s now home to a diverse range of marine life!
- Hammerhead – check out the hammerhead sharks here
- Shane’s Reef
- Ukombe Reef
- Dolphin Wall – snorkel with the friendly dolphins here!
- Check out Prison Island
Prison Island is only 30 minutes away from Zanzibar! It was initially used as a prison but was converted to a quarantine island for the sick later! The beautiful and pristine island is known for its giant tortoises’ sanctuary. Did you know that some of the tortoises here are over a hundred years old? That’s right! They’ve been on the earth longer than you.
You can also snorkel around the island and explore the marine world!
- Take a spice tour
Taking a spice tour in Zanzibar is one of the best ways to interact with the locals and learn more about their culture. Spices are a major part of Zanzibar’s exports. Zanzibar is also called the Spice Island owing to the numerous spice farm grown here.
Head over to a spice farm in Zanzibar and take a tour. You’ll be surprised to know how little knowledge you have of spices!
- Attend a Full Moon party at Kendwa Rocks
Have a bash at the full moon party that takes place every Monday at Kendwa Rocks Hotel. You can also interact with the locals here. There’s good food, great African music, and a lot of dancing!
If you don’t like dancing, you can just chill and sip on cocktails while enjoying the show.
- Explore Jozani Forest
Spot red colobus monkeys, Zanzibar syke’s monkeys, exotic birds, unique butterflies and medicinal trees at Jozani Forest! Make sure you walk around the forest with a guide who will inform you about the medicinal benefits and properties of each tree!
The mangrove boardwalk at the forest lets you wander through the canopy of the forest. You might even encounter some monkeys on your boardwalk!
- Give yourself an adrenaline rush and go kitesurfing!
Kitesurfing is an extreme watersports activity that lets the wind glide you above the water. Zanzibar makes for an excellent kitesurfing spot because of the strong and consistent winds you get here. Paje, Jambiani and Nungwi are the best kitesurfing spots. You can find many kitesurfing centers here that provide courses as well as equipment!
- Take a sunset dhow cruise with Safari Blue
Safari Blue offers an amazing dhow cruise experience! Explore the waters of the Indian Ocean and lets the soothing waves calm your mind. Going on a dhow cruise is an excellent way to de-stress yourself while letting the magic of the Indian Ocean work on you!
- Head over to Nungwi and go deep-sea fishing!
There are many charters in Zanzibar that provide you with all the fishing equipment you need. Head over to Nungwi and go deep-sea fishing. You’re likely to catch Yellow-fish tunas, dorados, and wahoos, among others! They also prepare fresh meals for you with your catch.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Zanzibar and have the time of your life! Don’t worry if you’re alone because Tanzania is perfect for solo travelers. Here’s why!