10 Unmissable Things to Do in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is one of the most breathtaking tourist destinations in the world. The archipelago is home to stunning islands and beaches, and is a must see region for all travel lovers. Here are 10 unmissable things to do on a trip in Zanzibar.

1. Eat at Forodhani Night Food Market

Street food provides an authentic insight into the local lifestyle of Zanzibar and allows tourists to enjoy the unique and mouth watering cuisine. Visitors at Forodhani Night Food Market can enjoy dishes such as Mandazi, Nyama Choma, Uji, Ugali, Kuku Paka, Mtori, Samaki, biryani, and Mshikaki. These foods are flavored with a blend of local herbs and spices and can be enjoyed with delicious drinks such as ginger tea, avocado shake, and sugarcane juice.

2. Snorkel at Mnemba Atoll

Snorkeling is a unique and life changing experience, as tourists can explore the mesmerizing underwater world. At Mnemba Atoll, one can dive among the colorful coral reefs, and spot marine life such as flounders, octopuses, sea stars, pufferfish, snappers, manta rays, moray eels, and dolphins!

3. Explore Stone Town

The historic Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where tourists can explore the winding streets, observe the Swahili architecture, or visit the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the birthplace of Freddy Mercury to learn about the history and heritage of the region.

4. Take a trip to Prison island

Tourists can take a relaxing and leisurely trip to Prison island, where they can sunbathe on the soft sand, explore the ancient ruins, learn about the history of slave trade in the region, take a cooling swim, eat fresh seafood, or observe the giant tortoises. The island can be reached through a peaceful dhow trip!

5. Visit Jozani Forest

Jozani Chwaka Bay Forest is one of the top rated tourist locations in Zanzibar. Nature lovers can enjoy walking around the park and taking in the stunning view of the flora and fauna. The park is home to lush green vegetation, and animals such as Colobus Monkeys, leopards, snakes, and antelopes!

6. Enjoy a Spice Tour

Zanzibar is also known as the spice island, so tourists should take a trip to a spice farm such as Kizimbani, Tangawizi, Kidichi, or Jambo Spice Farm. Here, they can observe, smell, and taste spices such as turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, lemongrass, coriander, and cloves. They can also find fruits such as pineapple, durian, jackfruit, coconut, mango, and starfruit!

7. Stay at the Zanzibari

The Zanzibari is a top rated boutique hotel at the stunning Nungwi beach. Here, tourists can stay in luxurious and comfortable rooms, relax on the private beach, and get soothing treatments and massages at the spa.

8. Eat at the Rock Restaurant

The Rock Restaurant is one of the most famous locations in Zanzibar as it is located on a rock in the middle of the ocean. Visitors can enjoy the stunning view of the crystal clear water and the bright orange sunset while enjoying delicious dishes such as gnocchi, ravioli, spaghetti, fried calamari, grilled fish, octopus, prawns, lobster, shrimp, crab, chicken skewers, beef, curry, and squid.

9. Enjoy a Cultural tour

A cultural visit to a local village can be an interesting and enriching experience and can help tourists learn about the local culture. At Jambiani, visitors can observe daily life activities such as grinding millets with mortar pestles, thatching coconut palms, preparation of bread, and weaving. One can also go to Matemwe, where they can visit local schools, enjoy a boat ride, go to the fish market, and interact with local fishermen.

10. Party at Kendwa Beach

An interesting experience that tourists can enjoy is a full moon party at Kendwa Beach. Here, they can party at the beachfront, eat fresh seafood, swim in the sea, and meet local dancers, singers, acrobats, and fire-eaters!