15 Things You Must See and Do in Zanzibar in 2026-2027

Zanzibar Highlights; 15 Must-Do Experiences

• Wander Stone Town’s historic streets and markets.
• Swim with dolphins in Kizimkazi.
• Taste Zanzibar’s spice-rich cuisine at Forodhani Gardens.
• Visit Nungwi & Kendwa beaches for sunsets and relaxation.
• Meet giant tortoises on Prison Island.
• Picnic on Nakupenda Sandbank.
• Snorkel or dive Mnemba Atoll’s coral reefs.
• Dine at the iconic Rock Restaurant.
• Explore spice farms, villages & Swahili culture.
• End the day with a magical dhow cruise at sunset.

Discover Zanzibar – The Spice Island

Zanzibar is a magical island where history, culture, and paradise meet. Stroll through the winding streets of Stone Town, explore fragrant spice farms, and sail into golden sunsets on a traditional dhow. Relax on powdery white-sand beaches, dive into coral reefs alive with marine life, or encounter rare red colobus monkeys in lush forests. With its mix of African, Arab, and European influences, Zanzibar offers unforgettable food, culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adventure or pure relaxation, Zanzibar has something for every traveler

Here are fifteen unforgettable things you should not miss when visiting Zanzibar.

1. Explore Stone Town

Stone Town is the old heart of Zanzibar City. The streets are narrow and twist like a maze, so every turn feels like a surprise. Look at the beautiful wooden doors carved with flowers and patterns. Visit the busy Darajani Market where people sell spices, fruits, and fresh fish. Don’t miss the House of Wonders and the Old Fort to see the island’s long and rich history.

2. Swim with Dolphins in Kizimkazi

Early in the morning you can take a small boat from the fishing village of Kizimkazi. Friendly guides will help you see wild dolphins swimming and jumping. If you are lucky, you can swim near them in the warm ocean. Choose a group that treats the dolphins with care so they stay happy and safe.

3. Taste the Local Cuisine

Zanzibar is called the “Spice Island,” and you can taste why. Try coconut rice, spicy curries, grilled fish, and fresh tropical fruit. In the evening go to Forodhani Gardens night market. There you can eat Zanzibar pizza, sugarcane juice, and many other street foods while watching the stars.

 4. Visit Baraka Natural Aquarium

In the village of Nungwi there is a natural pool where injured sea turtles are cared for. You can feed them or even swim slowly beside them while learning how local people protect these gentle animals before they are released back to the sea.

5. Relax on Nungwi Beach

Nungwi is one of the island’s most famous beaches. The sand is soft and white, and the water is clear and calm. You can sunbathe, play volleyball, drink fresh coconut water, or simply watch traditional wooden boats called dhows sail past as the sun sets.

6. Explore Prison Island

Only a short boat ride from Stone Town, this island was once used to keep people in quarantine. Today it is peaceful and green. The highlight is meeting the giant Aldabra tortoises, some more than 100 years old. Walk around the small forest and enjoy the view of the ocean.

7. Picnic on Nakupenda Sandbank

The word Nakupenda means “I love you” in Swahili. At low tide a long sandbank appears in the sea like a golden ribbon. Guides set up simple tables so you can eat grilled seafood and fresh fruit. Swim and snorkel in the clear water until the tide slowly covers the sand again.

8. Snorkel Over Coral Reefs

The sea around Zanzibar is full of colorful coral and fish. Put on a mask and fins and float over reefs near Mnemba Atoll or Chumbe Island. You may see starfish, parrotfish, and many other bright creatures.

9. Eat at The Rock Restaurant

This famous little restaurant stands on a rock in the ocean near Michamvi. At low tide you can walk across the sand, and at high tide you take a short boat ride. The fresh seafood and the 360-degree view of the sea make it a meal to remember.

10. Visit Mnemba Island

This small private island is surrounded by a protected marine area. Day trips let you relax on quiet beaches and snorkel with dolphins, sea turtles, and even whale sharks when they pass through.

11. Go Scuba Diving

If you can dive, Zanzibar’s underwater world is amazing. Sites like Leven Bank and Pemba Island have deep walls of coral, bright fish, and sometimes big schools of barracuda. Even beginners can take a short course to enjoy a shallow dive.

12. Meet the Giant Tortoises

Giant tortoises live on Prison Island and at a few conservation centers. Some are huge and more than a century old. You can feed them leafy greens and take photos while they move slowly and calmly around you.

13. Discover Kendwa Beach

Kendwa is another beautiful beach with calm water you can swim in all day. It is a great place to watch sunsets that turn the sky gold and red. At night you might join the famous Full Moon Party with music and dancing on the sand.

14. Experience Local Culture

Take a spice farm tour to smell fresh vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg right from the trees. Visit small villages to see how people cook, fish, and make crafts. Listen to taarab music and try a few Swahili words like jambo (hello) or asante (thank you). Local people will smile when you greet them.

15. Enjoy a Sunset Dhow Cruise

End your day with a peaceful sail on a traditional wooden dhow. As the wind fills the sail, the sea becomes calm and the sky glows orange, pink, and purple. Drink fresh coconut juice or a cool soft drink while you watch the sun sink into the horizon.

Helpful Tips:

• Wear modest clothes when you are away from the beach.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
• Support tours and guides who respect animals and the environment.

Zanzibar is full of life, color, and warm hospitality. Take your time with these experiences and you will bring home memories as bright as the island’s blue seas and golden sunsets.