Activities in Zanzibar Island

There is no shortage of activities to engage in on Zanzibar! If you are looking for some activities to escape your beach resort for a day or two, check out our favorite ones below.

If you are looking for something special that is not listed here, please feel free to get in touch with us – for sure we can help to find a suitable solution for you. During most of our Zanzibar activities, you will come in contact with various Zanzibaris. Before taking any pictures of people, it is important to ask for their permission first.

Which activity would you like to add to your Zanzibar Island beach holiday?

Bike Ride – near Jambiani Village

For active travelers we recommend a bike stroll through the village of Jambiani to get an insight into the daily life of the Zanzibari’s. Together with a local guide you will explore the village life. The bike ride proceeds to Cuza Cave just north of Jambiani with the possibility to swim in the natural water pool. Afterwards you will head for a traditional lunch with a real taste of Zanzibar.

Important Facts:

  • Departure Time: morning or afternoon
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Physical Rating: moderate
  • Health Restrictions: travelers must know how to ride a bike
  • Not to forget: Sunhat & Sunlotion; Camera
  • Important Notes: women shoulder cover their shoulders and knees to respect the local communities; always ask for permission before taking pictures

Dhow Excursion – Menai Bay

Enjoy a traditional dhow ride – one of Zanzibar’s best boat trips that starts from the small village of Kizimkazi on the south-east coast. You will sail on a tradition wooden dhow to the shallow Marine Park of Menai Bay for your snorkeling adventure. Lunch will be taken on a secluded uninhabited island with freshly-caught fish and cooked rice and vegetables. A great day excursion with the chance to encounter dolphins in the wild!

Important Facts:

  • Departure Time: morning or afternoon
  • Duration: full day
  • Physical Rating: moderate
  • Health Restrictions: travelers must be fit and know how to swim
  • Not to forget: Sunhat & Sunlotion; Underwater-Camera; Warm Cloths (can be quite windy on the boat)

Jozani Forest & Mangrove Tour

Take a guided tour through Zanzibar’s remaining tropical forest and meet upon the different monkey species unique to Zanzibar, including the endangered red colobus monkey and tree hoppers such as small antelopes, bush babies, insects and birds. Proceed to the other side of the national park and take a walk along the wooden trail through Zanzibar’s mangrove forest where you can see thousands of crabs at work.

Important Facts:

  • Departure Time: morning or afternoon
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Physical Rating: easy
  • Not to forget: Sunhat & Sunlotion; Camera

Snorkeling & Diving – near Mnemba Atoll

The waters around Zanzibar are home to more than 350 fish species and the coral reefs create wonderful conditions for snorkelers and divers. Nice reefs with colorful marine life are found off the north and east coast around Mnemba Atoll and various excursions depending on your preference can be arranged. If you are a keen diver, we would however recommend a visit to Mafia or Pemba Island.

Diving Packages:

  • Diving Packages are available for all diving levels

Important Facts:

  • Diving Site: depend on tides & diving level
  • Health Restrictions: travelers must be fit and know how to swim
  • Not to forget: Sunhat & Sunlotion; Underwater-Camera; Warm Cloths (can be quite windy on the boat)

Spice Farm with Swahili Cooking Class

Experience Zanzibar with all your senses by visiting one of the many farms. Learn more about the cultivation and harvesting of various fruits and spices typical of the island. Come across cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, vanilla as well as cacao and coffee and familiarize yourself with such unknown fruits as the jackfruit. You will also have the chance to enjoy a Swahili cooking class using Zanzibar’s many spices! Be open to try something new and tasty!

Important Facts:

  • Departure Time: morning or afternoon
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Physical Rating: easy
  • Not to forget: Sunhat & Sunlotion; Camera
  • Important Notes: women shoulder cover their shoulders and knees to respect the local communities; always ask for permission before taking pictures

Stone Town City Tour with Sunset Dhow Cruise

Wander the Maze of Stone Town and soak up the unique Swahili culture and atmosphere. Stone Town and its buildings are full of history and stories about the old Zanzibar, when princesses and sultans, Arabs and Europeans wrote the island’s history. Visit the Anglican Cathedral, the Slave Markets, the Palace of the Sultans, Tip Tip’s House, the Old Arabic Fort, Forodhani Park and the local market. At sunset you can enjoy a boat ride on a traditional wooden dhow in front of Stone Town’s beautiful skyline.

Important Facts:

  • Departure Time: afternoon
  • Duration: 3 to 4 hours
  • Physical Rating: easy
  • Not to forget: Sunhat & Sunlotion; Camera
  • Important Notes: women shoulder cover their shoulders and knees to respect the local communities; always ask for permission before taking pictures

You may also like to explore…

Sample Itinerary

Check out our sample itinerary for a possible beach extention to Zanzibar Island. The itinerary can be customized to your individual wishes! Prices depend on number of travelers, duration of your beach stay, the travel time and your accommodation preferences.

Overnight Option

Scroll through our selection of beach resorts on Zanzibar Island – each personally visited and reviewed! Depending on your travel preferences and budget, we will recommend the perfect accommodation stay for you!

Mafia Island

Mafia Island is a sleepy island located just south of Zanzibar – an exclusive hideaway if you wish to escape the crowds. It is a diver’s paradise with a large variety of diving options. Highlight is the whale shark season from September to March.