What to Do in Zanzibar Besides the Beach
Zanzibar offers more than just beautiful beaches. The island is full of culture, history, nature, and adventure. Whether you love exploring old towns, visiting spice farms, or meeting local people, there’s plenty to enjoy. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Zanzibar besides the beach.
Explore Stone Town – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar City and a must-visit. Walk through narrow streets filled with old buildings, carved wooden doors, markets, mosques, and local shops.
Top things to see in Stone Town:
- The Old Fort
- House of Wonders
- Freddie Mercury’s House
- Darajani Market
- Sunset at Forodhani Night Market
It’s the best place to learn about Zanzibar’s mix of Arab, African, Indian, and European influences.
Take a Spice Tour
Zanzibar is often called the “Spice Island”. Visit a spice farm to see, touch, and taste spices like:
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla
- Turmeric
You’ll also learn how spices grow and are used in local cooking and medicine. Spice tours are affordable and often include a traditional Swahili lunch.
Visit Prison Island (Changuu Island)
Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island is known for its giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old. The island was once used as a prison and later as a quarantine center.
You can:
- Feed and take photos with the tortoises
- Visit the old prison ruins
- Swim or snorkel near the island
Go on a Dhow Sunset Cruise
Even if you’re not a beach person, being out on the water is still a top Zanzibar experience. Take a traditional dhow boat cruise in the evening to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
Most cruises include snacks, music, and drinks. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and great for couples or groups.
Discover Jozani Forest – Home of the Red Colobus Monkey
Jozani Forest is the only national park in Zanzibar and is home to the rare red colobus monkey, found only here. You can walk through the forest with a guide, spot monkeys in the trees, and visit the mangrove boardwalk.
It’s a fun and easy half-day trip, especially for nature lovers and families.
Visit Local Villages for a Cultural Experience
See the real side of Zanzibar by visiting traditional villages like:
- Jambiani
- Makunduchi
- Kizimkazi
You can:
- Watch seaweed farming
- Learn how locals fish and cook
- Visit schools and community projects
- Try drumming or local crafts
These visits are usually arranged through tour companies or local NGOs and give back to the community.
Try a Zanzibar Cooking Class
Join a local chef and learn how to prepare Swahili dishes using fresh spices and ingredients. Popular meals include:
- Coconut curry
- Fish in banana leaf
- Pilau rice
- Chapati
It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn about Zanzibar culture , and enjoy a delicious meal!
See Dolphins in Kizimkazi (Ethical Tours Only)
Kizimkazi, in the south, is known for dolphin-watching tours. Choose an ethical operator that avoids chasing or stressing the animals. Some tours also include snorkeling and village visits.
Tip: Never join tours that let you “swim with dolphins” in a way that disturbs them.
Visit the Slave Market Memorial and Anglican Cathedral
Zanzibar was once a key location in the East African slave trade. In Stone Town, visit the former slave market, now home to:
- A moving underground chamber where slaves were held
- The Anglican Cathedral, built on the old auction site
- A small museum that tells the history of slavery in East Africa
It’s a powerful and important stop to understand the island’s past.
Shop for Local Crafts and Souvenirs
Zanzibar is full of handmade items you can take home, including:
- Maasai beadwork
- Carved wooden items
- Colorful fabrics and kanga wraps
- Spices and oils
- Handmade soaps
You’ll find these in Stone Town’s markets and small village shops.
While the beaches are beautiful, Zanzibar offers a rich experience full of culture, history, and nature. Whether you’re walking through Stone Town, visiting a spice farm, or exploring forests and villages, you’ll discover a different side of the island — one that’s just as magical.
