What to do
Things to Do in Zanzibar: 12 Places and Experiences
Beaches, Stone Town and excursions: a simple plan for seven nights.
By Luciano Baetz · Updated · 3 min read
The classic Zanzibar plan mixes beach time, the historic town of Stone Town and one or two excursions. People searching for things to do in Zanzibar usually want a simple plan, and with 7 nights there is time to do it all without rushing. These are the 12 places and experiences most worth your time, grouped by type.
Things to do in Zanzibar: beaches
- Nungwi: at the northern tip, white sand and sunsets.
- Kendwa: a long white-sand beach known for water that barely changes with the tide.
- Paje: the kitesurfing capital, on the south-east coast.
- Jambiani: a fishing village with traditional boats.
Things to do in Zanzibar: culture and history
- Stone Town: a UNESCO-listed old town of narrow alleys, carved doors and markets.
- Darajani Market: to see everyday local life.
- Spice tour: a visit to plantations with tastings of fruits and spices.
Things to do in Zanzibar: sea and nature
- The Rock: the restaurant perched on a rock in the sea at Pingwe, one of the island's best-known views.
- Dhow trip: at sunset or for a full day, with snorkelling stops.
- Dolphins at Kizimkazi: a boat trip in the south of the island.
- Jozani Forest: home of the red colobus monkey.
- Prison Island: a short boat trip from Stone Town to see giant tortoises.
What to see in Stone Town in a day
Set aside a morning or afternoon to wander the old town's alleys on foot, without a map, looking for the carved doors. Take in the Old Fort and Darajani Market, then finish at Forodhani Gardens by the sea, where street-food stalls set up in the evening. It is only minutes from the airport, so it fits neatly into your arrival or departure day.
One week in Zanzibar: a day-by-day plan
- Days 1 and 2: arrive, rest and take your first swims off the hotel beach.
- Day 3: Stone Town and a spice tour.
- Day 4: a dhow trip with snorkelling, or dolphins at Kizimkazi.
- Day 5: Jozani Forest and an afternoon at Paje or Jambiani.
- Remaining days: beach, spa and sunsets, no schedule.
Our packages are 7 nights. That is usually enough for 3 or 4 days of beach and resort time, 1 day in Stone Town and 1 or 2 excursions. If you want more, you can add a safari on mainland Tanzania. To pick your dates, see the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Where to stay to make the most of it
Your choice of hotel shapes everything else. In the north you are closest to the best beaches for swimming; on the east coast the resorts are big and complete. See them all under Zanzibar hotels.
