Things to do in Zanzibar

Zanzibar Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and spice farm tour

Get ready for a sensory adventure on this full-day guided tour, with visits to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and a spice farm. Begin your tour at Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. Juma, a local expert guide, says, “this is where you'll be on the lookout for rare red colobus monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander through the jungle – you might just spot these elusive primates along with bush babies, butterflies, and birds.” Plus, a ranger will be there to make sure you don't miss anything.Next, we'll head to the Chako Upcycling Centre. Here, you'll see how glass bottles are transformed into artisan tableware and lamps. The focus of this project is sustainability, as well as empowering the local community. It's mission is to integrate recycling into daily life on the island.Then, it's off to a spice farm where you'll really see why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. See how crops like vanilla, pepper, and cardamom are cultivated – even tasting them straight from the tree. Juma adds, “the Spice farms are community-based smallholdings where various spices are grown together in one area. These little farms demonstrate centuries of farming know-how inherited from our forefathers.” Lunch is made with the spices grown at the farm and you'll also learn about Zanzibari cooking and the many medicinal properties of the island's spices.

Zanzibar culture and traditions tour with seaweed centre visit

There's no better way to get to know your holiday destination than by meeting local people. On this cultural tour, you'll travel to a typical village to learn from the community about Zanzibar's rural traditions before making your way to the Paje Seaweed Centre. Omar, one of our expert local guides, says “community is so important in Zanzibar. You'll understand more about our island once you've explored the village and visited the seaweed centre, which empowers local women and sells great wellness products – use them at home and the scent will remind you of Zanzibar.”First up, you'll head to the village of Muyuni on the south coast of Zanzibar. Here, you'll set off on a guided tour while getting to know the locals and watching rural life unfold in the community. Next, you'll visit Ngonga Cave, a sacred site with historical and cultural significance that brings you closer to the beliefs of locals. Then, it's time to make your way to the next stop of the day – Paje Seaweed Centre. This socially responsible business supports local women to make a living as seaweed farmers, growing and collecting the crop on the nearby beaches.Before you tour the facilities, you'll have free time for lunch. Then, you'll look around the factory where the local seaweed farmers will be at work. A variety of beauty and wellness products are available for you to buy, too. Lastly, it's over to the renowned The Rock Restaurant, famous for its location in the middle of the Indian Ocean. You'll see it from the outside and have the chance to take photos.

Zanzibar Uzi Island and Jozani Forest private tour

A living maze of mangroves and coral-fringed waters is waiting for you on this private Uzi Island adventure, You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Uzi Village to begin. At low tide, you'll cross a coral rock road to the village and set off on a guided tour to learn about the local heritage and culture in rural Zanzibar. You'll explore traditional crafts such as weaving, carpentry, bee-farming and seaweed farming. Next, you'll make your way to Zanzibar Butterfly Centre for a guided tour inside a netted tropical garden showcasing hundreds of butterflies, all native to Zanzibar. Your final stop is Jozani Chwaka National Park, home to endangered red colobus monkeys, bush babies, butterflies and a variety of birds. You'll have a guide with you who will share fascinating facts about the unique wildlife there. After a full-day of discovery, you'll enjoy a scenic journey back to your accommodation.

Zanzibar Uzi Island, cave and village adventure private tour

The astonishing biodiversity of Uzi island includes mangrove forests, seagrass beds and coral reefs. As the tide ebbs and flows, your guided adventure will showcase the local heritage and culture. As you explore Uzi village, a traditional Swahili settlement, you'll see everyday village activities like weaving, carpentry, bee farming, and seaweed farming - all part of the local way of life.Next up, you'll visit Muyuni Village for a glimpse into the lifestyle and traditions of its residents. Here, you'll watch ancient crafts in action as locals demonstrate rope making, basket weaving, and makuti plaiting. These techniques have been passed down through generations - a living legacy of cultural heritage.The final stop takes you to Ngonga Cave where you'll explore with your guide, and learn about its history as a home for vampire bats and as a spiritual sanctuary for the ancestors of the Muyuni people. You'll watch a witchcraft healing ceremony in the underground cavern – a mesmerising end to your tour.

Local handcraft and culinary experience with The Mamas of Zanzibar

The Mamas of Zanzibar is a vibrant community initiative founded by a Zanzibari woman. The initiative empowers local women to create an income using their craft skills. You'll see a different side of Zanzibar on this full-day guided village tour which showcases local traditions and culture. Get set to be inspired when you meet some of the Mamas of Zanzibar, learning about their crafts and cuisine.You'll stop in rural villages to get a feel for local life, including learning about what life's like for women in Zanzibar. You'll see how the goods they sell are made – from seaweed soaps and handwoven baskets to cosy rugs and stylish belts. And, if you fancy taking something home as a souvenir, you'll be supporting their work and helping their businesses grow.Next up, you'll have lunch right in the heart of the village. There's a seriously tasty spread of traditional dishes on offer, packed with flavour and bold spices – Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island, after all.

Zanzibar historic Stone Town and spice farm private tour

No holiday to Zanzibar is complete without diving into the old town district of Zanzibar City, Stone Town. This portion of the capital is a jack of all trades. The mishmash of architecture styles, the historical landmarks, the cultural hubs – this place has it all. In fact, Stone Town is so impressive, UNESCO labelled it a World Heritage Site in 2000.Stone Town is in the spotlight for the first half of today's tour. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you into the heart of the capital. Then, you'll follow them through the streets on a walking tour. They'll point out all the major landmarks, including the House of Wonders – the former sultan's palace – the biggest bazaar on the island, Darajani Market, and Forodhani Gardens. You'll also stop by the Tanzanite Museum, to learn all about this violet gem – it's unique to Tanzania.In the afternoon, you'll get to know why Zanzibar is also called the Spice Island. You'll head to a spice farm to see how some of the local produce is grown – cloves, pepper, vanilla and even cinnamon are harvested here.

Zanzibar historic Stone Town and Prison Island private tour

Dive into the cultural heart of Zanzibar with a guided tour through Stone Town, where African, Indian, European, and Arabic influences blend into a vibrant tapestry of history and heritage. Stroll past iconic landmarks like the former sultan's palace and Forodhani Gardens, bargain for treasures at Darajani Bazaar, and hear fascinating stories about some of the famous locals. You'll also visit the Tanzanite Museum to learn about the origins of Tanzania's rare and precious violet gemstone.Next, hop aboard a boat to Prison Island. Once a slave outpost, today it's home to a conservation sanctuary for Aldabra giant tortoises. Tour the island's museum, meet the slow-moving residents and wander past the old prison ruins surrounded by turquoise waters. With stunning coastal views, rich storytelling, and encounters with unique wildlife, this tour is the perfect mix of adventure and culture.

Zanzibar historic Stone Town private tour

You'll find African, Indian, European and Arabic influences all muddled together in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town. On this half-day private tour, you'll weave through the narrow streets lined with markets, mosques and monuments, with your guide leading the way and pointing out all the historic landmarks.You'll begin at the Christ Church Cathedral, built in the 1870s on the site of a former slave market. There are many layers to the town's history and involvement in the slave trade, and your guide will explain more as you go on to visit a memorial and museum dedicated to it. You'll have some free time to see the Forodhani Gardens, where you'll get a great view of the Old Fort and the modestly named, House of Wonders – it is a former sultan's house, after all! There's a quick stop at the Tanzanite Museum where you'll see the country's prized, violet gemstone. Top tip, if you have any loved ones with a December birthday, then Tanzanite is their birthstone – just in case you need any gift inspiration. Then, it's time to polish your haggling skills at Darajani Market, Zanzibar's main bazaar, where your guide can help you snag local crafts and souvenirs.

Zanzibar historic Stone Town and Jozani Forest private tour

There are two sides to the African island of Zanzibar – the natural side and the historical side. On this tour, you'll tick off both as you dive into a couple of the island's big-name locations, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and Stone Town.In the morning, you'll kick things off with a trip to the latter, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. It's the only national park in Zanzibar, and it packs in everything from tropical woodlands and coastal mangrove forests to coral reefs found in the shallows close to the shore. During your visit, you'll stay on dry land and learn about the wildlife that calls this area home, like bush babies, butterflies and over 160 bird species. The endangered red colobus monkeys are the headliners here, though, so keep your eyes on the treetops in case they're out and about.Afterwards, you'll head to Zanzibar City, the island's capital, for a walk around Stone Town, the old district that's bagged UNESCO World Heritage status. You'll check out the area's main bazaar, Darajani Market, and the House of Wonders, before stopping by the Tanzanite Museum for a history lesson about his famous gem – it's only found in Tanzania.

Zanzibar historic Stone Town and Freddie Mercury Museum private tour

A melting pot of African, Indian, European and Arabic influences, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's full of stories waiting to be discovered. On this private half-day tour, your personal guide will show you around the city's must-see spots – including Darajani Market, Zanzibar's bustling main bazaar, and the historic former slave market.At Forodhani Gardens, you'll catch sight of iconic landmarks like the House of Wonders, once a sultan's palace, and the imposing Old Fort. You'll also have a chance to sharpen your bartering skills at a popular shopping area, with your guide on hand to help. There's also a pitstop at the Tanzanite museum, where you'll explore the history of Tanzania's famous gemstone, a unique treasure found only in this country.As you wander through the winding alleys, your guide will share fascinating facts about local legends such as Princess Salme, Bi Kidude and Farrokh Bulsara. You'll also drop by The Freddie Mercury Museum – the first in the world dedicated to the iconic Queen frontman – where exclusive photos trace his incredible journey.

Zanzibar spice farm private tour

Zanzibar's spicier side takes centre stage on this half-day private tour. You'll be whisked into the countryside to see for yourself why Zanzibar is famously known as the Spice Island. Your morning is a feast for the senses as you stroll through the spice farms that blanket the island – pepper, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon all thrive here.Dive into the world of spices, learn how they're grown, and sample them straight from the source. As you wander through rows of aromatic plants and trees, your guide will share their insider knowledge about how these spices are traditionally used in Zanzibar. After all, they're not just used to add a fiery kick to everyday dishes, they also play a crucial role in traditional medicine to help boost health and wellness. Plus, they're key to cultural ceremonies, like weddings and other festivals or celebrations.

Zanzibar spice farm and Prison Island private tour

Learn why Zanzibar is nicknamed the Spice Island on this full-day private tour. You'll kick things off with a private tour of the spice farms, wandering through fields of vanilla, nutmeg and cardamom. Plus, you'll get to taste these bursts of flavour straight from the source as your guide tells you how these spices are used to give local cuisine that extra kick. You'll hear about their medicinal qualities and their role in cultural ceremonies, too.Next, you'll head to Stone Town for a short boat ride to Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island. Here, you'll meet the island's famous residents, the Aldabra giant tortoises, at the foundation that takes care of them. Then, head to Prison Island Museum and delve into this place's past – the island was actually used as a quarantine station for yellow fever patients, rather than a prison. After soaking up the island's history, there's time to check out the island's scenic views before heading back to Stone Town.