Zanzibar is much more than white beaches. In a few days you can snorkel turquoise reefs, walk the old streets of Stone Town, meet rare monkeys in the forest and watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean.
As a local team that runs private trips around the island every day, here are the experiences we recommend most — and how to enjoy each one.
1. Snorkel the reefs around Mnemba Island
The waters around Mnemba are some of the clearest in Zanzibar. From Muyuni Beach a boat takes you to the dolphin area — sightings are never guaranteed, but chances are good — then on to the reefs to snorkel among colourful fish, starfish and coral.
Good to know: trips explore the waters around Mnemba; landing on the private island itself is not allowed.
See the Mnemba Island trip →2. Walk through historic Stone Town
Stone Town is the old heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander narrow alleys and carved wooden doors, and visit the Old Fort, House of Wonders, Sultan’s Palace, Forodhani Gardens and the busy Darajani Market.
See Prison Island + Stone Town →3. Meet red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest
Jozani Forest is home to the red colobus monkey, found only in Zanzibar. A local guide leads you along the forest trails and then onto the mangrove boardwalk, where you learn why mangroves matter so much for the island.
See the Jozani Forest trip →4. Spend a day on Safari Blue
Safari Blue is a classic Zanzibar ocean day from Fumba: a traditional wooden boat, sandbank swimming and snorkeling with fresh fruits, a seafood BBQ lunch on Kwale Island, a giant baobab tree and a swim in a natural lagoon.
See the Safari Blue trip →5. Visit the giant tortoises of Prison Island
A short boat ride from Stone Town brings you to Prison Island, home to giant tortoises and an interesting history. Combine it with the soft white sand of Nakupenda sandbank for a relaxed half day.
See Prison Island + Nakupenda →6. Smell and taste the spices of Zanzibar
Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. On a spice farm tour you see, touch and taste spices like cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, learn how they grow and enjoy a Swahili lunch.
See Stone Town + Spice Farm →7. Snorkel Blue Lagoon and see The Rock Restaurant
On the southeast coast, Blue Lagoon offers calm, clear water for snorkeling and a starfish spot with fresh tropical fruits. Finish with photos at The Rock Restaurant, the famous restaurant built on a rock in the ocean.
See Blue Lagoon + The Rock →8. Swim in Zanzibar’s caves
Zanzibar hides beautiful natural caves with clear water for swimming, such as Kuza Cave and Salaam Cave in the south, and Maalum Cave near Paje. Pair them with a beach like Mtende for a different side of the island.
See Salaam Cave + Mtende + Kuza Cave →9. Watch the sunset on a cruise
The northwest coast around Kendwa is perfect for sunsets. A relaxing evening cruise lets you watch the sky turn gold and orange over the ocean before heading back to your hotel.
See the Sunset Cruise →10. Take a day safari to mainland Tanzania
Want to see wildlife during your Zanzibar holiday? Day trips from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park or Selous Game Reserve let you experience a real Tanzanian safari and come back the same day.
See our Tanzania safari day trips →Every trip with us is private, so we can adjust the timing and stops to suit you. Tell us what you would love to do and we will help you plan your perfect days in Zanzibar.
Plan your trip with us →