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Things to do in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a spice-scented Indian Ocean archipelago off Tanzania's coast, where white-sand beaches, UNESCO-listed Stone Town, and fresh seafood come at prices far below comparable tropical destinations. A week here can cost a fraction of Maldives or Seychelles while delivering equal doses of turquoise water and cultural richness.

Family-friendlyGreat for first-timers

Why go to Zanzibar

  • Stone Town Historic Quarter

    Labyrinthine alleyways of carved wooden doors, mosques, and bazaars tell 1,000 years of Swahili, Arab, and colonial history.

  • Nungwi & Kendwa Beaches

    Powder-white sand lapped by calm, crystal-clear water with no low-tide mudflats, the postcard image of Zanzibar.

  • Prison Island (Changuu Island)

    Home to giant Aldabra tortoises over 100 years old and snorkeling reefs just a short dhow ride from Stone Town.

  • Spice Farm Tour

    Taste and smell vanilla, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon growing wild on the island that once fueled the entire spice trade.

  • Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

    Walk among the endemic and endangered red colobus monkeys in their lush mangrove and forest habitat.

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Good to know in Zanzibar

  • Transit: Dala-dalas (minibuses) connect Stone Town to most villages for $0.50-$1; agree on the fare before boarding any taxi or tuk-tuk, as there are no meters.
  • Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated, $1-2 per meal at local spots and 10% at mid-range restaurants is generous and welcome.
  • Tap water: Do not drink tap water; buy large 1.5L bottles for $0.40-0.60 at local shops, or carry a filter bottle to cut plastic waste.
  • Free entry: Stone Town's Old Fort courtyards and Forodhani Gardens are free always; Jozani Park occasionally waives fees on World Environment Day (June 5), confirm locally.

Trip essentials

Rental car

Reach day trips and beaches the buses do not, on your own schedule.

Tours & activities

Skip-the-line tickets and day trips, often cheaper booked ahead.

Data eSIM

Maps and rides the minute you land, no roaming bills.

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Things to do in Zanzibar: top sights, costs and free ideas | Zanzibar, Tanzania