Zanzibar Excursions: 15 Best Things to Do & Tours

Zanzibar excursions bring you close to the sea, local food, and island life.

Walk through Stone Town, sail on a dhow, or swim near a reef. This guide covers 15 things to do, with tips to help you plan each day.

Start with one town tour and one boat trip. Then leave time to rest on the beach. You can also pair your stay with a safari and beach holiday.

What are the best Zanzibar excursions?

The top choices are Stone Town, a spice farm, Mnemba reef, Safari Blue, and Jozani Forest. Your best mix depends on where you stay and what you like.

• For history: walk through Stone Town.

• For sea life: book a guided reef trip.

• For food: visit a spice farm or take a cooking class.

• For rest: spend a day at Kendwa or Nungwi.

15 Zanzibar excursions to try

1. Walk through Stone Town

Stone Town is a great place to start.

A local guide can show you the old streets, carved doors, and busy markets. Stop at the Old Fort and the seafront gardens. Go early to avoid the heat.

The town is a World Heritage Site. Read about its past at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

2. Visit a spice farm

A spice tour lets you see how cloves, pepper, and other crops grow.

Smell fresh leaves and taste fruit when your host offers it. Some farms serve lunch too. Pair this trip with Stone Town to save travel time.

3. Take a boat to Prison Island

Prison Island is known for its giant tortoises and old buildings.

Boats leave from the Stone Town coast. Ask your guide about the island's past. Keep space around the animals and follow the site's rules.

4. Rest on Nakupenda Sandbank

Nakupenda is a sandbank with wide sea views.

Swim when the water is calm, or rest under shade. The tide changes how much sand you can see. Ask if your trip includes shade, water, food, and boat fees.

5. Snorkel near Mnemba

Mnemba reef trips suit guests who want to see fish and coral.

Your guide should pick a site that suits the sea that day. Most trips visit the water around the private island. They do not land on it. Never stand on coral or chase sea life.

6. Spend a day on Safari Blue

Safari Blue is a full day at sea.

Trips may include a dhow ride, reef stops, a sandbank, and lunch. Check the route before you book. Ask how many guests share the boat and which fees the price covers.

7. Walk in Jozani Forest

Jozani is a good choice for guests who enjoy trees and wildlife.

Take a guided walk to look for red colobus monkeys. Some routes also visit mangroves. Stay on the path, keep your distance, and do not feed wildlife.

8. Explore Chumbe Island

Chumbe suits guests with a keen interest in reef care.

Visits may include a reef snorkel and a forest walk. Space is limited, so book ahead. Check trips and access with the official Chumbe team.

9. Go diving

A dive trip takes you below the reef's surface.

Choose a trained dive team and a site that fits your skill. New divers can ask about lessons. Share any health concerns with the team and follow their advice before you fly.

10. Sail at sunset

A sunset dhow cruise is a calm way to end the day.

Watch the light change as you sail along the coast. Ask if drinks, snacks, and hotel transfers are part of the price. Private boats suit couples who want more space.

11. Relax at Nungwi or Kendwa

These north coast beaches are popular for sand, sea views, and sunsets.

Take a swim when local conditions suit it. Then enjoy lunch by the shore. Leave a free day in your plan so you can rest at your own pace.

12. Try Paje or Jambiani

Paje draws guests who want to learn to kitesurf.

Book a lesson with a trained school. Nearby Jambiani offers beach walks and local food. Tides change a lot on this coast, so check the best time for your plans.

13. Enjoy a meal near Pingwe

Pingwe and Michamvi offer sea views and places to dine.

The Rock is a well-known stop near Pingwe. Book ahead and check the menu and access with the venue. The tide can affect how you reach it.

14. Watch dolphins with care

A dolphin trip should give wild animals space.

Choose a guide who will not chase or crowd them. Sightings are never certain. Ask about boat rules before you book, and avoid trips that promise close contact.

15. Cook with a local host

A cooking class is a fun way to learn about island food.

Shop for fresh goods, smell spices, and help make a meal. Tell your host about food allergies in advance. Ask which dishes you will learn to cook.

How do you choose Zanzibar excursions?

Choose trips near your hotel first. Long drives can use much of the day. Next, pick the pace that suits your group.

• Couples may enjoy a private dhow and a beach day.

• Families may prefer a spice farm and a short forest walk.

• Active guests can try reef trips or kite lessons.

• Food lovers can pair a market walk with a cooking class.

How much do Zanzibar excursions cost?

Prices depend on the route, group size, and what is included.

Ask for a current quote for your dates. A private boat or a long hotel transfer can raise the cost.

Before you book, check the full price. Ask about entry fees, guides, meals, gear, and transport. Also check the refund terms if rough seas stop a boat trip.

How many days should you stay?

Three days lets you try a few highlights. Five to seven days gives you more time to rest. Avoid filling each day with long trips.

• Day 1: Walk in Stone Town and visit a spice farm.

• Day 2: Take one reef or dhow trip.

• Day 3: Rest on the beach.

• Days 4–5: Add Jozani and time on the east coast.

• Days 6–7: Try a class or keep the days free.

When should you plan Zanzibar excursions?

The best day for a boat trip depends on wind, tides, and sea conditions.

Ask your guide for local advice. Keep some free time so you can move a trip if needed.

Check the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism for destination advice before your stay.

What should you pack?

Pack light clothes, sun cream, a hat, and water. Bring good shoes for walks and a dry bag for boat trips. Wear modest clothes in town and at cultural sites.

Use our packing guide to plan the rest of your trip.

Can you add a safari?

Yes. You can pair Zanzibar excursions with a mainland safari. Spend time viewing wildlife, then fly to the coast to rest. Flight routes and times will shape your plan.

Browse our Zanzibar guide for more ideas.

Common questions about Zanzibar excursions

Do all trips need swimming skills?

No. Town walks, spice farms, and cooking classes do not need swimming skills. For boat trips, tell your guide your comfort level. Ask for a life jacket that fits.

Can you book a private trip?

Yes, many guides offer private trips. Ask for a route and price based on your group. Check what you can change on the day.

Can families join?

Many trips suit families. Check age limits, shade, trip length, and child life jackets. Choose a pace that lets children rest.

Can you visit Mnemba Island?

Most public trips snorkel in nearby waters. Access to the private island is separate. Check the exact route with your host.

What if the weather changes?

Ask the operator about refunds or new dates. Do this before you pay. Keep a land tour or a free day as a backup.

Plan your Zanzibar excursions with TanzaLux Safaris

Tell us your dates, group size, hotel area, and favorite things to do.

We can help shape a trip with time for both tours and rest. Contact TanzaLux Safaris to start your safari and beach plan.