Zanzibar Archipelago

Our most recommended things to do in Zanzibar Archipelago

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  1. Stone Town & Prison Island Private Tour (Transfers & Lunch)

  See the National Museum of Zanzibar (rebuilt in 1883) and the Arab fort while passing along bazaar streets towards the famous Freddie Mercury house. See the old slave market, fruit market, and spice market — don’t miss the classic Zanzibar curved doors decorating the stone town.  After you have explored Stone Town, you’ll have an opportunity to take a short break and have lunch before heading to Prison Island. Prison Island is also known as Changuu Island, the nickname came from the island being used by some sultans of Zanzibar to detain enslaved people. While you are on this island, you can swim, snorkel and take pictures with giant tortoises.  See the colorful schools of black snappers, orange lined triggerfish, spotted garfish, barracudas, longfin bannerfish, emperor angelfish, rabbitfish, clown triggerfish, and many more.

  We had a very nice walk in Stone Town and then with a boat to Prison Island. It was indeed very interesting and fun. The snorkling spot, wasn´t the best though. Not much to see, but I guess you can´t combine everything at one. If you´re more into snorkling then there are other trips worthy for you. The lunch in the typical african restaurant was also very interesting and the place was really full. Enjoy!

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 8/25/2021
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  2. Zanzibar: Quad Bike Tour and Visit to Local Village

  You will be picked up from your hotel. Starting from Kiwengwa (Kairo), you drive along the main road going to Pwani Majangani, for about 4 km. The tour usually stops for a few minutes in a local shop where you can buy some food to offer as a present to the village (flour, rise, biscuits for the kids). Clients are encouraged to support the local community. After this small pit stop, you leave the tarmac road to ride the quad off-road through the rice fields, where your guide stops for about 15 minutes to explain the economy, culture, and habits of the villages in the middle part of the island. After this explanation, the excursion goes ahead through the environment of the island to arrive at the local village. At the village, you stop for about 1 hour. Travellers will have the opportunity to stay with the children, play with them, and be in contact with the community of the village. Afte...

  Great guide and great rude on quads into Unguja Island inner villages. Great experience to have and to see. We also had stop at spices farm and saw many things that we use for cooking but never seen how they grow. Fantastic stuff.

  Reviewed by Alex, Belarus, 2/17/2021
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  3. Prison Island: Private Half-Day Tour

  This private guided half day tour can begin any time from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Meet your well-trained guide and boatman as your board your steam-engine wooden boat. Head to the prestigious island and enjoy the 30-minute journey.  Listen to the history of the island and discover the past centuries through the historical buildings, which have served many purposes over the years including a prison, chapel, and hiding place for slaves after the abolition.  Enjoy a swim or snorkel around the colorful coral rocks and turquoise waters. Play with giant tortoises and you may take photographs with these old precious creatures. If you do not have much experience or confidence in the water, you will be provided with a life jacket. 

  It was nice and beautiful very professional Guide, Good knowledge and English speaking

  Reviewed by Ahmed, 3/17/2021
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  4. Zanzibar: Jozani Forest National Park and Dolphin Encounter

  Begin your experience early, as the morning is the best time to spot dolphins. Start in the Kizimkazi fishing village, which is one of the oldest capitals on Zanzibar Island. While looking out for dolphins, dive in to snorkel among the wonderful coral reef and the variety of colorful fish and marine creatures. If the dolphins are in a good mood, you can witness them goofing around.  As you will be in their natural habitat, there is no guarantee you'll have the chance to swim with the dolphins; your guide will do their best to ensure they are comfortable so you can enjoy their beautiful energy, whether up close or from a distance.  The trip to Zanzibar Jozani Forest national park involves a visit to the high, dense groundwater forest. Home to the red colobus monkey, a rare species only found in Zanzibar, take the opportunity to get up close to the wild animals. Other animals within the ...

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  5. Zanzibar: Jozani Forest, Local Zoo and Swimming with Turtles

  Visit the famous Jozani Forest National Park, Zanzibar's only National Park, to see local wildlife and natural habitats, including African rock pythons, red colobus monkeys, and crocodiles on a guided day tour. Explore Zanzibar's luscious groundwater forest at the national park and see rare animal species only found on the island, such as the cheeky red colobus monkey. Walk through the park's mangroves as you make your way to your lunch spot, a restaurant nestled in the middle of the jungle. Listen to the sounds of the jungle surrounding you as you tuck into a delicious local meal. Enjoy a cooling dip in the pool after lunch before heading to the north of the island for a visit to the local zoo to see a number of other local animals, including chameleons, bushbabies, tortoises, ostriches, elephant shrews, and more. End your day out with a relaxing swim with turtles, which you have th...

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  6. Zanzibar: Parasailing Boat Trip with Flight Instructor

  Get the best panoramic views of Zanzibar and its coastline with an unforgettable parasailing adventure. Appreciate the views from 300 meters above including the sandy, white beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa, coral reefs, tropical trees, and local resorts and fishing villages. You can feel secure in the knowledge that your flight instructor will make sure you have a fantastic time in a safe way, with the activity being suitable for people aged 8 upwards. After some training in flying and safety instructions, your instructor will take you out in the parasailing boat. You will be secured into a safety harness when it is your turn and your instructor will slowly release you. At the end of the flight, the hydraulic winch system will gently reel you back in until you land softly on the boat’s platform. Feel the thrill of the flight as you float in the air behind the boat for approximately 10 -...

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  7. From Stone Town: Spice Tour of Zanzibar

  On this 2.5-hour guided tour, immerse yourself in the heady world of the spices of Zanzibar. This tour will clarify for you why Zanzibar is called “spice island”: on this small plantation you’ll see where spices grow, among them cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, Zanzibar’s cardomoms, cinnamon, curry, menthol, pepper, tamarind, and ginger. You’ll also see tropical fruits such as papayas, mangoes, and jackfruit.   You’ll also learn the origins of spice plants and herbs, as well as some uses they are put to. For example, the neem tree leaves were used locally as a traditional cure for malaria and indigestion, while the iodine tree is still used to fight infections in wounds. The tour ends with a visit to the spice shop on the farm, where you can buy fresh spices to use in your cooking at home.

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  8. Stonetown: Food Markets and Street Food Walking Tour

  Take part in a unique 3-hour evening food tour in Stone Town. After hotel pickup, your tour will start at 5:00 PM at Darajani Market, where locals go to buy their fruits and vegetables. Experience the fun hustle and bustle of this busy market and admire the multitude of foods on offer.   Your next stop will be at the Africa House sunset bar, the best place to watch the sun go down. As you watch the sky change colors, enjoy some soft drinks or local beers made in Tanzania. Afterwards, explore the streets of the city, which has itself been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear stories about the city and see where the locals gather to celebrate events, watch football, or just have tea and play some games. Continue walking to Forodhani Garden, which hosts a popular street food market in the evenings. Try out local foods and drinks like Zanzibar Pizza, urojo soup, shawarma, ...

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  9. Zanzibar North Coast & Turtle Sanctuary Tour

  The most popular beaches of Zanzibar are in Nungwi. This is mostly because the tides do not have such a huge impact on the beach. But, did you know that Nungwi is also the capital of local dhow manufacturing? Find out all about how these impressive sailing vessels are made and get the chance to see local craftsman in action. Later, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. After that, experience a real turtle sanctuary. Here, turtles are treated and healed of any illnesses before being released to the ocean. Get the chance to swim with these incredible animals and feed them.  All fees paid here contribute towards turtle welfare and the education of tourists on their impact to the local environment.

  Great experience to be able to feed the turtles and be in their environment. Must visit experience.

  Reviewed by Francois, South Africa, 8/8/2021
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  10. Zanzibar: Prison Island Tour with Lunch on the Sandbank

  Your Zanzibar adventure begins with a visit to Prison Island, purchased in 1893 by Lloyd Mathews, the British First Minister of Zanzibar at the time. Mathews constructed a prison complex on the island which is still visible today, however no prisoners were ever housed on the island and instead it became a quarantine station for yellow fever sufferers. On the island, spend some time exploring the area and discover the collection of over 50 tortoises that live here, some of which are more than 100 years old. Learn about why the tortoises call the island their home, as well as taking photos and feeding them too. The island is also home to peacocks and small antelope too. Once you’ve explored the island, enjoy the opportunity to cool off from the hot weather with a refreshing dip in the surrounding crystal clear waters. Spend some time snorkeling in the water just off the island and search...

  Great experiencie. Great kidness. very fexible on time and leen to help taking a lot of pictures. Very nice food in the amazing sand bank. Guide sprint some extra time to show souvenir shops back in the town after the trip.

  Reviewed by Verónica, 11/24/2019