Zanzibar
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Best Things to do in Zanzibar: The Ultimate Travel Guide
The powdery white sand, the dreamy turquoise waters, the laid-back vibe of the day-to-day, Zanzibar is truly Africa’s tropical paradise. With its Indian Ocean location, Zanzibar offers the breath-taking allure of the world’s most exotic beach destinations, at a fraction of the cost compared to other Indian Ocean hot spots. The best time to visit Zanzibar is between June to October, which avoids the rainier months while welcoming clear sunny days, seeing temperatures consistently around 26C. To help you plan your time when you next visit this captivating archipelago, we’ve hand-selected the best things to do in Zanzibar below.
The beaches
The beaches on Zanzibar Island are iconic. Visit Nungwi and Kendwa beaches for breath-taking landscapes. Prepare the camera in your mind’s eye because this kind of beauty needs to be seen in person to be truly captured. Paje beach is well-known for its water sports and beach bar vibes, while Matemwe is secluded – great for those after a bit of relaxation and tranquillity.
Stone Town
A must for history buffs. Wander through the narrow alley ways of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking in the cool markets and historical buildings. You’ll be able to visit the former Slave Market and Anglican Cathedral for some insight on Zanzibar’s history.
A Spice Tour
Zanzibar is famous for its exports of cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg spices. While you’re there, you can visit a spice farm to learn more about the logistics around these essential processes and indulge the senses with this ultra fragrant experience.
Prison Island
Take the opportunity to learn about the island’s history as a former prison and quarantine station. And, while you’re there, you’ll get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see giant Aldabra tortoises – some of them are over 100 years old!
Sail on a dhow boat.
These traditional boats are spectacular. Go on a safari blue tour for a full day to enjoy snorkelling, sandbank stops, seafood BBQ, and the chance to spot some dolphins.
What is the must-try food in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar’s history as a spice and trade hub has naturally shaped its cuisine as a fusion of Arab, European, African and Indian flavours. Enjoy these must-try foods when you visit:
Octopus Curry – a Swahili style curry made with coconut milk, tomatoes and spices.
Urojo – this soup is a popular street food dish made with a mix of spices, potatoes, boiled eggs, coconut chutney and crispy fritters.
Grilled Seafood – the island is a paradise for seafood lovers. Often grilled with local spices, your must-try options include lobster, prawns, squid, and freshly caught fish.
Mishkaki – these are marinated skewers of beef or chicken, grilled and often served with a chilli sauce.
Chipsi Mayai – this dish is popular Tanzania-wide. It’s made by frying eggs over crispy French fries and is often served with a spicy kachumbari salsa.
Kachumbari – a refreshing salsa made of chopped tomatoes, onions and chilli. Some also add avocado to their salsa.
Sugarcane juice – a freshly pressed juice of sugarcane, which can be mixed with lime and ginger.
Mandazi – these are Swahili donuts, which are lightly sweetened, similar to beignets.
Culture of Zanzibar
Much like the cuisine, Zanzibar’s culture has also been shaped by its history, and has become an interesting blend of African, Arab, Indian and European influences. When you visit, you’ll find the Swahili culture is the most prominent amongst people’s day-to-day. Islam is the main religion – wandering around the island, you’ll often find pretty mosques and modest dress customs.
At festivals you’ll often see Ngoma drum playing and dancing. These are dynamic and full of energy performances saved for celebrations and festivals. A modern music genre finding its place amongst the music-lovers of the island is Bongo Flava. This is a mix of hip-hop, reggae and Afrobeat. A festival not to miss is the Zanzibar International Film Festival which is one of Africa’s largest cultural events showcasing music, films and art.
Day-to-day, family and community life are at the heart of Zanzibar culture. The neighbourhoods are closeknit and very hospitable. Markets and public squares act as great gathering spots for the locals, to enjoy shopping and socialising with friends.
Ideal for lazy and relaxing beach holidays, cultural experiences, and delicious seafood, Zanzibar is the perfect destination in the Indian Ocean, to take life at a slow pace and recharge the batteries.
