10 Bucket List Ideas in Zanzibar - Activities You Can't Miss!
- madiartymko
- Jul 3, 2023
- 11 min read
Updated: Feb 18
Updated prices and contact details to book - February 18, 2025
Zanzibar is a dream destination, offering a mix of rich culture, stunning nature, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. After living on the island for the past 4 years, these are my recommendations for the 10 must-do activities in Zanzibar will make your trip unforgettable, no matter your travel style!
All tours in Zanzibar must be conducted by a registered tour operator. After all my years here, I’ve found the most trustworthy guides who give your fair pricing; arrive on time; are always kind and respectful; prioritize your safety all while putting a smile on your face the whole day - and I’m sharing their direct contact with you in this blog post!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a booking through our links—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we trust and believe will enhance your travel experience. Thank you for your support!
1. Stone Town Tour & Forodhani Night Market
One of my first recommendations when planning your trip to Zanzibar is always to stay at least 2 nights in Stone Town. If you’re staying in another part of the island it is possible to do a day trip, but I just don’t feel that you can get a true, authentic Zanzibar experience without staying at least 2 nights. (The souvenir shopping alone could take you a full day!)
Stone Town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has captivating history dating back from the slave trade; with incredible original architecture full of Arabic and Indian influences; to bustling streets and busy markets. Stone Town is a part of history and the hub of local life in Zanzibar.
During a Stone Town walking tour you’ll feel the buzz of the locals around you, bustling through their every day routine. You’ll walk down narrow, winding streets, dodging motorbikes and other packs of tourists sharing the same small laneways and finding hidden treasure around every corner. Any souvenir you can think to bring home will be found in Stone Town, from clothing to paintings, wooden carvings and beaded jewelry or accessories, small toys, and so so much more!
You can stop at the old slave market to learn the harrowing history of how Zanzibar was used during these dark times; explore the Old Fort, marvel at the stunning “Zanzibar doors” and even tour a museum of Freddie Mercury - who was born in Zanzibar - and see some artifacts from his life and career.
💰 Price
Starting at $25 USD per person, not including transfers from your accommodation.
Prices may vary based on season, number of guests in your group, pickup and drop-off location proximity to the chosen tour, or unexpected changes in government entry fees to select locations.
🌟 Important to Note
Stone Town can be very messy and hard to navigate in heavy rains.
The alleyways are narrow, and buildings don't elevators, so keep this in mind if you require accessible options.
Visiting Stone Town during the period of Ramadan means that most dining options won't be open until after sunset, and no alcohol will be served.
I have an in-depth guide specific to Stone Town where I outline all you can experience in detail, along with my restaurant and hotel recommendations for the budget, mid-range, and luxury traveller.
Forodhani Night Market
No trip to Stone Town can be complete without visiting Forodhani park - the centre of all the action. In the daytime, this park is quiet, with people napping in shady spots, and tour operators setting off in their boats to take tourists to Prison Island or Safari Blue; but in the evening, this park truly comes to life. The local kids and teenagers come here after school to jump in the water, doing outrageous flips and acrobatics. They love the attention and to entertain, and trust me is it ever entertaining!! In the late afternoon the stalls start getting set up for the night market which happens every evening, featuring local dishes for very low costs. It’s not only a cool spot for tourists to come and try some local foods for cheap and small portions; but the local people of Stone Town usually grab a bite here with their friends and families in the evenings.
If you arrive to the park around 6:00pm, you’ll catch incredible colours as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
After a bite at the night market you can continue on to your dinner (if you have any room left!) or back to your hotel to relax for the night.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Nothing beats the experience of watching the sun dip below the horizon while sailing on a traditional wooden Dhow boat. This romantic and relaxing cruise lets you take in Zanzibar’s stunning coastline with fresh fruit, cocktails and vibes.
💰 Price
Starting at $30 USD per person, not including transfers from your accommodation.
Prices may vary based on season, number of guests in your group, pickup and drop-off location proximity to the chosen tour, or unexpected changes in government entry fees to select locations.
🌟 Note: Sunset cruises can be arranged all over the island, but the best spots to watch the sunset are Kizimkazi, Kendwa, Nungwi, and Stone Town.
Special requests are possible - if you want a private cruise, shared, live music, DJ...just let them know when you're booking!
3. Walk Among Rare Red Colobus Monkeys in Jozani Forest
Home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey (that can only be found on this island!), Jozani Forest is a lush tropical sanctuary perfect for nature lovers. Walk through mangrove forests and spot unique wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Jozani is completely ethical and prioritizes conservation of the forest. You cannot bring in any plastic waste, and cannot touch or feed the animals as to protect their natural environment and home.
💰 Price
Starting at $35 USD per person, not including transfers from your accommodation.
Prices may vary based on season, number of guests in your group, pickup and drop-off location proximity to the chosen tour, or unexpected changes in government entry fees to select locations.
🌟 Note: It's super kind to tip the guides in Jozani for their time and efforts to protect Zanzibar's nature.
4. Capture The Most Stunning Memories with a Flying Dress Shoot
Take your Zanzibar memories to the next level with a flying dress photoshoot. Choose from flowing, dramatic gowns in the most stunning colour options; and let the most talented professional photographer and videographer team capture breathtaking shots with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop. Trust me, you'll have never felt so beautiful and cherish these photos and memories for years to come!
💰 Price
Starting at $400 USD per person.
Prices may vary based on Zanzibar Flying Dresses team.
🌟 Tip: The best spot to do this shoot is on the sandbanks in front of Oasis Blu Beach Resort, in Nungwi. Combine your shoot with a day pass at Oasis Blu and cool off in their infinity pool with a well deserved drink afterwards!
5. Discover the Secrets of Zanzibar's Spice Farms
Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island, and a visit to a local spice farm is a must. You’ll see, smell, and taste exotic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla, learning about their history and uses - from cooking to medicinal. You’ll learn more than you expect to on this tour!
💰 Price
Starting at $35 USD per person, not including transfers from your accommodation.
Prices may vary based on season, number of guests in your group, pickup and drop-off location proximity to the chosen tour, or unexpected changes in government entry fees to select locations.
6. Experience Authentic Culture with the Mamas of Zanzibar
Connect with local women entrepreneurs through this immersive cultural experience.
You’ll get to spend the day as the locals do, starting with a visit to the market to shop for fresh ingredients before learning how to cook traditional dishes along with the Mamas.
Mamas of Zanzibar was founded and is fully operated by Zanzibari women who have built an incredible business to empower themselves and provide for their families; while giving foreigners a unique, immersive experience to learn about the local culture.
You will never forget the laughs shared while spending the day with the Mamas, and we guarantee this will be one of the highlights of your time in Zanzibar!
💰 Price
Starting at $100 USD per person.
Prices may vary based on which experience you'd like to book and on changes from the Mamas of Zanzibar team.
🌟 Tip: As you'll be walking through the villages its recommended to dress a bit more conservatively. This means for women - shoulders and knees covered, no cleavage.
7. Swim in the Natural Pool of Maalum Cave
Maalum Cave is a hidden natural pool with crystal-clear blue water surrounded by stunning rock formations. Perfect for swimming, relaxation, and taking stunning photos. You may see some fish in the pool as well as monkeys hanging around the cave!
There are timed slots with a limit of guests in efforts to protect nature. Everyone gets 1.5 hours in Maalum Cave as per your time slot. You’re given a locker with a key, towels, water-shoes and snorkelling goggles. You must shower before entering the pool and can’t use any sunscreens, creams or other chemicals!
💰 Price
$20 USD for adults, $10 USD for children (aged 5-13), $15 for Tanzania residents.
Prices may vary based on Maalum Cave team.
🌟 Tip: There is also a small restaurant and spa on site. It's a lovely spot immersed in tropical nature, and nice to bring a book and have a snack or coffee/tea after your time in the cave.
8. Seawalk on the Bottom of the Ocean!!
Ever thought about walking on the bottom of the ocean? How about dancing, doing yoga, or even playing chess!? This is all possible with Zanzibar Seawalk!!
People of all ages can do this with zero prior diving training or knowledge.
The helmet provides you oxygen while under the water - your face and hair stay completely dry, so you can even wear your glasses!
💰 Price
100,000 TSH for Tanzanian residents; $50 USD for foreigners.
9. Ethical Dolphin Tour + Snorkelling and Sandbank Experience!
Zanzibar has some of the biggest and most diverse coral reefs in the world, commonly compared to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
If you are a lover of the ocean and marine life, you’ll love a day snorkelling in Zanzibar.
These tours are held all around the island, and usually the hotel you’re staying at will have recommendations of boat drivers and guides they trust that can help you find this tour closest to where you’re staying.
Exploring the coral reef is fascinating, swimming amongst tropical fish, and seeing dozens of brightly coloured starfish laying on the sea floor beneath you.
Zanzibar is a tidal island, and when the tide is low you can have unique experiences on stunning sandbanks - also referred to as “disappearing islands”.
With colours that rival the Maldives, these sandbanks have the whitest sand and are surrounding by insane shades of turquoise because of the low tide. Since they just popped out from being underwater, you can usually find starfish, jellyfish, and unique shells.
Here, boat drivers and guides set up picnic tables, tents to protect you from the strong sun, and even small grills. You can bring a speaker, soda and/or beers, and spend a late morning or afternoon chilling in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
I highly recommend brining your drone for photos and videos if you have one! Just make sure you keep in a waterproof bag for the boat ride over.
💰 Price
Starting at $100 USD per person.
Prices may vary based on season, number of guests in your group, pickup and drop-off location proximity to the chosen tour, and which activities you are booking/combining.
🌟 Tip: Depending on weather - boat rides could be rough! Expect that anything you bring will get slightly wet from the ocean spray, so make sure to pack everything in a waterproof bag. Don't forget sun protection as UV rays in Zanzibar are some of the highest.
🌟 Important Notes: Water shoes may be recommended for snorkelling or sandbank trips. Sea urchins are very commonly found in Zanzibar, always look before you step on the ocean floor.
Starfish are not toys or photo props. It is extremely harmful for them to be lifted out of the water for any period of time. Even touching them beneath the water can transfer bacteria to them that can be deadly.
Did you know?
Zanzibar actually has zero regulations on its dolphin tourism, unlike many other countries around the world.
This has led to many ethical concerns from tourists that have gone on popular “dolphin tours” like to Mnemba Island. The dolphins get crowded, the boats become unsafe for both the dolphins and other marine life, but the tourists on board. I’ve seen boats crashing into each other, people in the water almost getting hit by motors, and of course the dolphins running out of space in between boat motors zooming around them. The guides of these tours are only trying to get their tourists the best experience by seeing the dolphins; but unfortunately they’re lacking in education on animal conservation and ethics.
I found out about a new initiative started by the NGO African Impact, working with local boat drivers to educate them on ethical practices regarding the dolphins, and sustainable tours to preserve the corals and marine life of Zanzibar. These boat drivers have to complete various certifications (which you can request proof of!) for this training.
So now you have an option to see and swim with wild dolphins - but in an ethical way, and contribute to training and education of local boat drivers on how to preserve the home and environment of these beautiful animals.
10. Go on a One-Day Safari Trip - and be back to Zanzibar for dinner!
Yes, you can go on a real African safari in only ONE DAY! Take a quick flight right into Selous Game Reserve or Mikumi National Park to see elephants, lions, giraffes, and more, then return to Zanzibar by evening.
I've personally done many safaris, all longer than one day - so went I first went to Mikumi for a day trip safari I didn't have high expectations of seeing a lot of animals; but I was soo happily surprised with all we got to see!
There is truly nothing like witnessing these beautiful animals in their natural environment, and if you don't have enough time for a longer safari, I highly recommend a one-day safari to Mikumi National Park.
💰 Price
Starting at $450 USD per person.
Prices may vary based on season, number of guests in your group, pickup and drop-off location, changes from the airline booked, or unexpected changes in government entry fees to national parks.
🌟 Note: These animals are completely wild, so it's never guaranteed that you will see any certain animals on your safari - whether one day or longer.
Let them know if you're looking for a one-day safari from Zanzibar and back; or a longer safari on mainland Tanzania where you can visit parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and more!
BUT THAT’S NOT ALL…
There are many more tours and activites you should consider for your trip to Zanzibar!
I also wanted to special mention a few more of my favourite unique activities on the island....
Enjoy a Unique Dinner on An Island - Within Zanzibar Island!
For a luxury dining experience, book a unique dining experience on a secluded island. Whether it’s at The Rock Restaurant or The Island Pongwe, this is the perfect way to end your day in paradise.
🌟 Tip: The Rock Restaurant has timed dining slots and must be booked in advance with an online deposit. The Island Pongwe is also a hotel, and you can spend more time here after dining; either at their pool or exploring the ocean.
Sail in Luxury on Catamaran Sofia
The most luxurious day in Zanzibar - sailing around on a stunning catamaran! Catamaran Sofia offers day charter trips, and they also have two bedrooms on board if you want to book an overnight sailing trip.
They’ll take you to the most stunning sandbanks where you can explore the ocean or simply relax on board.
They have a dingy to bring you to the sandbank - as well as fun equipment on board like a SUP and clear kayak!
💰 Price
Day trips start between $170 - $270 USD per person depending on location, length of charter, and number of people in your group.
Check out my guides on specific areas of Zanzibar - with hotel recommendations and booking links; restaurant recommendations and other tips!
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