Things to do in Zanzibar

Best Things to do in Zanzibar

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Zanzibar? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 869 activities in Zanzibar, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 643, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Zanzibar in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Exciting Explorations of the Island City - Top Things to Do in Zanzibar

About Zanzibar

A popular island city located in Tanzania, Zanzibar is known for its indulgent tropical island highlights. This coastal city in East Africa is worth exploring for its unique, multi-cultural influences, markets, antique stores and a number of tourist attractions. You can also explore various things to do in Zanzibar that add to the rich touring experience.

Visiting the likes of Stone Town, Mnemba Island, Spice Farm, Prison Island, Selous (Nyerere) National Park, Salaam Cave, etc., is a must when in Zanzibar. You can also explore various sightseeing tours and day tours in the city that introduce you to the island’s hidden surprises.

Whether it is snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, cave explorations, sailing by the island or any other activities, Zanzibar offers something for your interest.

Get A Unique Zanzibar Experience with Top Things to Do

Unique Experiences

Mnemba Island Snorkelling and Swimming with Dolphin

Go snorkelling around Memba Island in Tanzania to explore some of the rarest animals from the rich marine life here. The exploration, arguably one of the most unique things to do in Zanzibar, starts with a motor boat ride from Nungwi or Kendwa beaches, which takes you to the Dolphin point for a mesmerising experience of swimming with dolphins. You can then go snorkelling and explore the rich coral reefs alongside a variety of colourful marine animals.

• Where: Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
• Pricing: It starts from approximately INR 5,000 per person
• Timing: Starts from 8:30 AM (Takes about 4 hours)
• When to Visit: From June to October

4h Quad Adventures in Zanzibar: Nungwi and Kendwa

Get the unique experience of riding a quad bike across the sandy Kendwa and Nungwi beaches, witnessing stunning scenic views. From beautiful blue waves with soothing sound to the warmth of a tropical sun and an abundance of greenery around, the island beaches are a sight to behold, riding on a quad. During this trip, which provides ample flexibility for exploring the beaches at your own pace, try out some local delicacies and explore local markets, trying out the top things to do in Zanzibar.

• Where: Nungwi and Kendwa, Zanzibar
• Pricing: Starting from INR 6,100 per person, approximately
• Timing: Two slots starting from 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM for one quad-2 people experience (Takes approximately 4 hours)
• When to Visit: June to October and mid-December to February

Skydive Zanzibar

Get on a thrilling experience of a lifetime with skydiving in Zanzibar, which gives a whole new perspective to the tropical island city. Witness an adrenaline-pumping jump under professional guidance that offers a thrilling free-falling experience of about 30 to 45 seconds. It includes pre-flight training and comes with all safety equipment. You also get to take with you photos and videos of your jump.

• Where: Kendwa, Nungwi, Zanzibar
• Pricing: Starting from INR 49,200 per person
• Timing: Starting from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Takes 2 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: From June to October and December to February

Top Attractions

Salaam Cave Zanzibar (Turtles Sanctuary)

Visit one of the best-kept secrets of Zanzibar, the Salaam Cave, which also houses a Turtles Sanctuary. Visiting this cave is definitely one of the best things to do in Zanzibar, which brings a chance to reconnect with untouched nature through the abundant flora, roaming turtles and chirping birds around here. The Cave also has a natural swimming pool, where you can get a refreshing swim and relax.

• Where: Kizimkazi, Zanzibar
• Pricing: It starts from INR 9,000 per person
• Timing: Visits starting from 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM (Takes about 1 to 2 hours)
• When to Visit: From June to October and December to February

Starfish Beach, The Rock, Paje Beach and Jozani Forest

Explore some most popular Zanzibar tourist attractions with this trip that takes you through the enchanting Starfish Beach, Paje Beach, The Rock and the tropical Jozani Forest. Try out snorkelling with starfish at the Coral Garden and Michamvi Beach, breathe in the beauty of Paje Beach or try out a delicious delicacy at the Rock Restaurant here. You also cannot miss exploring the mangroves of the Jozani Forest.

• Where: Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Pricing: It starts from approximately INR 13,500 per person
• Timing: Trip starts from 8:00 AM (Takes 9 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: From June to October and December to February

Spice Farm, Stone Town and Prison Island

Explore the Stone Town of Zanzibar, a World Heritage Site for its striking stone sculptures and explore the spice farm of Tangawizi for its rich heritage of spice cultivation. With a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town, you can reach the historic Prison Island and learn about its delicate prison ruins that tell the tale of the region’s history. You can also spot the rare Aldabra Land Giant Tortoise in its natural habitat, which also makes this visit one of the must-haves on your list of things to do in Zanzibar.

• Where: Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Pricing: Starting from INR 9,900 approximately per person
• Timing: Multiple slots; starts from 8:00 AM, 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM (Takes approximately 8 hours)
• When to Visit: April-May and September-October

Sightseeing Tours

Selous Game Reserve Day Safari with Flights

Get an unforgettable safari experience of Selous National Park, the biggest of its kind in Africa. Explore the wildlife surrounding you here and capture it in your camera up close. With a high wildlife density, visiting this national park is one of the top things to do in Zanzibar.

• Where: Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Pricing: It starts from INR 42,000 per person, approximately
• Timing: Starting from 4:00 AM (Takes about 8 to 9 hours)
• When to Visit: From late June to October

Zanzibar’s 6 Quintessential Southeastern Charm

A full day trip to the island city’s mesmerising southeastern region, this sightseeing exploration trip takes you through pristine beaches, caves and other spots in Zanzibar. A great destination for photographers, this region covers top sightseeing destinations in the city like Maalum, Mtende Beach, Kae Beach and Salaam Cave Aquarium. Visiting this region is among the most popular things to do in Zanzibar at night.

• Where: South and East Zanzibar
• Pricing: It starts from INR 18,100 per person
• Timing: Starts 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM; from 8:30 AM on Tuesdays (Takes approximately 8 to 9 hours)
• When to Visit: June to October

Day Trips

Full Day Private Zanzibar Tour with Sunset Beach

Offering a full day packed with activities, take this tour to explore the likes of Mnemba Island and Nungwi Beach. It is one of the best things to do in Zanzibar that takes you through top attractions like Baraka Natural Aquarium, white sand beaches, a pool of green sea turtles, and an enchanting sunset by the beach.

• Where: Zanzibar City
• Pricing: It starts from INR 12,200 per person, approximately
• Timing: Starting from 9:30 AM (Takes 7 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: June to October

Boat Tours

Private Sunset Dhow Cruise in Stone Town

A must explore among things to do in Zanzibar, the Sunset Dhow Cruise is conducted around the Stone Town, offering an enchanting crimson sunset. This unique sailing experience is offered in a traditional Dhow and provides a luxurious private space to unwind with loved ones.

• Where: Stone Town, Zanzibar
• Pricing: It starts from INR 8,000 per person, approximately
• Timing: Starting from 4:30 PM (Takes approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes)
• When to Visit: June-October; December-February

Getting Around

An exploration of things to do in Zanzibar is simplified with the availability of various means of transport across the city. Check out the most popular commuting options you can explore here for convenient and quick travel.

• Dala Dalas are the most popular means of transportation in Zanzibar that offering budget-friendly rides across a vast network of city routes. These are local minibuses that offer a great cultural experience of the city as well, in a fun and cheap way. To get on the right Dala Dala route for your destination, ask the bus conductor or driver for guidance.
• Taxis are another convenient means of transport in this city, especially if you are carrying heavy luggage. These vehicles are readily available across the city, offering comfortable trips, and fares can be negotiated to get a cheap ride. Avoid paying for these rides in any currency other than the local TZS or USD.
• The option to get a self-driving rental car is also available widely in the city, allowing you to explore the attractions to visit and things to do in Zanzibar at your own pace. This leisure and fun ride also comes with the option of hiring a private driver, so you do not have to balance the bumpy rides across the city roads.
• Scooters and bicycles are other popular modes of transportation here, which you can use to explore the local areas at your ease. Walking is definitely an option to explore closely located attractions and activities in the city on foot.
• You can also look for cab hire services and private transfers in the city for tailor-made and comfortable travelling experiences.

Traveller Tips

• Plan Ahead: Go for an advance booking of attractions to explore and things to do in Zanzibar, as tickets for the top places and activities fill out fast. You can use online booking options for easy access to available options for city exploration.
• Prepare for the Weather: The tropical island city of Zanzibar is known for its sudden and pleasant showers. It is best to plan ahead for your trip with the necessary gear like a raincoat and umbrella when visiting here to explore the things to do in Zanzibar without any hurdles. Also, make sure to check for the latest weather forecasts before heading out..
• Cultural Etiquette: When visiting Zanzibar, make sure to adhere to respectful and modest behaviours. Top points of cultural etiquette include wearing modest clothing with covered shoulders and knees in public, avoiding any PDAs, transacting with the right hand, asking people’s permission when taking their photographs, entering homes with shoes removed, etc.
• Currency: Use only Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) or US Dollar to make currency transactions in the city. Ensure you have some cash in local currency at all times. The options for card and online transactions are available, though.