Almost everything on the island is sold to visitors as unmissable. Most of it is not. These are the experiences our guests consistently rate highest, plus the ones we quietly steer people away from.
On the water
Zanzibar's reef is its strongest asset, and the best excursions leave early before the wind builds.
- Snorkel or dive Mnemba atoll — go at 07:00 to beat the boats
- Safari Blue from Fumba: sandbanks, a lagoon swim and a seafood lunch
- A traditional sail-powered dhow sunset cruise
- Kitesurfing lessons at Paje in the June–September or December–February wind seasons
- Dolphin watching at Kizimkazi — only with operators who keep their distance and never chase
In Stone Town
Half a day with a good guide is worth more than two days wandering alone, because the buildings only make sense with the history attached.
- A guided walk covering the Old Fort, House of Wonders and carved doors
- The former slave market and Anglican cathedral memorial — sobering and essential
- Darajani market in the morning, when the spice and fish halls are busiest
- Forodhani night market for grilled seafood, urojo and sugarcane juice
- A Swahili cooking class in a family home
Inland
The interior is where Zanzibar's history as the world's clove capital still lives.
- A working spice farm — insist on a small-group tour on an actual farm, not a roadside display
- Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park for the endemic Zanzibar red colobus
- The Kuza cave cenote near Jambiani for a cool freshwater swim
- Cycling through east-coast villages in the early morning
- A seaweed farming walk with the women's cooperatives at Paje or Jambiani
What we usually suggest skipping
Swimming with captive turtles in enclosed pools, any dolphin trip that promises you will swim with them, and the largest crowded catamaran party boats. They are cheap, heavily marketed and poor for both animals and atmosphere.
How to pace a week
Two excursions in seven nights is plenty. Book the water activities early in your stay so you have a spare day if the wind cancels them, and leave your last full day free — the beach is the point.
Zanzibar & Safari, Tailor-Made
Request My Zanzibar Safari
Tell us when you're travelling and who is coming — we'll reply within 24 hours with a plan combining Zanzibar's beaches with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or both.
Inspired by: 15 things to do in Zanzibar that are actually worth your time
