Zanzibar Travel Guide: 10 Essential Experiences You Can't Miss
Zanzibar is one of those destinations that feels like it shouldn’t be real—crystal-clear turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, fresh seafood at sunset, and a blend of cultures that gives every alley and every beach its own character.
But before we get into the top 10 experiences you absolutely shouldn’t miss, there’s one important tip you need to know: tides play a huge role in planning your time here. Zanzibar’s coastline changes dramatically depending on the time of day, and this can affect your beach time, water activities, and even access to certain spots. I’ve written a full post about this - read it here - to understand how tides work and how to plan around them.
Now let’s talk about the highlights.
1. Nungwi Beach
The Heart of Zanzibar’s Beach Life
Located at the northern tip of the island, Nungwi Beach is one of the most popular and vibrant beaches in Zanzibar—and for good reason.
The sand is soft and white, the water is swimmable even at low tide, and the area is full of bars, restaurants, and activity throughout the day and night.
Nungwi is perfect for those who want a balance of beach relaxation and social atmosphere. Whether you're after a sunset cocktail, fresh seafood dinner, or a late-night beach party, you’ll find it here.
Top spots to eat & drink:
2. Kendwa Beach
Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa is a quieter alternative with wide, open beaches that are swimmable all day, regardless of tides.
Kendwa is ideal if you're looking for a slightly more relaxed version of Nungwi. It’s less commercial, but still has enough bars and restaurants to keep things interesting. The beach here is perfect for long walks and sunsets.
Eat & drink at:
Furaha Beach Bar & Restaurant
Known for its chilled-out vibe and beachfront views.
3. Baraka Natural Aquarium
Swim with Turtles
Baraka Natural Aquarium is one of the coolest spots if you're into wildlife and natural experiences. It’s essentially a natural tidal pool formed in coral rock, and it serves as a temporary home for sea turtles that have been injured or accidentally caught by local fishermen.
What really makes this place stand out is how ethical and low-impact the whole experience is. The turtles aren’t kept permanently—most have been rescued after being caught in fishing nets or found injured. They’re brought here to recover in a safe space, and once they’re strong and healthy, they’re released back into the sea. That alone makes it worth visiting.
It’s not just about the photos—it’s a chance to learn more about local conservation efforts and support a project that actually benefits the animals. It’s an easy, no-fuss stop in Nungwi that doesn’t take long, but leaves a lasting impression.
4. Boat Trip to Mnemba Island
Snorkel in Paradise
A boat trip to Mnemba Island is hands down one of the top experiences in Zanzibar. While the island itself is private and you can't set foot on it, the surrounding marine reserve is the real gem. The waters here are calm and shallow, ideal for snorkelling with colourful tropical fish, and on many trips, you’ll also have the chance to swim near wild dolphins if you're lucky—always from a respectful distance, of course.
Due to the tides in Zanzibar, most tours will actually pick you up by car and drive you across to the northeast coast, usually to Muyuni Beach, where the boats depart. The drive isn’t too long, and it’s part of the package when you book the tour.
Trips are easy to arrange directly with local operators in Nungwi or Kendwa, and you’ll usually pay around $25–$40 USD per person. You can also book online through platforms like GetYourGuide, which is convenient, but expect to pay more for essentially the same thing. Most tours provide snorkelling gear and fresh fruit on board, and the whole thing lasts about half a day.
Bring your swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and maybe a GoPro if you’ve got one—it’s the kind of outing you’ll definitely want to remember.
5. Scuba Diving
Spanish Dancer Divers
For certified divers or those looking to try it for the first time, Zanzibar offers incredible dive sites—especially around Mnemba. Spanish Dancer Divers is a highly reputable dive center in Nungwi with experienced, multilingual instructors.
Mnemba’s dive sites are rich in biodiversity—expect to see turtles, rays, reef sharks, and plenty of colorful fish. The waters are warm, clear, and welcoming even for beginners.
🔗 Book directly with Spanish Dancer Divers.
6. The Rock Restaurant
A Zanzibar Icon
Set on a rock just off the shore near Michamvi, The Rock Restaurant is easily one of the most iconic and photographed spots in Zanzibar—and not just for the location. It literally sits on a standalone rock in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by turquoise water.
Depending on the tide, you’ll either walk through shallow water to get there or hop on a short boat ride arranged by the restaurant. Either way, the approach is part of the experience.
But this isn’t one of those places that looks great in photos but disappoints when you sit down—the food is genuinely excellent.
Fresh seafood, perfectly cooked pasta, and tropical desserts are all beautifully presented, and everything tastes just as good as it looks. If you're planning a romantic dinner or want to splurge on one unforgettable meal, this is the place to do it.
Fun fact: The restaurant used to be a fisherman’s outpost and only had 12 seats when it first opened. Today it’s internationally famous, but it still keeps a relaxed, intimate vibe—especially if you go for a sunset dinner, when the whole place lights up in golden tones and the views are unreal.
$$$: It’s definitely on the pricier side by Zanzibar standards, but between the setting, the quality of the food, and the uniqueness of the experience, it’s absolutely worth it.
7. Stone Town
Culture, History, and Architecture
Stone Town is the historical and cultural heart of Zanzibar. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's known for its winding alleys, carved wooden doors, and mix of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.
This is where Zanzibar’s soul lives. From the old fort and the Anglican Cathedral (built on the site of a former slave market) to the lively Darajani Market and buzzing cafes, there’s a lot to explore.
Beach House Zanzibar
Eat at Beach House Zanzibar for a more refined menu, stylish décor, and beautiful sea views right on the Stone Town waterfront. It’s a great spot for a sunset drink or a relaxed dinner, offering everything from fresh seafood to creative cocktails—all with a more upscale, polished feel than most places in town.
8. Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach
History & Natural Beauty
A short boat ride from Stone Town takes you to two standout spots: Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach—a great half-day combo of history, nature, and postcard views.
Prison Island (also called Changuu) was originally meant to hold prisoners but ended up being used as a quarantine site during colonial times.
Today, it’s home to a sanctuary of giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. You can walk around the old ruins, feed the tortoises, and enjoy the small beach there.
From there, most tours head to Nakupenda Beach, a sandbank that appears and disappears with the tide.
When it’s visible, it feels like you’re standing in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by clear water in every direction. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, relaxing, and grabbing those dream-like photos.
Both places are easy to visit as a single trip from Stone Town, and it’s best to go earlier in the day and check the tide times to make the most of Nakupenda’s short window.
9. Jozani Forest
Red Colobus Monkeys & Mangroves
Located in the center of the island, Jozani is the only national park in Zanzibar and home to the endangered red colobus monkey, which is found nowhere else in the world. Here, you’ll walk through a peaceful forest with knowledgeable guides and visit a mangrove boardwalk. It’s a calm, educational escape into Zanzibar’s nature. Entrance is about $10–12 USD and includes a guided tour.
10. Paje Beach
Surf, Kite, and Relax
Located on the southeast coast, Paje is a hotspot for kitesurfing, thanks to its steady winds and wide, open beach. The village has a chilled-out vibe—more low-key than Nungwi or Kendwa—with a mix of backpacker hostels and boutique stays, plus plenty of beach cafés and bars.
It’s a great place to stay if you’re into watersports or want something quieter. Just note that tides here are quite extreme; during low tide, the sea pulls far back, so swimming is really only good at high tide.
If you’re after more consistent beach access and a livelier scene, Nungwi or Kendwa might suit you better, but for a slower, breezier experience, Paje is a great pick.
++ Practical Tips for Zanzibar
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Many places accept cards, especially restaurants and hotels.
Taxis and local shops often don’t; carry cash in Tanzanian shillings.
USD is widely accepted, but prices are usually better when paying in the local currency.
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Renting a car is possible, but I wouldn’t really recommend it. Police stops are frequent and often arbitrary.
Taxis are more convenient and often cheaper in the long run. A transfer between major locations (like Nungwi to Stone Town or Paje) costs around $60 USD.
Within towns, expect to pay around $10 USD for a short ride.
Pro tip: Get one reliable driver’s WhatsApp and use them throughout your stay.
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Split your time: 4 days in Nungwi (for beaches), 2-3 in Stone Town (for culture and daytrip excursions).
If you have more time, add a few days in Paje to experience Zanzibar’s eastern coast.
