When most people picture Zanzibar, they see stunning beaches, palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and crystal-clear waters stretching toward the horizon. And while that’s all true, there’s so much more to discover on this enchanting island. Zanzibar isn’t just a tropical paradise—it’s a cultural and historical treasure trove shaped by centuries of global interaction, blessed with vibrant nature, and steeped in Swahili heritage.
In this guide, we go beyond the beach to explore the Top 7 things to do in Zanzibar that offer deeper insight into its soul—its people, history, landscape, and flavors.
Discovering Zanzibar: More Than Just an Island
Zanzibar is an archipelago located about 40 km (25 miles) off the coast of mainland Tanzania in East Africa. It consists mainly of Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba Island, along with numerous smaller islets. The name “Zanzibar” is thought to have been derived from the Persian words Zang (black) and bar (coast), translating to “land of the black people.” Throughout its history, Zanzibar has served as a vital trading hub between Africa, the Middle East, India, and Europe. This convergence of cultures created a unique blend of Arab, Persian, Indian, and Bantu influences, still very much alive today in the island’s architecture, cuisine, and customs.
Despite its relatively small size, Zanzibar is incredibly diverse—from historic urban centers like Stone Town to lush forests, spice farms, coral reefs, and rural villages.
Top 7 Things to Do in Zanzibar Beyond the Beach
1. Explore Stone Town – The Heart of History and Culture
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is the cultural soul of Zanzibar. This old quarter of Zanzibar City is a maze of narrow streets lined with ancient coral stone buildings, brass-studded doors, bustling markets, mosques, and temples—all telling stories of a colorful past.
Highlights to Visit:
- House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib) – once a Sultan’s palace, now a museum.
- Old Fort – the oldest building in Stone Town, now home to cultural events.
- Darajani Market – where locals shop for spices, fruits, and fabrics.
- Freddie Mercury’s House – birthplace of the legendary Queen frontman.
Wandering through Stone Town is like flipping through the pages of a living history book.
2. Walk Among Endemic Wildlife in Jozani Forest
Zanzibar’s only national park, Jozani Chwaka Bay, is a sanctuary of biodiversity. Located in the center of Unguja Island, this forest is home to the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey, a rare and endangered primate found nowhere else on earth.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Guided forest walks under the lush canopy of mahogany and eucalyptus trees.
- A raised mangrove boardwalk, where you can explore the coastal ecosystem and spot crabs, fish, and birds.
- Fascinating insights into medicinal plants, butterflies, and rare tree species.
It’s a great way to experience the quieter, greener side of the island.
3. Spice Tours – A Journey Through the Island’s Fragrant Heritage
Zanzibar’s nickname, “The Spice Island”, is more than just a title. Since the 18th century, the island has been a major global supplier of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and vanilla.
What to Expect:
- Walk through working spice farms with knowledgeable guides.
- Smell and taste spices straight from the trees and soil.
- Learn about traditional uses of spices in Swahili medicine, cooking, and rituals.
- Enjoy a home-cooked local meal flavored with the very spices you’ve just discovered.
These tours are educational, aromatic, and incredibly photogenic!
4. Connect with Local Life on a Village Cultural Tour
To truly understand Zanzibar, you need to meet its people. Village tours offer a firsthand look at daily Swahili life—far from the resorts and beaches.
Activities include:
- Visiting homes, schools, and farms.
- Watching or participating in weaving, pottery, and cooking.
- Learning about social customs, marriage rituals, and music.
- Tasting freshly baked chapati or roasted cassava prepared by locals.
Not only do these experiences enrich your understanding, but they also support community-based tourism initiatives that directly benefit rural families.
5. Snorkeling & Diving at Mnemba Atoll – An Underwater Eden
Just off the northeast coast lies Mnemba Atoll, one of the top diving and snorkeling sites in East Africa. The waters are warm, calm, and bursting with marine life.
Expect to see:
- Coral gardens, sea anemones, and sponges.
- Tropical fishlike parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, and lionfish.
- Green sea turtles, dolphins, and sometimes even whale sharks (in season).
Whether you join a group boat trip or a private excursion, Mnemba Atoll is a surreal world of color and calm that feels far removed from everyday life.
6. The Old Slave Market – Remembering Zanzibar’s Dark Past
Zanzibar played a significant role in the East African slave trade, with Stone Town serving as a major slave-trading post. Today, the Anglican Cathedral Church stands on the former site of the slave market, with a museum and underground slave chambers open to the public.
A visit includes:
- Walking through cramped holding cells where slaves were kept.
- Learning about the auction process, abolition, and legacy.
- Reflecting at the haunting slave monument sculpture in the courtyard.
It’s an emotional but essential experience that deepens your appreciation of the island’s complex history.
7. Zanzibar Cooking Classes – Taste the Culture
Zanzibar’s cuisine reflects its multicultural history—blending African, Arab, Indian, and Persian flavors. Joining a cooking class lets you explore this fusion firsthand.
What you’ll love:
- Touring local markets for fresh ingredients.
- Learning traditional cooking techniques using coconut milk, spices, and local herbs.
- Dishes like octopus curry, pilau rice, Zanzibari biryani, and urojo (mix soup).
- Enjoying your delicious creations with other travelers or locals.
You’ll leave with a full belly and a recipe book to impress back home.
Zanzibar Awaits – Go Beyond the Beach
Zanzibar is more than just a pretty postcard. It’s a living, breathing island bursting with stories, traditions, nature, and charm. While the beaches may lure you in, it’s the people, history, and culture that will make you fall in love—and want to return.
Whether you’re walking the alleyways of Stone Town, listening to forest sounds in Jozani, diving into coral kingdoms, or sharing a laugh with locals in a village—you’ll find that the real Zanzibar lies beyond the shore.
So, take a step off the sand and into the heart of Zanzibar.
Karibu Sana—You’re more than welcome to discover the island’s soul.
