Most people see Zanzibar as the ending of their Tanzania safari — a place to recover on the beach after a week of early mornings. That it is too. But Zanzibar is so much more.
I grew up here. I know the narrow alleyways of Stone Town, the best fish restaurant along the harbour, the coral garden at Mnemba that still takes my breath away after 40 years. Here are my personal recommendations.
Stone Town — UNESCO World Heritage that truly lives
Stone Town is not a museum. It is a living city of 100,000 people, with the same streets, markets and cathedrals that were there 200 years ago. Walk without a guide through the narrow alleyways and deliberately get lost.
What you must not miss: - Forodhani Gardens (evening market) — fresh fish, Zanzibar pizza and samosas eaten while watching the dhows at sea - Darajani Market — the real spice market where locals shop - The House of Wonders — impressive historical museum at the harbour - Old Fort — 17th-century Arab fort now used as a cultural centre - The Slave Market Monument — a sober, necessary reminder of the slave trade's history
Plan at least half a day in Stone Town. Better a full day. Go back in the evening for the Forodhani Night Market — that is the most beautiful moment.
Spice tour — Zanzibar is famous for this
Zanzibar was called "Spice Island" for a reason. The island was once the centre of the global spice trade — cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and black pepper were cultivated here for the Western world.
A spice tour (2–3 hours, €15–25 per person) takes you to a working spice farm outside Stone Town. You smell, taste and learn to recognise what you otherwise only see in the supermarket. Children love it. Adults too, honestly.
Combine it with a local lunch on the farm — fresh curry with the spices you just saw.
Dolphin spotting at Kizimkazi
At the southern tip of the island, near the fishing village of Kizimkazi, live two populations of bottlenose dolphins. The local fishermen know exactly where they are.
The tour (early morning, before 8:00 am) takes you out to sea by boat. If you are lucky — and you almost always are — the dolphins swim right in front of the boat. Snorkelling alongside the dolphins is possible and is an experience that moves children and adults alike.
Note: choose a responsible operator who does not chase the dolphins.
Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll
Mnemba Atoll is the highlight of Zanzibar for me. A small private island surrounded by a coral garden 20 metres deep, populated by turtles, colourful parrotfish, surgeonfish, stingrays and occasionally a green-spotted whale shark.
Snorkelling here costs €60–100 per person (including boat transfer). Diving is also possible for certified divers.
Best time: the water is clearest from June to October. But it is worth it in other months too.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
A dhow is a traditional Arab sailing vessel that has served the waters around Zanzibar for centuries. A sunset dhow cruise (2 hours, €30–50 per person) takes you onto the Indian Ocean as the sun sets behind the island.
On board: local snacks, fresh fruit, a drink. And silence on the water, only the creaking of the wood and the wind in the sail.
This is the perfect ending to your last day in Zanzibar.
Prison Island — tortoises older than your great-grandparents
A short boat trip from Stone Town takes you to Changuu Island, better known as Prison Island (once used as a quarantine island). The island hosts a large tortoise sanctuary with giant tortoises sometimes over 100 years old.
You can touch, feed and sit next to them for a photo. For children this is an absolute favourite.
Nungwi and Kendwa — the best beaches
If you just want to relax: Nungwi in the north. White sand, turquoise water, lively bars. The beach is barely affected by tides — you can almost always swim.
Kendwa (5 minutes from Nungwi) is slightly quieter. Beautiful for a romantic stay. Kendwa Rocks resort has the best sunsets on the island.
Matemwe is the place for travellers seeking peace — a small fishing village, barely any tourists, and one of the most beautiful coral reefs directly offshore.
Local food — go beyond the hotel restaurants
The local cuisine of Zanzibar is a unique mix of African, Arab, Indian and Portuguese. And it is delicious.
My recommendations: - Emerson Spice rooftop restaurant (Stone Town): Swahili fine dining with views over the city - Forodhani Night Market: street food for €2–5 per meal - Lukmaan restaurant: real Zanzibar biryani, popular with locals - Jaws Corner: a street corner in Stone Town where locals gather in the morning for coffee and mandazi (Swahili bread) — no tourist spot, only local life
My personal advice
Three days is the minimum for Zanzibar as the ending of your safari. More is better. With five days you have enough time for Stone Town, a spice tour, Mnemba Atoll and two full beach days.
Zanzibar is never boring. I have lived here my whole life and still discover something new every week.