Island, Zoo, Sandy beach, For kids

Prison Island, known as Changuu in Swahili, is a small island near Stone Town. Its main attraction is the colony of Aldabra giant tortoises, but you’ll also see historic buildings and a small beach. In my view, Prison Island is a pleasant half-day trip, not a place I’d travel all the way across Zanzibar for. It makes the most sense if you’re staying in Stone Town or as part of a full-day boat trip to Nakupenda Sandbank. [btn "Compare trips to…

National Park

Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park is the largest remnant of the original forest that once covered most of the island of Zanzibar. The forest is home to a wide range of endemic animals that were once commonly found across the island: the diademed guenon, the suni antelope and, currently, the park’s biggest attraction, the red gueréza. In addition to the forest, the park also contains several interconnected habitats: swamps, evergreen scrub,…

Sandy beach, Cave, Mosque

Kizimkazi, in the very south of Zanzibar, is not a typical seaside resort with a long beach, a promenade and dozens of restaurants. It is a sprawling area of fishing villages, small hotels and a few secluded resorts, about 53 km from Stone Town. Most people come here for morning trips to see wild dolphins. For me, however, what I like most about Kizimkazi is the tranquillity, the sunsets and the atmosphere, which is significantly less touristy…

Island

Mnemba Atoll is one of the most popular boat trips in Zanzibar. You can look forward to snorkelling above the coral reef, the turquoise sea, tropical fish and, with a bit of luck, dolphins or a sandbank rising out of the water. In travel agencies’ brochures, Mnemba is often referred to as the ‘African Maldives’. Given the colour of the water and the white sand, this comparison certainly holds true. Don’t expect a deserted island all to…

Island, Lighthouse

Chumbe Coral Island was the first marine protected area in Tanzania and contains one of the richest and best preserved coral gardens in the world. The island's name aptly sums up the understanding of the rich ecosystem as a living entity - it means being or creature. The coral growth on the shallow reef is among the densest in East Africa and the diversity of marine life in this area is fascinating. [btn "Find out trip prices at getyourguide…

Cave, Sandy beach

About 25 kilometres north of Stone Town is the village of Mangapwani with a beautiful clean beach and several caves. The name of the village means "Arabian Coast" and probably refers to one of the caves, which is actually a man-made cavern that was used to hide slaves after the trade with Oman was outlawed in 1845. [btn "View the best beach hotels in Zanzibar" https://www.booking.com/beach/region/tz/zanzibar.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-zanzibar…

Sandy beach, Island, For kids

Nakupenda Sandbank is a sandbank in the middle of the sea, not far from Stone Town. At low tide, it forms a spacious beach with fine white sand, whilst at high tide it shrinks considerably and much of it disappears beneath the surface of the water. I’d recommend a trip there mainly for the beautiful colour of the sea, a swim and lunch on the sand. However, don’t expect a deserted island or top-class snorkelling. Nakupenda is one of the most…

Garden

As well as its white sandy beaches, Zanzibar is also famous for its cultivation of spices, fruit and vegetables. There are a huge number of spice farms on the island. I visited a small local farm, Issa Spice Farm, in the north of the island between the resorts of Matemwe and Nungwi. In the ‘Things to Do in Zanzibar’ section, we have a list of all the spice farms that offer tours for tourists. [btn "View the best beach hotels in Zanzibar"…

Sandy beach, Cliff, The Cove

Zanzibar is famous for its endless beaches, which stretch for many tens of kilometres along the entire coastline. But even here you’ll find secret, romantic beaches tucked away amongst picturesque cliffs. Head to the very south of Zanzibar, where you’ll discover the bustling yet beautiful Mtende Beach. Don’t expect a secluded beach or a spot for a leisurely day’s swimming, though. Mtende is well-known; organised day trips arrive here during…

Cave

Kuza Cave is one of Zanzibar’s best-known cultural and natural attractions. And yet there’s a good chance you’ll be completely on your own here! Kuza Cave lies just about 1 km from the resort of Jambiani, and the main attraction is swimming in the natural underground river, which forms a small lake at the bottom of the cave. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Zanzibar" https://www.booking.com/region/tz/zanzibar.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-zanzibar…