10 Fun Activities You Have to Try In Zanzibar

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Something exciting to do for everyone

Wildly gorgeous and windswept, Zanzibar Island is one of the best getaway spots in East Africa, which features a variety of delights. The tropical paradise is brimming with picturesque beaches, historical and cultural attractions, and fresh gastronomic experiences. It’s also renowned for its friendly locals, secluded atmosphere and coastal comforts. If you’re planning to visit Zanzibar Island, here are some fun things to do:

1. Indulge in water activities

A world of fun water activities awaits you on the coast of Zanzibar. The island serves as a delightful hub for water adventures, and every active traveller will be overwhelmed with opportunities to enjoy a variety of sports and experiences such as scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, paddle boards, and surfing. You can wander off into the sunset as you take a long walk on the untouched beaches. Try a discovery dive and see the incredible corals and marine life in the beautiful Indian Ocean.

water activities

Indulge in water activities:By zanzibarwatersports

2. Hangout at the beach

Zanzibar Island is an ideal holiday destination for lovers of the sun, sand, and sea. With miles of white sand and stretches of pristine beaches, there’s always a beautiful place for you to relax, hang out and enjoy your holiday. From cocktails to bonfire parties, swimming, relaxing or watching acrobatics, kiteboarding, surfing and horse riding, there’s a whole lot to do on the beach.  Kendwa, Nungwi, Matemwe, Chwaka, Michamvi, Bwejuu, Paje, and Jambiani feature some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Hangout at the beach

Hangout at the beach:By Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort

3. Ignite your taste buds

Enjoy the flavours of Zanzibar, ranging from Asian fusion to traditional Swahili cuisine. Enjoy a grilled seafood platter on the beach. Try a Madafu, fresh coconut water out of the shell. Local foods to try include fried fish, chicken, seafood and meat kebabs, fruit, grilled maize, Zanzibar pizzas, sugar cane juice, curry, biriyani and pilau rice, samosas, and chapatis. Forodhani Gardens is a great place to eat a Zanzibar pizza.

Insert 5word caption

Sea Foods:By Tastezanzibar

4. Discover the local lifestyle of Bwejuu Village

A visit to Bwejuu will give you an insight into the life in a Zanzibari Fishing Village. Learn something new like the game of bao, the traditional Zanzibari game; some important Kiswahili words or cooking in the Zanzibari style. Try your hand at Palm weaving on the beach. Listen to the traditional sounds of Taarab.

Bwejuu Village

Bwejuu Village

5. Embrace nature

Take a trip to Jozani Forest for a chance to see the rare Red Colobus monkeys in their natural habitat. Get up close and learn about the various plants and animals in the park.

Jozani Forest

Red Colobus monkeys

6. Discover the Zanzibari history

Stay in Stone Town for at least a day or two to learn about the culture and history of Zanzibar as well as to see some of its stunning attractions such as the House of Wonders, the Old Dispensary, the Old Fort, the Palace Museum, St Joseph’s Cathedral, the Hamamni Persian Baths, Jaws Corner, the Abeid Curio Shop and the Zanzibar Cultural Arts Centre. You can take a trip to the Prison Island (Changuu) to learn more about the Zanzibari history. 

Stone Town

Stone Town

7. Shop at the local market

Do as the locals do at Darajani market. You’ll find vendors selling all kinds of useful stuff – clothing, mobile phones, oil, plastic goods, paintings, jewellery, material, wooden carvings, Maasai bracelets, Zanzibar chests and exotic spices, cooking utensils, fresh bread, fruit, and meat. Go early in the day to catch the big fish auction.

Darajani market

Darajani market Zanzibar

8. Ride a DalaDala

A trip to Zanzibar without a little ride on a daladala minibus is an incomplete one. Although the bus tends to be packed, it’s a memorable experience. It’s also the cheapest way to get around on the Island. The best place to catch a daladala to anywhere on the Island is the Darajani Market in Stone Town.

DalaDala

Ride a DalaDala Zanzibar

9. Go on a Village Tour

Go on an organised tour with a guide to get an insight into the daily life of the Zanzibar people. You can visit the spice plantation farms, local women’s groups, herbalist and seaweed farms. Take a trip to Pemba Island and other smaller islands and villages. Enjoy a cooking lesson from Tangawezi Bistro in Stone Town, or go on a sunset dhow cruise.

Spice

Zanzibar Spices Tours

10. Experience the social life of Zanzibar

Zanzibar hosts a variety of events and festivals every year. SautizaBusara is a music festival in Stone Town you shouldn’t miss, as well as the Zanzibar International Film Festival. Party lovers will enjoy a day out at Kendwa Rocks for the Full Moon Party or visit Cholo’s in Nungwi, Red Monkey Lodge and Coral Rock in Jambiani as well as Paje by Night in Paje.

Sauti za busara

Sauti Zabusara Zanzibar:By wildtrailsafaris

Your Adventure Awaits In Zanzibar

If your soul is aching for an adventure, don't make it suffer any longer. Pack your bags and book some cheap flights to Zanzibar and East African Locations with Tripindigo!

Have anything to add to our list? We'd love to hear from you! What's the Most adventure you have had in Zanzibar? Hit us up on social or pop us a line on social@tripindigo.com

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