Zanzibar trips and vacations

If your dream Zanzibar holiday involves plenty of beach hopping, you’ll be pleased with the diverse range of sandy beaches and bays. For laid-back beach bars and live music, head to Nungwi Beach on the northernmost point of the island. At nearby Kendwa, sink into soft white sands and snorkel in clear waters rich with marine life. On Zanzibar’s east coast, Paje’s ripping waves are perfect for kitesurfers.

Follow winding forest trails and spot elusive wildlife hiding in the mangroves at the protected Jozani Forest. You can easily spend half a day exploring Zanzibar’s only national park, home to bush babies, butterflies and birds. Keep watch for the red colobus monkeys found only in this lush UNESCO Biosphere. These rare primates, with their vibrant red coats and cheeky antics, are a highlight of any trip to Zanzibar.

Known as the spice islands, the Zanzibar Archipelago was once a major hub in the global spice trade and the world's leading producer of cloves. Today, that trade has slowed, but you can still go on guided spice tours, exploring aromatic plantations and learning about the cultivation and processing of cloves, vanilla and nutmeg. Many of the tours also include lunch and a visit to local villages and homes. 

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town is the best neighborhood to stay in Zanzibar for history. The architecture blends Arab, Persian, Indian and European styles, reflecting centuries of trade and migration. Intricate wooden doors adorned with brass studs and carvings showcase the 19th-century town's distinct aesthetic. Spend a morning wandering its labyrinth of narrow streets and spice-laden markets. 

Good for: Street food, architecture, markets

If you’re wondering where to stay in Zanzibar, Kendwa is a good option as a laid-back base offering a slice of seaside village life. Located on the west coast of the island, it’s a hotspot for diving and snorkeling, thanks to a mix of healthy coral and diverse marine life. Despite its chilled vibe, Kendwa also hosts raucous full moon parties, attracting partygoers from all over. Spend the night dancing under the stars and end in style with a sunrise swim in balmy waters.

Good for: Diving, beaches, full moon parties

Possibly the best area to stay in Zanzibar, palm-lined Nungwi is known for its expansive white-sand beach and calm waters. The beach comes alive at night with blazing bonfires and bars serving refreshing tropical cocktails. Watch the local fishermen leave for night fishing, dotting the horizon with traditional dhow boats. The Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium is also worth a visit to view and feed the turtles that swim freely in a tidal lagoon.

Good for: Bars, wildlife, beaches

If you’re traveling with kids, we have some top picks for things to do with family in Zanzibar. Take a boat ride to isolated Prison Island to see giant Aldabra tortoises. If your children need to let off steam, several family-friendly water parks and playgrounds with slides, play equipment and pools are available. Watch the kids on the swings at the leafy Jamhuri Gardens in Zanzibar while you relax in the seating area. 

For the best shopping in Zanzibar, head to local markets and artisan shops to browse curios, handmade crafts and home-grown produce. Stone Town has the best souvenir shops for locally made ‘kangas’ (cloth used as a garment), jewelry and wooden carvings. Busy Darajani Bazaar is the place for fresh seafood and spices, while Forodhani Gardens Night Market is the best spot to sample local street food and sip sugarcane juice. 

Find the best museums in Zanzibar in Stone Town. Visit the coral-stone Palace Museum, housed in the sultan's former residence. For African art, head to the Forster Gallery, which displays distinguished artists' talent and up-and-coming creatives’ work. Music lovers will appreciate the Freddie Mercury Museum, paying excellent homage to Queen's frontman. 

The nightlife in Zanzibar is legendary, with parties starting as the sun dips below the horizon. Nungwi, on the northern tip, has a lively scene packed with beach bars. Popular Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel hosts its famous Full Moon Party on the shoreline, while Stone Town is the place for modern clubs blasting Afro-European pop. Night owls should head to Dharma Lounge in Stone Town for late-night cocktails and reggae. 

With spicy ‘pilau,’ grilled octopus skewers and tangy ‘urojo’ soup, Zanzibar's diverse food scene is a fusion of flavors and influences from East Africa, Arabia, India and more. Find many of the best restaurants in Stone Town, which has plenty of rooftop restaurants for romantic sunset dining. Try Swahili dishes at Emerson Spice Hotel and feast on fresh seafood at The Rock, one of the most scenic restaurants in Zanzibar.

There are lots of free things to do in Zanzibar to keep costs down. Visit the Old Fort in Stone Town and wander through its timeworn courtyards and ramparts. Check out local markets filled with fragrant food and spices and Forodhani Gardens for a sunset stroll. The Dhow Countries Music Academy often hosts free exhibitions and performances showcasing local talent.