10 Extraordinary Things to Do in Zanzibar, Tanzania

One of the earthly paradises in the world is Zanzibar, located in Tanzania. Here you will find multiple options to brighten up your vacations.

Zanzibar is a beautiful island with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. It has a unique culture and history, and it's one of the most visited destinations in East Africa. The main city of this paradise is Stone Town, which also offers many activities such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking. You can even try a traditional massage while relaxing on the beach.

1) Walk around Stone Town

The town of Zanzibar is surprisingly small. But after a few days, you can feel its charm. Every street has its own character, and it is like going back in time. In fact, there are many buildings from the 19th century where the old German merchants lived. Today, these houses serve as accommodation, restaurants, or art galleries.

2) Visit the Old Fort:

One of the favorite places in Stone Town is the Old Fort (Ujamaa Castle). It was built at the end of the 15th century, but all the walls were restored to their original state. It was an important place for defense, and now it houses several museums. Check out the Great Mosque Museum, Chole Art Gallery, Arab Hall, Swahili Culture Museum, and the Slave Lodge Museum. All of them offer interesting exhibitions about the history of Zanzibar and its inhabitants.

3) Visit the Kizimkazi Market:

One of the best ways to experience real life in Zanzibar is by visiting the Kizimkazi market, also known as the Spice Market. This is a large open-air marketplace where people gather from early morning until late at night. The spices represent the cultural diversity of Zanzibar – you can find Indian spices, Chinese herbs, Arabian perfumes, and much more.

4) Have a beach day at Nungwi:

If you want to relax, go to Nungwi Beach. There you'll find a wide variety of hotels, cafés, and restaurants, so no matter what you're looking for, you won't have any problems finding it. If you enjoy water sports, then you should definitely come during November, when the surf is good. Otherwise, just sit down somewhere in the shade, order something tasty from the nearby restaurant and enjoy the sea view.

5) Explore Jozani National Park:

Jozani National Park is famous for its population of lions and other wild animals. You can easily spend a whole day watching them playing in the grasslands. Make sure to bring your camera along because this is a rare place where you can get really close to the big cats.

6) Visit Paje Village:

The Paje village is located only 25 minutes away from Stone Town. This peaceful village allows visitors to explore its ancient stone ruins that date back over 1000 years. On top of that, the villagers are very friendly and will help you discover the area if you ask them. Don't forget to buy souvenirs!

7) Do a Safari:

A safari is not compulsory, but highly recommended in Zanzibar. First, take a sunset cruise and observe the wildlife from the water. Then, after dark, search for nocturnal predators with a flashlight. Don't worry; the guides know exactly where to point the spotlight.

8) Go to Stone Town Shopping:

Shopping in Stone Town is a must. While wandering through the maze of alleyways, you can pick up everything from African jewelry to clothes, shoes, and even bags. Be careful, though; the prices can be pretty high.

9) Head to Jambiani:

You don't need to travel far to find beautiful beaches. Head to Jambiani instead. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of both the ocean and the lagoon. Also, you can walk along the white sand and admire the clear turquoise waters.

10) Try Local Food:

Zanzibar has lots of delicious food to try. In fact, you might hear locals saying that every meal is a feast here! Try starchy ugali (dough) - it's served everywhere as a side dish, usually mixed with vegetables like spinach, cabbage, carrot, pumpkin, and sweet potato. Another specialty is nyama choma (roasted meat), which is marinated in a spicy sauce and eaten with french fries. Wash it all down with fresh coconut juice or ginger beer.

Do you need a visa to enter Tanzania?

Yes. You need a visa, depending on your nationality. If you want to know more about it, go to [Tanzania Tourist eVisa]. Here you will find the application and more info. You do not need to go to the embassy or consulate. Now everything is much simpler to go to Tanzania and live an extraordinary experience.