THE BEST EXCURSIONS, TOURS AND SAFARIS OPERATOR IN ZANZIBAR AND TANZANIA
I’ve been living in Zanzibar since 2021, and I’ve done all the popular tours — a lot of them multiple times. I’ve seen many popular touristy places and tours go through changes over the years, and this guide will be consistently updated with up to date information on which activities and tours you can’t miss during your time in Zanzibar and how to book them.
About Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania, Africa. It is made up of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, and several smaller islands. The island of Unguja, also known as Zanzibar Island, is the most developed and is home to the capital city, Stone Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stone Town is known for its narrow alleys, colorful houses, and historic sites such as the Old Fort and the House of Wonders. The island also boasts white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. Pemba Island is known for its lush vegetation and is a popular destination for eco-tourism. Zanzibar’s culture is a blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences and is known for its spices, particularly cloves. The island is also famous for its Swahili culture and the Zanzibar Archipelago has a rich history of trade, which is reflected in the architecture, language, and customs of the local people.
Important Note:
Pricing for all of these activities can vary widely. There are no set pricing for tours and activities on the island, so each tour operator and guide are free to make up their own prices. They will charge more during high season (October — March). Remember, negotiating is always an option.
One of my first recommendations when planning your trip to Zanzibar is always to stay at least 2 nights in Stone Town. If you are staying in another part of the island it is possible to do a day trip, but I just don’t feel that you can get a true, authentic Zanzibar experience without staying at least 2 nights. (The souvenir shopping alone could take you a full day!)
Stone Town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has captivating history dating back from the slave trade; with incredible original architecture full of Arabic and Indian influences; to bustling streets and busy markets. Stone Town is a part of history and the hub of local life in Zanzibar.
During a Stone Town walking tour you’ll feel the buzz of the locals around you, bustling through their every day routine. You’ll walk down narrow, winding streets, dodging motorbikes and other packs of tourists sharing the same small lane ways and finding hidden treasure around every corner. Any souvenir you can think to bring home will be found in Stone Town, from clothing to paintings, wooden carvings and beaded jewelry or accessories, small toys, and so so much more!
You can stop at the old slave market to learn the harrowing history of how Zanzibar was used during these dark times; explore the Old Fort, marvel at the stunning “Zanzibar doors” and even tour a museum of Freddie Mercury — who was born in Zanzibar — and see some artifacts from his life and career.
How to Book a Stone Town Tour?
I always book with Kai tours and safaris and the cost is approximately $25. Cost may vary depending on season and other factors.
Important to Note
Stone Town can be very messy and hard to navigate in heavy rains.
The alleyways are narrow, and buildings don’t have elevators, so keep this in mind if you require accessible options.
Visiting Stone Town during the period of Ramadan means that most dining options won’t be open until after sunset, and no alcohol will be served.
No trip to Stone Town can be complete without visiting Forodhani Park — the Center of all the action. In the daytime, this park is quiet, with people napping in shady spots, and tour operators setting off in their boats to take tourists to Prison Island or Safari Blue; but in the evening, this park truly comes to life. The local kids and teenagers come here after school to jump in the water, doing outrageous flips and acrobatics. They love the attention and to entertain, and trust me is it ever entertaining!! In the late afternoon the stalls start getting set up for the night market which happens every evening, featuring local dishes for very low costs. It’s not only a cool spot for tourists to come and try some local foods for cheap and small portions; but the local people of Stone Town usually grab a bite here with their friends and families in the evenings. And yes, the food is completely safe to eat.
I highly recommend you try Urojo — also known as Zanzibar mix — which is a kind of stew made with potatoes, deep fried fritters (almost like tiny falafels), coconut chutney, and sometimes boiled egg or slices of beef. Another local culinary creation is the Zanzibar pizza — more like a stuffed crepe than an American style pizza. You can choose from different fillings options to have something savoury or sweet.
There is shawarma stalls, freshly caught grilled seafood, mishkaki (grilled chicken or beef on skewers), freshly made sugarcane juice, fresh local fruit, ice cream and more!
If you arrive to the park around 6:00 pm, you’ll catch incredible colours as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
After a bite at the night market you can continue on to your dinner (if you have any room left!) or back to your hotel to relax for the night.
Important To Note
Jumping into the ocean from Forodhani is very dangerous. The water is way more shallow than it seems. It’s kind of a miracle more people aren’t injured, especially with the flips and acrobatic jumps they do. I would not recommend trying it for yourself.
I said the food was safe to eat, but take any precautions as always, especially if you usually have a sensitive stomach or get stomach bugs while travelling to new countries.
If you feel an upset stomach after eating at the night market, it could be simply due to the amount of oil they use in their cooking, and is likely no cause for concern. Drink a lot of water and wait it out, but of course trust your body and its your decision if you want to try the food or not.
Zanzibar has some of the biggest and most diverse coral reefs in the world, commonly compared to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
If you are a lover of the ocean and marine life, you’ll love a day snorkeling in Zanzibar.
These tours are held all around the island, and usually the hotel you’re staying at will have recommendations of boat drivers and guides they trust that can help you find this tour closest to where you’re staying.
Exploring the coral reef is fascinating, swimming amongst tropical fish, and seeing dozens of brightly coloured starfish laying on the sea floor beneath you.
Zanzibar is a tidal island, and when the tide is low you can have unique experiences on stunning sandbanks — also referred to as “disappearing islands”
With colours that rival the Maldives, these sandbanks have the whitest sand and are surrounding by insane shades of turquoise because of the low tide. Since they just popped out from being underwater, you can usually find starfish, jellyfish, and unique shells.
Here, boat drivers and guides set up picnic tables, tents to protect you from the strong sun, and even small grills. You can bring a speaker, soda and/or beers, and spend a late morning or afternoon chilling in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The typical food that is served for lunch on a sandbank tour includes fresh fruit, grilled tuna, prawns, and lobster; with chapati and chips (French fries). Talk to your guide before departure if you have any specific requests or dietary restrictions.
I highly recommend bringing your drone for photos and videos if you have one! Just make sure you keep in a waterproof bag for the boat ride over.
How to Book
As mentioned, the hotel where you’re staying can recommend a snorkelling and sandbank tour closest to you, based on where you’re staying on the island.
Personally, I recommend booking with Kai tours and safaris. You can book by messaging them through Instagram, or WhatsApp.
Important to Note
The UV rays in Zanzibar are extremely strong — averaging between 9–11 on the UV index during midday. Make sure you bring sun protection with high SPF when doing any activities, but especially in the water.
Water shoes may be recommended for snorkeling or sandbank trips. Sea urchins are very commonly found in Zanzibar, always look before you step on the ocean floor.
Starfish are not toys or photo props. It is extremely harmful for them to be lifted out of the water for any period of time. Even touching them beneath the water can transfer bacteria to them that can be deadly. Bring a Go-pro or waterproof phone case to capture these beautiful creatures under the water.
4. Sunset Cruise on a Traditional Dhow Boat
A dhow is a traditional sailing boat that has been used in the region for centuries. They have giant sails which look incredible across the horizon and are even more incredible to ride on yourself!
The cruises typically take place in the late afternoon and last for a few hours.
To catch sunset from the boat, the best places to do this cruise are in the North — Nungwi or Kendwa, or in Stone Town.
Some cruises also include a traditional seafood dinner or a BBQ on the beach and drinks, it depends on who you book with and how much you’re willing to spend. Some have more of a party vibe, with local musicians playing drums and dancing on the boat; or you can opt for a private boat cruise with yourself, your friends, or your partner for a romantic evening.
The highlight of the dhow cruise is the sunset over the Indian ocean, which is truly breathtaking. You can enjoy the beautiful views of the sun setting over the ocean and the sky changing colours, while enjoying a drink and the warm tropical breeze.
How to Book
There are various ways to book a sunset Dhow cruise. You can book through the hotel you’re staying at, a best tour company you find on your own, or through meeting boat drivers and tour operators during your walks on the beach or through town. through my experience I highly recommend The Best tour and safari operator in Zanzibar Kai tours and Safaris
Price can vary widely based on who you’re booking through, if you want a private cruise, and what you want included.
5. Maalum Cave
This is Zanzibar’s newest activity and hot spot! If you’ve ever seen a cenote in Mexico, this is the closest comparison.
Maalum is located in the South-East part of the island in the hear of Paje. Its easy to find and one of the most organized tours I’ve experienced in Zanzibar!
The staff are friendly, welcoming, and well trained. When you enter, you give the name of your booking, and are then brought over to reception to pay the entry fee. You’re then led through beautifully landscaped gardens and pathways to wait at the restaurant on site. You can grab water, soft drinks, or a snack here. I wouldn’t recommend relying on this for an entire meal, so eat before you come!
Once it’s your booked time slot, you’ll be brought over to a washroom and change room area. You can use the restroom and change into your swimwear. Included in the cost is use of a towel, pair of goggles, and water shoes for your time in the cave. You must shower outside before entering the cave, and can’t be wearing any sunblock, creams, or perfumes.
The entrance to the cave is nicely done with safe stairs. It’s very slippery once in the water, so I do recommend wearing the water shoes. There is a rope swing, and cave areas to explore. We also saw a lot of monkeys hopping around the cave while we were there!
How to Book
You have to book your tour to Maalum Cave in advance, online. They have an easy online booking system which then takes you to a WhatsApp chat to book directly, and answer any questions you may have about the tour.
The cost is $20 USD for adults, $10 USDfor children, and $15 USD for residents (you must show your resident card and ID) and you have 1.5 hours to enjoy swimming in the cave.
There are more fun and breath taking fun activities in zanzibar you can enjoy from any part of the island. I will put more other activities on my next articles.
