Activities in Zanzibar

With over 1,200 years of fascinating and culturally diverse history, Stone Town is a unique place that is an absolute must-visit. Walk its narrow alleys and you'll discover ornate carved doors, ancient Arab houses, Persian baths, Indian temples and Portuguese churches — all within a few minutes' walk of each other. Despite years of weathered walls and peeling paint, you can't help but feel this adds to the town's magical, timeless charm. It is a living, breathing piece of history.

Zanzibar earned its name as the "Spice Island" for a very good reason, and no trip to the island is truly complete without exploring one of its famous spice plantations. You'll walk through lush farm paths, smell, taste and learn about cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, lemongrass and dozens of other spices. If you love food and cooking, these educational and sensory tours offer a fascinating insight into how spices are cultivated, harvested and used in traditional Zanzibari cuisine.

Once the main slave-trading port in East Africa, the former slave market in Stone Town is one of the most significant and haunting historical sites in Africa. At its height in the 18th and 19th centuries, tens of thousands of enslaved people were shipped from Zanzibar to Brazil, India, Arabia and beyond. Today, the site has been transformed into a memorial museum and an Anglican cathedral built directly over the former slave pits. A deeply moving and important place to visit and reflect upon.

Located 35km southeast of Zanzibar City, Jozani Forest Reserve covers approximately 10 square kilometres of ancient indigenous forest, with trees over 100 years old. It is one of the last remaining sanctuaries of the rare and endemic Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey — found nowhere else on earth. Walk guided trails through ancient forest, spot red colobus monkeys, suni antelopes, forest birds and mangrove ecosystems. A must for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Parasailing has evolved into one of the safest and most thrilling water activities in the world — and anyone can enjoy it. There is no running, no jumping and absolutely no experience necessary. Your captain provides full safety and flying briefings before takeoff. Once secured in a harness, you are safely attached to the boat's rope and lifted into the air, soaring high above the turquoise Indian Ocean with breathtaking panoramic views of Zanzibar's coastline. Each flight lasts approximately 10–12 exhilarating minutes.

Experience the exhilarating sensation of flying above the water on a fly board — one of the most exciting new water activities available in Zanzibar. Powered by a jet ski, the fly board propels you up to 10 metres above the ocean surface using powerful water jets. The safety standards are world-class and the instructors are highly trained professionals who attend to your every need. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned fly boarder, this is an experience you'll remember for a lifetime.

Zanzibar's tropical climate means kitesurfing is possible for most of the year, thanks to consistent seasonal winds and the wonderfully warm temperature of the crystal-clear sea. The long, uncrowded white sand beaches allow for a faster, more relaxed learning process with plenty of space to practise. You can glide alongside the reef, accompanied by dolphins and a diverse array of marine species. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced rider, Zanzibar's conditions are world-class for kitesurfing.

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to explore Zanzibar's coastline and its protected mangrove forests. Since you're standing at your full height on the board, you enjoy a beautiful elevated view of the turquoise water, the marine life below and the stunning Zanzibari landscape around you. It is highly recommended to go in the afternoon to enjoy the breathtaking tropical sunset over the Indian Ocean. SUP is also the only way to access the highly protected mangrove forest ecosystems.

Zanzibar Island is bathed by the warm equatorial currents of the Indian Ocean, making it one of the premier diving and snorkeling destinations in Africa. The coral reefs offer exhilarating scuba diving within a short boat ride from most beaches. The best snorkeling destination is Chumbe Island — one of the most spectacular coral gardens to be found anywhere in the world. For scuba diving, Mnemba Atoll offers outstanding visibility and an incredible diversity of marine life including whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and hundreds of reef fish species.

Third Lung Diving is an innovative and easy way to experience the first stages of scuba diving without requiring full scuba training or the unfamiliarity of a discovery dive. Using a long surface-supply airline (the "third lung"), guests can breathe normally at depth while exploring the ocean and coral reefs from the surface down to 8 metres. The minimal requirements mean almost anyone can participate, and the experience is far superior to traditional snorkeling — giving you the sensation of true underwater exploration without heavy tanks.

The deep waters between Zanzibar and Pemba Island are home to some of the finest big game fishing in the world, renowned globally for the extraordinary opportunities they provide. Striped, black and blue marlin can be found along the Zanzibar coastline, as well as acrobatic sailfish, elusive spearfish, dorado, yellow fin tuna, wahoo, barracuda and kingfish. Peak season for tuna runs from August to October, with marlin and sailfish from November through to March. All professional fishing vessels are equipped to the highest international safety standards with GPS, echo sounders and fish finders.

The Jet Ski Tour departs from Nungwi beach and heads out towards the mysterious island of Tumbatu — known amongst locals for its seclusion and legendary folklore. Cruise by the island to admire its perfectly pristine setting, then take a 15-minute stop to relax, swim freely and enjoy the open ocean. On the return journey, you'll pass Kendwa beach — rated among the top 10 beaches in the world — and cruise along Zanzibar's breathtaking northern coastline, admiring the resorts and palm-fringed shores all the way back to Nungwi.

A customized live-aboard 50ft (16.5m) catamaran specializing in diving is based in Zanzibar, available for day sailing or extended multi-day voyages. Fully equipped for diving and deep sea fishing, the boat is crewed by a professional skipper, chef, deckhand and dive instructor. With 4 double cabins with en-suite facilities, a DVD player and surround sound stereo, every comfort is taken care of. A wide variety of trips are available to suit individual needs — from relaxing sunset cruises and snorkeling excursions to fully customized diving and fishing adventures.

Prison Island — known locally as Changuu — is one of Zanzibar's most popular and fascinating day trip destinations, just a short boat ride from Stone Town. The island was originally used as a containment camp for disobedient enslaved people, and a jail was built there in 1893 though it was never actually used as a prison. Today, the island's most famous and beloved inhabitants are its colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some estimated to be over 200 years old. Visit the tortoises, swim in the crystal-clear bay, stroll around the historic ruins or simply relax on the white sand beach for a picnic.