Zanzibar has more to offer than its beaches. Here are ten day tours and excursions that show different sides of the island, from the old streets of Stone Town to spice farms, coral reefs and a national park. Each one links to the tour page, where you can see what is included.
1. Stone Town city tour
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow lanes, carved wooden doors and centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influence. A guided Stone Town city tour covers landmarks such as the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the local markets, and explains the history behind them.
2. Spice tour
Zanzibar was once famous for its spices. On a spice tour you walk through a working farm and see, smell and taste cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and other crops, and learn how they are used.
3. Safari Blue
A full day by dhow in Menai Bay with snorkeling, a sandbank and a seafood lunch. Read what to expect on Safari Blue in our Safari Blue guide.
4. Prison Island (Changuu)
A short boat ride takes you to Changuu Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises and the ruins of an old prison. The Prison Island boat trip also includes time to snorkel around the island’s coral reef.
5. Nakupenda sandbank picnic
Nakupenda means I love you in Swahili. The Nakupenda sandbank picnic takes you by boat to a stretch of white sand surrounded by turquoise water, for swimming and a picnic.
6. Mnemba dolphin and snorkeling tour
Mnemba Island lies off the north-east coast and is known for clear water and dolphins. On the dolphin and snorkeling tour you sail by traditional boat to look for dolphins and snorkel over the reef. Sightings depend on the animals’ natural movements.
7. Jozani Forest
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is Zanzibar’s only national park and the home of the rare red colobus monkey. The Jozani Forest tour follows forest paths and a boardwalk through mangroves.
8. Dhow sunset cruise
End a day on the water with the dhow sunset cruise, sailing on a traditional wooden dhow with drinks and light snacks as the sun goes down over the Indian Ocean.
9. Sea turtles at Baraka Natural Aquarium
At Nungwi in the north, you can swim with and feed rescued green sea turtles in a natural lagoon fed by the ocean. It is a gentle activity that works well for families.
10. Day trip to Mikumi National Park
If you want to see wildlife on land, the Mikumi day trip takes you from Zanzibar to the mainland for a day in Mikumi National Park. It is a long day with an early start. See our guide to safaris from Zanzibar for longer options.
Half day or full day?
Tour lengths vary a lot, so it helps to know how long each one takes. These are the lengths listed on our tour pages.
| Tour | Length |
|---|---|
| Stone Town city tour | 2 hours |
| Prison Island boat trip | 3 hours |
| Mnemba dolphin and snorkeling tour | 3 hours |
| Nakupenda sandbank picnic | 4 hours |
| Day trip to Mikumi National Park | 9 hours |
| Safari Blue Adventure | Full day |
A short morning tour with a relaxed afternoon works better than packing too much in, especially in the heat. For more detail, read our guides to Stone Town, Prison Island, Jozani Forest and Safari Blue, and our guide to where to stay in Zanzibar.
How to combine tours
Some tours fit together well in one trip, for example a Stone Town walk with a sunset cruise on another evening. Tell us your dates and how many days you have and we will suggest a plan. The right season matters too, so read about the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Prices and booking
Each tour page shows a starting price or a Request a price option. See the full list on our day tours page, or send us a message.
