40 Things To Do in Zanzibar (Part 2)

By Mark Wiens 21 Comments

If you missed Part 1, check it out here.

The Zanzibar archipelago of islands is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 km off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa. Unguja Island is the largest and most populous island, also referred to just as Zanzibar Island.

This list of things to do in Zanzibar only pertains to the island of Unguja.

21. Bwejuu Beach Village

Bwejuu is a small Zanzibari village located on the East coast of Unguja island. The town is known for fishing and the harvesting of seaweed. The people are friendly and the lanky swaying palms induce an attitude of relaxation.

Bwejuu Beach - Zanzibar — Things To Do in Zanzibar – Bwejuu Beach, Zanzibar

22. Zanzibar Anglican Cathedral

Right next to the old slave market in Stone Town is the first Anglican Cathedral in East Africa.

Admission: 1000 TSH
Hours: 8 am – 6 pm Mon – Fri, Still hold Sunday morning services

23. St. Josephs Cathedral

The Cathedral was built in French architectural style by French missionaries. The steeples are a prominent part of the skyline of Stone Town.

St. Josephs Cathedral - Zanzibar — Things to do in Zanzibar – St. Josephs Cathedral

24. Kiwengwa Caves

A trek through the wet forested reserve and a guided visit to the Kiwengwa caves is a fun thing to do in Zanzibar.

25. Drink Ginger Coffee

Black coffee with a tinge of ginger is a special drink in Zanzibar. The coffee is served sugarless, but people nibble on sweet peanut brittle to sweeten everything up! Babu serves an excellent cup of ginger coffee in the late afternoon on the wall of the Old Fort in Stone Town.

26. Deep Sea Fishing

Off the coast of Zanzibar are a few amazing spots in the deep sea for fishing. Various companies offer deals for snagging the big bites! Check out fishing Zanzibar and Zanzibar fishing.

27. Eat Zanzibari Pilau and Biryani

Don’t miss out on the Zanzibari food specialties of biryani and pilau – and don’t forget to judge for yourself which is better!

Zanzibari Biryani — Things To Eat in Zanzibar – Biryani, Pilau

28. Make a Durian Pit-stop

If you are passionate about the king of fruits (Durian), you may be ecstatic when you bump into the precious fruit on the island of Zanzibar!

29. Refreshing Sugar Cane Juice

Squeezed on the streets of Zanzibar with a hint of lime and ginger, sugar cane juice is ultimately refreshing on a hot sweaty day. Drinking ginger sugar cane juice is one of the things to do in Zanzibar to keep you refreshed and feeling great!

30. Nungwi – Northern Coast

Located at the Northern tip of Zanzibar island lies the sleepy town of Nungwi. It’s Northern location avoids tide changes, so swimming in the sparkling waters is possible all day long!

North Coast Zanzibar — Things to do in Zanzibar – Northern Coast

31. Forodhani Gardens

Among my favorite things to do in Zanzibar is visit the Forodhani Gardens for street food on the waters edge of Stone Town. In the evening, locals gather to spend time relaxing and eating a large selection of grilled seafood.

Note: For the freshest food, choose to eat where there is more of a local crowd and line of people.

Forodhani Gardens - Stone Town — Zanzibar Attractions – Forodhani Gardens

32. Paje Water Sports

A beautiful turquoise beach with opportunities for all sorts of water sports makes Paje a pristine paradise and great place to stay.

33. Old Hamamni Persian Baths

Unfortunately, the baths are no longer in use, but it is still worth a visit to Zanzibar’s first public bath facility.

34. Passing Show Restaurant

Another popular dining establishment located in the Malindi area of Stone Town is at the Passing Show Hotel eatery. There’s a fine selection of some of Zanzibar’s finest specialties and a cabinet full of interesting baked goods.

35. Swim with Dolphins – Kizimkazi

Dolphin tours are available from most tourist offices around Zanzibar. In the ocean, swimming with dolphins is an experience to cherish and one of the most thrilling things to do in Zanzibar!

36. Pet the Giant Tortoises

Originally a gift from the Seychelles, the giant tortoises are located on Prison Island Zanzibar. Though riding the hard shelled animals is no longer permitted, the tortoises took me back to the age of dinosaurs!

37. Former High Court

The old High Court is a beautiful colonial style building built with an Islamic design and Moorish arches. The aging of the structure has added to it’s beauty!

38. Kendwa Beach

A personal favorite destination of mine is the town of Kendwa. The lifestyle and laid-back atmosphere of Kendwa is unparalleled.

39. Football / Volleyball on the Beach

There’s no better feeling in the late afternoon than running around on the powdery sand while playing beach football or volleyball.

40. Relax

Put on an attitude of relaxation, this is the island of Zanzibar!

Stone Town Sunset — Relaxing in Zanzibar

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