When people think of Zanzibar, they often picture white sand beaches and turquoise water. But beyond its postcard-perfect coastline, Zanzibar offers an incredibly rich blend of history, culture, nature, and community—just waiting to be explored. If you’re planning a trip and want more than just sun and sea, here are the top 10 things to do in Zanzibar besides the beach.
10 Things to Do in Zanzibar Besides the Beach
1. Explore Stone Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Overview:
Stone Town is the heart of Zanzibar City and a living museum of Swahili culture, colonial history, and maritime trade. Once the capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate, it played a major role in the spice trade and East African slave trade.
What to See:
- House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib): Built in 1883, it was the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator. Though under renovation, the exterior is still a landmark.
- Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe): Built by the Omanis in the 17th century to defend against the Portuguese. Now used for cultural events and local markets.
- Freddie Mercury’s House: Birthplace of Queen’s legendary frontman. Now a small museum and boutique hotel.
- Wandering the alleys: Admire intricately carved Zanzibari doors, vibrant markets, mosques, and Hindu temples all coexisting.
2. Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour
Overview:
Zanzibar’s nickname, “The Spice Island” is well-earned. If you’ve ever wondered why Zanzibar is called the Spice Island, the answer lies within its central spice farms. Here, visitors can learn about different spices, discover tropical fruits, and experience the island’s rich plant life.
What You’ll Experience:
- Guided walk through a spice plantation (known locally as a “shamba”).
- Smell and taste spices like clove, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, and vanilla.
- See how spices grow and learn about their culinary and medicinal uses.
- End with a fruit tasting session — fresh mangoes, jackfruit, and starfruit are common.
Cultural Tip:
Buy spices straight from the farm; they’re fresher and support local farmers directly.
3. Jozani Forest National Park
Overview:
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park in Zanzibar, covering approximately 50 square kilometers of protected land. It is known for its diverse ecosystem, which includes mangrove forests, salt marshes, and coral rag scrublands, all supporting a wide variety of plant and animal species. The park was primarily established to protect the endangered red colobus monkey, making it one of the most important conservation areas on the island. Together, these natural features define Jozani as a key ecological zone where biodiversity is preserved within a relatively small but significant landscape.
What to Do:
- Walk the nature trails under tall mahogany and eucalyptus trees.
- Spot the red colobus monkeys—remarkable for their social behavior and red/white fur.
- Visit the mangrove boardwalk and learn about this ecosystem’s role in protecting the coast from erosion.
Ecological Insight:
Conservation efforts here have increased the colobus population and support ecotourism jobs for nearby villages.
4. Prison Island (Changuu Island)
Overview:
Originally used to house rebellious slaves, then later a quarantine station, the island has a dark history despite its beauty.
Highlights:
- Walk among giant Aldabra tortoises, a gift from Seychelles in the 1910s. Some are over 150 years old.
- Visit the old prison ruins and small museum.
- Enjoy nature trails and birdwatching.
Tip:
While popular for snorkeling too, the island is rich in history, even if you stay on land.
5. Darajani Market
Overview:
This bustling market is the economic heart of Stone Town. Built in the early 1900s during Sultan Hamoud’s reign, it has retained its role as a cultural crossroads.
What to Expect:
- Fresh fish, spices, fruits, meats, and textiles.
- The spice section is vibrant and aromatic — perfect for local purchases.
- See the cultural blend in the people — Swahili, Indian, Arab, and African influences.
6. Slave Market & Anglican Cathedral
Overview:
Zanzibar was East Africa’s main slave-trading hub in the 18th and 19th centuries. This moving memorial preserves the memory of that history.
What to See:
- The former slave chambers: tiny, dark cells where enslaved people were held before being sold.
- A powerful sculpture of chained figures.
- The Anglican Cathedral was built by British missionaries on the site of the old slave market. The altar stands where the whipping post once was.
7. Dhow Sunset Cruise
Overview:
Sailing in a traditional Swahili dhow is one of the most poetic ways to see the archipelago, especially at sunset.
What You’ll Experience:
- A peaceful, scenic sail with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and Stone Town.
- Many cruises include refreshments, snacks, or even local live music on board.
- Great for couples or photography lovers.
Cultural Insight:
Fishermen still use dhows and were once vital to Zanzibar’s trade with Arabia and India.
8. Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
Overview:
This community-led conservation project is near Jozani Forest and houses hundreds of tropical butterflies in a netted tropical garden.
Why Visit:
- Learn about butterfly lifecycles and see cocoons hatch in real time.
- Interact with dozens of species in a lush, forested enclosure.
- Proceeds support local families and promote conservation education.
Great For:
Eco-conscious travelers, kids, and photographers.
9. Cultural Village Tours (e.g., Jambiani, Makunduchi)
Overview:
These immersive experiences take you beyond the tourist areas into traditional Swahili villages on the east or south coast.
Activities Might Include:
- Visiting seaweed farms (mostly run by women) and learning about their economic role.
- Participating in cooking demonstrations or trying Swahili dishes like pilau and urojo.
- Learning traditional basket weaving, music, and dance.
- Talking with elders about village life, history, and beliefs.
10. Mtoni Palace Ruins
Overview:
Mtoni Palace was built in the early 19th century for Sultan Said bin Sultan and is the oldest royal residence in Zanzibar.
Why Visit:
- Explore atmospheric ruins of royal baths, reception halls, and gardens.
- Learn about Princess Salme (Sayyida Salme), who wrote one of the first autobiographies by an Arab woman.
- Some evenings, cultural performances and Swahili dinners are held on-site under candlelight.
Cultural Insight:
Salme’s memoir offers a rare female perspective on Zanzibar’s history, colonial tension, and gender roles.
Conclusion: More to Zanzibar Than Just Beaches
While Zanzibar is world-renowned for its idyllic beaches and turquoise waters, its true richness lies in its layered history, vibrant culture, and unique biodiversity. From wandering the ancient alleyways of Stone Town, to witnessing the haunting remnants of the slave trade, tasting your way through spice farms, and engaging with local communities in rural villages, the island offers deep, meaningful travel experiences beyond the coast.
These activities not only deepen your understanding of Zanzibar’s identity—a crossroads of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences—but also support sustainable tourism and local livelihoods. Whether you’re a history buff, cultural explorer, foodie, or eco-traveler, Zanzibar’s inland and urban landscapes will leave a lasting impression.
In short: Zanzibar is not just a beach destination—it’s a living storybook of culture, resilience, and natural beauty.
