So, youโve decided to take a trip to Zanzibar, situated off the coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar is an archipelago of multiple islands, the biggest two being Pemba and Unguja. We think itโs a beautiful paradise that could compete with many international destinations, yet is a bit more affordable due to its location in East Africa.
You might not know that Zanzibar is also known as the โSpice islandsโ due to its black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. You can imagine that youโll find the delectable smells of these fragrant spices while visiting the island!
However, you may already know that you want to explore the deep history of the islands on your next trip.
But what would be the best way to fill your time? How can you strike the perfect balance between relaxation and engaging with your beautiful surroundings?
Youโre in luck because weโll discuss the top Zanzibar day trips and things to do in Zanzibar for your next holiday!
See also: Zanzibar Nightlife: The Islandโs Magical Nightlife

Day Trips from Zanzibar
If you’re spending a few days in Zanzibar, why not schedule in a few of the below Zanzibar day trips?
Related read: Exploring Mafia Island Tanzania: The โFar From Everythingโ Place!
Visit Jozani Forest National Park
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only park in Zanzibar. It is also the largest area of near-natural forest in Zanzibar, and the forest rests on a reef limestone.
How would you like to visit the park while going for a swim with dolphins at the same time? Maybe you would prefer a more relaxed zoo trip, including swimming with less-scary turtles? There is a reason that this location is one the best for Zanzibar day tours, after all!
If you donโt want to get wet at all, you might enjoy a half day tour of the park or perhaps even a private guided tour of the park. After all, this is one of the best family friendly Zanzibar day trips you will find.
Whether you want to get near the animals or not, thereโs a lot of diversity at the park. Youโll be able to find groundwater forest, coastal forest, grassland, and a salt marsh on the coast all in the same place.
If that wasnโt enough, the unique endangered animals you will discover in the area are the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, the Adersโ duiker, and the Zanzibar servaline genet. These are all native to Zanzibar and canโt be found anywhere else on the planet.
See also: The Fantastic Treefrog in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Visit Stone Town
Stone Town is in the old part of Zanzibar city, the central city on the west coast of Unguja island. This historic city was a flourishing location for the spice trade. It remained an important historical and artistic site in East Africa.
Youโll find diverse architecture with influences from Persia, India, and European design, which have given rise to Swahili culture. Stone Town is also a recognized UNESCO heritage site as of 2000.
There are many things to do in Stone Town, and it offers many Zanzibar day trips, including:
- Enjoying a Historical Stone Town walking tour with traditional lunch
- Are you someone who gets hungry often? Perhaps you are a self-proclaimed โfoodieโ. If so, youโd love Stone Townโs food markets and Street Food Walking Tour.
- Go on an epic spice tour of Zanzibar, you wonโt regret it!
- Want something romantic? Youโd love a traditional dhow sunset cruise.
- See the local agriculture with a Stone Town spice farm tour.
- Go on a dhow sailing tour with a BBQ meal included for your enjoyment!
- Suppose you want some exciting nightlife when on holiday. You should go on a night tour that includes impressive live performances.

Enjoy water sports and activities
Zanzibar is one of the best places in the world to visit for water sports and activities. Youโll find plenty of things to do in Zanzibar, including a private snorkelling tour that includes swimming with dolphins.
If you prefer scuba diving, a great introductory scuba dive on Tumbatu Island will show you the ropes. Other great scuba diving activities are Mnemba scuba diving and a more extreme Kendwa 3-day open diving course.
Do you feel like you need a super adrenaline kick when youโre in Zanzibar? You would be the perfect fit for a parasailing boat trip with a flight instructor.
Some visitors might prefer to stay above sea level. If this is true for you, youโd love some of the Zanzibar boat trips. One of the top trips is the ethical dolphin tour, complete with an island picnic – we promise you wonโt need to swim underwater!
Similarly, youโd love a full-day cruise of Zanzibar, where youโll go from the Fumba fishing village to the Menai Bay conservation area.
Finally, another one of the best Zanzibar boat trips is the tour to Changuu island.

Visit Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island is a little slice of paradise, and the perfect place to enjoy some world-class snorkeling. This idyllic destination boasts stunning azure waters, white sandy beaches, and a thriving coral reef teeming with tropical fish.
The underwater world around the coral reefs off Mnemba Island is absolutely stunning. There are so many colorful fish here. These colors, this water, the white sandy beaches in front of Mnemba Island–just amazing. With a little luck you can discover turtles, dolphins, starfish, rays, octopuses or lionfish. Just spend a few hours underwater and you’re sure to have an amazing time.
Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine sandbank, explore fascinating underwater creatures, or simply soak up some sun, a trip to Mnemba Island is sure to please. So come and discover this natural wonder for yourself โ you won’t be disappointed!
Related read: Where to go Snorkeling in Zanzibar
Other Zanzibar Day Trips
Donโt feel like spending time in the water or going to the national park? There are plenty of other Zanzibar day trips available that we think youโll love, such as:
- Enjoy Zanzibar day tours to Prison Island, including Lunch on the Sandbank.
- Want more privacy? You can have private Zanzibar tours to Prison Island.
- Were you feeling adventurous? Youโd love the Nungwi Buggy Tour, or if youโre after something a little more exciting for your Zanzibar tours, how about a Quad Bike tour to the local village.
- Want something a bit different? Why not go on a cave tour with lunch afterwards?
- Explore a tour of Nungwi village with free lunch provided, with an optional sunset cruise for your enjoyment. This tour is one of the most social Zanzibar tours you could imagine!
Regardless of which of the Zanzibar day trips you choose, weโre sure thereโs something you will enjoy when you arrive on your chosen island.
Related read: Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Stunning Nungwi in Zanzibar
Summary of the best Zanzibar day trips
There are many fun things to do in Zanzibar, from Zanzibar boat trips to Zanzibar tours of the historical city and even private tours of specific places like the Jozani Forest National Park or Prison Island.
Regardless of what your dream holiday activity is like, weโre sure there are many Zanzibar day trips that will suit your personality.
We hope we have helped you discover more things to do in Zanzibar, whether youโre after exclusive Zanzibar trips, water-themed Zanzibar tours or relaxing Zanzibar boat trips, we know youโll have an amazing time.