Is Zanzibar Worth Visiting in 2024? Things to Do & Reasons to Visit
Wondering whether or not Zanzibar is worth visiting?
Then you are in the right place as I love Zanzibar and have visited the tropical island multiple times.
I’ve written this ultimate guide to whether Zanzibar is worth visiting. Zanzibar can be quite expensive if you are looking for a tropical island to just chill and enjoy life.
Before spending my hard-earned money I like knowing if a destination lives up to its hype. And you do too, as you’ve landed on this page!
So, is Zanzibar worth visiting?
After visiting this beautiful island on the East African coast multiple times now, and spending a couple of days on different parts of the island, I feel confident answering this question.
Is Zanzibar Worth Visiting?
Yes! Zanzibar is 100% worth visiting. Zanzibar Island is very rich in history and culture you won’t find on mainland Tanzania.
Not to mention the white sandy beaches, delicious cuisine, spice farms, fruits, fresh seafood, endemic wildlife, and spectacular snorkeling and diving sites.
I have visited Zanzibar as a solo traveler and with friends. It’s easy to explore the island while travelling alone as you will find many other solo travellers. The island is also popular among families and couples.
While Zanzibar can be an expensive destination, it caters to all travelers. Don’t let the big numbers quoted on luxury holiday packages scare you from visiting the island.
Zanzibar is an amazing island for nature enthusiasts, food travelers, history and cultural lovers, and those looking for a tropical paradise.
Like many other coastal areas, Zanzibar life is relaxed and not rushed like in the big cities. You will love exploring the coastal towns, villages, and Stone Town in general.
Zanzibar is home to some incredible hotels and resorts. In addition, you can’t run out of things to do in Zanzibar. Whether spending one week or a month on the island, you will find something new to do.
10 Best Things To Do In Zanzibar
With that in mind, you may want to find out what activities are available in Zanzibar before making a final decision on whether Zanzibar is worth visiting or not.
Here are the 10 best things to do while in Zanzibar.
1. Take a spice farm tour: Zanzibar is nicknamed the spice island. Arab traders introduced spices to the island making it a major spice trading hub. Today, Zanzibar is still recognized for its spices and spice plantations. Notable spices include cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, and chillis among others. The best way to appreciate Zanzibar’s role in the global spice trade and engage in a sensory journey is by taking a spice farm tour. This is a must-do while in Zanzibar!
2. Explore Stone Town: Zanzibar’s global trading included spices and other items including slaves. Zanzibar had the largest slave trade market in East Africa located in Stone Town. Attracting traders from all over the world, different influences are evident in this UNESCO World Heritage site. From the narrow streets, beautifully carved doors, architecture in landmark buildings, cultural practices, and cuisine. You can explore Stone Town alone or go on a guided walking tour for a deeper understanding and appreciation of this historical town.
3. Experience the Swahili culture: Swahili culture has influences from the Arabs, Indians, Persians, and Europeans. This is noticeable in the cuisine, language, music, and customs. Experience this rich culture by visiting local markets, and villages, trying the local cuisine, or attending a traditional celebration.
4. Go snorkeling: Zanzibar has breathtaking beaches and even better snorkeling sites. One of my favorite snorkeling sites is at the Mnemba Reef. Rich in marine life visible through the crystal clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. You can also go snorkeling with dolphins for more adventure.
5. Go scuba diving: Mnemba Island is also famous for scuba diving. With the perfect water temperatures, an abundance of marine life, and calm waters, Zanzibar is a perfect scuba diving destination for beginners. Before booking a diving tour, always check that the dive center is certified. Check here for PADI-certified dive centers in Zanzibar.
6. Visit the beaches: No matter where you are in Zanzibar, you’ll find a beach close by. However, some beaches are prettier than others. In my opinion, the South East and North coasts of Zanzibar have the most beautiful beaches and bluest water you’ll see. From Stone Town, you can take a day tour to Nakupenda Beach one of the most beautiful and Instagrammable beaches in Zanzibar.
7. Visit Jozani Forest: Home to the Red Colobus Monkeys endemic to Zanzibar. Jozani forest is located in the southern part of the island but is easily accessible from any point. It’s closest to Paje, Jambiani, and Stone Town. If staying in the northern part of Zanzibar, the drive to Jozani forest is less than 1 hour.
In addition, Jozani forest has a very diverse ecosystem including different monkey species and large mangrove forests.
8. Sample the local cuisine: Prepared using locally sourced spices and ingredients you will love the food here. One way to sample the local cuisine is by taking a cooking class. You get a chance to participate in preparation and enjoy an authentic Swahili meal. I took this cooking class that had a wine tasting included.
The other way to indulge in the local cuisine is by going on a food tour. These mostly include exploring the local markets and trying street foods. I would recommend trying the Zanzibar Pizza at the Forodhani Gardens night market.
9. Swim with Turtles: There are several turtle sanctuaries but I only know one that allows visitors to swim with the turtles. Nungwi Turtle Aquarium is the place to visit if you hope to swim with a turtle while in Zanzibar. Turtles accidentally caught in fishing nets are taken to these sanctuaries. Once rehabilitation is complete they are introduced into the ocean. Fees paid to visit the sanctuaries go into the rehabilitation efforts.
10. Go on a Safari: Yes, you can go on a safari from Zanzibar. If you wish to see other wildlife not found in Zanzibar you can book a day safari to a National Park on mainland Tanzania. These are quite expensive but are all-inclusive, you get hotel pickup, and a flight to the park is included. If you have the budget for it, it’s an amazing experience.
What Is Zanzibar Known For?
Zanzibar is known for its beautiful beaches, spices, rich history, and Swahili cuisine.
In this article, I dived deeper into 13 reasons why Zanzibar is famous. Click on the link to read it.
Best Time To Visit Zanzibar
In my opinion, you can visit Zanzibar any time of the year. Different months come with different weather and benefits which you might want to consider before visiting.
If you want to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in crystal-clear waters, January to early March are the best months. The weather is usually hot and dry perfect for water activities. This is a popular time to visit Zanzibar but it’s not very crowded.
March to May is the rainy season in Zanzibar. The temperatures are low, humidity is high and you get most rain in April. On the brighter side, this is the low season in Zanzibar meaning fewer crowds and accommodation is cheaper.
Zanzibar being a tropical island, you still get warm days even in the rainy season. You can still enjoy water activities and is the best time to see whales, sharks, and turtles.
In May, however, the winds are strong combined with the wet season which might affect visibility and ability to engage in most activities on the island.
June to August is the high season in Zanzibar and the most expensive time to visit the island. The weather is cool and dry, perfect for sunbathing and exploring the island. Tourist attractions and popular beaches are overcrowded. If you plan on visiting during this season you may need to book tours and accommodation in advance.
This is the best time if you are a fun-loving person and enjoy meeting new people. If you hate crowds like me, I would recommend visiting in early June or late October.
September to October are the summer months in Zanzibar. Still popular with great weather averaging 26 degrees. Prices are still high as it’s still a popular time to visit Zanzibar.
November to December is the short rainy season with fewer crowds and better prices. In my opinion, this is one of the best times to visit Zanzibar. Your money goes a long way and you can explore the attractions peacefully.
If you plan on visiting in the Ramadhan months, keep in mind the island’s population is mainly Muslim and some local places may remain closed till later in the day.
Where To Stay In Zanzibar
The best place to stay in Zanzibar will depend on what you seek. If looking for stunning white sandy beaches, the southeast and northern coasts are the best.
Areas of Paje, Jambiani, Nungwi, and Kendwa have beautiful beaches with stunning blue water. You’ll also find luxurious hotels and accommodation here.
If wanting to dive deeper into the historical side of Zanzibar, Stone Town is a better fit. Stone Town has a wide selection of budget accommodations.
Luckily, exploring Zanzibar is quite easy, you can move from one coast to the other in a few hours.
How To Get Around Zanzibar
The most convenient way to get around Zanzibar is by renting a car or hiring a taxi. This way you can explore any part of the island at your own pace.
Local transportation is cheap but not always reliable. The local minibusses can take some time before passing by your route.
When moving from one town to another local buses are convenient especially if traveling on a tight budget. Keep in mind they will make multiple stops dropping passengers therefore making the journey longer.
Getting around towns is easy as most attractions are close to each other. You can also use tuk-tuks which are cheap and readily available.
Is Zanzibar Worth Visiting: FAQ
Yes, Zanzibar is worth the hype and worth visiting. The island offers a wide range of experiences from historical, and cultural experiences, to tropical island vibes, and unique natural ecosystems.
Yes, Zanzibar is a good holiday destination for everyone. Zanzibar is perfect for families, couples, solo travelers, and friend groups.
Zanzibar is different from Tanzania in the experiences it offers and its stunning beaches. Zanzibar has a rich history dating back to the 1st century long before the traders arrived, and a unique ecosystem.
Yes, Zanzibar is good for tourists. The island welcomes tourists in all budget ranges, from budget to luxury seekers.
Zanzibar can be touristy if you visit in the peak season which is from June to October. The island has the best weather at this time and also collides with the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti. Avoid the crowds by visiting in the shoulder season.
Conclusion: Is Zanzibar Worth Visiting
To sum it up “Is Zanzibar worth visiting?” Yes! Zanzibar is beautiful and unique an island I would recommend to anyone.
The island will satisfy different experiences tourists seek. From delicious cuisine, breathtaking beaches, unique ecosystems, rich history and culture.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Zanzibar.
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- What Is Zanzibar Famous For? (13+ Reasons)
