Avoiding tourists in Zanzibar & Stone Town

Zanzibar: a tropical paradise with a rich cultural heritage. Visit the vibrant markets and learn about the island’s dark past of slavery in Stone Town. Discover secluded beaches and hidden gems away from the crowds. Here, you’ll find tranquillity, history, and adventure!

Travelling to tropical Zanzibar

When I say Zanzibar, you say tropical island. And you’re absolutely right! Here, you’ll find palm trees, paradise beaches, and an azure sea. But while Zanzibar is undeniably tropical, it’s also a popular tourist destination. Most visitors flock to Nungwi and Kendwa Beach in the north, where the sand is dazzling white and the sea is an almost unreal shade of blue.

Looking for a quieter beach with equally stunning waters to relax all day? Head to coastal villages like Paje and Jambiani. Still unsure where to go? Our blog has all the details on Zanzibar’s different beaches – we’ve got you covered!

Discover the island from a stunning local dhow, soak in the most beautiful sunset in Michamvi, or set off on an adventure in Stone Town. Zanzibar is about more than just lounging with a cocktail in hand!

Cultural Stone Town

Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar City and definitely worth a visit! Its architecture is influenced by the Swahili and Arab history of the island. Take a moment to admire the beautifully decorated doors—each one is photo-worthy. In Stone Town, you can wander through colourful markets or learn more about the island’s dark past in the slave trade. Zanzibar’s old slave market was one of the last to be abolished in the world. Be open to the impressive culture, the warm-hearted people, and the lush tropical nature. All of this makes Zanzibar more than just a tropical paradise. You can go exploring, relax on endless beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, or dive into the island’s cultural heritage by visiting Stone Town. And let’s not forget—the food here is absolutely delicious and very affordable!

What to do?

Let’s be honest. The absolute best thing to do when visiting Stone Town is simply to wander around and get lost in the charming, atmospheric little streets. This way, you’ll see the most of the city and stumble upon surprising hidden spots. And if you do get truly lost, just ask a local—they’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction. If you want to dive deeper into the fascinating history, a walking tour with a local guide is a great idea. This tour takes you past various monuments and historic sites in the city.

Admire the stunning architecture of Stone Town

As you stroll through the streets, you’ll be amazed by the limestone buildings and the grand wooden doors. These Gujarati doors, crafted by Indian artisans, are known for their intricate carvings. Each one is a masterpiece worth stopping to admire—and, of course, to photograph! You won’t believe your eyes!

Visit the birthplace of Queen legend Freddie Mercury

This rock legend was born in Stone Town, and his childhood home still stands today. It’s a bit of a touristy spot, but if you’re already in the area… Don’t stop me now!

Shopping in Zanzibar?

In the mood for some shopping or looking for a unique souvenir to take home? Head to the Darajani Market for local goods or check out the Moto + Dada shop, where you’ll find beautifully woven and crocheted handicrafts.

Island hopping to Chumbe or Prison Island

Take a day trip to Chumbe or Prison Island. Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is famous for its large population of Aldabra giant tortoises. Located about 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town, the island got its name from being used as a prison for rebellious slaves and as a quarantine station for yellow fever patients. Another option is a boat trip to Chumbe Island, a small private island dedicated to innovative and sustainable conservation efforts, boasting incredible coral reefs.

Watch the sun set over the ocean…

Grab a sundowner at the cliffs and watch as local Zanzibar boys show off their incredible acrobatic skills in and around the water! A top tip: bring your own cold drink and some snacks and enjoy the magical sunset.

The spices of Zanzibar

Stone Town has long been an island rich in spices, so a visit to the spice market is an absolute must. Want to take it a step further? Join a spice workshop, where you’ll learn about traditional recipes, the locally grown spices of Zanzibar, and how they’re used in cooking.

Top 9 actieve & sportieve activiteiten in Zanzibar

1. Mangrove SUP Tour Zanzibar

Let’s dive straight into something active and cool. Many people think Zanzibar is all about pristine white beaches and the ocean… but nothing could be further from the truth. Zanzibar also boasts a vast area of mangrove forests and a stunning lagoon, making it the perfect setting for an afternoon of paddleboarding or SUP. The area is teeming with various species of fish and birds that you’ll encounter as you paddle along. SUP is not for the faint-hearted—it’s quite intense, and after an afternoon on tour, you’ll have had a full-body workout.

2. Mountain Biking to Kuza Cave

Fancy exploring Zanzibar by bike? You absolutely can! Rent mountain bikes in Jambiani or Paje and cycle towards Kuza Cave. This cave, where traces of ancient civilisations can still be seen, is now a beautiful spot for walking and swimming. Pay special attention to the fascinating colours of the cave walls. Tip: bring a good diving mask and a waterproof torch to see how deep the cave goes—it plunges up to 50 metres! After visiting the cave, you can continue cycling at your own pace. Zanzibar is a great island for cycling, as the roads are generally not busy.

3. Hiking Through Jozani National Park

Jozani National Park, also known as Jozani Forest, is the only national park in Zanzibar. Despite being relatively small (50 km²), it is a stunning and peaceful place to spend an afternoon, surrounded by unique flora and fauna. This park is home to the rare and distinctive red colobus monkeys, as well as white-throated monkeys and bush babies. In addition, the park boasts over 40 different species of birds and more than 50 species of butterflies. To protect the wildlife and plant life, visitors are not allowed to explore the jungle on their own. You can either stick to the boardwalk or opt for a guided tour with an official guide.

4. Diving Around Zanzibar

One of the best diving spots is Mnemba Island, located about 4.5 kilometres off Zanzibar’s northeast coast. Mnemba Island is a breathtaking tropical paradise surrounded by magnificent coral reefs. The fantastic visibility, ranging from 10 to 30 metres, makes Mnemba one of the top diving spots in Africa. If you’re keen on diving, this is the place to go—you can spot various species of turtles, vibrant fish (such as blue tang, clownfish, and moorish idols), dolphins, and even whales on occasion. Plus, diving here is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

5. Kitesurfing in Zanzibar

As we’ve mentioned before, Zanzibar offers a fantastic environment for kitesurfing enthusiasts. While you’ll need to wait and see if the wind conditions are favourable, when the wind does pick up, it’s one of the most incredible places to hit the water. The waters around Zanzibar are particularly suited to beginner and intermediate kiters, with winds averaging around force 4 to 5. You can bring your own kite, but there are plenty of rental options across the island. Paje, in particular, is known as a true kitesurfing paradise—an excellent place to spend a few days enjoying the water to the fullest.

6. Yoga

Yoga is booming everywhere, and Zanzibar is no exception. The island has several yoga schools offering a variety of classes, from beginner sessions to Ashtanga and Vinyasa classes for more experienced yogis. During your stay, take some time to stretch into different poses and completely clear your mind. Even better, many guesthouses and accommodations have in-house yoga teachers. Be sure to check out the options at your stay!

7. Dhow Sailing

You won’t miss them when you’re in Zanzibar—those iconic Tanzanian sailing boats. How incredible would it be to sail on a dhow across the stunning blue ocean while fish and turtles swim beneath you? These boats were used for centuries to transport fruit, water, and other trade goods. Nowadays, they are mainly used for leisure, offering a fantastic way to enjoy a romantic sunset cruise on the water.

8. Dune Buggy / Quad Biking

Saving the best for last? If you’re in the mood for adventure, hop on a dune buggy or quad bike and explore what else this island has to offer. These rugged vehicles let you race over bumpy sand tracks and through Zanzibar’s lush green forests, reaching hidden gems that are inaccessible by any other means—and that most visitors will never see. This is truly the ultimate off-the-beaten-track experience on the island.

9. Visit Maalum Cave

This hidden gem is a one-of-a-kind experience that (for now) hasn’t been overrun by tourists. But don’t wait too long—this natural swimming pool has all the makings of a future favourite! Maalum Cave is a beautifully maintained natural pool where you can relax in the midst of nature. Grab your snorkelling gear, explore the underwater life, and listen to the guide as they share fascinating stories and legends about the cave.

Where to Eat?

Zanzibar Coffee House: for the best coffee and cakes.
The Silk Route: amazing Indian food. Always a good choice.
Lukmaan Restaurant: a fantastic place for local food. It’s affordable and tastes delicious.
Forodhani Gardens: a unique food market where you can try everything—fresh fish, drinks, pizza, meat, and all sorts of small snacks. In the evening, this place comes alive with a mix of locals and tourists. Time to snack away!
Emerson Spice or Emerson Hurumzi: both fantastic restaurants with a delicious Middle Eastern menu! Emerson Hurumzi even has a rule that you must take off your shoes upon entry, in true Persian style. Tip: book in advance—it’s always busy!
Monsoon Restaurant: with a great Western menu and delicious cocktails, it’s the perfect place to end the day (or start it...?).

Where to Stay?

Kholle House: a stylish boutique hotel with a small pool to cool off in. Highly recommended!
Warere Town House: featuring lovely, bright rooms and balconies, all in authentic Swahili style.
Emerson Spice: not only a great restaurant but also a luxurious and romantically designed hotel.
The Swahili House: a comfortable hotel set in an original Indian merchant's house. Located in the heart of the old town, with plenty of great spots within walking distance.
Tembo House: a beautiful and charming hotel set in a historic building. A big plus is the lovely outdoor pool.
Zenji Hotel: the relaxed atmosphere of this hotel, combined with Zanzibari hospitality and Western comfort, makes Zenji the ideal place for travellers looking for a laid-back stay after exploring Stone Town.

General but Essential Tips

Stone Town has its own harbour, which is very convenient! You can take a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town, a great budget-friendly alternative, though the journey takes a bit longer. A quicker, easier, and safer option is to take a direct flight from Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, or Arusha. If you're lucky, you might fly in one of those small propeller planes—an adventure in itself!

Bring enough cash in local Tanzanian Shillings or USD. Stone Town doesn’t have many ATMs, and occasional power cuts can happen. It would be frustrating to find yourself at an ATM just as the power goes out.
Speaking of money, don’t be afraid to negotiate and haggle over prices. A general rule: never accept the first offer. Bargaining is a common practice, especially at the markets!
Always take a taxi at night—avoid walking around late in the evening.
For the ladies, make sure to cover your shoulders and legs. While Zanzibar is a stunning and hot (!) tropical island, it is also an Islamic island. If you're heading into Stone Town, out of respect for the culture, throw on a dress over your bikini. Happy locals, happy you! 🙂

Pungume Sandbank near Zanzibar: an intimate BBQ in the middle of the sea.

The cool splashes feel refreshing on your sun-warmed skin as you sail across the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. In the distance, a flock of hundreds of birds appears, creating lively patterns above a dazzling white sandbank. Several boats are anchored near the sandbank, and in various spots, barbecues are being lit, with cheerful young men grilling fresh seafood.

Your boat is also stocked with supplies, and the guide quickly sets up a sunshade to provide shelter from the blazing sun. He begins preparing a delicious lunch while you stroll along the sandbank, snorkel in search of tropical fish, or simply float in the cool water. Even though you’re not alone in this magical place, it’s a unique experience to enjoy a freshly prepared barbecue in such a remote and breathtaking setting.

Who, What, Where?

Boats to Pungume depart from Kizimkazi, a tiny coastal village in the southwest of Zanzibar. From Stone Town, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive. Staying in Jambiani or Paje on the island’s east coast? You’re in luck—it’s only a 30-minute drive to Kizimkazi from there.

The weather can affect the sea conditions, sometimes making the waters rougher than usual. Do you get seasick? Better safe than sorry—take some motion sickness tablets beforehand so you can fully enjoy the trip and the delicious barbecue waiting for you!

Combine with a Dolphin Tour

Looking for extra adventure? Combine your visit to Pungume with a dolphin tour, where you can spot and even swim with dolphins in their natural habitat.

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1. Africa is our home

We know it from the farthest corners, and that results in amazing trips. We put them together by venturing out there ourselves. Believe us, you won't find these experiences anywhere else!

2. Local experiences

That means you'll visit local people in their villages and communities. Hike with the Masai, cook with your host family in a homestay, and cast a line with traditional fishermen.

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