Zanzibar Travel Packages

Stone Town

Stone Town is the capital of Zanzibar and is a fine example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. The town’s urban fabric and original townscape are virtually intact and contain many fine buildings that reflect its particular culture; a culture that has brought together and homogenized disparate elements of the cultures of Africa, the Arab region, India, and Europe over more than a millennium. Visiting Stone Town is definitely one of the best things to do in Zanzibar.

Freddie Mercury Museum

The first-ever museum dedicated to the world legend Freddie Mercury is located in Shangani, in the heart of Zanzibar Stone Town. The Freddie Mercury Museum is officially partnered with Queen Productions Ltd. in the United Kingdom, who have loaned exclusive pictures of Freddie Mercury throughout different stages in his life. This project aims to showcase a detailed account of the birth town of Farrokh Bulsara, his roots with the Zoroastrian religion, his childhood and upbringing in Zanzibar, followed by his schooling in Panchgani, and then the rest of his journey to becoming one of the greatest stars of all time.

Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery

The women of the Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery transform traditional henna body art into paintings and prints. Using the centuries-old tradition of adorning women’s hands and feet for celebrations such as weddings and festivals, the artists translate the patterns of the body art onto canvas, creating a new and soon-to-be iconic art style through their elaborate paintings.

Slave Market

The slave market of Stone Town has been inactive for decades, but memorials provide a stark reminder of the horrific acts that once took place here. Visit this site and reflect on the atrocities of the past as you stand in the shadow of the Anglican Church. Learn about the important role slavery played in Zanzibar’s history, where, for nearly 1,000 years, Arab traders traveled to the interior of Africa, sometimes as far as the Congo, to purchase or kidnap healthy young people.

Emerson Spice

‘Emerson Spice’ consists of three adjoining World Heritage site buildings in the exotic kasbah of Zanzibar’s Stone Town. Two of the buildings’ facades face a quaint square at the end of the historic Tharia Street, a principal thoroughfare for walking tours of the city. The third façade looks down Tharia Street toward the Anglican Cathedral and the slave market. Nestled amongst the rear facades is a square private courtyard containing an ancient well.

Forodhani Gardens Night Market

Although not a traditional restaurant, no list of Stone Town’s best eateries would be complete without mentioning the night market in Forodhani Park. Every day, from 6 pm onwards, the park is home to a fantastic open-air food market, where locals and tourists stroll amongst the many different vendors to try the wide variety of cuisines on offer, from pizza and samosas to sugar-cane juice. This is one of the best things to do in Zanzibar, especially if you want a real taste of the local culture whilst enjoying delicious street food, and is a key experience for travelers that want to get in touch with Stone Town’s warm and vibrant community.

Prison Island

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is about 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town. The island was formerly owned by an Arab who used it for the confinement of refractory slaves, but no prisoners were ever properly housed there; instead, the island became a quarantine station for the yellow fever epidemic. The actual jail was built in 1893, hence the name “Prison Island”, and is still standing. Whilst on the island, you will be able to observe and feed the tortoises, swim, sunbathe, and snorkel. You should also keep your eyes peeled for the shy and elusive Duikers – an unusual and tiny antelope species.

Jozani Forest

This forest is one of the last remaining sanctuaries of the red colobus monkeys in the world, and it was declared a nature reserve in the 1960s. At one time, the monkeys were an endangered species, but numbers have increased in recent years thanks to the conservation work by the nature reserve, working closely with the local people. A walk through this impressive flora and fauna offers wonderful photo opportunities as well as sightings of these rare creatures, which together make this tour one of Zanzibar’s highlights.

Tumbatu Island

Tumbatu Island, the third-largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, is a hidden gem off the coast of Tanzania, steeped in rich history and unique culture. Known for its secluded beaches, lush vegetation, and vibrant local life, Tumbatu offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling mainland. The island’s inhabitants, the Watumbatu people, are renowned for their traditional Goma music and dance, which visitors can experience firsthand. Tumbatu’s historical significance is evident in its ancient ruins, including those of the medieval Swahili town of Jongowe. The island is also home to a variety of marine life, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical intrigue, Tumbatu Island offers a unique and immersive experience for travelers seeking to explore the lesser-known facets of the Zanzibar Archipelago.

Spice Tour

The Spice Tour is one of the most popular things to do in Zanzibar. The island got its nickname ‘the Spice Island’ as a result of it being one of the world’s leading producers of spices such as clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon during the 19th century. Your tour guide will describe how the various different plants can be used, and you will have the chance to smell and taste a variety of spices, herbs, and tropical fruits, including clove, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconut, papaya, chili, black pepper, jackfruit, cardamom, cassava, and oranges.

Paje Mwani Center

On the coast of Paje beach, the Mwani Center embodies the spirit of Zanzibari community and sustainable living. This local women’s cooperative practices seaweed farming, nurturing the marine flora with a blend of traditional knowledge and modern-day sustainability practices, and then transforming it into unique organic soaps, scrubs, and essential oils. The cooperative not only contributes to the local economy but also stands as a beacon of empowerment, demonstrating the significant strides women can make in fostering community-based sustainable ventures. Visitors to Paje have the unique opportunity to witness this eco-friendly endeavor through guided tours of the seaweed farms. These tours offer an immersive experience into the daily lives of the seaweed farmers. The calm rhythm of the tides, coupled with the meticulous care showcased in the farming practices, makes for a truly enlightening experience. The Mwani Center is more than just a cooperative; it’s a testament to the harmonious blend of community, sustainability, and the bountiful nature of Zanzibar. A visit is highly recommended!

Kuza Cave

Kuza Cave is one of Zanzibar’s best-kept secrets, offering an immersive experience into the heart of Tanzanian culture and history. This ancient limestone jungle cave, filled with crystal clear turquoise fresh water, is not just a natural wonder but also a hub for cultural activities. Visitors can enjoy cave swimming, African dancing and drumming, Swahili cooking lessons, and learn about Swahili archaeology. The surrounding area is a peaceful nature preserve, home to Red Colobus Monkeys, colorful butterflies, a variety of birds, chindi, and bush babies. The site also features a restaurant and a large shaded area for relaxation. Kuza Cave is a social enterprise supporting local education projects, making your visit a contribution to the local community. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or cuisine, Kuza Cave offers a unique and enriching experience.

Pingwe - The Rock

The Rock, situated on the southeast coast of Zanzibar at Michamvi Pingwe beach, stands out as a unique dining destination, affectionately dubbed the “floating restaurant” due to its appearance at high tide. This once simple fishing outpost has been transformed into a picturesque eatery that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering guests the rare opportunity to dine amidst panoramic seascapes. Accessible by foot at low tide or by a complimentary boat service at high tide, The Rock provides an unforgettable experience, emphasizing its commitment to minimal environmental impact while celebrating the beauty of its location with an open-air terrace for enjoying drinks under the Tanzanian sky.