Zanzibar Beyond the Beach — 5 Experiences You Didn't Know You Needed
When most people think of Zanzibar, they picture powder-white beaches and turquoise waters. And yes, the beaches are extraordinary — but if that's all you see, you're missing the soul of this remarkable island.
Zanzibar is a crossroads of civilisations. Arab, Persian, Indian, and African influences have blended over centuries to create a culture that's utterly unique. Here are five experiences that go beyond the sunbed.
1. Get Lost in Stone Town
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. Its narrow, winding alleys are lined with carved wooden doors, crumbling coral-stone buildings, and the intoxicating scent of spices drifting from market stalls.
Don't try to navigate by map — getting lost is the point. You'll stumble upon hidden courtyards, rooftop restaurants with views over the Indian Ocean, and tiny shops selling everything from hand-painted tingatinga art to vintage Zanzibari chests.
Don't miss: The evening food market at Forodhani Gardens. As the sun sets, dozens of vendors set up grills and stalls selling Zanzibar pizza, grilled octopus, sugar cane juice, and the island's famous urojo soup.
2. Tour a Spice Plantation
Zanzibar was once the world's largest producer of cloves, and the island's spice heritage runs deep. A guided spice tour takes you through plantations where you'll smell, taste, and learn about cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and lemongrass — all growing in the same rich volcanic soil.
The best tours are interactive: your guide will hand you leaves and bark to identify by scent alone. It's a sensory experience unlike anything else.
Our pick: Arrange a private tour followed by a Swahili cooking class using the spices you've just discovered.
3. Sail on a Traditional Dhow
The dhow — a traditional wooden sailing vessel — has been the backbone of Indian Ocean trade for over a millennium. Today, sunset dhow cruises are one of Zanzibar's most magical experiences.
Picture this: you're gliding across calm waters as the sky turns amber and pink, the only sound the creak of wooden rigging and the gentle lap of waves. Many cruises include fresh seafood, cold drinks, and — if you're lucky — dolphins playing in the bow wave.
Upgrade: Book a full-day dhow excursion to a sandbank or nearby island for snorkelling and a private beach lunch.
4. Swim with the Turtles at Nungwi
At the northern tip of the island, the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond rescues injured and orphaned sea turtles. Visitors can swim alongside green and hawksbill turtles in a natural tidal lagoon — a gentle, unforgettable encounter.
It's not a theme park or aquarium. It's a genuine conservation effort run by the local community, and your visit directly supports their work.
Best time: Morning, when the turtles are most active and the crowds are thinnest.
5. Discover Jozani Forest
In the heart of the island lies Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home to the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey — found nowhere else on Earth. These charismatic primates are remarkably unafraid of humans, making for incredible close encounters.
The forest itself is a lush, otherworldly landscape of mangroves, mahogany trees, and ancient figs. Guided walks take about an hour and offer a peaceful contrast to the beach scene.
Combine it with: A mangrove boardwalk tour through the adjacent wetlands, where you'll learn about the island's delicate coastal ecosystem.
Making the Most of Zanzibar
The beauty of Zanzibar is that beach luxury and cultural depth aren't mutually exclusive. Our itineraries blend both — morning spice tours flowing into afternoon beach lounging, Stone Town explorations followed by sunset dhow sails.
That's the Exclusive Africa way: we don't just book hotels. We craft stories.
Dreaming of Zanzibar? Let us design your perfect island escape.