Zanzibar is the kind of place where you can spend your days on the water’s edge and not grow tired of the amazing views. Zanzibar is one destination where you can sail the blue waters on traditional wooden boats. Zanzibar is one of the best places for snorkelling because of various beaches like Mnemba island, Kendwa Reef, Tumbatu island, Prison island, and the Stone Town Reef.

You can hire a Dhow from Matemwe beach to bring you to Prison Island for a snorkelling trip in one of Zanzibar’s best-looking areas of the sea. One of the best beaches to relax on while you are lounging around the Indian Ocean is Nungwi Beach. You cannot visit Zanzibar and not enjoy your time at the beach -- this is one of the best things to do in Zanzibar. Depending on how much you want to see and how much you want to chill out at the beaches of Zanzibar, you are going to be spending about 4 - 6 nights in Zanzibar, with at least a full day in Stone Town and one full day on the beach. Of course, Zanzibar has many more beaches, and I am going to devote a whole post to these where I talk about each of them and give more pictures.

The historical town of Stone Town is a great option for anyone looking to see another side to Zanzibar, other than beaches and coral. The historic Stone Town is the islands most impressive settlement, with museums and fortresses to explore, as well as restaurants and cafes to dine in. Stone Town is Zanzibar’s oldest city, and it is home to historical buildings, an ancient spice market, and narrow streets, all founded in the 16th century by Arab slaves and spice traders. The Old Slave Market of Stone town was one of the last slave markets left in the world until it was forced to close by the British when they gained control of Zanzibar in the 19th century. Today, the Old Slave Market of Stone Town is a fascinating, moving museum, which helps you to understand the islands history. Visit the local villages, discover their trade of nutmeg, and enjoy incredible fruit trees and forests. While cycling, you can be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, well versed with routes that need to be followed, like those passing by a local market where they sell various spices, riding into Jozani Forest where you will see Red Colobus Monkeys, riding into fishing villages, Pemba Island, Stone Town, down roads, and lots more. In general, a Nungwi trip comes with visiting a mangrove forest, any Zanzibar tour guide will be able to assist with these two Zanzibar activities. You can hire a car if you wish to explore the long, broad island at your own pace, and to see the best places to visit on Zanzibar.