Things to do in Zanzibar, ranked by what guests actually enjoy
6 min readUpdated July 2026Written by the Zanzibar in One booking team
The four tours almost every guest is glad they did: Safari Blue for a full day on a dhow and sandbank, Mnemba atoll for the best snorkelling, a spice farm for the island's history, and Stone Town on foot with a guide who knows the doors.
You do not need a tour every day. Two or three well chosen days out around beach time is the sweet spot for a week. Here is what each one is really like.
Safari Blue
A full day from Fumba on a traditional dhow: snorkelling on the reef, a sandbank stop, a mangrove lagoon and a big seafood lunch on Kwale island, finishing with fresh fruit and the sunset run home. It is the single most booked day out on the island and it deserves it.
Mnemba atoll snorkelling and diving
Best water in Zanzibar. Boats leave from Matemwe or Kiwengwa early, and the earlier you go the calmer it is and the fewer boats you share it with. Dolphins are common on the way out. You cannot land on Mnemba island itself, it is private.
Spice farm and Stone Town
The spice tour explains why this island mattered enough for empires to fight over it, and it is genuinely hands on: you taste, smell and pick. Pair it with a Stone Town walking tour covering the old fort, the House of Wonders, the Anglican cathedral built over the slave market and the carved doors.
Jozani forest and Prison Island
Jozani is the only place on earth to see the red colobus monkey, and it takes half a day from the east coast. Prison Island is a short boat from Stone Town for giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old, plus a decent snorkel off the beach.
Common questions
How many tours should I book for a week in Zanzibar?
Two or three. Guests who book more than that usually skip one, because the beach and the heat win.
Is Safari Blue worth it?
Yes, for almost everyone. It is a long day, roughly 9am to 5pm, so pick a day when you have nothing else planned.
Do tour prices include hotel pickup?
Our prices include pickup and drop off at your hotel for the standard pickup zones. If you are staying somewhere remote we tell you the supplement before you confirm.
Can I book a tour without booking a hotel through you?
Yes. Every service on this site can be booked on its own. Add just the tour to the cart and send it.
Plan it while it is fresh
Add a stay, a transfer and a tour to one cart and send it as a single request. We confirm with every supplier and come back with one itinerary and one price.
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