Zanzibar Holidays

Paje Beach located in Southeast Zanzibar is a paradise for adrenaline junkies. A natural reef creates a calm, shallow lagoon with reliable side winds, making it a great spot to learn kitesurfing.

Based out of Nungwi, diving the Mnemba Atoll treats you to 40-metre visibility. You will swim alongside moray eels, tropical fish, and thriving coral gardens in Zanzibar’s best underwater playground.

Ditch the chaotic local buses and rent a bicycle to cycle from Nungwi to the quiet town of Matemwe. The experience will let you discover hidden coastal caves and ancient Portuguese ruins at your own pace.

Explore Jozani National Park by walking through the elevated wooden boardwalks, amidst lush mangrove forests. It is Zanzibar’s only land-based national park, where rare, playful red colobus monkeys swing right above your head.

Explore the island of Pemba, located 30 miles north of Zanzibar. This untamed island offers pristine diving in a protected conservation channel. You can even stay at the Manta Resort and sleep underwater among the fish.

It was built in 1873 by British abolitionists. This historical cathedral stands directly over East Africa’s largest open-air slave market. In a powerful gesture, the main altar was built exactly where the market's whipping post used to stand.

Located beside the Anglican Church in Stone Town, this powerful memorial features life-sized statues of enslaved people standing in a pit with iron chains around their necks. These statues honour the resilience and suffering of those affected by slavery.

Known widely as the Palace Museum, this waterfront site showcases the lavish lifestyles of Omani Sultans before the 1964 revolution. Visitors can view authentic thrones, royal wardrobe pieces and the fascinating written memoirs of rebellious Princess Salme.

Built in 1880 to house the Sultan’s wife and concubines, this grand estate was destroyed by fire. Today, massive stone columns, Persian bathhouses, and water lily reservoirs hint at its past royal splendor.

This eerie, underground cell was carved directly out of coastal coral rock to secretly hide enslaved people. Even after abolition, traders illegally marched human cargo up from a secluded beach into this dark hiding spot.

Built in 1850 by Sultan Said as a romantic gift for his Persian wife. The ruins feature a classic underground heating furnace, massage tables, and beautiful stucco carvings beneath a domed ceiling.

This historic 1860 structure served as the basecamp for legendary explorer Dr. David Livingstone before his final expedition. Famous explorers like Burton and Speke also stayed here before launching their African safaris.

This multicultural building was built by a wealthy merchant in 1887. Its beautiful, carved wooden balconies show Indian design, perfectly blended with local Zanzibari coral stone walls and European-style plaster decorations.

Usually held in February, it is a massive four-day event held inside Stone Town’s Old Fort. It is East Africa’s premier music festival that blends traditional Taraab rhythms with hip-hop, and Afrobeat performances.

Taking place from 24th to 28th June in 2026, it is known as the premier cinematic showcase for the “Dhow Countries”. The event lights up Stone Town with regional films, lively debates, and global arts.

It is a Persian New Year festival in Makunduchi village, taking place in July. Local men playfully duel with banana stalks to clear past grudges before burning a symbolic hut.

Every single month, Kendwa Rocks Hotel hosts a high-energy beach party featuring a lineup of fire dancers, international DJs, and sunset ocean views.

A vibrant, underground techno and electronic music festival, taking place early-to-mid-summer that hits Paje Beach, cleverly mixing late-night electronic dancing with beachside holistic wellness activities.

Taking over the northern Kendwa Beach every June, this high-energy culinary gathering fuses massive fresh-catch seafood barbecues with energetic traditional Kirua dance showcases.

Take a spice tour in Stone Town to explore the lush, fertile spice farms located on the city’s outskirts. Smell raw vanilla, taste fresh turmeric, and discover why Zanzibar is nicknamed the "Spice Island."

It is a quiet fishing village that offers an authentic slice of local life. You can watch fishermen dugout canoes at sunrise, explore seaweed farms, and see kids playing football on the beach.

Take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of Kuza Cave, a natural jungle sinkhole known for its spiritual importance. After swimming, head to the nearby cultural centre to enjoy a hands-on Swahili cooking class and learn about local traditions.

At sunset, Forodhani Gardens turns into a lively food market filled with grilled seafood and local flavours. Try a fresh sugarcane juice and don’t leave without tasting the famous Zanzibar pizza.

This 17th-century Arab Fort now hosts live music, cultural performances, plays, and the Zanzibar International Film Festival, creating a unique atmosphere in the heart of Stone Town.

Start with sunset drinks at Africa House Hotel before heading into Stone Town, where lively bars and clubs like Garage Club keep music and dancing going late into the night.