Zanzibar: Tanzania’s Island Escape

Top Things to Do in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Share this post

Ocean experiences, cultural highlights, and island adventures

Zanzibar is an island built for beach lovers, explorers, and culture seekers!

Zanzibar delivers variety in a compact island escape clear waters, rich culture, exciting ocean activities, and a food scene influenced by centuries of trade. Every experience here is hands on, visual, and memorable.

Ride Into the Ocean

Horseback riding along Zanzibar’s beaches takes adventure straight into the water. Riders move from soft white sand into shallow turquoise waves, creating a rare experience that combines nature, movement, and open landscapes. It’s peaceful yet thrilling and ideal for travellers looking for something beyond the usual beach walk.

What it offers:
Unique oceanfront activity
Calm, shallow waters suitable for beginners
Stunning photo opportunities

Beneath the Turquoise Waves

Zanzibar’s underwater world is one of its strongest highlights. Coral reefs surround the island, offering excellent visibility and warm waters year round. Snorkelling and diving reveal colourful fish, reef formations, and marine life close to shore.

What it offers:
Easy snorkelling straight from the beach
Diving sites for beginners and certified divers
Clear, warm Indian Ocean waters

Ocean Adventures

The Indian Ocean is central to life in Zanzibar. From dhow cruises and paddle boarding to kayaking and dolphin excursions, the island offers a wide mix of water based activities without overcrowding.

What it offers:
Traditional sailing experiences 
Relaxed yet adventurous ocean access

The Spice Island

Zanzibar earned its nickname as the Spice Island through centuries of spice farming and trade. Guided spice tours introduce visitors to cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cardamom still grown across the island today.

What it offers:
Interactive farm visits
Tasting and learning about fresh spices
Insight into Zanzibar’s trading heritage

Unexpected Flavours

Zanzibar’s cuisine reflects African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Meals range from beachside seafood grills to spice infused Swahili dishes and vibrant street food.

What it offers:
Fresh seafood and tropical produce
Distinct spice driven flavours
Night markets and local food experiences

Freddie Mercury’s Home

Located in Stone Town, Freddie Mercury’s birthplace adds a modern cultural layer to Zanzibar’s identity. Music lovers and pop culture fans appreciate the contrast between global fame and local heritage.

What it offers:
A well-known cultural landmark
Insight into a global icon’s roots
Easy stop while exploring Stone Town

Stone Town Secrets

Stone Town is compact, atmospheric, and packed with history. Its narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, old merchant houses, and bustling markets make it one of East Africa’s most engaging old towns.

What it offers:
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Walkable cultural exploration
Architecture shaped by centuries of trade

Why Zanzibar Works So Well

Zanzibar balances relaxation with activity. You can spend the morning diving, the afternoon exploring history, and the evening enjoying beachside dining all without long travel times.

Zanzibar offers far more than beaches. With ocean adventures, underwater exploration, cultural landmarks, spice driven cuisine, and a rich old town, it delivers variety, accessibility, and depth in one island escape. Whether you’re active, curious, or simply looking to unwind, Zanzibar delivers experiences that feel fresh, engaging, and easy to enjoy.

What to Read Next

Story Card

Guide to all the Wildlife Regions in Tanzania

Planning a safari in Tanzania opens the door to some of the most extraordinary landscapes and wildlife experiences on the planet. From the legendary plains of the Serengeti to the towering peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is a country where every region offers something unique. Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration, dreaming of hot-air balloon safaris, looking to summit Africa’s highest mountain, or craving authentic cultural encounters, Tanzania’s national parks and protected areas deliver unforgettable moments.

 

Story Card

Tanzania - What each season offers

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but the experience varies dramatically with the seasons. The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is from July to October, which is the peak season and offers ideal weather and exceptional wildlife sightings. June is also a beautiful month lush from the recent rains, vibrant for birding, and full of migratory species although the thicker vegetation can make game viewing a bit more challenging.

Story Card

Botswana: Of rooftop tents & dusty roads!

Botswana, a land like no other! From it’s bustling wildlife to the salt pans of Makadikadi to the Kalahari desert, the country has something for everyone. Simran, OneLatitude’s co-founder, shared her experience of driving through the sandy terrains of it’s National Parks and setting up a rooftop tent under a star-studded sky, only to be […]

Story Card

5 Best Road-Trips to take in 2023

5 Best Road-Trips to take in 2023 As cliche as it sounds , we truly believe in the age-old adage that the “Journey is more important than the destination”. We genuinely believe that driving through a country gives one the opportunity to experience it in its truest form, by witnessing its changing landscapes and cultures. […]

Story Card

Top 5 things to do on a Baltics Road-trip!

Are you ready for an adventure through the Baltic states? These three countries – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – offer a unique blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Here are five things to add to your itinerary for a road trip through the Baltics. Explore the Old Towns of Tallinn and Riga […]

Your next luxury escape, awaits!

Let us know which trip you're interested in or if you'd like us to curate something for you. We'll get back to you real quick.

© OneLatitude Expedition LLP. All Rights Reserved