The heavenly Zanzibar archipelago is an excellent travel location for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Tourists can have the time of their lives on this breathtaking island, as it offers a range of exciting experiences and enriching opportunities. Visitors can meet indigenous locals, learn about the rich history of the region, taste the delicious cuisine, stay at luxurious boutique hotels, and enjoy exciting water sports. Here are the 10 best outdoor activities that travel lovers can enjoy in Zanzibar.
- Surfing
Zanzibar is a great place for surfing, as tourists can find ideal conditions in many pristine and breathtaking surf spots along the coast, most of which are suitable for beginners. Paje Beach has ideal winds, great waves, and perfect tide, and visitors can seek help from the surfing schools that operate in the region. The gorgeous Bwejuu beach also offers an excellent surfing experience as it has shallow waters, ideal tides, and helpful local guides. The southeast coast has reef breaks that are great for surfing, as the different types of waves provide opportunities for all types of surfers.
- Parasailing
One of the most amazing outdoor activities offered by Zanzibar is parasailing, where the tourist is towed behind a boat, while connected to a parasail wing. In Nungwi and Kendwa beach, tourists can enjoy an unforgettable parasailing experience!
- Walking Tour
Tourists can walk around the winding streets of Stone Town and observe the historic Swahili architecture in the city. They can also explore Forodhani Night Food Market where they can try street food and delicious local dishes such as Ugali, Zanzibar pizza, Nyama Choma, Mtori, Kuku Paka, Chipsi Mayai, Mshikaki, Samaki, and Mandazi!
- Dhow Cruise
A visit to Zanzibar is incomplete without a traditional dhow ride, which allows guests to experience the local culture, and to relax as they explore the tranquil waters.
- Jozani Forest Tour
Jozani Chwaka Bay Forest is a must-see tourist spot in Zanzibar. Tourists can walk around the park and enjoy the view of the lush greenery, and the stunning flora and fauna, as the park is home to Colobus Monkeys, leopards, snakes, and antelopes.
- Spice Farm Tour
Zanzibar is known for its spices, so a spice farm tour is a great idea. Tourists can go to Kidichi, Kizimbani, Tangawizi, or Jambo Spice Farm, where they can see, taste, and smell spices such as turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, lemongrass, coriander, and cloves. Tourists can also find fruits such as pineapples, durian, jackfruit, pomelo, coconuts, mangoes, soursop, coconuts, lychees, starfruits, and bananas!
- Kayaking
Renting a kayak is a great way to explore Zanzibar’s coastline. At Menai Bay, tourists can go on professionally guided kayaking tours with Kayak Zanzibar. Guests can enjoy a safe trip in the beautiful Menai Bay Conservation Area, which supports marine life, and brings tourists close to nature, offering breathtaking views of the ocean.
- Reef Walk
Tourists can go on walking tours among the coral reefs, where expert guides can teach them about marine creatures and different types of corals.
- Village Tour
A village tour in Zanzibar can be an enriching experience, as travelers can interact with Swahili culture. In Matemwe, tourists can visit local schools, enjoy a boat ride, go to the fish market, or interact with local fishermen and learn about their economy. At Jambiani, visitors can observe daily life activities such as grinding millets with mortar pestles, thatching coconut palms and preparation of bread. Visitors can also go to a cassava plantation and see locals weaving baskets, floor mats, and brooms!
- Mangrove Tour
Zanzibar is home to great mangrove forests, which tourists can observe in mangrove tours. These plants are home to animals such as bats, monkeys, and bushbabies. One can learn about the ecosystem and explore the sprawling forests by paddle board
