Unguja, Zanzibar's main island, is small enough that most places are within two hours' drive of each other, and its sights fall into four clear areas. Use this overview to see what is where, then follow the links to each guide.
Prison Island Changuu, the island off Stone Town with giant Aldabra tortoises: history, fees, snorkelling and the Nakupenda sandbank. 
Nungwi & Kendwa Zanzibar's northern tip: swimming at any tide, sunsets, the dhow builders, the Kendwa full moon party and the honest downsides. 
Paje & Jambiani The east coast lagoon villages: tides and swimming, kitesurf seasons, seaweed farmers, Kuza Cave and The Rock nearby. 
Jozani Forest Zanzibar's only national park: red colobus monkeys, a guided forest trail and a mangrove boardwalk, half a day from Stone Town. 
The Rock restaurant Zanzibar's famous restaurant on a rock in the sea: tides, reservations, menu prices and honest tips before you book. Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar City, is where most trips begin, and our Stone Town guide covers its carved doors, markets, mosques and the Forodhani food market on the seafront. A short boat ride away, Prison Island has giant tortoises and clear water, and the spice farms lie in the countryside just inland.
Nungwi and Kendwa, at the northern tip, are the busiest beach resorts, with swimming at almost any tide, sunsets over the sea and the widest choice of boat trips, including those to the Mnemba atoll off the north-east coast. See Nungwi and Kendwa.
Paje and Jambiani face the Indian Ocean reef, with wide lagoons that empty at low tide, kitesurfing and a quieter village feel. Further north, off Michamvi Pingwe, The Rock is the restaurant on a rock in the sea, one of the most photographed spots on the island.
Jozani Forest, in the centre of the island, is home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey and a mangrove boardwalk. In the south, the Kuza and Salaam caves near Jambiani and Kizimkazi offer swimming in limestone pools, and Kizimkazi is the base for dolphin trips.
Pemba, the greener and much quieter northern island, is reached by ferry or a short flight and suits divers and travellers looking for fewer crowds. To choose a coast for your stay, compare tides, swimming and atmosphere in our guide to Zanzibar's beaches.
Stone Town, the UNESCO-listed old quarter of Zanzibar City, where almost every visitor spends at least a day.
The north (Nungwi and Kendwa) suits swimmers and sunset lovers; the east coast (Paje and Jambiani) suits kitesurfers and quieter stays; Stone Town is best for a night or two of history and food.
Yes, if you want fewer crowds and good diving. It is reached by ferry or a flight of about half an hour from Unguja.
A broad introduction to Zanzibar's culture, flavours and coast for first-time visitors. It takes about five hours and includes lunch, so it fits into a half day.
from €49 per person
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Good for independent walkers who prefer their own pace. Spread the audio stops over one day or several, and use the downloadable map without a data connection.
from €5.44 per person
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A relaxed boat day from Stone Town combining an island visit with time on a sandbank in the sea. A barbecue is part of the tour; bring sun protection and swimwear.
from €15 per person
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Combines old-town sights such as the House of Wonders and the slave market with the tortoise sanctuary and a spice farm. Suits first-time visitors wanting history, wildlife and local flavours.
from €31.82 per person
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Suits food lovers who want to see how Stone Town's markets work and try local street snacks on foot. It runs about three hours, so wear comfortable shoes.
from €31 per person
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A straightforward nature outing for anyone curious about the red colobus, found only on Zanzibar, with a look at the mangrove area and natural forest in the same visit.
from €49.87 per person
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A private taxi from the hotel to The Rock on the east coast, then back. Useful for photos, a swim at high tide or a meal; the restaurant should be contacted four days ahead to book.
from €72.53 per person
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Suits independent travellers who want some outdoor exercise and prefer to explore the area around Paje at their own pace rather than on a set tour.
from €9.07 per person
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Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 24, 2026.
