tandemsafa
January 17, 2026
Zanzibar, the “Spice Island,” is a jewel of the Indian Ocean that combines white-sand perfection with a deep, soulful history. At Tandem Safaris, we specialize in bridging the gap between the wild savannahs of the mainland and the turquoise tranquility of the archipelago.
Whether you are looking for a romantic escape after a grueling trek up Kilimanjaro or a family adventure following a Big Five safari, Zanzibar offers a sensory explosion like nowhere else on earth. Here are the top 10 destinations and activities you must include in your itinerary.
Stone Town is the cultural heart of the island and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its narrow, winding alleys is like stepping back centuries.
The Activity: Take a guided “Heritage Walk.” Visit the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the moving Anglican Cathedral (built on the site of the former slave market).
SEO Tip: Stone Town is famous for its intricately carved “Zanzibar Doors”—each telling a story of the owner’s status and trade.
Located on the northern tip of the island, these two beaches are world-renowned because they are largely unaffected by the dramatic tides that pull the water back miles elsewhere.
The Activity: Dhow Sunset Sailing. Board a traditional wooden dhow as the sky turns into a canvas of orange and pink. It is the most iconic “Instagrammable” moment in Zanzibar.
Just off the northeast coast lies Mnemba, a private island surrounded by a protected marine conservation area.
The Activity: Snorkeling and Scuba Diving. The visibility here is exceptional. You can expect to see pods of wild dolphins, green turtles, and vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish.
Zanzibar isn’t just about the ocean; it has a lush, green interior that is home to rare, endemic species.
The Activity: Spot the Red Colobus Monkeys. These playful primates are found nowhere else on the planet. Don’t forget to walk through the mystical mangrove boardwalks nearby.
Zanzibar earned its nickname through the production of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper.
The Activity: A Farm-to-Table Spice Tour. You’ll visit rural plantations to see how these spices grow in their natural state. It usually ends with a traditional Swahili lunch seasoned with the very spices you just picked.
A short boat ride from Stone Town, this island was once intended for rebellious slaves and later used as a quarantine station.
The Activity: Meet the Giant Aldabra Tortoises. Some of these gentle giants are over 150 years old. It’s a fantastic educational experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Perhaps the most famous restaurant in the world, this eatery is perched on a coral outcrop in the middle of the ocean.
The Activity: Dining at High Tide. During low tide, you can walk to the restaurant; during high tide, a small boat ferries you across. It is the ultimate “Bucket List” seafood experience.
On the southeast coast, the steady winds and shallow lagoons make Paje one of the world’s top destinations for kitesurfing.
The Activity: Kitesurfing or Seaweed Farming. If you aren’t into high-adrenaline sports, visit the local seaweed centers to see how women harvest seaweed to make organic soaps and creams.
This is more than just a boat trip; it’s a full-day immersive experience in the Menai Bay Conservation Area.
The Activity: Sailing in a traditional dhow, sandbank snorkeling, and a massive seafood BBQ on a deserted island. It’s the gold standard for Zanzibar day trips.
As the sun sets in Stone Town, the waterfront transforms into a bustling open-air food market.
The Activity: Eat like a local. Try the Zanzibar Pizza (a savory or sweet crepe-like snack), freshly pressed sugarcane juice, and grilled seafood skewers.
Navigating the tides, local boat transfers, and hidden gems of Zanzibar requires local expertise. At Tandem Safaris, we ensure your transition from the bush to the beach is seamless. We handle all the logistics so you can focus on the “Pole Pole” (slowly, slowly) lifestyle of the island.
Contact our expert travel consultants today:
Phone/WhatsApp: +254 769 577 577
Email: info@tandemsafaris.com
Website: www.tandemsafaris.com
Tandem Safaris: Your Partner in African Adventure.
We are a premier tours and travel agency based in Nairobi, Kenya. Established in 2020, we specialize in providing exceptional travel experiences across Kenya and East Africa. Our services include tailored safaris, corporate travel, group tours, airport transfers, and more
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