Things to do — Zanzibar

The Zanzibar archipelago offers a diversity of experiences that amply justify a 5-7 night stay.

Visiting Stone Town is the first essential, over 1-2 days. The labyrinth of alleys is best walked — a local guide (15-25 USD for 2-3 hours) is valuable to decode the history and architectural details. Key sights: the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib, former sultan's palace, under restoration in 2026), the Old Fort (Omani fortress from the 18th century, amphitheatre), the former slave market and its memorial (essential visit to understand the history), the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral (built in 1873 on the slave market site), the Darajani market (spices, fish, local life), and the famous carved doors (more than 560 catalogued, Indian, Omani, Swahili motifs). In the evening, dine at the Forodhani Gardens night market: freshly caught seafood grills, octopus skewers, Zanzibar pizzas (folded pancakes with meat/egg fillings), freshly pressed sugarcane juice.

Sea excursions from the main island offer the best nature experiences. The Mnemba atoll (from Matemwe or Nungwi, 1 day, 70-120 USD) is one of the best snorkelling spots in the world: intact reefs at 5-15 metres, schools of multicoloured fish, green turtles, rays, frequent dolphins. The traditional dhow cruise (from Nungwi or Stone Town, half day, 35-60 USD) offers a sunset sail followed by a seafood barbecue on board — one of the most memorable experiences of the stay.

Spice plantations (spice tours) are an essential half-day excursion from Stone Town. Visit to clove, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper and ginger plantations — explanations on cultivation and culinary use, tropical fruit tasting, traditional Swahili lunch. Count on 25-40 USD/person with a guide. The best plantations to visit: Kizimbani, Maruhubi, Kidichi.