Zanzibar is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, rich history and unique attractions. Whether you’re looking for wildlife encounters, breathtaking restaurants or adventure, this guide will help you navigate the must-see spots and things to be cautious about.
1. Visit Cheetah’s Rock
If you love wildlife, Cheetah’s Rock is a must-visit. This ethical animal sanctuary offers a unique, up-close experience with cheetahs, zebras and even lemurs. Unlike traditional zoos, the focus here is on conservation and ethical animal interactions.
What to Expect:
- Get up close and personal with cheetahs in a safe, controlled environment, learning about their habits and conservation.
- Attend engaging and educational talks about conservation efforts and the role of the sanctuary in protecting endangered species.
- Observe lions being fed and learn about the rehabilitation process for rescued animals, including hyenas and other rare species.
- Walk through the sanctuary and see a variety of exotic animals in naturalistic enclosures, far different from a typical zoo experience.
- Be prepared for a long tour filled with incredible encounters—bring water and wear comfortable shoes!
Tip: If possible, opt for the pickup and drop-off option for an extra fee. We didn’t, and we wished we had, because the location was hard to find and driving there was stressful. If you love wildlife, Cheetah’s Rock is a must-visit. This ethical animal sanctuary offers a unique, up-close experience with cheetahs, zebras and even lemurs. Unlike traditional zoos, the focus here is on conservation and ethical animal interactions. Book your visit in advance, as spots fill up quickly!
2. The Rock Restaurant – A Beautiful View, But Just for the Photos
One of Zanzibar’s most famous landmarks, The Rock Restaurant, sits on a rock formation in the ocean. While the view is breathtaking, many visitors say the food is overpriced and underwhelming.
What to Do Instead:
- Plan your visit around low tide for the best opportunity to take stunning photos of the restaurant perched on the rock.
- If you’re curious, stop by for a drink instead of committing to a full meal — many visitors find the food overpriced and not worth the cost.
- Explore nearby seafood restaurants, which often serve fresher, better-prepared meals at a fraction of the price.
Parking Tip: If you don’t take a cab, parking can be a bit weird — it sometimes feels like you’re parking in someone’s backyard. There are attendants who can assist you if you ask, but be aware that they may try to sell you tours. If you’re not interested, just politely say no. One of Zanzibar’s most famous landmarks, The Rock Restaurant, sits on a rock formation in the ocean. While the view is breathtaking, many visitors say the food is overpriced and underwhelming.
What to Do Instead:
- Visit during low tide to take great photos.
- Enjoy a mocktail instead of a full meal.
Try other highly-rated seafood restaurants nearby for a better dining experience.
3. Renting a Car in Zanzibar: Proceed with Caution
Driving in Zanzibar is an adventure — but not always in a good way. While renting a car gives you flexibility, there are a few challenges to be aware of.
Important Tips for Driving in Zanzibar:
- Google Maps is unreliable – Expect inaccurate directions, missing roads and routes that don’t exist.
- Stick to main roads only – Smaller roads are often unpaved, poorly maintained and sometimes unsafe, making navigation tricky.
- Do NOT drive at night – Street lighting is scarce, and unexpected obstacles like pedestrians, animals and potholes make night driving dangerous.
- Watch out for police checkpoints – We saw these but just kept driving… No one stopped us! Some officers may try to impose fines for minor infractions or ask for “fees.” Having small bills on hand can be helpful in case you need to negotiate.
If you’re not an experienced driver in unpredictable conditions, hiring a private driver may be a safer option and isn’t too expensive.
4. The Maalum Pool & Spa: An Unforgettable Experience
One of our favorite experiences in Zanzibar was Maalum Pool & Spa. There are a few of these pools there but this one was a more luxury experience than others. It’s a hidden gem with a natural pool with crystal-clear water, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. It costs $25 to visit as of 2024.
What to Know:
- Book ahead and aim for a weekday morning to avoid crowds and have the serene location all to yourself.
- We loved it so much, we went twice! The first visit was peaceful, with no one else around, and the staff took stunning photos and videos for us.
- The water is breathtakingly clear, making it feel like a private, natural oasis.
- Bring a swimsuit and a waterproof phone case if you plan to take pictures — this is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Zanzibar.
Honestly, I’m almost afraid that sharing this will make it overrun with tourists — but you know your girl doesn’t gatekeep! Zanzibar is home to some of the most incredible resort pools, many of which overlook the ocean.
IG Reel:
5. Watch Out for Beach Boys (Persistent Vendors)
Zanzibar’s beaches are beautiful, but they are also filled with sometimes aggressive vendors, known as “beach boys.” While some are friendly, others can be very persistent.
How to Handle Beach Boys:
- Be firm but polite: A simple “No, thank you” usually discourages persistent vendors.
- Avoid prolonged eye contact if you’re not interested — sometimes even acknowledging them can encourage further interaction.
- Book tours and excursions through reputable providers instead of directly from beach vendors, as some may overcharge or fail to deliver the promised experience.
6. Visit Prison Island & See the Giant Tortoises
A short boat ride from Zanzibar, Prison Island is home to a fascinating history and a colony of giant tortoises. These tortoises are a surreal experience — they are older than any living human and have lived through countless historical events. You’ll also find baby tortoises, which were originally gifted to Zanzibar from the Seychelles islands as part of a conservation effort.
A short boat ride from Zanzibar, Prison Island is home to a fascinating history and a colony of giant tortoises.
What to Expect:
- Visiting museums and landmarks that we later explored in more depth, such as the House of Wonders and Old Fort.
- A chance to feed and interact with the tortoises, some of which are over **200 years old and over 600 lbs.**
- Exploring the old prison ruins, which were originally built as a detention center but later used as a quarantine station.
- Stunning snorkeling opportunities in the surrounding waters.
Tip: Bring some fresh greens if you want to feed the tortoises — they love them!
7. Do a Private Tour of Stone Town
A guided tour of Stone Town is one of the best ways to learn about Zanzibar’s rich history. We opted for a private tour, which was only $40 USD, and it was well worth it! It took us through the local markets, and we learned so much about the history of Zanzibar. It was also great to go at our own pace, allowing us to stop and explore different areas more thoroughly.
A guided tour of Stone Town is one of the best ways to learn about Zanzibar’s rich history. We booked one on Airbnb as soon as we arrived, and it was fantastic. Having a local guide helped us understand the deeper stories behind the landmarks, and we were able to revisit some of the museums later for a more in-depth look.
What to Expect:
- Visiting the Slave Museum, which provides a sobering but important look into Zanzibar’s role in the East African slave trade. You’ll see underground chambers where enslaved people were kept and learn about the resilience of those who fought for abolition.
- A stop at Freddie Mercury’s childhood home, which now serves as a small museum dedicated to the legendary Queen frontman, who was born in Zanzibar. The museum includes memorabilia and insight into his early life before moving to the UK.
- Wandering through Stone Town’s winding alleys filled with historic buildings, spice markets and centuries-old architecture.
- Learning about Zanzibar’s mix of Arab, Indian and European influences, which are reflected in its culture and food.
Tip: Booking through Airbnb or a local provider is a great option. Many tours include hotel pickup and guides who can tailor the experience based on your interests.
Final Thoughts
Zanzibar is an unforgettable destination with its mix of adventure, relaxation and history. However, being prepared for its challenges — such as unreliable navigation, aggressive vendors and driving difficulties — can help you make the most of your trip.
Have you been to Zanzibar? Share your experiences or any tips in the comments!
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