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 where to be cautious.
1. Do a Tour of Stone Town First
As with any new destination, I recommend doing a tour of where you’re staying as the very first thing you do — it’s the best way to get your bearings, and you get to pick a local guide’s brain on all your random questions and tips you can use throughout your time there.
We booked a private tour of Stone Town and loved it! Since it was just us, we could take our time and ask whatever we wanted instead of rushing to keep up with a group.
One of my favorite little details: the walls of the old fort are actually made of coral, and you can see the individual pieces up close. You get a real taste of the history on the tour, and it left us wanting more — we ended up going back on our own to properly explore both the Freddie Mercury Museum and the Slave Lodge Museum. The alleys of Stone Town, Spice markets, carved wooden doors, buildings that have been there for centuries. The mix of Arab, Indian and European influence, which shows up in the food and the architecture once someone points it out to you.
Our guide took us through the local markets and explained the history behind buildings we would have walked right past. Going private meant we could move at our own pace and hang around longer at certain places without feeling rushed
2. Visit Cheetah’s Rock
If you love wildlife, Cheetah’s Rock is an absolute must — highly recommend it if you want to see animals native to Africa up close. Before anything starts, they walk you through the sanctuary’s history, plus safety guidelines for being around the animals, so everyone knows what to expect.
Monkeys, Lemurs & Feeding Time
They start you off feeding the monkeys, then you move on to the lemurs — genuinely so cute, just bouncing around everywhere.
Watching the Lions & Feeding a Hyena
From there you work your way up to the big cats. I actually got to feed a hyena, which honestly wasn’t nearly as scary as I expected — it was surprisingly chill. Funny detail from the guides: the hyenas apparently dislike the workers the most, since they’re the ones giving shots and doing medical care, but they’re totally relaxed around the people who show up daily just to feed them.
We also watched them feed the lions, which was wild to witness — these huge, majestic animals up close. There’s always a barrier or gate separating visitors from the lions, no exceptions — it would be genuinely dangerous otherwise, so don’t expect an up-close moment with them the way you get with some of the other animals.
The Cheetah Encounter
The cheetah was the moment that actually got me. Walking up to it was genuinely nerve-wracking — you’re specifically told not to make direct eye contact with it, since it can read that as a threat. The photo op with the cheetah is completely optional, and they’re upfront that the cheetah itself might just decide it’s not in the mood, in which case they respect that and you don’t force it. I appreciated that they lead with the animal’s comfort over guaranteeing a photo.
Meeting the Rescued Zebra
We also met a rescued zebra with a rough backstory — it had come from a pretty bad living situation before landing at the sanctuary. There was a moment during the cheetah encounter where I almost backed out entirely — it was genuinely a little intimidating in the moment — but I’m really glad we stuck with it. Worth it.
Note: This is a private organization that offers its own tours. Book here
3. The Rock Restaurant: Go for the Photos, Not the Food
After reading a bunch of reviews saying the food was pretty “meh,” we decided to skip the meal and just come for the spectacle instead. And honestly, the spectacle alone is worth it.
The restaurant is built right on top of a coral outcrop, so depending on the tide, it’s either sitting on dry sand or completely surrounded by water like its own tiny island. We went right before it opened and just took photos — from the side, you can really see how dramatically it juts up out of the water. We peeked inside, but it didn’t look like the actual dining experience was worth the hype for us, so we happily skipped it and just enjoyed it as a photo stop.
Parking Tip: There isn’t really a formal lot — you’re parking in dirt rows, people are waving you into random spots, and you’re never totally sure if it’s okay. If someone “helps” you park, expect them to want a tip, even though it’s technically public parking. They’ll also try to sell you a tour while you’re there — just get comfortable saying no.
4. The Maalum Pool & Spa: An Unforgettable Experience
We loved this place so much, we went back a second time. Honestly, the first visit we were so obsessed with taking pictures that we barely got to just be there — and you only get an hour, so you’re on the clock.
Since we went first thing in the morning, we had the whole place to ourselves. The attendant working there gave us a whole unexpected photoshoot for half our time slot, taking lots of posed photos and video for us and spending extra time helping us get the perfect shot. It was clear he was an expert at all the right angles of this place — he absolutely didn’t have to do that, so we made sure to tip him well as a thank you. We walked away with some memorable and great footage.
We went back a second time simply because we loved it and felt like an hour wasn’t enough. It was also a five-minute drive from our Airbnb, so it wasn’t a big challenge to return the next morning. Both times we added a massage, which wasn’t expensive at all. It was totally relaxing and very worth it. They have a nice public area you can relax and read or have lunch afterwards.
The water is unreal — perfect temperature, and so clear you can see straight to the bottom. Genuinely one of the most beautiful places to just relax for a few hours.
Watch the Reel: Maalum Pool & Spa
5. 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 — a genuinely surreal experience, since some of these tortoises are older than any living human and have lived through countless historical events. You’ll also spot baby tortoises, part of a conservation effort that originally gifted tortoises to Zanzibar from the Seychelles.
What to Expect:
- Visiting museums and landmarks you can later explore in more depth, like 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 600+ lbs
- Exploring the old prison ruins, originally built as a detention center and 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!
What we wished we knew before:
Renting a Car in Zanzibar: Proceed With Caution
Driving yourself around Zanzibar has real upsides — you can just hop in the car and go whenever you want — but it comes with real friction too, and it’s not for everyone.
Google Maps is not reliable here. We almost missed Cheetah’s Rock entirely because so many roads simply aren’t mapped or labeled, and following the app confidently will land you at a dead end on a random dirt road. A lot of intersections are confusing without local knowledge, and honestly, it’s often just easier to ask someone than to trust the app.
We also passed a few police checkpoints along the way — officers standing on the side of the road, seemingly trying to wave cars over, though it was never totally clear if that’s actually what was happening. We just kept driving both times, and nothing came of it. It wasn’t scary exactly, just a genuine “wait, what’s happening right now” moment — and once we realized we could just keep going, it became more funny than stressful.
Bottom line: if you’re not comfortable driving in unfamiliar countries, skip renting and book tours instead. But if you’re more of an adventurous traveler, having a car gives you real flexibility — just go in knowing the roads are unpredictable and plan extra time to get anywhere.
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:
Book tours and excursions through reputable providers instead of directly from beach vendors, as some may overcharge or fail to deliver the promised experience.
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.
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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