{"id":73031,"date":"2024-02-03T21:24:10","date_gmt":"2024-02-03T20:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/zanzibar-excursions-costs-which-ones-to-do-and-what-to-see\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T18:42:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T16:42:42","slug":"zanzibar-best-excursions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/zanzibar-best-excursions\/","title":{"rendered":"Zanzibar Best Excursions: costs, which ones to do and what to see"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zanzibar<\/a> is a very beautiful island, which has a lot to offer both in terms of its breathtaking views and in terms of the activities and excursions that you can do: for this reason, it would really be a pity to linger only in the area adjacent to the hotel or village where you are staying, and it would be
\nreally decisive, for a truly unforgettable vacation, to plan a list of unmissable things to
\ndo or see in order to return home with a truly enriched luggage!
\nAnd we will say more. The choice of things to do and the variety of experiences to be had is so
\nwide that it can please any kind of tourist: there are excursions more suitable, for example, for those
\nwho prefer to have one or more experiences in contact with nature, but also adventures more suitable for those
\nwho prefer to delve into the cultural history of the place. Because, contrary to popular belief, Zanzibar is
\nnot just safari and adventure, it is much more than that, and you only find out by experiencing it in full!
\nPrecisely because on vacation it seems that time goes by very quickly, it is always recommended to have
\nan idea of the things you would like to do and to draw up a list of experiences that you would prefer to have, so
\nthat you do not necessarily have to leave everything to chance. <\/p>\n

Costs and prices of excursions to Zanzibar<\/h2>\n

Since the number of excursions and the variety present is really very large and varied, it is not possible
\nto give a general indication of prices, also because, as we shall see, not all excursions are equal
\neven in terms of their management.
\nChoosing a self-directed excursion (feasible in some but not all cases, e.g., not feasible
\nfor sea experiences) is certainly less expensive because there are no commission costs and not
\nmust be paid for the local guide; however, the price also depends on the type of experience one chooses
\nto have, its duration, and the tour organizing it.<\/p>\n

Learn more in our Tanzania price<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n

Zanzibar: best recommended excursions<\/h2>\n

Very often the question a tourist asks a tour operator is “what are the best excursions, the ones that
\nI just can’t miss?” This is a question to which it is difficult, honestly, to give an
\nappropriate answer, for a simple reason: each of us has our own needs, our own preferences and
\nneeds, not only of budget but also properly related to our own tastes and propensities.
\nWe can say that if one had a very large budget, any of the proposed excursions at
\nZanzibar are worthwhile and worthy of attention, simply because each one leaves something
\npositive in those who experience it.
\nHowever, in general we can say that those who love history and culture and want to have a more
\npeaceful experience will definitely have to aim for less athletic excursions: for example, in this case you may
\nprefer a guided tour of Stone Town although the spice excursion is also noteworthy.
\nInstead, adventure lovers will not be able to resist taking a spectacular ATV ride, toward
\nknowledge of dense, lush vegetation.<\/p>\n

Those who are very fond of nature and the sea certainly have many more options available, but
\na highly recommended excursion is the sand tongue excursion to Nakupenda, because it is suitable for everyone (even
\nfamilies with children and those who are not particularly athletic).<\/p>\n

Sand tongue excursion<\/h2>\n

Nakupenda Beach is one of the most interesting excursions and certainly ranks among the most recommended in the
\nsector, for one simple reason: it is an adventure open to anyone, with no particular limitations, and for
\nthis reason it is also suitable for those with children or couples who want to relax in the middle
\nof the Indian Ocean.
\nMore than an adventure excursion, therefore, this is a truly relaxing experience, which can
\nbe enjoyed in total tranquility or in a more sporty manner for snorkelers (who can
\nspot many colorful starfish here): this “tongue of sand” (so called because it appears during the
\nday in the middle of the sea and tends to vanish with the arrival of high tide) can be reached from Prison
\nIsland, in just a few minutes by boat.
\nOn the atoll you can relax and sunbathe, enjoy characteristic and typical culinary specialties of
\nZanzibar, or even dive into the crystal-clear waters and go for a relaxing swim (in this case we recommend
\nbring your mask and snorkel, which will allow you to observe all the beauty that the
\nseabed is capable of bestowing.<\/p>\n

Dolphin excursion<\/h2>\n

One of the features that really make Zanzibar a magical and special place is that on many beaches it is
\npossible to spot dolphins, and in some bays it is even possible to go into the sea and swim with these
\nwonderful creatures.
\nOne of the recommended places to do this activity is, as we shall see, Menai Bay, which is really a
\nof the most exciting and promising areas of the island for those who love dolphins: the latter, in general, are not
\nfrightened by the presence of man but, being curious animals by nature, as soon as they spot a
\nboat they start jumping and give a really wonderful show.<\/p>\n

Blue Safari Excursion<\/h2>\n

If you love the sea and the activities that can be done among its waves (e.g., snorkeling), you can
\nnot fail to consider the Blue Safari excursion, which allows you to spend a full day in the protected area
\nof Menai Bay, full of relaxation and adventure.
\nThe hallmark of this type of excursion is to travel aboard a local boat (the
\ndhow, an ancient fishing boat) that makes stops from time to time for refreshing
\nswims and snorkeling activities. In addition, it is also possible here to spot dolphins and, why not, if you
\nare lucky even take a swim next to these intelligent and wonderful creatures!
\nIn addition to these activities and a relaxing lunch on the beach based on local preparations, you can also
\nview the beautiful mangroves in the lagoon and the centuries-old Baobab tree.
\nSince this is an excursion that favors those who love swimming, it is best to avoid it (and prefer others) if you
\nare not particularly fond of the sea and snorkeling. <\/p>\n

Spice tour excursion<\/h2>\n

As its name suggests, this excursion is particularly suitable for those who love spices but, since
\nit is not boring but, on the contrary is very “light” (riddles and games to guess the type of spice are also proposed during the walk
\n), it is still recommended even for non-fans. In
\neach case, it is also a very nice hike because it allows you to delve into the local culture
\nof the island, to see a mix of vegetation and to get in touch with nature and culture using
\nsight, touch and smell.
\nIn addition to these suggestions, there is also the possibility to see a demonstration of climbing a palm tree
\nand to receive gifts of nice gadgets made by weaving its leaves for less. For this reason, too,
\nthe hike is very nice for both young and old. <\/p>\n

Quad bike excursion<\/h2>\n

The ATV ride is a lot of fun, but it is still an activity recommended only for those who
\nhave a particularly adventurous and sporty spirit: mind you, because this does not at all mean that
\nthe excursion is not suitable for those who have never tried ATV riding before, but simply that it is
\nopen especially to those who have the passion or want to try this experience at least once in their lives.
\nThe tour lasts approximately half a day and is carried out on mostly dirt roads in search of animals and
\nlocal vegetation: in fact, the goal of this excursion is precisely to get as deep as possible
\ninto the lush wilderness, and you are usually accompanied by a local guide who shows the
\nvegetation and describes its characteristics. In addition, this type of hike includes a few stops either
\nto taste freshly cut fruit or to be able to take photos and get in touch with the inhabitants of
\nvillages and the culture of the island’s hinterland. <\/p>\n

Excursions with beach boys<\/h2>\n

Beach boys are local young men whom you can mostly meet at the seashore, especially
\non the beaches with the most resorts and accommodations.
\nIt should be made clear from the outset that their business is not always legalized, but it does in many cases allow
\nthem to save money: these local guys make money from selling excursions that in many cases rely
\non more reliable companies (and in this case costs tend to increase) but in other cases (most
\nof them) they are not particularly organized.
\nSince, as mentioned, this is often a non-legal activity, it is always a good idea to prefer guides who are in
\npossession of regular licenses, avoiding abusive excursions that while they may promise
\nimmediate savings, they certainly cannot guarantee safety and protection in case of problems.<\/p>\n

Excursions with the resort<\/h2>\n

The main feature of the tours organized by the resort at which you are staying is that they are
\nvery advantageous in terms of the convenience aspect: you meet down on the spot and leave together
\nwith the group of tourists staying at the same resort and with whom you will surely have something extra to
\nshare.
\nThe disadvantage, on the other hand, is mostly economic: compared to excursions that are planned by local tour
\noperators they definitely cost more because to the cost of the actual excursion one must
\nalso add that of commissions. However, you have more guarantees in the act of safety and
\nthis is one of the reasons why you might consider this solution (especially if you
\ntravel alone and if this is your first experience). <\/p>\n

Excursions with local guides<\/h2>\n

Even those with local guides can have their advantages and disadvantages. The definitely
\npositive point is that there are many local guides in Zanzibar who speak perfect Italian, and this
\nmeans that you will never be uncomfortable and will always have your requests met because
\nthey are clearly understood. Many local companies and facilities are particularly experienced and
\nprofessional in excursions, are reliable and guarantee departures every day; they are also easily
\navailable directly on site (for example, in Stone Town). However, they may not be the
\nright choice if you prefer to leave already organized (and in this case they are not to be preferred). <\/p>\n

Also learn more about our tour operator for Tanzania<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hiking on your own<\/h2>\n

Being totally autonomous can have its why, even on vacation: no one can give you that
\nsense of freedom and omnipotence that you have when you manage your time as you see fit, when you don’t have
\nto depend on others or have to wait until everyone is ready (in the case of group excursions). In addition,
\nwe do not all have the same preferences and needs, and if I, for example, prefer to focus more on
\nknowledge of a monument specifically, someone else might be more interested in some other
\naspect of the same excursion: getting everyone to agree is not easy, which is why if you have the opportunity and you
\nfeel safe it is a great experience to experience an excursion in total independence, freedom and autonomy.
\nCertainly there are a number of excursions that can be done independently, without the support of
\nlocal escorts or professional guides: one example is the capades to local villages, or to the
\nspice tour or Stone Town, or even to the Baraka Aquarium. These are not particularly
\ndangerous places or where there is a risk of getting lost, but it is always good to consider the travel aspect, which
\ndeserves some attention: moving around the island independently is not very easy, both because the
\ncar rental is not particularly widespread (and in any case driving is on the right, reasoning that it could
\nbe more complicated, especially at the beginning) and because in case of a stop by the local police you
\nshould untangle well between documents and knowledge of the language. For travel, therefore, it is always
\nbest to choose a local taxi driver and, in any case, venture out on independent excursions only if you are
\nparticularly confident and know at least a little about the place (and the English language).<\/p>\n

See also: what to do in Tanzania<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Zanzibar is a very beautiful island, which has a lot to offer both in terms of its breathtaking views and in terms of the activities and excursions that you can do: for this reason, it would really be a pity to linger only in the area adjacent to the hotel or village where you are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":72298,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[381],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-73031","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-zanzibar"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73031","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=73031"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73031\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":73447,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73031\/revisions\/73447"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72298"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=73031"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=73031"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safariavventura.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=73031"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}