Private tour of historic Stone Town with Masingini Forest walk

Zanzibar historic Stone Town and spice farm private tour

No holiday to Zanzibar is complete without diving into the old town district of Zanzibar City, Stone Town. This portion of the capital is a jack of all trades. The mishmash of architecture styles, the historical landmarks, the cultural hubs – this place has it all. In fact, Stone Town is so impressive, UNESCO labelled it a World Heritage Site in 2000.Stone Town is in the spotlight for the first half of today's tour. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you into the heart of the capital. Then, you'll follow them through the streets on a walking tour. They'll point out all the major landmarks, including the House of Wonders – the former sultan's palace – the biggest bazaar on the island, Darajani Market, and Forodhani Gardens. You'll also stop by the Tanzanite Museum, to learn all about this violet gem – it's unique to Tanzania.In the afternoon, you'll get to know why Zanzibar is also called the Spice Island. You'll head to a spice farm to see how some of the local produce is grown – cloves, pepper, vanilla and even cinnamon are harvested here.

Zanzibar historic stone town tour and Masingini Forest walk

History, culture and a whole lot of character spill out of every narrow alley in UNESCO-listed Stone Town, where your day kicks off. With your guide leading the way, you'll wander past carved doors, spice-scented markets and lively streets shaped by African, Arab, Indian and European influences. You'll also visit Christ Church Cathedral and the former slave house for a clearer understanding of Zanzibar's past and its role in the slave trade.After some free time for browsing and bargaining, you'll head to Masingini Forest, only a short drive away but a complete change of pace. Lunch is a simple Swahili spread tucked among the trees, full of flavour and local touches. Once you've eaten, it's time for a forest walk, where your guide will point out birds, plants and the conservation work happening there with support from the TUI Care Foundation.It's a day that blends two very different sides of Zanzibar without feeling rushed. You get the colour and energy of Stone Town, followed by the calm of the forest and a closer look at the ecosystems and conservation projects that shape this protected area.

Local life and home cooking with the Mamas of Zanzibar tour

The Mamas of Zanzibar are at the heart of this experience. They're a group of talented, entrepreneurial women keeping craft, culture and community alive. Your day begins with a walk through the village, where you'll meet the Mamas, hear their stories and see how their skills support local families. From weaving and handcrafting to everyday traditions, they'll show you what life looks like from their perspective. Next, you'll join the Mamas in the kitchen for a hands‑on cooking session. Together, you'll crack coconuts, grind spices and prepare classic Swahili dishes like coconut rice, chapati and fragrant vegetables. There's plenty of easy conversation as the Mamas share the kitchen secrets they've perfected over a lifetime. You'll also enjoy fresh juices and local snacks to keep the energy flowing as you cook side by side. Afterwards, you'll sit down to enjoy the meal you've created, served in a peaceful garden setting. There's time to ask questions and soak up the warmth of your hosts before browsing handmade crafts or trying a little henna if you fancy it. You'll wrap up your time with the Mamas over local coffee or spiced tea for a relaxed end to the day.

Zanzibar Masingini Forest full-day biking and walking tour

See a greener side of Zanzibar on this tour through Masingini Forest and the island's rural heartlands. Whether you're cycling along countryside tracks or wandering shaded forest paths, you'll find plenty of opportunities to connect with the landscapes that shape everyday life here. Keep an eye out for native wildlife and enjoy a quieter pace away from the coast. A guided walk through the TUI Forest Project reveals how conservation efforts are helping the forest thrive. Your local guide will bring the surroundings to life with insights into the area's ecology, from indigenous tree species to the challenges of protecting natural habitats. It's a chance to understand the impact of community-led conservation while seeing the results first-hand. Round off your day with a visit to a traditional spice farm, where the aromas of cloves, cardamom and cinnamon fill the air. Learn how these crops have influenced Zanzibar's history and discover the medicinal plants still used today. Combining outdoor adventure, local knowledge and meaningful encounters, this tour is a great fit for travellers who wants to explore the island beyond its beaches.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and The Mamas of Zanzibar full-day private tour

If you're curious about the Zanzibar beyond the coastline, this private tour brings together two sides of island life in one memorable day. Start in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, a lush pocket of forest filled with native plants, mangroves and rare wildlife, including the Zanzibar red colobus monkey. As you walk the forest trails with your guide, you'll learn how local conservation work is giving these monkeys, and the entire ecosystem, a fighting chance. From the forest, head to a nearby village for a warm welcome from the Mamas of Zanzibar. As you explore the community, you'll find out about local traditions and daily life before joining a cooking session centred around classic Swahili flavours. Learn how coconut is transformed into fresh milk, grind spices by hand and help prepare dishes such as coconut rice, chapati and vegetables, with fish, chicken or vegetarian options available. The day ends around the table, sharing the food you've helped prepare with your hosts. Between browsing handcrafted goods made by local women and unwinding with a cup of spiced tea or coffee, there's plenty of time for conversation and connection. It's a relaxed and rewarding way to discover Zanzibar's wildlife, culture and community spirit while directly supporting local communities.

Zanzibar deep-sea fishing private full-day tour

Go deep-sea fishing in Zanzibar with yellowfin tuna, marlin and sailfish on a full-day trip with tackle, crew guidance and boat options included.

Zanzibar deep-sea fishing private half-day tour

Go deep-sea fishing in Zanzibar with yellowfin tuna, marlin and sailfish on a half-day trip with tackle, crew guidance and boat options included.

Tumbatu Island snorkelling or diving from Zanzibar north coast

Snorkel or dive at Tumbatu Island's coral reefs from a traditional dhow with equipment, marine life viewing, and coastal sightseeing included.

Diving for beginners at the north coast of Zanzibar

Try diving in Zanzibar.

Zanzibar Design Your Day Private Tour

You're completely in charge of the day for this one, so jot down your must see spots and get ready for an outing in Zanzibar shaped entirely by you. The vehicle is at your disposal for a maximum of eight hours. Your driver will swing by your hotel at around nine in the morning, whisk you off to wherever you feel like going and bring you back around five in the afternoon. Maybe you'll stop off in Stone Town – the island's old quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to wander the alleys, snack on local goodies like mandazi – a fluffy fried dough – and pick up souvenirs like hand-carved trinkets and spice packets. If the spice farms spark your curiosity, you can wander through the fields, learn where Zanzibar gets its flavours and even enjoy a tasting or two. Or, perhaps heading up to Nungwi for a dose of beach-day bliss, a bit of snorkelling or explore South to see the local life. Whatever you're in the mood for, just share your plans ahead of time and everything will be arranged for you. With no fixed schedule and unlimited mileage, the whole island opens up for you to explore, linger, detour and enjoy at your own pace.