Tanzania is a special place—a land of diverse cultures, the most beautiful beaches with white sand, and unique experiences. Zanzibar, which is located in the Indian Ocean is often overshadowed by its famous safari tours. And while the wildlife viewing experience is definitely worth checking out, there are many other unique experiences that you can’t miss when visiting this stunning East African country.
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So if you’re looking for something a little different to do on your trip to Tanzania, here are the 10 best things to do in Tanzania (other than safari).
Before we head over to some of the amazing things to do in Zanzibar other than go on safari, let me tell you how you can get to this beautiful city to start exploring sites like Old Fort.
How To Get To Tanzania
If you are flying from the United States, you must use Qatar Airways or fly Emirates. It will take you about 30 hours to reach your destination.
It’s a little easier for people arriving from Europe, and there are numerous possibilities available to them. You can fly with KLM, British Airways, Emirates, or Qatar Airways. It only takes 14 hours, and you will arrive directly at Zanzibar International Airport.
Tourists coming from Africa can fly to Tanzania on Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Ethiopia Airlines, and others.
Asian travelers will be able to use Qatar Airways or Emirates on a 16-hour journey.
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When to Visit Zanzibar
The best time to travel to Zanzibar is during the dry season, which starts in June and lasts until October. You might want to avoid traveling in April and May because of the long, rainy days. You can travel in other months that have fewer rainy days.
Now, here are the ten best things you can do in Tanzania.
10 Best Things To Do In Tanzania, Zanzibar Other Than Safari
Visit Stone Town in Zanzibar
Stone Town is a popular place located on the east coast of Africa’s largest island, Zanzibar. It was built between the 14th and 16th centuries, making it one of the oldest cities in East Africa. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town remains a living museum where tradition and modernity coexist. Art galleries, craft shops, and rooftop bars line the cobbled streets. Back in the day, it was a strategic place known to be the capital of the spice and slave trade.
Explore Pemba Island
Pemba Island is a small coastal island about a two-hour boat ride from Dar es Salaam. Because of its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, it’s one of the top East African travel destinations.
If you visit in the dry season, you may have access to the entire island, while in the rainy season, you’re likely going to only get to explore the southern half. On the southern end of the island, you’ll find the Mwera village, where you can learn about the local culture and history.
Visit Prison Island
Prison Island, also known as Changuu, which looks like paradise, is a beautiful place to visit. This place has exciting things to see such as tortoises. You can feed these giant tortoises while swimming or snorkeling or scuba diving at Prison Island. It’s about 5.6 km (30 minutes) from Stone Town.
Watch the Sunrise at Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and its summit reaches 19,340 feet above sea level. From the top, you can watch the sunrise, take in the views, and see snow-covered mountains in the distance. The trek to the peak is four days long and begins early each morning.
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Tour Spice Island
No visit is complete without taking a spice tour in Zanzibar. The island is well known for its spices. There are many spice farms in Zanzibar where you can learn more about their spices. These include nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and turmeric. They are mostly used in cooking tasty dishes and for medicinal purposes. There’s no entrance fee but some of the guides will request tips to take around the farms.
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See Local Culture
Experience traditional Swahili culture by visiting local villages. You’ll find locals practicing their ancient customs and traditions, including dancing, drumming, and singing.
Learn about the history of the Swahili people while exploring the island’s cultural sites, such as the slave ports, mosques, and tombs. Some of these shrines include the Shakti Temple. Malindi and Kizimkazi are some of the historical mosques in Zanzibar that would spice up your adventure.
Shop Till You Drop
One of the best things to do in Zanzibar is go shopping. The island is famous for its gorgeous stone-carved wares, especially jewelry. Whether you’re looking for gold jewelry, silver jewelry, or just something pretty to wear on your wrist, you’ll find it here. You can shop for literally almost anything in Tanzania.
Explore Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most popular places and breathtaking sites in Zanzibar. This extinct volcano crater is home to a wide array of animals, including elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and more.
Visitors can go on guided tours through the crater floor or take a hot air balloon ride to get an aerial view of this natural wonder.
Stay in a Colonial-Style Hotel
How about spending even a night like a sultanate? Back in the day, sultanates lived in these colonial buildings in Zanzibar. With a lot of beautiful hotels in Stone Town, experience how colonial masters used to live in colonial-style hotels. These hotels are tastefully created with wooden furnishings and provide a peaceful environment.
Visit the Rock Restaurant
Have you heard about the rock restaurant? No one should visit Tanzania without going to the rock restaurant for a good view and a treat. You won’t find a more picturesque location for dinner, drinks, and seafood than this modest restaurant built on a rocky ledge in the water! The majority of the seafood is obtained along the restaurant’s coast, and the cuisine mixes Zanzibar and Italian influences.
If you want to dine at the restaurant, you must make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment because the restaurant is too small to accommodate a large group at once. You can get there with a boat at high tide.
The list of things you can do in Tanzania other than go on safari is almost endless. But we picked only the best ones to help you have an amazing experience.
Bonus #1: Where to Eat and Drink in Zanzibar.
With all the best things you can do in Tanzania, there are several places to eat and drink.
- Enjoy Zanzibar Pizza at Forodhani Market
- Try Spice Coffee at Stone Town Cafe
- Eat an affordable Lunch at Secret Garden
- Eat like a Local at Lukmaan Restaurant
Bonus #2: Where to Stay in Tanzania
Although it may appear expensive, there are inexpensive hotels in Zanzibar where you can relax.
Here are a few recommended places to stay:
- Tembo House Hotel
- Zanzibar Stonetown Hotel
- Paje by Night Hotel
If you need a guide on renting a car in Zanzibar for your trip, check out Bucketlistly for more.
Tanzania has many tourist attractions with so much to offer travelers who want something different than just safaris. From exploring Ngorongoro Crater or Stone Town in Zanzibar City to learning about Tanzanian culture at Mwenge Village Market.
There is no shortage of amazing experiences waiting for you in this East African country! Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation (or both! ), these 10 activities will make your trip unforgettable!
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head off on your own Tanzanian adventure!
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