Zanzibar · Tanzania · Things to do
5 things to do in Zanzibar with kids
The five best things to do in Zanzibar with kids are swimming in the turquoise shallows, sailing a wooden dhow at sunset, getting lost in Stone Town, touring a spice farm, and watching the sun set over the palms. Beaches are the main draw, and a few days in the north or east plus a day in Stone Town covers all five.
What to do, in order
- 1
Swim the turquoise shallows
Zanzibar's water is warm and clear, but the tides matter. On the east coast, around Paje and Jambiani, the sea drains far out at low tide and the shallows turn to sand flats, so swim at high tide. The north, at Nungwi and Kendwa, has deeper water that is swimmable at most tides. Check the tide table when choosing a hotel. Reef shoes protect feet from sea urchins, and sun protection is vital, since the equatorial sun is strong.
- 2
Sail a wooden dhow
Dhows are the traditional wooden sailing boats of the Indian Ocean, and a sunset dhow trip is one of the easiest and most popular things to do. Trips leave from Stone Town, Nungwi and Kendwa, and last a couple of hours. Children usually enjoy the sails and the open deck. Ask for life jackets before leaving, check the boat looks well kept, and book with your hotel or a licensed operator. Take a light layer, as the wind rises after sunset.
- 3
Get lost in Stone Town
Stone Town is the old city on the west coast, a World Heritage site of narrow lanes, coral-stone buildings and carved wooden doors studded with brass. It is easy to lose your way, which is part of the fun, but the waterfront and the Forodhani Gardens give a fixed point. The Forodhani night market has seafood grilled at stalls. The old slave market site tells a serious part of the island's history. Go early, before the heat, and dress modestly.
- 4
Tour a spice farm
Zanzibar was once known as the Spice Island, and its farms still grow cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and pepper. Tours, usually near Stone Town, last two to three hours and are hands-on: guides let children smell and taste the plants, and often climb palms to make hats and toys from leaves. It is a good half day that can be paired with Stone Town. Go in the morning, since it is hot, and wear closed shoes and insect repellent.
- 5
Watch the sun set over the palms
Sunset is best on the west and north coasts, where the sun goes down over the sea. The east coast faces sunrise instead. Kendwa and Nungwi are favourite spots, with beach bars and open sand, and in Stone Town the waterfront is popular. Go to the beach about an hour before the sun goes down for the soft light and the families walking on the sand. Bring a jacket for the evening, since insects come out at dusk.
Plan it
- Best time
- June to October is dry and cooler, and December to February is hot and dry. The long rains run from March to May, and a shorter rainy period comes in November. July and August are the busiest months.
- How long
- A week is a comfortable length, with a day in Stone Town, a spice tour, a dhow trip and beach days. Add a few days for a safari on the mainland if you are combining it with Tanzania.
- Getting around
- Most visitors arrive by flight at Zanzibar airport near Stone Town, or by ferry from Dar es Salaam. Transfers to the north and east coasts take about an hour or more by road, and hotels usually arrange them. Taxis and private drivers cover the island.
Good to know
- Dress modestly in Stone Town and villages. The island is mostly Muslim, and covered shoulders and knees are respectful.
- Check visa and health requirements well before you fly. They depend on your nationality and change.
- Take sun protection and water on every outing. The sun is strong all year.
Frequently asked
Is Zanzibar good for kids? +
Yes. Warm shallow water, boat trips and Stone Town's lanes suit children, and hotels are used to families. The main concerns are strong sun, tides on the east coast and the need to boil or bottle water.
What is the best time to visit Zanzibar? +
June to October is dry and comfortable, and December to February is hot and dry. March to May has the long rains, and November a shorter rainy period. Peak season is July and August.
Which side of Zanzibar is best for swimming? +
The north, at Nungwi and Kendwa, is best for swimming at any tide. The east coast is beautiful but the tide goes far out, so swim at high tide. Check the tide table before choosing.
How many days do you need in Zanzibar? +
Five to seven days is a good length. That lets you spend a day in Stone Town, half a day on a spice tour, one evening on a dhow and the rest on the beach.