Things to Do in Zanzibar Beyond the Beach: 10 Family-Friendly Activities

Things to Do in Zanzibar Beyond the Beach: 10 Family-Friendly Activities

White-sand beaches, turquoise water and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Zanzibar looks like the kind of place where you could happily spend an entire week doing absolutely nothing. And after a busy safari in Tanzania, that was exactly what we needed for the first couple of days.
But if you know our family, you’ll understand that sitting still for an entire holiday isn’t really our thing.
During our family trip to Tanzania in July 2022, we spent one week on safari followed by one week in Zanzibar. We stayed at Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Resort in a beach villa, where we could enjoy the tropical surroundings while still having plenty of opportunities to explore.
And explore we did. We visited Prison Island and its giant tortoises, swam with sea turtles, went snorkelling, explored Stone Town and joined a spice tour. Some experiences were fascinating, others were a little nerve-racking, and a few provided the kind of family memories that still make us laugh.
Anneloes, for example, developed a very particular strategy for taking photographs of giant tortoises. Let’s just say that her approach had one small flaw.
Zanzibar is famous for its beaches, but there is so much more to discover if you want to mix relaxation with a little adventure. Whether you’re traveling with young children, teenagers or a family that simply doesn’t like sitting still, there are plenty of ways to explore the island.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Zanzibar beyond the beach, including our own experiences, practical advice for families and additional activities to consider when planning your trip.
If you’re still putting together your itinerary, you can also read our Zanzibar: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide, which brings together the practical information you need to plan a family holiday on the island.

1. Explore Stone Town with Kids

Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar City and offers a completely different experience from the island’s beach resorts.
The historic centre is known for its narrow streets, carved wooden doors, old buildings, small shops and bustling markets. Its architecture and cultural influences reflect Zanzibar’s long history as an important trading centre along the East African coast.
It’s a place to wander rather than rush from one attraction to another. You can explore the streets, admire the distinctive doorways, browse local shops and learn more about the island’s past.
We visited Stone Town during our stay in Zanzibar. It was interesting to see a different side of the island, especially after spending time at the beach. However, our daughters weren’t quite as enthusiastic about the historical sights as we were.
Let’s just say that wandering around old buildings wasn’t necessarily their idea of a perfect holiday activity.
We kept our visit relatively short rather than trying to turn it into a full day of sightseeing. That worked better for our family, and it left us time for activities that the girls enjoyed more.
That doesn’t mean you should skip Stone Town when traveling with children. It simply helps to have realistic expectations. If your kids love history, markets and exploring unfamiliar places, you may find that you can spend hours wandering around. If they’re more interested in animals and swimming, a shorter visit might be the better option.

Practical tips for visiting Stone Town

• Go at a comfortable time of day. Walking through narrow streets can feel hot, so consider the weather and your family’s energy levels.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll spend much of your visit walking on uneven streets.
• Consider a guided walking tour. A knowledgeable guide can explain the history and cultural significance of the places you see.
• Leave time for a food stop. Trying something local can make the visit more enjoyable for children who aren’t particularly interested in historical buildings.

You can compare Stone Town walking tours and guided excursions on GetYourGuide, Click here to find a tour that suits your family’s interests and schedule.
My advice? Don’t feel that you have to see every historical sight. Choose a few things you’d genuinely like to explore and leave room for spontaneous discoveries along the way.

2. Go Snorkelling on a Boat Trip

If your family enjoys being in the water, snorkelling is one of the activities worth considering in Zanzibar.
The island is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, and boat excursions can take you to different locations for swimming and exploring underwater marine life. The exact experience depends on the location, weather and sea conditions, so it’s worth checking what a particular trip includes before booking.
We went on a snorkelling boat trip during our stay, although getting everyone into the water wasn’t quite as straightforward as I had imagined.
Anneloes was initially nervous about the fish and wasn’t particularly keen to jump into the sea. Evelijn had her swimming certificate, but she wasn’t comfortable continuously treading water while looking around underwater.
Being able to swim and feeling comfortable floating around in open water while wearing a mask are two different things, after all.
Fortunately, we found a solution for Evelijn: a special transparent, half-moon-shaped floating device. She could lie on it, look through the clear section, lean over and put her mask in the water without having to keep herself afloat the entire time.
It made a real difference. She could explore underwater at her own pace rather than worrying about staying above the surface.
And that’s something I’ve learned from traveling with children: sometimes, a small adjustment can make the difference between an activity that feels intimidating and one that everyone can enjoy.

Is snorkelling in Zanzibar suitable for children?

It can be, but the right excursion depends on your children’s swimming abilities, confidence and age.
Before booking, ask the operator about:

• Whether children need to be confident swimmers.
• Whether properly fitting life jackets or other flotation equipment are available.
• How long the boat journey takes.
• Whether the snorkeling location is suitable for beginners.
• What happens if a child decides not to get into the water.
• How weather and sea conditions affect the excursion.

Don’t assume that every child will immediately feel comfortable in the water, even if they can swim. It’s better to choose an excursion that allows everyone to participate at their own pace.
You can browse snorkeling and boat trips in Zanzibar on GetYourGuide, Click here to compare excursions, read recent reviews and check what’s included.
For us, the boat trip was a memorable part of our holiday. And as we discovered during another excursion, being close to marine life can be both amazing and a little nerve-racking!

3. Visit Prison Island and Meet the Giant Tortoises

A boat trip to Prison Island was one of our favorite excursions in Zanzibar, although our family photographs from the visit tell a slightly different story from what you might expect.
We travelled to the small island by private boat from Stone Town. Prison Island is famous for its giant tortoises, but it also has an interesting history that you can discover while walking around.
Let’s start with the tortoises, because they provided some of our funniest family holiday moments.
Anneloes is definitely the scaredy-cat of our family when it comes to animals. The idea of getting up close to enormous tortoises wasn’t exactly her idea of fun.
Unfortunately for her, there are a lot of tortoises on Prison Island. Avoiding them completely is pretty much impossible!
Visitors can feed the tortoises and take photographs with them. Despite their impressive size, they’re gentle giants. They move at such a slow pace that, eventually, even Anneloes started to realize they weren’t quite as intimidating as she had imagined.
She developed her own strategy for taking pictures: position herself behind the tortoise, safely out of reach of its head.
Problem solved, right?
Except there was another tortoise standing right behind her. She hadn’t even noticed it.
Honestly, you had to be there. Watching Anneloes carefully position herself for a photograph while being completely unaware of the giant tortoise behind her was hilarious.
Eventually, she got her pictures, and we came away with some fantastic family memories. Her tortoise-photography technique might not have been conventional, but it worked for her!

What else can you do on Prison Island?

Beyond the tortoises, you can explore the island on foot and learn about its history.
Despite its name, the island’s story is more complicated than simply being a former prison. It has had several uses over time, and information displayed around the island helps visitors understand its past.
We found the history interesting, but the girls were considerably less impressed. They were much more interested in the tortoises than in reading about the island’s historical significance.
But we do what we can with the history lessons!
For families, the combination of animals and history makes Prison Island a good option if you want an excursion that offers something different from a beach day.

Practical tips for visiting Prison Island

• Allow time for the boat journey and island visit. Check the expected duration when arranging your trip.
• Bring sun protection and drinking water. You’ll be outdoors for much of the visit.
• Let children approach the tortoises at their own pace. They don’t have to get close to enjoy seeing them.
• Follow the staff’s instructions when feeding or photographing the animals. Don’t chase, grab or otherwise disturb them.
• Check the boat arrangements before booking. Ask about safety equipment, weather conditions and what happens if the sea is rough.

You can compare Prison Island excursions and boat trips on GetYourGuide, Click here to explore the available options.
My advice? Bring your camera, give the children time to get comfortable around the tortoises, and pay attention to what’s happening behind you. You never know when another giant tortoise might appear in the background!

4. Swim with Sea Turtles at Salaam Cave

Swimming with sea turtles sounds like one of those magical, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And it really was, although it was a little more intense than we had expected!
We visited Salaam Cave, where you can get into the water with sea turtles and watch them swimming around you.
The girls in our group were all a little jittery, and I have to admit that I was too.
These aren’t tiny creatures that keep their distance. As the turtles were eating, they brushed against our legs, and at one point, one even started nibbling on Anneloes’ bikini!
Let’s just say that being surrounded by sea turtles feels rather different when they’re close enough to touch you.
It’s an incredible experience, but perhaps not quite as relaxing as the pictures make it look.
Despite our nerves, we ended up with some fantastic photographs. Looking back, it was a truly amazing experience and one of those things we’re so glad we did.
Would I do it again? Absolutely, although I’d know a little better what to expect!
There is something special about seeing these animals so close. At the same time, it’s important to remember that sea turtles are wild animals, not props for photographs.
Follow the local guides’ instructions, avoid chasing or grabbing the turtles, and give them space whenever possible. Before booking, ask how the experience is managed and what measures are in place to protect the animals.

Is swimming with sea turtles in Zanzibar suitable for children?

That depends on the particular experience and your child’s confidence in the water.
Before booking, find out how participants enter and exit the water, whether swimming ability is required, what safety equipment is available and how close visitors are expected to get to the turtles.
You should also check the conditions at the time of your visit. An experience that sounds straightforward in photographs may involve slippery rocks or uneven surfaces.
One practical tip from our experience: bring water shoes. The rocks can be slippery, so suitable footwear makes getting in and out of the water easier.
If swimming with sea turtles is on your Zanzibar bucket list, research the available sea turtle experiences and guided excursions in Zanzibar, Click here and check the latest reviews and arrangements before booking.
For us, the experience was both nerve-racking and wonderful. And the photographs are a pretty good reminder that sometimes the best travel memories come from stepping outside your comfort zone!

5. Explore the Reef at Low Tide with a Local Guide

One of the most memorable experiences from our stay happened when the tide went out along the coast.
At low tide, parts of the reef become exposed, revealing a fascinating landscape that is normally underwater. Depending on the location and conditions, you may see marine life such as starfish and discover parts of the reef that look completely different from the view you get while swimming.
Pim and Anneloes went out with a local guide to explore the reef, while Evelijn and I stayed at the resort.
Walking a long way out into the sea sounded interesting, but the thought of covering that distance and potentially having to swim back wasn’t an ideal combination for Evelijn. We decided that a relaxed afternoon at the resort was a better option for us.
And Evelijn had absolutely no problem entertaining herself.
By this point, she had figured out the route to the bar and knew exactly where to get her milkshakes and popcorn. She was perfectly happy with her arrangement!
Meanwhile, Pim and Anneloes were having their own adventure.
Anneloes spotted starfish and even found what she described as SpongeBob. For a child who can sometimes be nervous around animals, she was clearly enjoying discovering what was hidden in the reef.
There was just one small complication: the tide was coming back in.
By the time they returned, parts of the route were covered with water again, meaning Pim and Anneloes had to wade and swim in places.
It made for a memorable story, but it also illustrates why you shouldn’t attempt this kind of walk without understanding the tides and local conditions.

Is a low-tide reef walk safe with children?

It can be an interesting experience, but it requires proper planning.
The reef can be uneven, sharp or slippery, and the water can return as the tide changes. The distance you can safely walk depends on the location, the tide and local conditions.
If you want to explore a reef at low tide:

• Go with a knowledgeable local guide who understands the tides.
• Ask the guide about the route, expected duration and return time.
• Wear suitable footwear to protect your feet and improve your grip.
• Follow instructions about where you can walk and what you can touch.
• Never assume that an exposed reef will remain accessible.
• Don’t attempt a long reef walk independently if you don’t understand the local conditions.

Our experience was a great adventure for Pim and Anneloes, but it wasn’t something we’d recommend doing without a guide.
And if someone in your family would rather stay at the resort with a milkshake and popcorn, that’s perfectly fine too. Not every family member has to do every activity!

6. Visit a Spice Farm

Zanzibar is often called the Spice Island, so a visit to a spice farm is a natural addition to a trip here.
The island has a long history of spice cultivation. Depending on the farm and tour, you may learn about plants such as cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and pepper, discover how different spices grow, and find out how they’re used in cooking.
We joined a spice tour during our stay. It was interesting to learn more about the spices associated with Zanzibar and see them in their natural environment.
The girls, however, weren’t quite as impressed.
Apparently, a tour about where spices come from doesn’t compete with giant tortoises and swimming in the sea. Who would have guessed?
We kept the visit relatively short rather than trying to make the children interested in every detail.
Sometimes, that’s the best approach to family travel: introduce the children to something new, let them take what they want from the experience, and move on before everyone gets restless.
A spice farm can still be a worthwhile visit, particularly if your family enjoys food, nature or learning how everyday ingredients are produced. Just remember that the exact experience varies between farms, so check what’s included before booking.

Practical tips for a spice farm visit

• Check the duration. If you’re traveling with younger children, a shorter, interactive visit may be preferable.
• Ask what the tour includes. Some tours focus more on cultivation, while others include demonstrations, tastings or food.
• Consider the weather. Much of the experience may take place outdoors.
• Keep expectations realistic. If your children aren’t interested in educational tours, combine the visit with another activity they will enjoy.

We don’t regret going, but it was a good reminder that not every excursion has to be everyone’s favourite to be worth experiencing.

7. Discover Jozani Forest and Its Red Colobus Monkeys

If your family enjoys nature and wildlife, consider visiting Jozani Forest, part of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park.
The forest is known for its Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, a species native to the island. Visitors can explore forest trails and learn about the area’s wildlife and natural environment.
Unlike the giant tortoises on Prison Island or the sea turtles at Salaam Cave, this is an opportunity to discover Zanzibar’s wildlife in a forest setting.
We didn’t visit Jozani Forest during our trip, so I can’t give you a first-hand account of the experience. However, it is an option worth considering if you’d like to explore another side of the island.
For children who enjoy animals, the possibility of spotting monkeys in their natural habitat can be a good reason to visit. It also offers a different kind of wildlife experience from a safari on mainland Tanzania.
If you’ve already spent a week on safari, as we did, you might want to think about how much additional wildlife viewing your family wants to fit into the holiday. Some families will love another nature excursion, while others will be ready for a slower pace.

Practical tips for visiting Jozani Forest

• Check current visitor arrangements, opening hours and any entrance requirements before traveling.
• Ask about the walking route and expected duration.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring water and sun protection appropriate for the conditions.
• Follow the guide’s instructions and observe wildlife without feeding or disturbing it.

Jozani Forest could be a good addition to your itinerary if your family enjoys nature and you want to see more than Zanzibar’s coastline.
As we didn’t visit ourselves, I’d recommend checking recent visitor reviews and current information before deciding whether it is right for your family.

8. Explore Local Food and Markets

Food is one of the easiest ways to experience a destination, and Zanzibar has plenty to discover beyond the meals at your resort.
The island’s cuisine reflects its history and position along the East African coast, with influences from African, Arab and Indian Ocean trading cultures. Depending on where you eat, you may find fresh seafood, grilled dishes, rice, tropical fruit and foods prepared with the spices Zanzibar is known for.
Stone Town is a good place to explore local food and markets. You can browse stalls, discover unfamiliar ingredients and stop for something to eat while exploring the historic streets.
Of course, traveling with children means that food adventures don’t always go exactly as planned.
Some children are happy to try everything; others would rather stick to familiar favourites. Our own family experiences have taught us not to turn every meal into a challenge. If the girls are willing to try something new, that’s great. If they aren’t, we find something everyone can enjoy and carry on with the holiday.
You don’t need to book a dedicated food tour to enjoy the local cuisine. Trying a different dish at lunchtime or stopping for a snack while exploring Stone Town can be enough to add another dimension to your trip.

Practical tips for trying local food

• Ask about ingredients if you have food allergies or dietary requirements.
• Choose places that handle and prepare food hygienically.
• Take care with drinking water and ice if you’re unsure about local arrangements.
• If you’re traveling with picky eaters, keep some familiar snacks available.
• Consider visiting a market with a guide if you’d like to learn more about local ingredients and food traditions.

The aim isn’t to persuade your children to eat everything on the menu. It’s to give them opportunities to experience something different without making every meal a negotiation.
Sometimes, the simplest food experiences become part of the holiday memories too.

9. Take a Boat Trip to Discover More of Zanzibar

With the Indian Ocean surrounding the island, boat trips are a natural way to explore more of Zanzibar.
Depending on the excursion, you may visit nearby islands, go snorkelling, swim, enjoy time on the water or combine several activities in one trip.
We experienced this ourselves during our snorkelling excursion and our visit to Prison Island. Both gave us a reason to leave the resort and discover something different from the beach we saw every day.
For families, a boat trip can be a good way to combine sightseeing with time in the water. However, excursions vary considerably in length, comfort and activity level, so it’s worth checking the details before committing to a full day.
Think about your children’s ages, how comfortable they are on boats and whether they enjoy snorkelling or would prefer a trip with more time on land.

How to choose a boat trip in Zanzibar

Before booking, consider the following:
Duration: A shorter trip may be easier for younger children than spending most of the day on a boat.
Activities: Check whether the excursion involves swimming, snorkelling, walking on an island or simply enjoying the journey.
Safety: Ask about life jackets for children, the type of boat used and the arrangements for changing weather or sea conditions.
Inclusions: Find out whether food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, entrance fees and transfers are included.
Flexibility: If you have children who may not want to participate in every activity, ask whether there are alternatives.
You can browse Zanzibar boat trips and island excursions on GetYourGuide, Click here to compare options and check recent reviews.
One of our biggest lessons from family travel is that you don’t need to book an excursion every day. One or two well-chosen trips can add plenty of variety without leaving everyone exhausted.

10. Enjoy Your Resort and Embrace a Slower Pace

This might sound like a strange activity to include in a guide about things to do in Zanzibar beyond the beach, but hear me out.
Sometimes, the best part of a family holiday is having nowhere to be.
After our week on safari in Tanzania, we deliberately planned the first couple of days in Zanzibar without any excursions. We wanted to sleep in, swim, read books and simply enjoy being somewhere beautiful without having to rush around.
We stayed at Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Resort in a beach villa. The food was good, and there was plenty to keep the girls entertained.
The resort’s entertainment was a particular hit. In fact, the girls still sing its “Jambo” song!
That tells you something about what children remember from a holiday. It isn’t always the activity you spent the most money on or the place you thought would impress them most. Sometimes, it’s a song from the resort entertainment team that stays with them long after you’ve returned home.
Our family likes to be active, and we wouldn’t want to spend an entire holiday sitting by the pool. But we also discovered how much we appreciated having a few days without a schedule.
There was time to swim, read, enjoy the surroundings and let everyone do their own thing. Anneloes could enjoy the sunshine, while Evelijn was happy to go with the flow.
For us, that balance was important. We could enjoy the activities we had planned without feeling that we had to fill every single day.
If you’re combining Zanzibar with a safari, I would especially recommend allowing yourself some time to recover between the two parts of the trip. Safari days often start early, and a change of pace can be wonderful after several days of wildlife viewing and long drives.

Where should you stay in Zanzibar with kids?

The best area depends on the kind of holiday you want.
Some families prefer a resort where meals, swimming and entertainment are readily available. Others want a smaller property or a location that makes it easier to explore local towns and organize excursions.
Think about the balance between beach time, activities, travel distances and the facilities your family needs.
If you’re still deciding where to base yourselves, read our Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Best Areas & Resorts guide for more information about the island’s different areas and accommodation options.
You can also browse family-friendly Zanzibar hotels on Booking.com, Click here to compare properties, locations and facilities before booking.
My advice? Don’t fill every day with excursions simply because you’re worried about missing something. A little downtime can make the activities you do choose much more enjoyable.
After all, you’re on holiday. You don’t have to turn every day into a sightseeing marathon!

How to Plan Your Zanzibar Activities with Kids

You don’t need to do all ten activities to have a wonderful family holiday in Zanzibar. The trick is choosing experiences that fit your family’s interests and leaving enough time to enjoy the island at a comfortable pace.
Here are a few things to consider when putting together your itinerary.

Choose activities that suit your children

Not every activity will appeal to every child.
Our daughters were much more enthusiastic about animals and swimming than historical tours, but that didn’t mean we skipped everything cultural. We simply kept some visits shorter and balanced them with activities everyone enjoyed.
If your children love wildlife, you might prioritize Prison Island and a sea turtle experience. If they enjoy nature, consider snorkeling or a guided reef walk. If they like discovering different cultures, Stone Town and a spice farm may be more appealing.
The best itinerary isn’t necessarily the one with the most activities. It’s the one that works for your family.

Plan around the tides and sea conditions

Tides are particularly important for activities involving exposed reefs, coastal walks and certain boat trips.
Always follow local advice and use a knowledgeable guide where appropriate. Never assume that a route you could walk earlier in the day will remain safe later.
Check conditions before heading out, and don’t attempt a reef walk independently if you don’t understand the local tides.

Leave room for relaxation

We deliberately left the first couple of days in Zanzibar free after our safari.
That gave us time to recover, enjoy the resort and settle into a different rhythm before arranging excursions.
If you’re combining Zanzibar with another destination, particularly a safari, I recommend allowing some breathing room in your itinerary. Travel days, early starts and changing locations can be tiring, especially for children.

Check the practical details before booking

Before confirming an excursion, check:

• How long the activity lasts.
• Whether transfers are included.
• Whether it is suitable for your children’s ages and abilities.
• What equipment you need to bring.
• Whether food and drinks are included.
• What the cancellation arrangements are.
• How weather and sea conditions may affect the experience.

For water-based activities, pay particular attention to safety arrangements and the suitability of the excursion for your children.

Pack for excursions, not just the beach

Zanzibar’s beaches may be the main reason you visit, but some activities require a little extra preparation.
Useful items to consider include:

• Water shoes for rocky or slippery areas.
• Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
• Reusable water bottles filled with safe drinking water.
• A waterproof bag to protect phones and valuables.
• Snorkeling equipment, if you prefer to bring your own.
• Suitable flotation aids for children who need them.
• Comfortable walking shoes for Stone Town and nature excursions.

You can use our family travel packing lists, Click here to help organize what to bring.

Think about connectivity and travel insurance

If you plan to use your phone for maps, bookings and keeping in touch, consider your connectivity options before departure.
Compare Airalo eSIM options for Tanzania, Click here to see whether an eSIM suits your phone and travel plans.
Travel insurance is another important consideration, particularly when your itinerary includes boat trips, swimming and other activities. Check that your policy covers the activities you plan to do and that the coverage meets your family’s needs.

Don’t try to do everything

This is probably the most important tip of all.
You could fill every day with a different excursion, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a better holiday.
We loved our wildlife encounters, but we also loved the days when we could simply swim, read and enjoy the resort. The girls had their own favourite moments, and some of the most memorable experiences were the ones we hadn’t anticipated.
Leave some space in your itinerary. You’ll be glad you did.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Zanzibar Beyond the Beach

What are the best things to do in Zanzibar beyond the beach?

Popular options include exploring Stone Town, visiting Prison Island and its giant tortoises, going snorkeling, taking a boat trip, visiting a spice farm and considering a nature excursion to Jozani Forest.
You can also look into sea turtle experiences and guided reef walks, depending on current conditions and available excursions.
The best activities for your family will depend on your children’s interests, swimming abilities and how active you want your holiday to be.

Is Zanzibar worth visiting if you don’t want to spend every day at the beach?

Absolutely. Zanzibar offers a combination of cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, boat trips and opportunities to explore the island’s natural environment.
You can spend time in Stone Town, learn about local spices, visit Prison Island or arrange a snorkeling excursion. You can then balance those activities with relaxed days at your accommodation.
We found that a mixture of activities and downtime suited our family much better than trying to do something every day.

What are the best things to do in Zanzibar with kids?

For families, options include visiting the giant tortoises on Prison Island, taking a boat trip, snorkeling, exploring Stone Town and visiting a spice farm.
Some families may also enjoy a sea turtle experience or a guided reef walk, provided the activity is suitable for their children and conditions are safe.
Our experience with Anneloes and Evelijn certainly reminded us that one child’s dream activity can be another child’s slightly terrifying adventure!

Can you swim with sea turtles in Zanzibar?

There are sea turtle experiences in Zanzibar, including at Salaam Cave, which we visited during our trip.
We found it an amazing experience, although the turtles came closer than we had expected. They brushed against our legs, and one even nibbled on Anneloes’ bikini while eating.
Before booking, check the current arrangements, local guidance and how the operator protects the animals. Always follow instructions and avoid touching, chasing or disturbing wildlife.

Is Prison Island suitable for children?

Prison Island can be a good family excursion, particularly for children interested in animals.
The giant tortoises are the main attraction for many visitors. You can see them, take photographs and, where permitted, feed them under the guidance of the staff. You can also learn about the island’s history.
If your children are nervous around large animals, let them approach at their own pace. As Anneloes demonstrated, they may find their own way to enjoy the experience!

Is Zanzibar suitable for a family snorkeling trip?

It can be, but you should choose an excursion that suits your children’s ages, swimming abilities and confidence in the water.
Check whether the operator provides appropriate safety equipment, whether the location is suitable for beginners and whether children can opt out of snorkeling if they don’t feel comfortable.
Our experience showed us that having suitable flotation equipment can make a big difference for children who aren’t comfortable staying afloat while looking underwater.

How many days should you spend in Zanzibar?

That depends on whether Zanzibar is your main destination or part of a longer trip.
We spent one week in Zanzibar after one week on safari in Tanzania. That gave us time to relax, enjoy the resort and fit in several excursions without having to do something every day.
If you’re combining Zanzibar with a safari, allow enough time to enjoy both experiences without making the entire holiday feel rushed.

Is Zanzibar a good destination to combine with a Tanzania safari?

We would absolutely recommend considering this combination.
We loved having two very different experiences in one trip: a week of wildlife and adventure on safari, followed by a week of tropical beaches, swimming and a slower pace in Zanzibar.
For us, the relatively short flight between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar made the combination especially appealing. When you’re already traveling to this part of the world, being able to experience two very different destinations in one holiday feels like a real luxury.
You can read more about our experience in Safari + Zanzibar: Why This Is the Ultimate African Family Vacation.

Plan Your Zanzibar Family Holiday with Travelicious

Zanzibar is so much more than beautiful beaches. From giant tortoises and sea turtles to boat trips, spice farms and the historic streets of Stone Town, there is plenty to discover between swimming sessions and lazy afternoons in the sun.
Our family trip had a little bit of everything: memorable wildlife encounters, activities that pushed us outside our comfort zones, cultural experiences that appealed more to the adults than the children, and plenty of time to relax together.
And, of course, a few hilarious moments that we still talk about. Anneloes carefully positioning herself behind a giant tortoise while completely missing the one behind her will always be one of my favourite memories!
If you’re planning a family holiday to Zanzibar and aren’t sure which activities to choose, how to organize your days or where to stay, let Travelicious help you put the pieces together.
With Let Me Plan Your Trip, I’ll create a personalized seven-day itinerary based on your family’s interests, travel dates, budget and accommodation preferences. You’ll receive suggestions for places to stay and things to do, along with practical advice to help you plan your trip, plus one opportunity to request a revision.
That way, you can spend less time researching and more time looking forward to your Zanzibar adventure!

Read our EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO for more tips and inspiration.