Day Trips From Stone Town: Spice Farms, Islands, Dolphins, Forest and Beaches

Zanzibar is not large, and many of its best-known attractions can be reached from the old town in a morning or an afternoon. That makes Stone Town a flexible base for a few days, especially for travellers who want culture and history as well as sand.

This page focuses on the trips themselves. For the town's alleys, buildings and markets see the Stone Town heritage guide, and for hotels the Stone Town where to stay guide.

This guide is part of our Uganda districts and towns guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Spice Tours

Zanzibar earned its name as the Spice Island, and a spice farm visit shows cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and many other plants growing, with guides inviting you to smell, taste and touch. Tours usually last a few hours and often finish with fruit or a meal. They suit nearly everyone, including families. Read the Zanzibar spice tours guide and the Stone Town and spice tours guide for the options.

A key point in planning is the weather and tide. Boat trips depend on sea conditions, and the east coast beaches change dramatically between high and low tide, so ask your host which hours suit swimming on the day you travel. Early starts also help you beat the midday heat.

Prison Island

A short boat ride from the waterfront leads to a small island with the remains of a colonial-era building and a population of giant tortoises. The beach and coral offer a chance to swim or snorkel. It suits families and those wanting a short outing. See the Prison Island guide for more.

Jozani Forest

Zanzibar's largest remaining patch of natural forest is home to the red colobus monkey, a species found in the islands. Guided walks follow boardwalks and trails, with other monkeys and birds also seen. It is often combined with a spice tour or with a south-coast beach. Read the Jozani Forest guide.

Dolphins and the South

On the south coast, Kizimkazi is known for boat trips to look for dolphins. Sightings are never guaranteed, and responsible operators keep their distance and avoid crowding animals. Choose a company that follows guidelines. See the Kizimkazi dolphin trips guide and the Kizimkazi guide.

Chumbe and Mnemba

Chumbe is a small protected island with a reef sanctuary, ideal for snorkelling and learning about conservation; see the Chumbe Island guide. Mnemba lies off the north-east coast and is popular for snorkelling and diving trips; see the Mnemba Island guide. Both depend on the weather and tides.

Beach Days

The north and east coasts offer long beaches, but tides shape swimming times, particularly on the east. For the north, see Nungwi beach guide and Kendwa beach guide; for the east, Paje beach guide and Jambiani beach guide. Use the Zanzibar getting around guide to plan transport.

Planning and Etiquette

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so dress modestly in town and villages and ask before photographing people. Carry sun protection, water and cash for small purchases. Book trips through your hotel or a reputable local operator, and ask what is included. The Zanzibar and Stone Town guide gives the wider picture, and the Tanzania and Zanzibar practical guide covers essentials.

Distances on the island are modest, but roads can be slow, so build in time for traffic and for the unscheduled stops that make a day trip enjoyable, such as a roadside coconut or a village market.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team