Zanzibar Tours Excursions! Discover the Best of Zanzibar Beyond Your Volunteer Program! Your volunteer placement is only part of your Zanzibar experience. During evenings, weekends, and after completing your program, you’ll have countless opportunities to discover the island’s breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, rich Swahili culture, and spectacular Indian Ocean coastline.
Known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, history, wildlife, and marine experiences. Whether you’re looking for white-sand beaches, cultural landmarks, tropical forests, or unforgettable ocean adventures, there’s something for everyone.
Go Volunteer Africa can help participants arrange optional tours and excursions through trusted local operators, allowing you to experience Zanzibar responsibly while supporting local communities and businesses.
Why Explore Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is one of East Africa’s most iconic island destinations, famous for:
- Crystal-clear turquoise waters.
- White-sand beaches.
- Rich Swahili culture.
- Historic Stone Town.
- Tropical spice plantations.
- Coral reefs and marine life.
- Traditional dhow sailing.
- Incredible sunsets.
- Warm hospitality.
- Fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Zanzibar offers unforgettable experiences throughout the year.
Top Zanzibar Tours & Excursions
Stone Town Heritage Tour
Step back in time as you explore the historic streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its blend of African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.
Highlights include:
- House of Wonders.
- Old Fort.
- Freddie Mercury Museum.
- Former Slave Market.
- Sultan’s Palace.
- Local markets.
- Historic mosques.
- Swahili architecture.
- Traditional wooden doors.
Perfect for history lovers and photographers.
Spice Farm Tour
Discover why Zanzibar is known worldwide as the Spice Island.
Walk through working spice plantations while learning about:
- Cloves.
- Cinnamon.
- Nutmeg.
- Vanilla.
- Cardamom.
- Black pepper.
- Turmeric.
- Tropical fruits.
Enjoy fresh tropical fruit tasting and traditional Swahili cuisine prepared with local spices.
Prison Island Tour
Visit one of Zanzibar’s most famous islands, home to the iconic Aldabra giant tortoises.
Activities include:
- Feeding giant tortoises.
- Historical guided tours.
- Snorkelling.
- Swimming.
- Beach relaxation.
- Photography.
Jozani Forest National Park
Explore Zanzibar’s largest remaining indigenous forest.
Home to the endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey, the park also features:
- Mangrove boardwalks.
- Tropical forest trails.
- Indigenous plants.
- Birdlife.
- Butterflies.
- Bush babies.
Ideal for nature lovers.
Mnemba Atoll Snorkelling Tour
Experience one of East Africa’s premier snorkeling destinations.
Discover:
- Colourful coral reefs.
- Tropical fish.
- Sea stars.
- Dolphins (viewed responsibly from licensed operators).
- Crystal-clear waters.
Equipment is usually provided by local operators.
Dolphin Watching Excursion
Join responsible marine tours that allow visitors to observe dolphins in their natural environment while following ethical wildlife viewing guidelines.
Activities may include:
- Dolphin observation.
- Snorkelling.
- Swimming.
- Marine photography.
Go Volunteer Africa encourages participants to choose operators that prioritise animal welfare and avoid practices that disturb marine wildlife.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Experience Zanzibar’s spectacular sunsets aboard a traditional wooden dhow.
Enjoy:
- Indian Ocean views.
- Traditional Swahili music.
- Light refreshments.
- Relaxing evening atmosphere.
- Perfect photo opportunities.
One of Zanzibar’s most popular evening activities.
Blue Safari Adventure
Spend a full day exploring the Indian Ocean.
Activities often include:
- Island hopping.
- Sandbank visits.
- Snorkelling.
- Swimming.
- Seafood lunch.
- Mangrove exploration.
Ideal for adventurous travellers.
Nakupenda Sandbank
Visit one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful natural sandbanks.
Enjoy:
- Swimming.
- Sunbathing.
- Fresh seafood.
- Snorkelling.
- Relaxation.
Perfect for couples, families, and groups.
Swahili Cooking Experience
Immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s culinary traditions.
Learn to prepare authentic local dishes while discovering the spices, ingredients, and cooking techniques that make Swahili cuisine unique.
Village Cultural Experience
Spend time with local communities to gain insight into everyday life in Zanzibar.
Activities may include:
- Traditional music.
- Local dance.
- Basket weaving.
- Coconut harvesting.
- Farming activities.
- Traditional cooking.
- Storytelling.
Adventure Activities
For thrill-seekers, Zanzibar also offers:
- Scuba diving.
- Kite surfing.
- Paddle boarding.
- Kayaking.
- Deep-sea fishing.
- Cycling tours.
- Quad bike adventures.
- Horse riding on the beach.
Most activities can be arranged through licensed local operators.
Weekend Getaways
Many volunteers combine their placement with longer adventures such as:
- Multi-day beach escapes.
- Island-hopping excursions.
- Cultural experiences.
- Marine safaris.
- Photography tours.
- Wellness and spa retreats.
Our team is happy to recommend activities that fit your interests and schedule.
Responsible Tourism
Go Volunteer Africa promotes responsible travel by encouraging participants to:
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Support locally owned businesses.
- Minimise plastic waste.
- Protect marine ecosystems.
- Avoid activities that exploit wildlife.
- Follow environmental guidelines.
- Leave every place better than they found it.
Responsible tourism helps preserve Zanzibar’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Planning Your Tours
Most tours can be enjoyed during evenings, weekends, or after completing your volunteer programme.
Our local coordinators are happy to assist participants with recommendations, transportation advice, and connecting you with trusted local tour providers.
Tour availability may vary depending on weather, tides, and seasonal conditions.
Explore More. Experience More.
Your time in Zanzibar is about more than volunteering—it’s an opportunity to discover one of Africa’s most captivating island destinations. From the historic streets of Stone Town to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, every excursion offers a chance to create unforgettable memories while supporting responsible tourism and local communities.
HOW TO APPLY
To start the process fill Volunteer application form and submit it for consideration and book your placement. For more information on how to get enrolled for the volunteering experience of a lifetime contact us. Or Give us a call | WhatsApp to talk to a Program Specialist.
