Outdoor & Sport Activities in Zanzibar City

Located on Unguja Island, Zanzibar City is the buzzing capital of the Zanzibar archipelago, filled with sights and activities to suit every traveler.

There is a range of outdoor and sport activities in Zanzibar City to choose from. Whether you want to be surrounded by schools of Bengal snappers and curious turtles on a snorkeling tour at the Mnemba Island reef or bump your way across the hills, and valleys of Unguja on a quad bike, there’s an excursion to suit you.

Snorkeling and dolphin watching cruises

The Zanzibar archipelago is home to some of the clearest waters in the world and its reef surrounding Mnemba Island — just a stone’s throw from Zanzibar City — is often referred to as “Africa’s Great Barrier Reef.” You can explore these bountiful waters for yourself on a snorkeling tour from Zanzibar City, where you’ll discover all sorts of marine creatures, from miniature seahorses to graceful eagle rays.

Some excursions head to Blue Lagoon where thousands of colorful starfish litter the sea floor, while others combine snorkeling with dolphin watching cruises from Zanzibar City, enabling you to admire bottlenose and humpback cetaceans up close in their natural environment.

Boat tours

One way to discover the sparkling, turquoise seas of the Tanzanian region is on a boat tour from Zanzibar City. You’ll have the opportunity to sail on a historic Dhow boat as you make your way to a number of fascinating destinations, including Prison Island — so named for its unused penitentiary — where you’ll find a collection of giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old.

Alternatively, spend your day cruising the waters around Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve and stretching out on the sandbanks’ silky shores.

Quad tours

Leave the hustle and bustle behind, and experience the more traditional side of Unguja Island on a quad tour in Zanzibar City. These excursions are an ideal way for thrill seekers and adventure enthusiasts to feel their adrenaline soar as they bump across the rugged terrain of the island.

As you zoom around Unguja’s perimeter, you’ll pass verdant sugar cane fields, enchanting beaches and villages scattered with mud houses. Best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Swahili culture as you connect with friendly locals.

Surf lessons and jet ski adventures

Water sports lovers can master a new skill by participating in a surf lesson in Zanzibar City. With an expert by your side, you’ll learn the techniques of kite surfing — a spot that harnesses the power of the wind to whip through the ocean — surrounded by picturesque bays.

If kite surfing isn’t for you, you can opt for a jet ski tour in Zanzibar City instead, which will provide the same thrill as you navigate the seas, exploring tranquil islands, such as Tumbatu, and admire award-winning beaches from afar. Or, challenge yourself to a Zanzibar City parasailing tour and glide over the ocean from a height of 300 meters, while being pulled along by a motorboat.

Hiking

Take a break from the honking of car horns to reconnect with mother nature on a hiking tour in Zanzibar City. You’ll engage in an invigorating stroll through the Masingini Forest, which covers more than 550 hectares and is home to almost 180 species of flora.

Discover the medicinal uses of many of these shrubs as you amble through gorges and past glistening lakes. Listen out for the howl of the endemic red colobus monkey as flurries of vibrant butterflies flutter overhead while you follow your guide through this ancient natural wonderland.

Skydiving

If you want to catch a unique view of the archipelago, you should consider ticking off a bucket list wish by participating in a skydiving tour in Zanzibar City. Strapped to an expert at all times, you’ll free-fall through the sky from over 3,000 meters, admiring the contrast of azure waters and dazzling white sands below you.

After plummeting towards the earth for 30 seconds, you’ll spend a few minutes slowly drifting across the sky, regaining your composure, as you descend toward Kendwa Beach to relax and recount your experience.

Hot air balloon rides

Those looking to travel further afield and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience should consider a hot air balloon ride in Zanzibar City. This type of excursion lasts 2 days and travels to the iconic Serengeti National Park, where you’ll watch the “Big Five” roaming freely as you traverse the reserve on a game drive.

The next morning, you’ll hop into the basket of a hot air balloon and discover the region from above, looking out for herds of wildebeest trampling through the plains or seeking out an elusive leopard.

Airplane tours

Another way to explore Africa’s most striking game reserves is on an airplane tour from Zanzibar City. You’ll journey to Nyerere National Park, the largest reserve in East Africa, covering more than 30,000 square kilometers.

Here, you’ll embark on several safaris, both on land and on the water, to discover the array of wildlife that call this stretch of ground home. As this destination is off the tourist trail, you’ll have an excellent chance of seeing majestic lions and colossal elephants before jet-setting back to Zanzibar.

Horse riding

Whether you’re an equestrian expert or have never ridden a day in your life, you can participate in a horse riding tour in Zanzibar City. This excursion is aimed at all skill levels and encourages you to trot through the waters of Nungwi Beach astride a majestic four-legged friend. You’ll also see how injured turtles are healed and returned to the ocean at the island’s turtle aquarium.

Bike tours

Discover the roots of Stone Town on a bike tour in Zanzibar City. This corner of the metropolis is home to a wealth of historic and significant landmarks, including its Old Fort, built by the Arabs at the end of the 17th century. As you cycle through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll happen upon the slave market, which once traded more than 50,000 slaves per year and was shut down in the 19th century.

Admire the amalgamation of worldly influences throughout the city’s British and Indian architecture, and, if you want to travel further than Stone Town, simply inform your guide and navigate the island on two wheels.