Zanzibar

Hey folks,
I am going to Zanzibar and just wondering if there are any hidden 'gems' to seek out on the island. I know it might be a stupid question with that amount of tourists, but you never know. Or simply, if anyone has any advice on things/places/restaurants that I shouldn't miss I would be very grateful!

Thank you!

Don't miss a spice tour but make sure you join a group easy to arrange and only $15 include lunch and tell them you want to go to the slave cave and beach on way back and give a nice tip.
Spend time getting lost in Stone Town amazing place, spice and fish market is fun, Catholic Cathedral is interesting, Anglican Church and slave basement is way overpriced
Get Dala Dala all over island cheap and fun and friendly helpful people. Nungwi is a dump lots of better beaches
Ignore touts they are a pain but you can have fun with them.

Great fish and chip meal on Stone town harbor front, open air café just before overpriced floating restaurant.

Where are you looking to spend your time? Will you just be in Stonetown or will you go to a beach as well? I can elaborate based on your answer either way.

I am looking to do a bit of both. I was hoping to go to Pemba too actually, but I am not sure I have enough time. Would be happy to hear anything you've got!

I enjoyed the eastern beaches more, there are less tourists and they are quieter and more relaxing. The north coast offers more of a "party scene". For hidden gems…just wander around Stonetown and get lost. Go to the night market for dinner. It's a fun experience and you can try to negotiate the prices. We usually just got a Zanzibari pizza or a snack and had a real meal elsewhere. Go to the market and walk around. If you want to buy spices there bargain. You can get some great spices, but know the price you're being quoted will be the "muzungu/tourist" price. Spice tours are fun, but ask your lodging for a recommendation or do your research for who to go with. Inevitably some spice tours are better then others. Do happy hour or eat on a roof top bar and watch the sun set. Snorkeling at Matemwe is great and they have scuba diving too.

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