Best Things to Do in Zanzibar
I'm finally back from my whirlwind trip to Zanzibar, and let me tell you, there are some stunning experiences to be had there. I mean, when I think of the best things to do in Zanzibar, it's almost like my brain fills up with a jumbled mess of flavors, colors, and moments that really turned everything upside down for me—each one better than the last.
This spot? Total surprise.
So, picture this: My first day there, I'm just wandering around Stone Town, which is totally a maze. I've heard it's this UNESCO World Heritage site, but honestly, I wasn't expecting much. It's one of those places that has a reputation but might not always deliver. But wow, was I ever wrong.
I'm trying to figure out my direction—I thought I had a knack for maps, but let's be real, I was totally lost. I ended up in this little courtyard filled with flowers overflowing everywhere. Out of nowhere, this kid, maybe eight or nine, runs past me with this huge ice cream cone, and I just felt this wave of happiness wash over me. It seemed like such a simple moment, but I remember laughing a little at how carefree he looked.
I don't know how I stumbled upon this courtyard, but it turned into one of my favorite spots. I sat there for a while, listening to the city's sounds—a mix of conversations, the occasional honk, and this distant call to prayer—just soaking it all in and thinking, “What a magical place.”
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then there was that afternoon at Jozani Forest. Although I'd read about the red colobus monkeys, I honestly wasn't that excited. I mean, animals are cool, but I was after more local vibes, you know? But something about the forest—the super thick trees, the light breaking through the leaves—it felt almost mystical.
I'm walking along this path and suddenly there's this little monkey swinging down right in front of me. I had this moment of pure joy, like a kid again. It perched on this low branch, looked straight at me, and I swear, it seemed curious about me, just as I was about it. I pulled out my phone, tentatively ready to snap a pic, and before I knew it, a whole troop started showing up. It turned into this spontaneous photo session—I'm clapping and laughing and nearly squealing like an idiot.
That little unexpected encounter completely lifted my spirits. I ended up spending way more time there than I intended. It's funny how a little animal and some greenery changed my whole mood.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Then there's the food situation. I've got to talk about the food because wow. You know how everyone raves about the street food? I thought I'd sample a few things, but my sense of direction failed me hard again. I was way off the beaten path, still moaning about being hungry when I stumbled into this tiny joint. Honestly, it looked like it could have been a shed. No sign, just the aroma of spices wafting through the air.
I debated for a moment—my foodie instincts were screaming at me. Should I take the chance? And what do you know, the second I stepped inside, I was greeted by this fantastic lady who had the biggest smile. I can still see her standing behind the counter, rolling out kachori—these little spiced pastries. I watched, mesmerized, while they were fried.
She waved me over and offered me a plate, and oh man, when I took that first bite, everything else fell away. I don't know how to describe the explosion of flavors: crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside, packed with this spicy tang that made me forget I was even lost in the first place. I literally shut my eyes for a second. You know, those moments when food takes over?
Before I knew it, I'd downed three of those and had to hold back from asking for more. I probably looked ridiculous. It wasn't fancy by any means, but it somehow felt like I was tasting the essence of Zanzibar in every bite.
Embracing detours that felt meaningful
And you know, the trip was full of these little detours—like that time I tried to find the famous Spice Market. I mean, I thought I was headed straight there, but I somehow ended up walking through an alley where I saw a group of kids playing soccer. I had an hour of the most unexpected joy, kicking a ball around with these kids who spoke hardly any English, yet we understood each other through laughter.
I had my camera, of course, and for a moment, I felt like a local taking part in their world. It was such a powerful reminder that the best experiences sometimes aren't the ones you read about but the off-the-grid, totally random encounters that just grab you and shake up your expectations.
As for the Spice Market? Well, I pretty much gave up looking for it. By the time I actually found it later, I was kind of over it. Instead, I ended up at the beach again, those golden sands splashing against my feet—still humming from my adventures through the town and the forest, feeling content with the spontaneity of it all.
Zanzibar taught me to lean into the unexpected, to dance between those intentional plans and happy accidents, to let life unfold. I'm still replaying those moments in my mind, sipping my coffee and sharing this with you. Each story feels like a little gem, one that's left a mark on my heart.
So cheers to all those beautifully messy moments; they truly made this trip one for the books.
