Zanzibar's beaches and Stone Town get most of the attention, but two other sides of the island are worth building into a trip: its centuries-old spice trade, and a difficult but important chapter of history that shaped the island as much as any beach or reef.

Spice farms

Known as the "Spice Island," Zanzibar has grown and processed cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla for centuries — spices first introduced to the island roughly 500 years ago through Portuguese trading networks that connected East Africa with South Asia and the Americas. Zanzibar became one of the world's leading spice producers as a result, and its spices are still exported globally today. A spice farm tour typically combines tastings with a walk through the crops themselves, and many farms also grow tropical fruit for visitors to sample alongside herbal drinks like ginger-infused mango juice or lemongrass tea.

Prison Island's giant tortoises

About 5.6km north of Stone Town, Prison Island (known locally as Changuu Island) was built in the late 1800s and used to hold enslaved people and prisoners considered too difficult to house on the mainland. Today it's better known for its resident population of giant tortoises, alongside decent snorkelling on the surrounding coral reef.

Zanzibar and the slave trade

Alongside its spices and beaches, Zanzibar played a central and difficult role in the 19th-century East African slave trade, serving as the main slave-trading port for the wider Great Lakes region until the trade was formally outlawed in 1876. Historians estimate that tens of thousands of enslaved people passed through Zanzibar's markets during the 19th century. Visitors can learn this history directly at the Slave Monument, the site of the former Slave Market (now largely occupied by the Anglican Cathedral), and the former residence of David Livingstone, the explorer and missionary whose anti-slavery advocacy helped bring international attention to the trade's abolition. It's a sobering but important stop, and one that adds real depth to a visit otherwise focused on beaches and spice tours.

Getting around: the Dala Dala

For a cheap, genuinely local way to get around the island, a ride on a dala dala — the shared minibuses used across Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania — is worth trying at least once, even if you mostly rely on taxis or transfers otherwise.

Shopping

Beyond Stone Town's Darajani Market (covered in our Stone Town guide), Kenyatta Road holds a good concentration of small boutiques and souvenir shops worth a browse if you want to shop somewhere less crowded.

For Stone Town's historic sites, Jozani Forest's red colobus monkeys, and Kendwa's Full Moon Party, see our earlier guides on Stone Town and Zanzibar's beaches.

Ready to plan a trip? Take a look at Quintrip's Zanzibar holiday packages to build these into your itinerary.

A few practical questions

Is the slave trade history appropriate for children? It's a serious subject best suited to older children and adults; younger kids may find the Slave Monument and Market sites more meaningful with some context beforehand.

How much does a spice farm tour cost? Prices vary by farm and operator — check with your resort or a local tour company for current rates.

Is the Dala Dala safe for tourists? Generally yes, though it can be crowded and isn't always the fastest option — treat it as a cultural experience rather than a time-efficient one.

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