Zanzibar is ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking because of its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and tropical forests with ocean views. Calm lagoons make paddling smooth and safe. Reefs near the shore offer easy access to marine life. Inland and forest trails lead to caves and viewpoints. Renting a car in Zanzibar lets Czech tourists explore all these places without hassle. Here's where to drive for your outdoor escape.
Zanzibar may not have high peaks like Kilimanjaro, but it offers different beauty. The island has lush forests, coastal paths, and unique cave trails perfect for light hikes. Here are the top hiking places worth visiting in Zanzibar:
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is Zanzibar’s only national park. It is about 35 minutes from Stone Town by car. The park is best known for its Red Colobus monkeys, which are easy to spot in the tree canopy near the entrance. There are three main hiking areas within the park:
Located 10 km from Stone Town, Masingini Forest Reserve is about 120 meters above sea level and is Zanzibar's highest point. It’s an easy 15-minute drive, ideal for a quick escape into nature. The forest features several dirt trails that wind through tall fig, mango, and eucalyptus trees. The gentle terrain suits short hikes, jogs, or birdwatching walks.
You may see colorful birds like kingfishers and sunbirds, as well as Red Colobus and Sykes’ monkeys moving through the trees. Local guides are available daily, offering tours that last 2 to 3 hours. These walks include facts about the forest's flora, fauna, and its role in Zanzibar’s ecosystem. There are also viewpoints along the trails, where you can enjoy distant views of the sea and nearby villages.
This scenic beach hike on Zanzibar’s southeast coast offers sea views and village charm. Drive about one hour from Stone Town to Paje, a lively beach town known for kitesurfing and local seafood. You can start a 3 to 4 km walk north along the coast to Bwejuu village, or do it in reverse. This trail is a beach path, so it’s best done at low tide when the sand is firm and wide. The route is flat and easy, ideal for a relaxing stroll. You’ll walk past palm trees, seaweed farms, and wooden dhows, with the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waters beside you the entire way.
The walk takes 45 to 60 minutes. You might meet local fishermen or see children playing near the shore along the way. Before returning, enjoy the walk and grab a drink or snack at one beachfront cafe. It’s a peaceful way to experience the coastline and see life in two local villages.
Gliding on Zanzibar’s gentle waters by kayak is a fantastic way to explore hidden mangroves and peaceful lagoons. Here are three scenic spots for kayaking in Zanzibar:
Head to the southwest coast, about a 40-minute drive from Stone Town. This is where you'll find Menai Bay, Zanzibar’s largest marine protected area. What makes kayaking here different is the calm, lagoon-like waters. The bay’s west coast location shields it from strong winds, creating glass-like conditions. Unlike the choppier eastern coast, paddling here is smooth and relaxing.
You can launch your kayak from coastal villages like Fumba or Kizimkazi. From there, glide past mangrove-lined islands, paddle into shallow channels, and explore hidden inlets where motorboats can’t go. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, which often swim near kayakers. You might also spot sea turtles surfacing for air and colorful crabs crawling among mangrove roots. A rental car is essential to reach this remote area, but the tranquil adventure you’ll find here is well worth the trip.
For a truly unique paddling experience, drive to Zanzibar’s south coast to reach Uzi Island, a hidden gem few tourists know about. The island is connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway, so timing your visit with low tide is important. Once you arrive, you can launch a kayak into the mangrove tunnels that surround the island. These narrow water channels wind through dense, overhanging mangrove forests. The setting is quiet and shaded, with birds calling and the occasional splash of fish in the water.
Unlike open sea kayaking, this feels like exploring a secret jungle by boat. The water is calm, and the tunnels are best navigated slowly, giving you time to take in the strange root systems and wildlife around you. Bring your kayak or book a guided trip from Fumba or Kizimkazi. You’ll need a car to reach the causeway. The drive passes through small villages, fields, and coastal stretches that offer a glimpse into rural Zanzibar life.
On the east coast, the popular beach town of Paje isn’t just for kite surfing. It also offers kayaking for beginners. Paje has a shallow lagoon inside the protective reef with clear, calm water perfect for a paddle. Many beachfront hotels and watersports centers rent kayaks, including transparent kayaks that let you see the marine life below. You can quickly drift over seagrass beds and sandbars, spotting small fish and starfish in the clear lagoon.
The water is usually as smooth as a lake in the mornings, so no special skills are needed to enjoy a short kayak trip. It’s a fun, casual activity if you need a break from sunbathing. Just drive to Paje, park by the beach, and hop in a kayak. Early morning or late afternoon paddles are magical, with the sun below the Indian Ocean. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen. Even a calm day on the water gives you plenty of tropical sun.
Zanzibar is home to some of the best snorkeling spots in East Africa. Coral reefs around on the island are vibrant and well-preserved, especially in protected areas filled with colorful fish and healthy corals. Here are three must-visit underwater wonders:
Mnemba is one of the best snorkeling spots Zanzibar. This small coral atoll, located off the island’s northeast coast, surrounds a vibrant fringing reef full of colorful fish. Drive to the north coast, typically to Matemwe or Nungwi, about 1 to 1.5 hours from Stone Town. You can take a short boat ride from there to Mnemba’s reef.
Once you jump into the crystal-clear water, you’ll see neon-striped angelfish, butterflyfish, and sea turtles. The corals are vibrant and relatively healthy, creating a beautiful underwater garden. Tour operators offer half-day snorkeling trips to Mnemba Atoll, usually including gear and guidance. Arriving in your car allows you to choose an early boat for fewer people and drive onward to explore nearby beaches after snorkeling. Go in the morning when the sea is calm for the best visibility.
For an eco-friendly snorkel adventure, Chumbe Island is unbeatable. This small island off Zanzibar’s west coast is a fully protected marine reserve. Visitor numbers are limited to keep the reef pristine. You’ll need to book a day trip or overnight stay at the park, and drive about 20 minutes from Stone Town to the boat meeting point, often near Mbweni. The guided snorkeling tour at Chumbe will take you through a diverse, intact coral reef.
Hard and soft corals are on the seafloor, and you’ll glide above schools of reef fish, including bright clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, and more. You might even spot a gentle reef shark or a blue-spotted ray cruising by if you're lucky. Snorkeling here is only allowed with a trained guide who ensures you don’t touch or harm the reef. Chumbe’s conservation rules are strict. The water is shallow and calm within the reef crest, and even novice snorkelers can enjoy.
Fumba is a village on the southwest coast, which is a 45-minute drive from Stone Town. It is the launch point for Zanzibar’s famous Safari Blue tour. This full-day boat excursion combines snorkeling, sailing, and island exploring into one day. You’ll board a traditional dhow boat at Fumba and sail in Menai Bay. Trained guides take you to snorkeling spots, and you can see countless colorful reef fish darting around coral formations. The tour usually stops at a powdery white sandbank where you can swim or sunbathe in the middle of the ocean. Another highlight is exploring a natural mangrove lagoon often on Kwale Island. Here, you can swim in calm, crystal-clear water under the shade of mangrove trees.
Zanzibar is warm all year, but some months are better for outdoor activities. The dry season runs from June to October. These months are best for hiking and water sports. The skies are sunny, and there’s very little rain. The air feels less humid and more comfortable. Hiking trails stay dry, and the ocean remains calm and clear, making it great for kayaking and snorkeling.
Another good time to visit is December to February. The weather is hot but mostly dry, a nice break from the cold Czech winter. Many tourists come during this time for snorkeling. The sea is warm, and you get good views of reefs and fish. If you visit in these months, expect hot days. You’ll want to cool off in the sea often.
Avoid April and May if you can. These are the heavy rainy months. Some trails may close, and the sea may become rough. For the best weather, plan your trip during summer or winter holidays. Zanzibar will give you sunny beaches and fun outdoor adventures.
Preparing will make hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling experiences safer and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials for Czech tourists in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is the perfect island for Czech tourists who love nature and adventure. You can hike under jungle canopies, paddle through serene lagoons, and swim above rainbow-colored reefs in one destination. Best of all, the island’s manageable size and good roads make it easy to explore. By planning a self-guided trip and renting a car with Finalrentals, you can go to these hidden spots on your schedule.
