Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar
Stone Town Tour in Zanzibar has lots to offer from beautiful beaches, striking sunsets and rich history.
The stone town tour in Zanzibar is one of the things to do while in this Town as you learn about its history and the people. Stone town is a remarkable city and a capital city of Zanzibar with a lot to offer from beautiful beaches, striking sunsets and rich history. In stone town, you shall find people of different ethnic groups, ranging from African, Arabic, Indian and European origin.
This is because dating back in the days this was one of the biggest slave markets in Africa with people of all walks of life. Stone town tour in Zanzibar, will go through the narrow streets as you enjoy the different sights.
Here is why you should take up the Stone Town Tour in Zanzibar. The tour will take approximately 3 hours of walking with breaks by visiting restaurants and shops.
Things to do in Stone Town Zanzibar
Stone town historical sites
These sites will range from markets to museums in the area attached with stories and at the end, you shall leave with an insight into the place
- Darajani market
This place is found at the border or fringe area of Stone Town known as the most significant market or commercial centre. It is also known as Estella market after countess Estella who was a sister to the prime minister then known as Lloyd Mathews of Zanzibar town.
The market gets its name from Darajani road or the street where it’s located. You shall pass by men on bicycles selling fruits like pineapples, papayas and watermelons, women weaving baskets and some selling spices.
You can grab coconut water to quench your thirst during the walk and some nuts to snack on. As you proceed you shall pass by Suma Street known for the best kitenge (African fabric) whether waxed or cotton kangas and other prints.
These are used to make African clothes with attachment to the people of the Zanzibarian community.
- The Old Fort of Zanzibar
The old fort of Zanzibar is one of the major tourist attractions during your stone town tour It’s also known as the Arab fort and is the oldest building located at the Zanzibar main seafront with incredible scenic views.
This place was built in 1699 when the Arabs expelled the Portuguese. This place has been a prison in the 19th century as well as a railway station and to date, it’s the headquarters for the Zanzibar international film festival.
It’s a prominent attraction in a stone town with a courtyard that serves as a cultural centre with shops selling touristic items ranging from African crafts or merchandise. It has an amipthearter where live bands are hosted and shows in the evenings.
- Sultan’s palace
The sultan’s palace is another tourist attraction during the stone town tour in Zanzibar. It’s one of the historical buildings in the area and it’s 3 stored with architectural décor of the melon white walls found on Mizingani road.
The sultan palace is on the seafront between the old Dispensary and House of wonders. The site was formerly known as Bait as the Sahel in Arabic and the buildings were destroyed during the Anglo-Zanzibar war in 1896.
The palace you will visit was later built in the 19th century as a residential home for the sultan’s family. It has to date been renamed the people’s palace and they are now government headquarters.
However, one floor has been preserved with the history of the royal family as a museum. The exhibits include clothes, writings and accessories as well as other furniture which will show you the way of life of the Zanzibar royal family.
- Forodhani gardens
This place is so lively at night showcasing the different delicacies of the Zanzibarian people ranging from different fish cuisines to local food.
The gardens have been renamed Forodhani Park which is located on the sea walk of the stone town and overlooks the house of wonder and old fort.
You will enjoy Swahili, cousin, as the sunset sips on coconut water and eats nyamachoma and tastes different fish types from lobster, jellyfish, octopus and prawns.
- Stone Town port /Jetty at the Mainland
This will offer you sights of big ships and dhows, take time to take some pictures/photographs in this place. Enjoy a walk on the mini beach or a ride to mainland Dar es salam the capital city of Tanzania for a day trip or spend the night.
The boat ride will take about 1-2 hours’ time at a cost of $35 per person for internationals and $25 or 60,000/= Tanzanian shillings for East Africans. This city has more to see as well as amazing sights of beach life.
This is the most visited attraction for all visitors or tourists to stone town given that the location is so close by. For this tour in Zanzibar, you will need a boat ride specifically they are motorized canoes with a capacity of 1-8 people at a rate of $40-$50 for the group.
While there you will pay an entrance of $4 per person for foreign and 400 Tanzanian shillings for East Africans. You will enjoy feeding the giant tortoises as you enjoy photographing memories.
- Shopping
Stone Town will always be Stone Town with its narrow streets to wander around as well as small shops. They have unique souvenirs that you can offer to your friends as gifts from African Motif blankets or covers, jewellery, and straw bags that are homemade. These items can be bought from any part of the city but also in the market areas and centre of Stone Town.
