Stone Town Tour
A walking tour through. the history and present of Stone Town. This atmospheric and mystical town is the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar.
5.0/5
100% of guests recommend
Duration
3 Hours
Tour Type
Culture & History
Group Size
15 persons
Location
Zanzibar
Overview
Stone Town is indeed one of the most popular tours in Zanzibar, and for good reason. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its rich history and unique architecture. Stone Town is the historic center of Zanzibar City, which is the capital of the Zanzibar archipelago.
The history of Zanzibar is closely tied to the history of the Swahili coast of East Africa, which has been a center of trade and cultural exchange for centuries. Zanzibar was an important center of the spice trade, particularly in the 19th century when it was ruled by a series of Sultans.
The Sultanate of Zanzibar was established in 1856 by Sultan Said bin Sultan, who had moved his capital from Muscat in Oman to Zanzibar. The Sultanate was a prosperous and cosmopolitan state, with a diverse population of Arabs, Africans, Indians, and Europeans.
The Stone Town tour provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the narrow streets and alleyways of the historic quarter, where they can see examples of the unique Swahili architecture that developed in the region. The buildings in Stone Town are characterized by their ornate wooden doors, intricate carvings, and colorful facades.
Some of the highlights of the Stone Town tour include the Palace Museum, which was once the residence of the Sultans, and the House of Wonders, which is a grand building that was built in the late 19th century for Sultan Barghash. Visitors can also explore the Old Fort, which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and the Forodhani Gardens, which are a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Overall, the Stone Town tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Zanzibar, and is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the archipelago.
Included/Excluded
Bilingual guide
Government taxes
Private female guide.
Entrance fees
All listed activities
Flight tickets
Tips
Personal expenses
Itinerary
Train House
One of the oldest historical buildings in Stone Town,
Train House
One of the oldest historical buildings in Stone Town,
The Train's House is one of the oldest historical building in Stone Town, Zanzibar built in 1800's and was renovated and upgraded in 2017. The building features 10 modern apartments, gym, restaurant, shops, offices, ATM's etc. The apartments features modern safety equipments together with fast fiber optic internet, traditional rustic themed furniture and modern home appliances.
Darajani Market
No matter where you travel, one of the best ways to experience local life is to explore the local Darajani Central Market.
Darajani Market
No matter where you travel, one of the best ways to experience local life is to explore the local Darajani Central Market.
Markets are not only where things are sold and traded, but they are also where people congregate to socialize, meet friends, and eat.
Located just on the edge of the ancient lanes of Stone Town is Darajani Central Market, one of the central markets in the Zanzibar. Though the market sprawls outside of the main building and throughout the surrounding lanes and side streets, the original building that houses the small indoor section was built in 1904.
Former slave market
This monument is a stark reminder of the horrors of the Zanzibar slave trade.
Former slave market
This monument is a stark reminder of the horrors of the Zanzibar slave trade.
The Slave Market was the world's last open slave markets, presided over by Arab traders until it was shut down by the British in 1873. There is a museum attached to this site where you can understand what happened in regard to slaves.Zanzibar was home to one of the largest slave markets in the world. Although the slave trade took place all over the island, three major markets saw the bulk of these inhumane transactions. The market in Stone Town was infamous for being the most brutal. The pit and the Slave Market Memorial is in the same location where enslaved people were gathered to be brought and sold. This memorial was created in 1998 by Clara Sornas of Scandinavia.
Jaws Corner
Jaw’s Corner is a unique square where locals gather in the early morning to socialize over cups of black Zanzibar coffee. Just grab a cup, and listen to the stories of locals.
Jaws Corner
Jaw’s Corner is a unique square where locals gather in the early morning to socialize over cups of black Zanzibar coffee. Just grab a cup, and listen to the stories of locals.
Jaw’s corner came to be when an elderly gentleman set up an impromptu coffee stall, and the junction, where four of Zanzibar's winding alleys converge, has become a meeting place for locals and tourists on the island.
Old Fort
In the early 20th century, the fort was also used as a depot for the railway line which ran from Zanzibar Town to Bububu. In 1949 it was rebuilt and the main courtyard used as a ladies' tennis club, but after the 1964 Revolution it fell into disuse.
Old Fort
In the early 20th century, the fort was also used as a depot for the railway line which ran from Zanzibar Town to Bububu. In 1949 it was rebuilt and the main courtyard used as a ladies' tennis club, but after the 1964 Revolution it fell into disuse.
The Arab Fort (also called the old fort, and by its local name Ngome Kongwe) is next to the House of Wonders. It is a large building, with high, dark-brown walls topped by castellated battlements. It was built between 1698 and 1701 by the Busaidi group of Omani Arabs, who had gained control of Zanzibar in 1698, following almost two centuries of Portuguese occupation. The fort was used as a defence against the Portuguese and against a rival Omani group, the Mazrui, who occupied Mombasa at that time.
Freddie Mercury Museum
Zanzibar is the childhood home of the rock icon, and the museum is located in the house where the Queen lead singer was growing up.
Freddie Mercury Museum
Zanzibar is the childhood home of the rock icon, and the museum is located in the house where the Queen lead singer was growing up.
The first ever Museum dedicated to the world legend Freddie Mercury, located in Shangani, in the heart of Zanzibar Stone Town, officially inaugurated on Sunday the 24th of November 2019, in order to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the beloved passing of the rock legend.Posters that decorate the windows are of a handsome man with a thick mustache - Freddie Mercury himself, the rock legend, whose fame and popularity have not diminished even decades after his passing. From the example of this guy's life, you can clearly see why such people are called stars. And as if to continue this thought, you read a quote from the lead singer of Queen: "I'm not going to be a star, I'm going to be a legend."
House of Wonder
The House of Wonders was constructed in 1883 by Barghash bin Said, the second Sultan of Zanzibar, as a ceremonial palace.
House of Wonder
The House of Wonders was constructed in 1883 by Barghash bin Said, the second Sultan of Zanzibar, as a ceremonial palace.
Iconic fixtures of Stone Town's world-renowned seafront area, the House of Wonders and Palace Museum convey the cultural and architectural influences of Zanzibar, Britain, Portugal, and Oman over the centuries. The House of Wonders was once the most modern building in East Africa—it was the first building to have electricity and an elevator—and it mixes elements of European style and Zanzibari tradition by including cast iron columns, elaborate door carvings, coral rag, open central courtyards, and mangrove ceilings that together form a truly unique architectural achievement.
Travel Styles
Cultural
Tour Location
A walking tour through. the history and present of Stone Town. This atmospheric and mystical town is the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar.
Reviews
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Dorine M
12/06/2023 12:44
Fantastic clear tour- Ask for Marium
I organise many trips around Zanzibar and it was the first time working with this company and I will be sticking with them in the future!
Communication was excellent, the level of information was excellent from Marium (who was also flexible to amend the timings of the trip). It was especially great working with her as I was with a group of women. Marium was very clear and conscise. Definitely recommend! I will be back!
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