Stone Town stands as one of East Africa's most remarkable historical settlements, where over a millennium of cultural exchange has created something truly unique. This UNESCO World Heritage site, inscribed in 2000, preserves an intact urban fabric that tells the story of Zanzibar's role as the beating heart of Indian Ocean commerce.
The town's distinctive character emerges from its extraordinary architectural blend. Buildings constructed from coral ragstone, limestone, and mangrove timber showcase the fusion of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences. The famous carved wooden doors of Stone Town are masterpieces in themselves – each tells a story of the wealthy merchants who commissioned them, with intricate designs reflecting their cultural origins.
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Zanzibar's strategic position made it the epicenter of the global spice trade, particularly after Sultan Seyyid Said moved his capital here in 1840. The island became the world's largest producer of cloves – known as "black gold" – along with nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom. This wealth funded the grand merchant houses whose facades still line the narrow streets today.
Forodhani Garden Markets
Arguably one of the most popular activities in Stone Town, this market opens in the late afternoon at 5 pm, and runs until 9 pm. Here, locals and tourists gather for some alfresco street dining – colourful stalls and grills are lined with kebabs, local fish, coconut bread, grilled cassava, roasted corn, sweet potato chapatti and fresh fruit drinks. This is one of the liveliest areas of town, and the food is not only tasty but very cheap.
Darajani Market
Another popular market in Stone Town, this market is excellent for spices, fresh meat, fruit, and vegetables. For those that prefer quieter market experiences, it is best to go early in the morning, when the sellers are still setting up and the produce is fresh.
Mtoni Palace Ruins
These ruins offer an insight into the former administrative and trade power of Zanzibar. Every Tuesday and Friday, there is a concert with traditional melodies, dances and a buffet. The night begins with a guided tour of the ruins, followed by a buffet with a final performance to finish off. Or, you can attend the traditional coffee ceremony with coffee roasted the Zanzibari way.
Old Slave market and the Cathedral of Christ Church
The old Anglican cathedral of Christ Church was built by a British abolitionist symbolically over the old whipping post of the island’s largest slave market.
This was the first African cathedral in East Africa, and offers beautiful architecture and important knowledge on the history of the slave trade in the country.
Hamami Persian baths
These were the first public baths built in Zanzibar by Shirazi architects from Iran. They are no longer in use, but you can pop your head in and have a look by asking the caretaker to unlock the gate for you for a small fee.
Sultan’s Palace/Beit al-Sahel
The magnificent Sultan’s Palace is one of the main historical buildings of Stone Town. Inside, you can spend an hour touring the history of Zanzibar with a free guide (tip recommended) for only a $3 entrance fee (at the time of writing).
The Old Arab Fort
This impressive building was constructed in the late 17th century on the former Portuguese fort. It houses an art gallery and curio market, as well as an impressive amphitheatre. If you can, try and catch a live performance in the open-air amphitheatre – in February each year, the Sauti za Busara Music Festival, with musicians from all over Africa, occurs here.
St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral
In memory of European colonial presence in Zanzibar, this cathedral was built by French missionaries in 1893-7. Its twin spires are a familiar feature to Stone Town. The cathedral’s front doors are only open during mass, but you can enter through the back when these are closed.
The Zanzibar archipelago is known as the ‘Spice Islands’, for its historical and modern role as one of the main producers of spice.
The spice tour takes you on a walk through a spice farm to see cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, lemongrass, vanilla and nutmeg, helping you appreciate the island’s rich history in the spice trade.
Most tours include the entrance fee price, tour guides, transport, and sometimes a traditional lunch, or you can organise your own tour. Most farms are only 15 km outside of Stone Town and can be reached by taxi or rental car.
This is an excellent half day activity that includes a beautiful 20-minute boat ride offshore to Prison Island, which was a quarantine centre.
On the island, you will be introduced to the giant tortoises, the oldest of which is 192 years.
Afterwards, you can cool down and snorkel off the Nakupenda beach. Some tours offer lunch and provide snorkelling equipment.
This protected area holds one of the world’s rarest animals – the red colobus monkey – as well as a variety of birds, butterflies, and the bush baby.
Walking around the forest is made easy thanks to the boardwalks, but you can be assigned a guide at the entrance if you want more information on the plant and animal species you may see.
The area can be reached by taxi, dala dala, tour, or you can drive yourself. If you decide to take a tour, ensure that the price of the tour incorporates the price of the transfer, park entrance, and a guide.
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The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
