Explore Destination · Zanzibar
Stone Town
Stone Town Zanzibar: Stone Town is the old centre of Zanzibar City, a tight maze of coral-stone houses, mosques and narrow lanes on the island's west coast.
- CountryZanzibar
- Best timeJune to October is the most comfortable for walking, with lower humidi...
- TripsTailor-made for you
- Destinations nearby—
Stone Town Zanzibar: what to know
Stone Town is the old centre of Zanzibar City, a tight maze of coral-stone houses, mosques and narrow lanes on the island's west coast. It grew rich in the 19th century as the capital of the Omani sultans and the main trading port of East Africa, dealing in cloves, ivory and enslaved people. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 2000.
What to know before you go
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Walking the old town
The town is best explored on foot with a local guide, since the lanes are too narrow for cars and easy to get lost in. Look for the carved wooden doors, more than 500 of them. Square-topped doors with geometric patterns are in the Omani Arab style, and those with arched tops and brass studs show Indian influence. The Old Fort, built by the Omanis around 1700, now holds craft stalls and an open-air stage. Beside it, the House of Wonders, the sultan's ceremonial palace, is under long-term restoration after a partial collapse in 2020.
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The slave trade
The Anglican Cathedral stands on the site of the last open slave market in East Africa, closed in 1873. The underground holding chambers, the memorial sculpture and the exhibition beside the church are sobering and should not be skipped.
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Food, markets and Prison Island
Darajani market sells spices, fruit and fish. At dusk, cooks set up grills in Forodhani Gardens on the seafront, selling seafood skewers, Zanzibar "pizza" and fresh sugar-cane juice. A 30-minute boat ride away, Prison Island (Changuu) has a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some more than a century old. Freddie Mercury was born in Stone Town in 1946, and a small museum marks his family home.
When to visit Stone Town
June to October is the most comfortable for walking, with lower humidity. December to February is hotter. During Ramadan many restaurants close in daylight hours and visitors should not eat or drink in the street. The film and music festivals in February and July bring the town to life.
Where It Is
Stone Town and the other places we travel to nearby.
Stone Town
Trips to combine with Stone Town
We do not have a ready-made itinerary in this style yet. These trips are a good starting point, and we adapt any of them for you.
Plan Your Safari to Stone Town
Our team in Arusha answers in English, French, German and Spanish.
Questions about Stone Town
How long should I spend in Stone Town?
One full day and a night covers the main sights at a comfortable pace. Add a half-day for Prison Island or a spice farm.
Is Stone Town walkable?
Yes. The old town is compact and largely closed to cars. A guided walking tour of two to three hours is the best introduction.
What should I wear in Stone Town?
Clothing that covers shoulders and knees, for both men and women. Zanzibar is a Muslim society and beachwear is not appropriate in town.
Shall we plan your trip?
Tell us your dates and what you would like to see. A specialist in Arusha sends a route and a clear proposal within 24 hours.
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