Stone town Zanzibar
Residents of Zanzibar also refer to Stone Town zanzibar as Mji Mkongwe. Situated on the western side of Unguja Island (Main Island), it is one of Zanzibar’s oldest cities and a major trading hub. With strong Arab, Indian, Persian, and some European influences, it is renowned for its rich history, architecture, culture, entertainment, and street cuisine.
The architecture of Stone Town, which was built in the 19th century, is a unique blend of Arab, Persian, Indian, European, and African influences that underpin Swahili culture. Stone Town’s legacy makes it a popular tourist destination in Tanzania, and tourism-related activities account for a sizable portion of the local economy. The town was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 as a result.
Regarding its past.
In the 19th century, Stone Town Zanzibar was the thriving hub of both the slave and spice trades and was the former capital of Zanzibar. The Zanzibar Revolution, which resulted in the overthrow of the sultan, took place in Stone-Town in 1964. A socialist administration headed by the black African populace, or the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), was established as a result of the revolution.
Over 20,000 people were slain during the Zanzibar revolution, which resulted in a large number of refugees, mostly Arabs and Indians. As a result of the revolt, the Arabs and Indians lost their authority and were forced to leave the island.
They left everything behind as they fled the island. The old houses were quickly taken over and turned into public structures by the Afro-Shirazi Party. When Zanzibar and Tanganyika united to become the United Republic of Tanzania in 1964, Stone Town continued to serve as the capital and seat of government for Zanzibar, which was designated as a semi-autonomous region of the new country.
Activities and attractions in Stone Town
The House of Wonders
The Sultan Barghash bin Said al-Busaidi constructed the first and biggest structure in Zanzibar in 1883, which is also known as the House of Wonders or Bayt el Ajaib in Arabic. It is known as the “house of wonders” since it was the first residence in all of East Africa to feature an elevator.
In Stone Town zanzibar , the House is presently situated between the Palace Museum and the Old Fort. This house was built using a variety of materials, including steel beams, concrete slabs, mangrove shoots, stones, and coral rag.
The Old Slave Market
Located on Mkunazini Street in Stone Town, Zanzibar, it was the last slave market in East Africa to close in 1873. The most important tourist destination in Stone Town today is Christ Church Cathedral, an Anglican church constructed by British missionaries in 1879.
House of Freddie Mercury
This historical site is situated on Gizenga Street in Stone Town, Zanzibar, in the same home where Freddie spent his early years with his family. You may learn more about Freddie Mercury’s early years in Zanzibar at this small but interesting museum, which is a must-see in Stone Town, especially if you’re a fan.
Beautiful paintings and many handwritten lyrics can be found within the museum. You will have the opportunity to visit this location as part of our Historical Stone town trip, and our guide will give you additional details about it.
Market of Darajani
This local market is crucial if you’re in Stone Town or plan to visit in order to see how Zanzibari people live or to get presents for your loved ones when you return home.
This is Zanzibar’s largest, most distinctive, and historic market. Sultan Ali bin Hamud, the ninth Sultan of Zanzibar from 1902 to 1911, constructed the major bazaar in Stone Town, Zanzibar, known as Darajani Market.
Darajani Market: Purchasing Spices
One of the most popular items that visitors to Zanzibar request is spices. Darajani Market sells a wide range of spices, including cloves, cinnamon, cardamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.
The spices that are sold in Darajani are already packaged so that you can carry them in your bag more easily. This guide on the best Zanzibar Spice Farms Tours, which includes lunch and fruits, can be used if you wish to purchase spices directly from the farms.
Tour the Spice Farms
Because the spice farms are close to Stone Town, you can take a tour of them while you’re there. You will discover why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Islands during this tour. While there, you will take a tour of all the Zanzibari spices and discover more about their cultivation, harvesting, and culinary applications.
Arab Fort/Old Fort
The natives refer to the Old Fort as “Ngome Kongwe” and Arab Fort. is one of Stone Town’s oldest and most historic structures. It faces Forodhani Park and is adjacent to the House of Wonders. Following the expulsion of the Portuguese in 1699, the Omani Arabs constructed the fort.
It served as a fortress and prison in the 19th century. From 1905 until 1928, it was formally used as a station for the Zanzibar railways, which connected Stone Town and Bububu village. It is currently one of Stone Town’s tourist attractions.
Garden of Forodhani
Located in front of the House of Wonders and the Zanzibar Old Fort, Forodhani Park is one of the greatest free spots in Stone Town to relax and take in the sunset.
The park faces the Indian Ocean, which gives the garden a magnificent, mesmerizing environment. This is typically the final stop on our Stone Town trip. In the evening, there’s also a special Night Market with a wide range of fresh foods, including fish, octopus, squid, grilled lobsters, pizza from Zanzibar, and more.
Touring Prison Island and providing food for the tortoises
The inhabitants refer to the Prison Island as “Changuu Island.” One of the most well-liked activities in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is this. This tour includes swimming, snorkeling, feeding and playing with giant tortoises, learning about the island’s brief history, and discovering why it is known as “Prison Island.”
In fact, there are two locations for departure from Stone Town to Prison Island: in front of the Mizingani Seafront Hotel and occasionally in front of the Livingstone Beach Restaurant close to Forodhani Garden.
Dhow Cruise at Sunset
Don’t pass on Stone Town’s most romantic activities if you’re a couple planning a trip to Zanzibar. A traditional Zanzibar sailing boat tour lasts for one and a half hours. The journey starts in Stone Town in front of the Livingstone Beach Restaurant.
With a stunning view of Stone Town from the water, the Sunset Dhow Cruise typically departs at 17:00 from the Livingstone Beach Restaurant and travels to the Mtoni beach area before returning to Stone Town as the sun is gradually setting. Soft beverages and food produced locally will be served to you on board.
Relaxation at Nakupenda Sandbank
One of the greatest beaches for unwinding close to Stone Town is Nakupenda Sandbank. It is also regarded as one of the Zanzibar Islands’ top beaches.
Nakupenda Sandbank should be on your list if you enjoy the beach and the water! Swimming and snorkeling, relaxing on the sandbank, sunbathing, and enjoying fresh seafood barbecue made on the sandbank with delectable tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, watermelon, and banana are all included in this excursion.
Seafood at the Forodhani night Market
Seafood tasting is one of the top nighttime activities in Stone Town, Zanzibar. The Forodhani night market is the place to go if you’re looking for something to eat at night on your first day in Stone Town.
In addition to seafood, you can have fried breadfruits, cassava, fresh spiced sugar cane juice, and Zanzibar pizza. In Stone Town, the Forodhani Garden is situated just in front of the House of Wonders.
Eating at the Fish Market in Cape Town
Cape Town Fish Market is the place to go if you’re searching for a great and distinctive restaurant in Stone Town. One of the best spots to see the sunset is the floating restaurant at Forodhani Garden. It’s a really lovely restaurant for a romantic dinner with your significant other.
They provide a carefully chosen selection of the best South African wines, as well as a fantastic and outstanding food that accommodates both vegetarians and meat eaters.
Shopping for Souvenirs
Without mentioning souvenir shopping, the list of things to do in Stone Town would be incomplete. Make sure you have a large enough bag to hold your belongings if you are going to Stone Town specifically to purchase for souvenirs.
Stone Town offers a plethora of amazing gifts that are genuine, appealing, and handcrafted by the Masai tribe from Tanzania’s mainland and local women from the Zanzibar islands.
As a result, you help the communities where you live when you buy. Because it offers so many gift alternatives, Memories of Zanzibar is a well-known place to buy souvenirs and is quite popular with visitors to Stone Town. In Stone Town, you may purchase a wide range of Tanzanite jewelry, such as necklaces, pendants, earrings, engagement rings, and more.
Tanzanite’s initial scientific name was “blue-violet zoisite.” The term “tanzanite” was chosen since the only known tanzanite deposit in the world is located in northern Tanzania, close to Kilimanjaro Mountain. Zenj Treasures, Johari Treasures, Tanzanie Gallery, and Blue Gems Zanzibar are a few of Stone Town’s top Tanzanite stores.
Zanzibar cultural music
Watching various Zanzibari cultural music, such as Taarab and Kidumbak, is another way to kill time at Dhow Countries Music Academy. This music school is close to the Mizingani Seafront Hotel and the Palace museum.
Luqman Restaurant for lunch
One of the cheapest restaurants is Luqman Restaurant, which serves a variety of indigenous Zanzibari cuisines. It is situated close to the former slave market (Anglican Cathedral) on Mkunazini Street in Stone Town.
One of Stone Town’s greatest eateries is Luqman. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a lot of locals and tourists frequent this restaurant.
Find Out More About Doors in Zanzibar
One of the main reasons travelers come to Stone Town is to learn about the architectural style of the town and the doors of Zanzibar. The magnificently carved Zanzibar doors are the most striking aspect of Stone Town’s streets.
The History of Zanzibar Doors offers a wealth of knowledge. In addition to being doors, these doors served as indicators of the owners’ socioeconomic standing, ethnicity, and customs.
Our knowledgeable local tour guide will provide you more in-depth information on Zanzibar doors throughout our half-day trip.
Chumbe Island Snorkeling
You still stand a higher chance of having an incredible snorkeling experience if you decide to remain in Stone Town. Many other well-known snorkeling locations in Zanzibar do not provide this lovely sport.
The hundreds of species that live in Chumbe corals find their home and sustenance in the pristine Chumbe Island Coral Park, which is breathtaking in its range of colors.
It takes about fifteen minutes to drive from Stone Town to the Chumbe Island office. We can arrange your entire excursion, including lunch after snorkeling, or you can get in touch with us to arrange transportation.
Dining at the Restaurant on the Rooftop
Dine with your significant other at one of Stone Town’s rooftop restaurants and take in the sunset. This might be one of your most memorable actions in Stone Town.
In Stone Town, you may visit a variety of rooftop eateries, such as
The Africa House Hotel
Emerson Spice Hotel’s Swahili House
Hotel Tembo House.
Reservations are not required for the majority of eateries. This implies that you have the option to explore Stone Town before selecting one to visit.
Additional information to be aware of when visiting Stone Town.
What Should I Wear to Stone Town Zanzibar?
Given the large Muslim community in Zanzibar, please make an effort to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Nonetheless, you are welcome to dress however you choose while you are there.
The best luxury hotels to stay at are Azamz Luxury Resort and Spa, Hotel Verde, and Park Hyatt Zanzibar.
The Doubletree By Hilton Zanzibar, Tembo House Hotel, Mizingani Seafront Hotel, Zanzibar Serena Hotel, and Maru Maru Hotel are examples of medium-sized hotels.
Low-cost lodging options include Ten to Ten Hostel, Kisiwa House, Zlife Hostel, and Swahili House.
Top Dining Establishment
Among the top eateries where you can enjoy delectable dishes are
Emerson Spice, 6 Degrees South Grill & Wine Bar, Puzzle Coffee Shop, Zunzibar Coffee House, and Luqman restaurant.
Everyone asks!
People frequently have a number of inquiries concerning Stone Town.
What is the reputation of Stone Town?
What has made Stone Town Zanzibar well-known?
Why is Stone Town the name given to Zanzibar?
How long should my stay in Stone Town last?
Is Stone Town pricey?
Should I remain in Zanzibar’s Stone Town?
What is the reputation of Stone Town?
