A historic walk through Stone Town
Visit Zanzibar Towns old quarter, Stone Town on the west coast of Zanzibar. Here you will find beautiful architecture and historic buildings dating back to the 19th century, revealing the complex history of Zanzibar and its links with the slave trade.
Area
Zanzibar and the coast
Type
Community & Culture
History
Who
Adults
Teens
Young Kids
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Half Day
Zanzibar’s capital is on the west coast, Stone Town is known as the old quarter of Zanzibar Town, and it is classed as a UNESCO world heritage site. It is clear that this is a place steeped in history, as the dense housing mixes with the rustic mosques and palaces built in the 19th century, during its height as a trading centre.
The Beit-al-Ajaib or “Palace Of Wonders” has been converted into a museum, and gives a detailed insight to the culture in Zanzibar. On the third floor are balconies that encircle the building, allowing you to see into the Old Arab Fort, into the heart of stone town, and across the bay. This is an excellent viewing point, and whilst there is a fee for entry to the building, it is a good place to start, giving a great perspective onto Stone Town below.
Continue walking on foot, in which loosing your way through the narrow streets and alleyways is the best way to experience Stone Town. As you pass through these winding streets off from Mizingani road on the waterfront, discover the famous doors of Zanzibar. These are ornately carved wooden doors, decorated with elaborate iron and brass work, embedded within the old buildings. These doors combine a mix of Swahili, Omani and Indian influences and are a reminder of the complex history that Zanzibar contains.
Once you have found your bearings, head to the Anglican Cathedral, which is around 400m from The Palace Of Wonders. The Cathedral’s unique architecture is a mix of Islamic and gothic detailing. Built on the site of Zanzibar’s biggest slave Market, the Slave trade memorial here highlights how the history of Zanzibar, and Stone Town in particular is entangled in the stories and routes of the slave trade.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourFamily Fun in Tanzania
Journey to Tanzania for an activity filled exploration of the lesser visited Selous Game Reserve. This hidden gem in the south is ideal for intrepid families, due to its offering of immersive safari activities. After an exhilarating wildlife experience, fly over to the island of Zanzibar and delve into the enthralling culture of Stone Town, before sinking into serenity in a luxury retreat for five nights, with doses of adventure along the way.
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View TourUltimate Tanzania
A luxurious and iconic trip taking in some of Tanzania's true highlights and staying at some of the best properties in East Africa. Explore the Rift Valley's wildlife-rich national parks, Masai culture and dramatic scenery, before flying to a pristine beach on the east coast of Zanzibar.
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View TourEpic Southern Tanzania
Get ready to dive into the wilderness of southern Tanzania on an off-grid safari and beach getaway. We’ve handpicked the most stylish camps and lodges so you can immerse yourself in this barely touched land in luxury, with some extraordinary experiences along the way. Explore the Selous by river and wander through the baobab dotted landscapes of Ruaha. Journey across the azure ocean to a private island retreat, which promises days filled with tranquillity, indulgence and a dose of adventure.
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View TourUltimate Rwanda and Tanzania
Combine the wildlife thrills of tracking gorillas in Rwanda and watching big game in the Serengeti with the sandy beaches of vibrant Zanzibar. An ideal honeymoon or special celebration trip for true wildlife enthusiasts.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationBreezes Beach Club & Spa
Breezes Beach Club & Spa is a charming and relaxed resort set on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach on the east coast of Zanzibar. 71 rooms including 20 suites are divided between 11 villas in a pretty garden, all close to the main pool and beach.
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View AccommodationPark Hyatt Zanzibar
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar occupies a superb position in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town, on the west coast of Zanzibar. Offering international standards and excellent facilities, it is a comfortable base for exploring this historic town.
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View AccommodationBaraza Resort and Spa
Located on the east coast of Zanzibar, Baraza is a luxurious, family-friendly hotel with a variety of one and two bedroom villas set on a beautiful stretch of beach. With only 30 villas in total, each with private pools, the feel is small and exclusive.
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View AccommodationZawadi Hotel Zanzibar
Zawadi is a small boutique hotel on Zanzibar's south east coast, with just nine guest rooms dotted along the cliff enjoying sublime views of the Indian Ocean. There is a small spa, swimming pool and an idyllic beach accessed by steps from the lodge.
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View AccommodationZuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort
Zuri Zanzibar is a brand new resort based on the beautiful white sandy beach of Northern Zanzibar offering a tranquil and relaxed environment. The resort comprises 55 bungalows, suites and villas looking out over the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean.
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View AccommodationXanadu Villas
Xanadu Villas is a luxury collection of nine villas nestled on Zanzibar's east coast. Surrounded by verdant tropical gardens, white sands and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, Xanadu makes for the ideal hideaway.
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View Accommodation&Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island is a tiny atoll off the east coast of Zanzibar which offers the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Its rustic exclusivity is unparalleled on the East African coast, it has just 12 secluded bandas hidden in the shady palms beside pristine beach.
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View AccommodationThe Palms Zanzibar
The Palms is a luxury complex of six villas set on the award winning beach of Bwejuu on the South East coast of Zanzibar. With only six villas, it is small and intimate - perfect for honeymooners or couples looking for privacy.
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View AccommodationElewana Kilindi
Located on the northwest coast of Zanzibar the very private Kilindi brings some real style to the island. This boutique hotel offers fantastic accommodation in 15 Omani-style villas on 500m of beautiful private beach.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceA dhow trip on the coast of Zanzibar
Sailing in a dhow, the traditional sailing boat used in Zanzibar, is the best way to view the island's coastline. Sailing in the late evening to watch the sun set is the best time of day and is wonderfully romantic.
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View ExperienceSpice Tour
With the Spice Islands named as they are you cannot visit this particular part of the world and not delve into its history by taking a Spice Tour on the island.
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