Stone Town (Zanzibar) is an administrative and cultural center with Arab architecture and the only port on Tanzania’s most famous island. The sights of the old colonial “Stone Town” will be interesting for both those who are already familiar with the history of Zanzibar and tourists who have come to relax on the island’s turquoise beaches.
General information
Stone Town is not only the capital of Zanzibar, but also the only city on the island. It is located in the central part of the western coast and was named after the stone structures that were built on the site of a fishing village in the early 19th century. The population of the city is approximately 226,000 people. The city is quite small, so it is possible to explore all the attractions within a couple of days.
The Stone City does not have trams, railway tracks, trolleybuses, or subways, but it does have the only seaport and an international airport that accepts both domestic and international flights.
The city is famous for its ancient history. It was first settled in the 16th century. Over the years, it has been ruled by various nations, including the Ottoman Empire. Today, Stone Town is one of the most visited destinations in Tanzania.
Stone Town Holidays
Stone Town, which is charming with its old-world spirit and interesting sights, has a relatively developed tourist infrastructure. There is almost everything for a comfortable stay here – from souvenir shops and large shopping centers to medical facilities and reference services.
Due to its small size and too narrow streets, it is better to move around the city on foot. If desired, you can use a motorcycle (it transports both people and goods) or Daladala, a minibus that acts as a taxi. The main station is located in Arajani Market. Get to other settlements on mabasi, trucks converted to transport passengers not only in the back, but also on the roof. The main station of this type of transport is located near the slave market. In addition, you can rent a car – the roads in Tanzania are very good. For those who want to save money, we recommend asking a local person for a service. This is because renting a car will be much cheaper for locals than for visitors.
As for accommodation, you can find something for every taste and budget, from luxurious 5-star hotels and comfortable apartments to cozy hostels and bed and breakfasts. The most popular options include:
- Zanzi Resort;
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar;
- Kisiwa House;
- Annex of Tembo Hotel;
- Zanzibar Coffee House;
- Jafferji House.
The minimum cost of a double room in a 3-4* hotel during the high season is from $30 and can reach $250 or more.
And the last important factor is food. Zanzibar’s capital, Stone Town, boasts a significant number of restaurants, cafes, bars, eateries, and other similar establishments.
Some of the most popular include:
- Terrace Restaurant at Maru Maru is the best restaurant in the city, located on an outdoor terrace. Here, you can enjoy a hookah and watch the sunset;
- Tea House Restaurant offers Persian, vegan, and oriental cuisine;
- Zanzibar Coffee House Cafe features an original interior and delicious meals;
- Lazuli is a cafe where you can try fresh juices, smoothies, and cocktails made from a variety of fruits, as well as sandwiches and simple local dishes.
The average cost of lunch or dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is around $40, while a budget-friendly diner costs approximately $15-18.
Attractions
The numerous attractions of Stone Town are colorful and truly unique places that remain not only in the memory, but also in the Instagram of every tourist. Let’s explore the main ones.
Old town streets
The old part of Zanzibar, which is a must-visit destination, is known as the Stone Town. Its main features include diverse architecture and narrow, winding streets that can be easily lost in. However, there is a silver lining to this: the close proximity of the buildings creates a dense shade that provides relief from the intense heat. This makes for an exciting walking experience.
Ancient buildings that are more than 100-150 years old, elegant verandas, carved gates, ancient ruins, traditional Arab houses, palaces, and small shops – all of this takes us back a couple of centuries. But the most unusual thing is that Stone Town is home to 2 Catholic churches, 6 Hindu temples, and more than 50 Muslim mosques – prayers are called 5 times a day!
Unfortunately, most of the buildings are in poor condition, and some have been completely destroyed, but they still deserve the attention of European tourists. Recently, the Stone Town in Zanzibar was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, which gives hope that the situation will improve in the future.
Freddie Mercury’s Home
This attraction will be of interest to both young people and older people. Although it may not seem like much at first glance, this house, located in the heart of Stone Town, was where the famous Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen, was born and lived until the age of six.
Nowadays, the uniqueness of this house, which now houses the Mercury House Hotel, is only revealed by a nameplate and a small plaque of honor mounted on one of the walls. Tourists have the opportunity to take photos near the famous entrance door.
In 2019, the Freddie Mercury Museum was opened here in 2019. It officially collaborates with Queen Productions Ltd. in the UK, which provided the necessary content for the creation of this one-of-a-kind museum. The Mercury Museum in Stone Town, Zanzibar, provides a detailed account of Farrokh’s birthplace, his roots in the Zoroastrian religion, his childhood and upbringing on the island of Tanzania, his schooling in Panchgani, India, and then Freddie’s extraordinary journey to become one of the greatest stars of all time.
- Where to find it: Kenyatta Road, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
- Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00.
- The museum’s official website is http://freddiemercurymuseum.com/.
House of Miracles
Update!
In December 2020, the landmark building collapsed and was closed for restoration. As of April 2023, the restoration work has not been completed, and it does not appear to be finished anytime soon. The current state of the House of Miracles can only be seen in photographs.
The House of Wonders in Stone Town can be called the main architectural structure of all Zanzibar. Until 1964, it served as the residence of the local rulers, so it was here that such rare things as electricity and water supply appeared for the first time.
Today, the palace has lost its former grandeur. It no longer houses famous politicians, and the elevator that used to transport people between floors no longer works. However, the building is still alive, with several rooms dedicated to a museum that showcases local crafts and customs. Additionally, the palace’s terrace offers a stunning panoramic view of the Old City.
Address: Mizingani Rd, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Christ Church Cathedral
The Anglican Church in Stone Town, built in 1887, is considered the most significant architectural attraction of the island of Zanzibar. This is due to its unique design, which makes it difficult to determine whether it is a Muslim or Christian building. However, the Church of Christ was the first Catholic church built in East Africa.
Christ Church Cathedral is a building made of coral stone, a beautiful but not very durable material. From the outside, it looks rather austere, with stained glass windows, pointed arches, a simple tiled roof, and a clock tower.
The interior of the Anglican Church is another story. The interior of the Anglican Church is impressive in its beauty and richness. The altar is adorned with colorful lamps and a magnificent engraving depicting biblical characters. The wooden crucifix, which was erected in honor of David Livingstone, a scholar and advocate for abolition of slavery, also deserves attention. However, the highlight of the Church of Christ is the upside-down columns, which were installed by black workers and approved by the chief architect.
There are several other attractions near the Anglican Church, including Livingstone’s house, a monument to slaves, and the former slave market.
- Where to find it: Mkunazini, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
- Admission costs$5.
Turtle Island (Prison Island)
Coral Island Prison is located near the Stone City. Once a prison for slaves, this beautiful place is now known for its giant turtles imported from the Seychelles Islands.
Most of the inhabitants of Prison Island are over a hundred years old, and they now live in a special kennel, delighting tourists. Most importantly, the turtles are freely accessible, roaming throughout the island. Visitors can take photos, pet them, feed them leaves, and accompany them on walks, as long as they follow the rules of the kennel.
- Address: Off the Coast From Stone Town | Shangani, Stone Town, Zanzibar 3395, Tanzania.
- Opening hours: 9.00 – 16.15.
- Ticket prices: $3 for entry to the island, $4 for entry to the turtles, and $7-10 for boat transportation.
Darajani Bazaar
When looking at photos of Stone Town in Zanzibar, it is impossible not to notice the pictures of the Darajani Bazaar market. This place, which is filled with African charm, is not only for the guests of the island, but also for the locals. The biggest attraction of the island is located in the historical district of the city. Since its foundation in 1904, almost nothing has changed here. Numerous shops selling various spices, interesting fruits, and high-quality coffee, tents selling fresh and dried seafood, and long rows of clothing are all accompanied by a cacophony of sounds and various scents.
The market is located near the Anglican Church on Market Street.
Tangawizi Spice Farm
A variety of herbs and spices is not just a profitable agricultural industry, but also an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of the city of Zanzibar. Recently, more and more specialized farms have been opening on the island, where ginger, basil, pepper, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, lemongrass, and cloves are grown. One of these amazing places is the Tangawizi Spice Farm. In addition to the herbs, the farm also grows a variety of fruits that are unfamiliar to the average European.
For a small fee, you can see, touch, smell, taste, and even buy these spices. The quality of the spices is very high, and the prices are correspondingly high. In the city market, the same spices are sold at 2 or even 3 times the price. However, even if you don’t plan to buy anything, make sure to bring some small change. The owners of the Tangawizi Spice farm often give small gifts and expect small tips in return.
- Address: Kianga Dole Zanzibar Zanzibar, Tanzania.
- Working hours: 06:00 -18:00.
Forodhani Park
Forodhani Gardens can be called the most visited attraction of Stone Town in Zanzibar. They represent a spacious area located near the city embankment. The name of the park, which means “ship unloading point”, is due to long-standing historical events – several centuries ago, it was at this place that slaves were brought, intended for sale at the local slave market.
Today, only memories remain of those terrible events. Now, the Forodhani Gardens attract visitors with their market, a mecca for street cuisine. As evening falls, the ordinary marina with its shady alleys and ancient cannons transforms into a bustling fast-food hub!
As the sun begins to set, the entire square is filled with chefs armed with their own braziers, grills, and other cooking utensils. The menu is a testament to the variety of dishes available, including shrimp and octopus, lobster and fish-filled pancakes, marlin and lobster, tuna and French fries, sailfish, dorado, and much more. Each dish is prepared right in front of your eyes.
To do this, simply put whatever you want on a disposable plate and take it to the chefs. You can pay either before or after the meal. It’s best to check the prices beforehand, as you won’t be able to prove anything later.
Address: On the Waterfront, Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Tanzania.
Beaches
The island of Zanzibar boasts a large number of various beaches in the resorts. However, in Stone Town itself, the water is quite dirty and swimming is not a pleasant experience. If you’re looking for a place to relax on the beach, you’ll need to venture outside the city. Some of the most popular beach destinations include Pingu, the popular Nungwi and its nearby beautiful Kendwa, Kizimkazi, Kiwengwa, and others. We will explore the nearby beaches located near the capital of Zanzibar.
Bububu
Bububu Beach, which is the closest beach to Stone Town, is located a 30-minute walk from the city center. It is known for its peaceful and secluded atmosphere. The journey to Bububu Beach takes you through villages with a unique Tanzanian charm.
There are several comfortable hotels on Bubu, but only one of them is famous: Hakuna Matata, located in a lagoon with pure white sand and surrounded by mango trees that rise above the water. The rest of the Bubu coastline is covered with small pebbles. The main advantage of this beach is its gentle tides and the small number of people, which allows you to immerse yourself in a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.
Nakupenda
Looking at the photo of the city of Zanzibar, you can see a small disappearing island located near the Prizone. Why is it disappearing? Because it only appears in the morning, during low tide. Despite its small size, the beach on the island of Nakupenda is very popular and is considered one of the most important natural attractions.
Crystal-clear azure water, starfish, dozens of pleasure boats, a dozen souvenir vendors, grilled seafood, and not a single tree in sight… The unique atmosphere of this place is fueled by the knowledge that in just a few hours, it will disappear into the depths of the ocean, only to reappear in the morning. The only downside of Nakupenda is the influx of tourists who arrive every day.
Weather and climate – when is the best time to visit?
Stone Town in Tanzania is an ideal place for a vacation in terms of the weather, as it is warm all year round. The average temperature is +30°C, and the water temperature is +26°C. The rainy season lasts from mid-March to May, and some hotels may be closed during this period. If you decide to visit Zanzibar in early February, you can attend the Sauti za Busara, an annual music festival that sells out long in advance. More information about the seasons and weather in Zanzibar is available in this article.
As you can see, a visit to Stone Town in Zanzibar promises to be a bright and eventful experience. Have a safe trip and unforgettable impressions!
