Stone Town
Duration
Stone Town City Tour (half day or full day)
Departure to Stone Town – at guests discretion – approximately 1.5 hour guided tour and 3 hours drive time. If you would like to wander through the old city after the tour and spend some leisure time shopping or stopping for lunch, this can also be arranged.
Rich in History
Stone Town, which is approximately 1.5 hours away from Michamvi by taxi, is one of the oldest Swahili towns in East Africa. Over the centuries and under the influence of Arabian, Persian, and Asian seafarers, and the periodic changing of colonial reign, the once small fishing village has turned into a flourishing town. Today, Stone Town is Zanzibar’s cultural heart, where little has changed over the last 200 years. You can spend hours wandering through the winding alleys and narrow streets, admiring mosques, bazaars, and grand Arab houses, with their famous, artistically carved , wooden doors.
The city is situated directly on the Indian Ocean, opposite the Tanzanian mainland and its economic centre, Dar es Salaam. In 2010, Stone Town was declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, which has allowed for the refurbishment of some of its most beautiful buildings.
Highlights of the City Tour
HOUSE OF WONDERS ( BEIT-AL AJAIB) – currently under renovation
The House of Wonders was built in 1883 and was typically used for cultural ceremonies. It was also briefly used by the British. At the time, it was the first house in Zanzibar with electricity, and the only house in the whole of East Africa with an elevator. This led to the house becoming affectionately known as the “House of Wonders”. Today, it is a museum for Zanzibarian history and culture.
THE SLAVE CHAMBERS AND THE ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL
During slavery, slaves were brought out daily, chained together, and displayed publicly for sale. Visiting the remaining slave chambers gives visitors a glimpse into the life of a slave and the living conditions they had to endure. Only after David Livingstone’s continual insistence, did the British government finally abolish slavery. The land was eventually used to erect the cathedral.
FORODHANI GARDEN
Forodhani Garden is a popular meeting point amongst locals and tourists alike. Renovated in 2009, the garden now features a little promenade, shaded stone benches, and a little restaurant. This is a quaint spot to enjoy a refreshing drink and gaze out at the Indian Ocean. At Sunset, the gardens become a vibrant street food market where you can enjoy traditional, local cuisine.
DARAJANI MARKET
Discover a vibrant local fish and vegetable market full of tantalizing produce! Your guide will show you all the wonders for sale, including incredible fresh fruit, which is a must try for any tourist. Be reminded though, that the smell of the neighbouring fish-and meat market, may not be for everyone.
SHOPPING
Stroll through the streets and alleyways at your leisure, shop for souvenirs, and, with a little luck, you might even bag a great bargain!