Zanzibar Stone Town is a blend of Arabic, African, Indian, European heritages, creating a unique cultural mix on the island and making it such a wonderful holiday destination. It is one of our favorite places now. Stone Town, is the old section of Zanzibar City and the capital of Zanzibar which is located on the western coast of Unguja, and the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago. It is also the historical and cultural capital which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this blog we will share some of the best things to do in Zanzibar Stone Town. In this blog we will share some of the best things to do in Stone Town Zanzibar.
We drove to stone town from Nungwi and stayed here for three nights. It felt like we had stepped into the Aladdin era with everything so vintage around. Right from the streets, buildings architects mostly dating back to the 19th century to markets. You can spend an entire day getting lost in the maze of narrow lanes, bazaars, sitting by the beach, eat amazing food, chill out and just do nothing. It’s definitely a very cool place to hang out for a couple of days for sure. Zanzibar is very culturally rich and quite religious, it is also quite a party island. We loved it absolutely.
So when you are planning your itinerary in Zanzibar, we would suggest spending 2-3 days of the week in historic Stone Town apart from the coasts. Plus there are loads of amazing things to do at stone town as well.
How to reach Zanzibar Stone Town
If you are flying directly to Zanzibar, you will find the island itself is pretty well connected to most countries. We flew from Nairobi directly to Zanzibar with Precision airlines, which took was about an hour to reach.
After landing we directly headed to Nungwi and later arrived at stone town by a hired car.
You can reach stone town by public bus, the very iconic dala-dala or you can either get private taxis, shared taxis or a hired vehicle and its absolutely economical. Private taxis would charge 10$ for transfer.
We booked all our transfers with SUMA. It is best to contact him over Whatsapp +255654341465
He was prompt in responding and very punctual when it came to transfers also bearing a very good knowledge about the places around. Would recommend him if you’re visiting Zanzibar. Greet him hello from us!
Things to do in Zanzibar Stone Town
Visit the Prison Island (Changuu) : Things to do in Zanzibar Stone Town
Once we reached stone town, Prison island was our first stop. We rented a motor boat from the harbor (40$ per person) for return trip, snorkeling and town tour.
From the start it took us almost half hour to reach which is approx 5-6km north west of Stone town.
It is said that this island was built for slave trading during the 1800’s however, no prisoners were ever arrested on the island and instead it became a quarantine center for yellow fever patients.
Recently in the last couple of years the island has become a government-owned tourist resort and home for hundreds for Aldabra Giant Tortoises which were originally gifted to Zanzibar by the governor of the Seychelles.
You can even touch and feed the tortoises there and also go for snorkeling on the white sandy beach a well.
Walk through the Alleys of Stone Town : Things to do in Zanzibar Stone Town
We took a guided tour in stone town exploring historic gems such as the Old Fort visiting the former slave market in the centre of the old town, House of Wonders, Christ Church, Freddie Mercury’s House and passing through the colorful vintage alleys. One of the best things to do in Zanzibar, to get the true essence of the island, is to take a walking tour for sure. We would add, you can even explore the stone town on your own if you don’t wish for a guided tour. The lanes are so indistinguishable that at times, thought we might get lost in the coil of those alleys. Cost 10$ per person.
Walk along the port at sunset
Honestly taking a stroll during the sunset by the port was an experience in itself. We were lucky enough to witness double rainbow there. In the evening crowd gathers and the local boys performs acrobatics and somersaults all the way down to the water from a height. It was really entertaining watching them perform during the last lights.
Visit the Jozani Forest to spot the unique Red Colobus Monkeys
The Jozani National Park is the only national park in Zanzibar which is a home to the rare red colobus monkey. You can also go for the board walk in the mangrove forests too. Return trip cost for 2 pax in a private car including guide and park entry fees 80-100$.
Take a Spice Tour
Zanzibar is also called ‘The Spice Island’ because it produces abundance of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, chili, and black pepper.
So basically you need to go for a guided tour where you’ll get to taste things like vanilla, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and many other spices which are used for cooking or in traditional medicines.
At the end you’ll be crowned a handmade palm leaf crown, and get decorated with leafy jewelries which the locals will make for you. Return trip cost for 2 pax in a private car including guide and entrance fee 35$-50$.
Go street shopping for souvenirs
Stone Town is a shopping paradise. Each and every lanes have many colorful shops selling beach wears, home decors, souvenirs, paintings, jewelry etc.(remember to bargain at your best).
Also don’t forget to visit the spice market there as well which sells wide variety of spices from across the globe.
Come back home and of course decorate the souvenir at your favorite corner and rejuvenate memories.
