Why Explore Stone Town
For centuries, Stone Town was one of the great trading ports of the Indian Ocean, where African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European cultures met. That history is written all over its streets: in the coral stone houses, the brass-studded doors, the mosques, churches and temples that stand side by side, and the smell of spices drifting from the market. The alleys are narrow and confusing, which is exactly why a local guide makes all the difference. Your guide knows every shortcut and story, from the rise of the sultans to the darker chapters of the slave trade, and helps you see details you would easily walk past on your own.
What You Will See
The tour begins on the waterfront at Forodhani Gardens, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Next door stands the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), built by the Omanis in the 17th century and the oldest building in Stone Town. Close by is the House of Wonders, the grand palace built by Sultan Barghash in 1883 and the first building in East Africa with electricity. It is currently closed for restoration, but its towering facade is still an impressive sight from outside. From the waterfront, you head into the heart of the old town. You pass the house where Freddie Mercury spent his early childhood, now a small museum, and stop at St Joseph's Cathedral, Jaws Corner, where locals gather over strong coffee, and the ornate Old Dispensary. Along the way, your guide points out the famous carved doors and explains what their designs say about the families who built them. The tour also brings you to the site of the Old Slave Market, where the Anglican Cathedral now stands, built after the market closed in 1873. It is a powerful place, and your guide tells its story with care. You then dive into Darajani Market, a lively maze of spices, tropical fruit, fish and everyday life, and finish with a view across the rooftops of Stone Town.
Good to Know Before You Go
The city tour is a half day, mostly on foot, with pickup from your hotel in Stone Town or anywhere on the island. Transfer times vary depending on where you are staying. Stone Town is a largely Muslim community, so please dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets are narrow and uneven. If you would like to go inside the Freddie Mercury Museum or the underground chambers at the Old Slave Market, just let us know and we will arrange it at an extra cost. Lunch is not included, but your guide can recommend a good local restaurant, and the Forodhani night food market is well worth a visit if you stay into the evening.
Add Stone Town to Your Zanzibar Holiday
A Stone Town city tour is a must on any Zanzibar beach holiday, and an easy day out from the beaches of Kendwa. Many guests pair it with a Zanzibar spice tour on the same day, as the farms are just outside town. It is a favourite on a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday or honeymoon safari, and a great way to spend your first or last day on the island. For a day on the water, a Mnemba Island snorkeling tour takes you to Zanzibar's best coral reef. Browse all our Tanzania activities to plan more days out.
