Zanzibar Stone Town

Description: Stone Town is said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.  It was an ancient trading port of the sultans of Oman in the 19th century.

During your stay you can take a tour (self-guided or guided) of the historic sites such as the Arab Fort, the House of Wonders and the Palace Museum – all taking you back in time.  It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings.

This neighborly rivalry is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors – there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork.  Most people enjoy ‘getting lost’ in the maze of Stonetown’s narrow, winding and criss-crossing streets.

Location: Off the coast of Tanzania, a 2 hour ferry ride from Dar es Salaam or fly in to Zanzibar via the Northern Parks, Arusha, Dar es Salaam or the Southern Parks

Things 2 Do:Spice Tour, Museum Visits, Visit Jozani Forest, and Visit Changuu Island’s Giant Tortoises

Time: Requires at least one day to see most of Stone Town.

Accommodations

$$
236 Hurumzi
Africa House
Chavda Hotel
Dhow Palace
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Seyyida Hotel and Spa
Tembo House Hotel
Zanzibar Coffee House
Zanzibar Hotel

$$$
Beyt al Chai/ The Stone Town Inn
Swahili House
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Inn

Top photo credit: Gallery Tours

Brenda B. (USA)

June 27, 2025

“Access 2 Tanzania was fabulous, accommodating, and kind. Casey planned our trip but he also served as a therapist to us in some ways! My husband was nervous to travel to Africa, especially with our two kids but Casey spent a great amount of time walking us through everything and assuring us that we would be safe and that anything we needed would be taken care of. Casey was also always available for every crazy and detailed question we had. He was extremely patient with us and we thoroughly enjoyed all of the detailed information he provided us. It made us feel so much more relaxed about the trip.”