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
“Karen was very helpful in planning our trip and we could not have asked for it to turn out any better. Going to Africa on a Safari had been on my bucket list since I was in high school. And they went over and above to make my dream come true. It was the most amazing trip I have ever been on. I love the way they set up our campsites from primitive to luxury. I loved every camp we went too. The first and second was a little scary from time to time hearing the roaring, screaming and chatting throughout the night from the elephants, lions, zebras and hyenas. I would not have changed one thing about the trip. And then when we got to Zanzibar at The Baraza Resort it was absolutely beautiful and the staff was over the top very friendly and was there to take care of us the entire trip. We felt like kings and queens. We went into Stone Town one day and really enjoyed that tour, and of course shopping. I would definitely recommend them for your trip to Tanzania.”