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

Carolin & Bruce W. (USA)

July 8, 2025

“Incredible. If you’re planning a safari, look no further—Access 2 Tanzania delivers a truly exceptional experience from start to finish. The company is both highly professional and refreshingly personal. We loved that we had a single point of contact throughout the process—Karen, the owner—which made planning seamless and stress-free. Communication was excellent; they were always available for questions but also consistently one step ahead, guiding us through everything from visas to immunizations. Their client-first approach was clear in every interaction. The accommodations they selected for us were outstanding, and early in the process we appreciated being able to explore different options and costs to find what worked best for us. We felt supported, informed, and excited every step of the way.”