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

Susan and Walter B. (USA)

July 8, 2019

“Having read the excellent reviews online, we were initially impressed that Access 2 Tanzania seemed exceptionally well organized, caring, and affordable. From our initial phone conversations through the final conference call, Casey O’Connell proved to be an excellent planner who considered our preferences but also offered helpful suggestions and explanations. We appreciated his careful listening, prompt responses, and ability to customize our safari.”