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
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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
“Without Access2Tanzania we probably never would have gone to Africa. A2T made it possible. Everyone we encountered A2T was friendly and helpful, both here in the US and in Tanzania. We were very pleased with the itinerary that was set for our trip. It was perfect. The range of parks and reserves was varied and interesting. The accommodations were comfortable and gave us great insight into choosing places to stay for our next trip (hopefully). Inserting the experience of going to Nyamuswa was a wonderful counterpoint to our time in the parks with the animals and birds. It really made the trip special. Our guide Mussa was friendly, knowledgeable and resourceful. We never got tired of spending nearly 12 hours a day with him. He may have gotten tired of us.”