Zanzibar is an archipelago of Tanzania in East Africa.
It was first settled by Bantu-speaking people, with evidence of settlement dating back to the 6th century at Fukuchani on the northwestern coast of Zanzibar, indicating a fishing community and agricultural settlements.
Stone Town, also known as “Mji Mkongwe,” a Swahili word meaning “old town,” is part of the Zanzibar archipelago city in Tanzania.
Stone Town was originally called Shangani, a fishing village before developing into Stone Town.
The Portuguese built a church in Shangani during the 16th century. Later, in the 17th century, the Zanzibaris and Pembans ousted the Portuguese, and the local patricians invited the Sultan of Oman to wield power in exchange for defense against the Portuguese.
The architecture of Stone Town is unique, influenced by a mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian, African, and British designs.
Beautifully crafted doors, mosques, churches, museums, paintings, and more make the town vibrant.
Stone Town has narrow alleys instead of streets, which you can explore on foot or even on a donkey’s back.
The House of Wonders is Zanzibar’s national museum, located at the seafront, and designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
Darajani Market is an ideal place to visit for food enthusiasts.
It’s the largest food market on the island, where you can discover the market while people go about their daily business.
You can buy items using just a few dollars.
Alternatively, you can visit Forohani Food Gardens Market at night, offering a mixture of cuisines, and don’t forget to try the Zanzibar pizza.
The Arab Old Fort is one of the historical places in Stone Town, built by Arabs in the 18th century to protect the town from the Portuguese.
Knowledgeable guides can provide insights into Arab and Portuguese influence in Stone Town.
The Old Slave Market, now a UNESCO-funded museum, offers a history lesson about Zanzibar and the slave trade for just $5.
Freddie Mercury’s house is a must-visit for fans of the music legend.
Freddie Mercury, the award-winning singer and songwriter and the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen, was born and raised in Zanzibar.
Don’t miss the opportunity for souvenir shopping.
You can find various African handmade crafts in Stone Town to take back home as gifts or souvenirs, supporting the local artisans.
The Palace Museum is an iconic historical place in Zanzibar, where you can learn about the Sultans of Zanzibar and their rule during colonial times for an entry fee of only $3.
Prison Island offers a unique experience with giant tortoises and the ruins of a colonial hospital.
Originally intended as a prison, it later served as a quarantine hospital for bubonic and cholera plague epidemics.
You can spend a half-day trip visiting Prison Island.
Take a spice tour in Zanzibar, often referred to as the Spice Islands, to explore its spice economy.
Some of the spices grown include cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, chili, black pepper, ginger, and more.
The Old Dispensary, an 18th-century building, is one of the historical sites to visit in Stone Town.
It was built by a wealthy Indian man to provide access to medication for the poor.
The Hamamni Persian Baths, built in the 1870s for Sultan Bargash Bin Said, served as public baths until the 1920s.
They are called Persian baths due to their construction by Shirazi architects.
Visit Jozani Chakwa Bay National Park, the only park in Zanzibar, founded in 2004.
It’s the best place for getting close to marine life through scuba diving and snorkeling.
Jozani Forest is also home to several species of birds, making it a birding paradise in Zanzibar.
Finally, relax at the coastal beaches to end your Zanzibar tour.
You can enjoy swinging, sunbathing, and relaxation.
Look for a sunset bar for a sun-downer experience.
