Visit Stone Town in Zanzibar

Where is stone town, Zanzibar located?

 

Located at off Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, the Zanzibar archipelago is mainly composed of two islands :

• Unguja, an island generally referred to when talking about Zanzibar
• Pemba, second largest island located north of its big sister. This one is less known to tourists and is still a bit wild.

Zanzibar is a archipelago renowned for its paradisiacal beaches of fine sand, its seabed and its many activities. 

Stone Town is the main city of Zanzibar, it is the 'capital.

 

What is the best time to go to Stone Town, Zanzibar?

 

Zanzibar enjoys a very pleasant equatorial climate all year round. 

This archipelago knows two rainy periods:

• March to May
• October to December

The best times are the following:

• January and February
• July to September

However, you should be aware that even during periods of rain, the weather can be very pleasant. Indeed, I went to the Zanzibar archipelago during the months of March to May and the weather was excellent in March and April. However, I had a lot of rain in May.

 

A little history of Stone Town, Zanzibar

 

Zanzibar Town is the capital of Zanzibar. With its 400 000 people, this capital is located the west on the island of Unguja. 

Zanzibar Town mainly evokes Stone Town which is Historic District from the city. Today classified world heritage of humanity by UNESCO, this is the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar.

Zanzibar's history dates back to the first millennium.

Between the XIIth and XVth centuries, the archipelago was the place of numerous commercial exchanges with Arabia and the Persian Gulf. Trade with the Orient also brought Islam and Arab architecture that still characterizes Stone Town.

During XVI century, Zanzibar fell under the Portuguese control, then, at the end of the XNUMXth century, under the domination of the Sultan of Oman.

From the Nineteenth century the Europeans found a growing interest in East Africa and the end of the slave trade leads to the decline of the domination of the Sultanate of Oman. 

En 1890, Zanzibar entered under British "protectorate", led by Omani sultans, supervised by British colonial representatives. 

En 1963, Zanzibar is declared self-employed.

The many influences throughout history have made Zanzibar the archipelago of today with a mix of Arab, Swahili, Indian, Omani, Persian and Western cultures. 

This city is a cosmopolitan and tolerant city where a population of 90% Muslim and 10% of other religions coexist (Christians, Hindus, etc.).

Small anecdotes about Stone Town in Zanzibar:

• Freddie Mercury was born in Stone Town in Zanzibar
• The book “Memories of an Arab Princess” by Emily Ruete describes the childhood of Princess Salme, daughter of the Sultan of Oman and Zanzibar who reigned over the island in the XNUMXth century. She describes the customs of the time.

The best things to see in Stone Town, Zanzibar

 

Stone Town is the city to visit for anyone traveling to Zanzibar. Depending on the time you will have on site, you must at least devote half a day to it.

1 - Dinner at Forodhani Gardens

Located on the seafront, it is a large public space where, at nightfall, many street food stalls. It is a place where locals and tourists mix to taste culinary specialties of the island. 

Ce night market is an essential place to go in my opinion. You will discover the sweetness as well as the madness of life on the island.

2 - Learn more about the history of the island

Stone Town is a city ​​rich in history. I invite you to learn a little more about Zanzibar by going discover the following places:

• Old Dispensary: with its mint green balconies, this building is one of the most striking on the seafront. It was a former charity hospital which now houses offices. You can freely access this building.
• The slavery memorial: with slave cells. You will learn that more than 70 slaves were sold in this city in the space of 000 years.
• The Anglican Cathedral: this building which dominates the surrounding streets was built on a former slave market. It was the first Anglican church in East Africa. 
• Old fort: this fort with orange ramparts dominates the gardens of Forodhani. Over the centuries, this fort has had several functions, from prison to tennis club. Today the fort is home to a row of souvenir shops and a cozy café that turns into a bar in the evening.
• Beit El-Ajaib: or even "the house of wonders" rises on several floors. Inside you will find the National Museum of History and Culture which is dedicated to the Swahili civilization and the peoples of the Indian Ocean. However, in 2012, following a collapse of part of the building, the museum was closed. Today it is only possible to admire this house of wonders from the outside.
• Aga Khan Mosque: it is one of the largest mosques in Zanzibar. 
• Hamamni Persian Baths: built at the end of the XNUMXth century, these were the first public baths in Zanzibar

3 - Getting lost in the small streets of Stone Town

I strongly advise you to get lost in this town where you will observe a real cultural mix. Stone Town mixes Arab, Indian, European and African influences. 

The small alleys form a real maze or it's nice to get lost. 

When you go for a walk, pay close attention to carved wooden doors houses. it's about the most famous feature of Zanzibarite architecture. Some of these gates are centuries old and in the past these gates had meanings. Indeed, from their reading, we could know the social rank of the owner, his origin as well as his profession. 

 

• 

• 

• 

• 

4 - Stroll through the Darajani market

This is probably theone of the biggest markets in Zanzibar. This giant market is open every day of the week. It is a place where you can really perceive the soul of the city. Know that a stroll in this market is a real iimmersion in local life. 

You can find everything at the market from Darajani; food with fruits, vegetables, spices, meat, fish; but also clothes, hygiene products etc. Absolutely anything you want can be found in this market.

5 - Spend an evening listening to traditional music, taarab

If you have the opportunity, I advise you to spend an evening listening to taarab which is Zanzibar's most famous music. This music mixes African, Arab and Indian influences. The theme of the songs often revolves around love.

 

Excursions from Stone Town

 

Stone Town is also the starting point for many excursions can be done by the day.

Among the best known are finds :

• jail island : also called "turtle island", is located just a few kilometers from Stone Town. A half-day excursion is possible to go and observe a sanctuary of giant turtles.
• Spice Tour on the spice island: Zanzibar, also known as “the spice island” is known for its spices. Indeed, many different kinds of spices grow on this island. So you have the option of embarking on a spicy tour in the forest about 30 minutes from Stone Town.
• Swim with dolphins in Kizimkazi : Kizimkazi located at the southern tip of the island has been called home to many dolphins. It is possible for you to make every child's dream in us come true, to swim with dolphins.
• Jozani Forest: this forest is home to the only red colobus in the world. You will be able to observe them in their natural habitat in the Jozani Forest.
• Go on a diving or snorkeling trip : Zanzibar is a place famous for its seabed with the many corals and fish that can be found. It is possible to dive all around the island.

• 

   

• 

   

•