About this experience
Step into a living museum where centuries of history unfold before your eyes.
Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar, is a captivating blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. As you wander through its narrow alleyways with a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll explore stunning Swahili architecture, vibrant markets, and ancient sites that whisper stories of the past.
Discover the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib), the Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace Museum, and the Anglican Cathedral built over the old slave market.
Learn about the island’s central role in the spice and slave trade, and experience the rhythm of local life in a town that remains frozen in time.
Whether it’s the intricate carved doors, the haunting history of the slave chambers, or the scent of cloves in the air – this immersive experience will leave you with a deeper understanding of Zanzibar’s soul.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Waiting Charge, Fuel Surcharges & Service Fees
- Service of Informative, friendly and Experienced Professional Tour guide
- Entrances Fees
- Mineral Water During the Tour
- Pick up and drop off from your hotel in private car with air condition
Not included
- lunch
- Expenses of a personal Nature
Itinerary and highlights
The Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church was built in Stone Town (the old part of Zanzibar city) in the place where the biggest slave market of Eastern Africa operated. Its altar was placed exactly where the slaves for sale were whipped. On the floor, among the benches, there are black cobblestones as a remembrance of the dungeons used for slaves in the basement. Outside the Cathedral, there is a stone monument showing four people enchained by their necks as a way of reproducing the way in which slaves were offered to buyers.
Near the Church there is the Exhibition of the Slave Market of Eastern Africa, an exhibition center that displays pictures, photographs and historical information.
The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), also known as the Arab Fort and by other names, is a fortification located in Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. It is the oldest building and a major visitor attraction of Stone Town. It is located on the main seafront, adjacent to another landmark building of the city, the House of Wonders (former palace of the Sultan of Zanzibar), and facing the Forodhani Gardens.
The Old Fort is one of the prominent visitor attractions in Stone Town, and its courtyard as been adapted to serve as a cultural centre with curio shops selling tourist-oriented merchandise such as tingatinga paintings; it also has an open-air amphitheatre where live dance and music shows are held most evenings, a restaurant, and a tourist information desk. It is also the main venue used for large events such as the Festival of the Dhow Countries (also known as the Zanzibar International Film Festival) and the Sauti za Busara.
Darajani Market is the main market in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is also known as Estella Market and informally as Mariketti Co. The market is located on Darajani Road, in the vicinity of the Anglican Christ Cathedral. The main structure of the market was built in 1904 by Bomanjee Maneckjee for Sultan Ali bin Hammoud. It was later extended and restored.It is a local market for affordable spices, fruits, vegetables, fish and meat where you can enjoy a real buying experience.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will pick you up directly from your hotel lobby. Please ensure you provide your hotel name and room number at the time of booking.
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- ru — Guide
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Zanziflowers Tours And Safaris
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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