Discover The Secrets Of Stone Town City
Stone Town, West/Urban Region, Zanzibar - Tanzania
Offered in:
English
Italian
German
Spanish
French
Duration
3 Hours (Approximately)Tour Type
Art, History & CultureAge
Children with 3 Years & aboveCut-off Time
6 Hours before start timeChildren Need to be Accompanied By at Least One Adult
Our Advice/Tips:
- Comfortable Shoes: Walk Stone Town’s narrow, uneven streets easily with sturdy, breathable footwear.
- Dress Respectfully: Cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting mosques, churches or cultural sites.
- Secure Your Belongings: Keep your valuables safe with a cross-body bag and stay alert in crowded areas.
- Ask Before Photos: Always ask locals’ permission before photographing them or sensitive areas.
- Notice Small Details: Admire the carved wooden doors, brass studs, ornate balconies and hidden courtyards.
- Embrace Getting Lost: Wandering the alleys is part of the experience, bring a map or pin your hotel.
Suitable For:
- History Lovers – Discover Stone Town’s rich past through ancient palaces, forts, museums, and stories that shaped Zanzibar’s culture.
- Culture Seekers – Experience Swahili traditions, local markets, architecture, and daily life woven with African, Arab, and Indian influences.
- Photographers – Capture vibrant alleys, carved doors, lively markets, and beautiful coastal scenes perfect for creative shots.
- Couples – A romantic setting with charming streets and the option of a peaceful sunset dhow cruise.
- Solo Travelers – Safe, walkable, and full of friendly locals; guided tours make exploring easy and enriching for solo adventurers.
- Families – Offering kids a mix of history, and interactive experiences in a safe environment.
- Food Enthusiasts – A treat for food lovers, spices, local dishes, and fresh juices to enjoy.
- Shoppers – Perfect for finding handmade crafts, spices, textiles, and souvenirs in colorful local markets and small boutiques.
We’re excited to offer you a special deal! Use promo code #SAVE25 to get 25% off your next booking.
Hurry Up — offer ends soon!
Description
Our first stop is the historic fruit market, opened in 1904, where you’ll explore a vibrant array of tropical fruits, spices, and local produce, experiencing the lively atmosphere of Stone Town. We then continue to the Anglican Cathedral at Mkunazini, built in 1874 on the former slave market site. Here, your guide will share the city’s poignant slave history and show the exact location where slaves were once auctioned. Next, we stroll to Forodhani Gardens, home to the former British Consulate, an important landmark where famous explorers such as Dr. Livingstone and Stanley handled administrative matters before their expeditions. Along the way, we also visit the childhood home of Freddie Mercury, the legendary lead singer of Queen, now a point of interest celebrating his early life in Zanzibar and his lasting legacy in music and culture.
We will continue our exploration at the Old Fort, one of Stone Town’s oldest and most striking landmarks, located just a few meters from the main waterfront. This historic fort, with its thick walls and traditional architecture, has served as a defensive stronghold and cultural venue over the centuries. From there, we will continue to the House of Wonders — the tallest and most iconic building in Zanzibar—built by the Sultan as a grand ceremonial and administrative palace. As we wander through the narrow, winding streets of Stone Town, we’ll discover beautifully preserved old houses, many over 150 years old, each reflecting a unique blend of Swahili, Arab, Persian, and Indian architectural influences, with carved wooden doors, ornate balconies, and charming courtyards. These streets offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history, vibrant culture, and daily life, making every step a journey back in time.
What’s Included
- Service of Informative, friendly and Experienced Professional Tour guide
- Pick up and drop off from your hotel in private car with air condition
- Waiting Charge, Fuel Surcharges & Service Fees
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Mineral Water During the Tour
- Entrances Fees
What’s Excluded
- Visa fees (US $50 / US $100 for American or Irish Passport holders)
- Any domestic connection flights on arrival or departure
- Gratuities for Guide (please tip separately)
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
- Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance - Visit visitzanzibar.go.tz
- International Flights
Discover The Secrets Of Stone Town City – FAQs
Yes, We do! Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off are included in your final price, so there’s no extra charge for transportation from your accommodation. We’ll make sure you’re picked up on time and start your journey smoothly!
The tour starts with a convenient hotel pick-up or from a designated meeting point, which will be confirmed with you when you book. The tour typically starts at Darajani Market, the lively heart of local commerce. Here you will discover colorful spice displays, fresh Tropical Fruits, and the vibrant daily rhythm of Zanzibar life.
Discover The Secrets Of Stone Town City is a half-day tour, conducted either from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM or from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM covering key attractions such as Darajani Market, the Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Sultan’s Palace Museum, Freddie Mercury’s House, and the Narrow historic Alleys of Stone Town.
Yes, Discover The Secrets Of Stone Town City can be combined with other popular excursions such as Escape To Prison Island, a Taste The Island Spices & Herbs, a Enjoy A Romantic Sunset Cruise, or a visit to Jozani & Mangrove’s Forest, making it possible to enjoy a full-day experience.
The price for Discover The Secrets Of Stone Town City varies depending on how many people are in your group and whether it’s a private or shared experience. Generally, the per-person rate decreases as the group size increases.
Yes, You can! We do accept credit and debit card payments for your convenience.
USD and EURO are the most widely accepted currencies on this tour. Paying with either makes transactions smooth and hassle-free during your experience.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
In some cases, Yes! Contact us for available Options.
