Old Fort, Stone Town Sightseeing

After being picked up at your hotel, you will firstly have a walking tour of Stone Town, then you will visit an organic spice farm, and you will explore the historic Prison Island all in one day on a full-day, guided tour of Zanzibar. Meander through a labyrinth of chaotic alleyways between towering limestone houses, and interact with Aldabra tortoises. Stone town walking tour Start your day with a walking tour of Stone Town, the oldest part of Zanzibar City to explore historical sites, including the slave markets, bustling daily markets, charming narrow streets, and enjoy shopping later on. The historic capital city of Zanzibar is Stone Town, renowned for its rich cultural heritage dating back to the 19th century. Reflecting a blend of Arabian, Indian, Persian, and European influences, Zanzibar was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. Relive the grander age of this port city as you stroll through the twisting streets and look at former palaces, Sultan’s Palace, and Arab mansions. You will also get an insight into the tragic history of slave trading. Spice farm tour After your walking tour, you will be driven to the plantation and you will be able to learn why Zanzibar is known as “Spice Island”. The Spice Tour is a highlight among excursions on Zanzibar, often dubbed the Spice Island for its renown as a global leader in producing spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. More than visiting, you will also smell, touch, and even taste some of the crops grown on this Island and find out what the spices were originally used for. Spices and herbs were introduced to Zanzibar by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, who brought them from their colonies in South America and India. Embark on a guided walking tour of a spice farm, where you'll witness firsthand the cultivation of spices, herbs, and fruits. Your knowledgeable guide will detail the cultivation methods and various uses of these crops. During the tour, immerse yourself in the aromas and flavors of spices, herbs, and tropical fruits such as coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, cardamom, cassava, cloves and lemongrass. Following the tour, savor a traditional Swahili lunch at the farm, where you can truly appreciate the diverse culinary uses of spices. Prison Island Finally, take a boat ride offshore to Prison Island also called 'changuu' in swahili language. It is the home to large land tortoises that were imported from Seychelles. Also, learn about the island’s historic use as a prison for rebellious slaves in the 1860s. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise sanctuary is a significant draw for tourists, boasting a 200-year-old resident as its oldest. These non-indigenous, majestic creatures weigh an average of 200 kg and can live over 100 years. You will take a boat ride offshore to Stone town. After this memorable day, our driver will drop you off back at your hotel.

Stone Town tour or City Tour takes you around the capital city of Zanzibar islands to experiences the uniqueness of cosmopolitans “Swahili cultural” which embodied with Arabia, Indian, European, and Portuguese influences, Stone Town it elaborated with fine historical buildings, outstanding curved Zanzibar doors, lavish balcony and the world craziest narrow street. The Stone Town of Zanzibar was declared as a world Heritage site by UNESCO in 2000. As the foot of David Livingstone your foot also will get chance to prints through The island by exploring the House of wonders, Freddie Mercury’s museum, Sultan Palace, former Slaves Market, French catholic cathedral (Notre Dom of Zanzibar), Forodhani garden, Old Portuguese fort, Anglican Cathedral, Tip Tip house’s, city market since 1904 and many more. During a Stone Town tour we shall start at old slave market (current Anglican Church) where we will get chance to trace the history East Africa slave trade and discover the mark of world famous explorer Dr. David Livingstone and others missionaries. Then to our breathtaking fruits, vegetables, fish, meats and spices market (Darajani Market) where you will get a chance to shop, test, photograph and look at fresh day catches from the Indian Ocean and many fruits, spices and vegetables from local Zanzibaris horticulture producers. Then we dispatch to the narrow street of Stone Town up to Zanzibar Coffee House where you will take a nap and enjoy aromatic coffee of your choice. Tour will proceed up Sultan palace where you will get a chance to capture the History of the sultan dynasty of Zanzibar and explore the ambience inside the majestic Sultan Palace. The Forodhani garden is a famous evening resort where locals sell palatable sea foods, sugarcane juices, BBQ, Zanzibar pizza and a lot more. The next stop is the House of Wonders (Bait el-Ajab) , the tallest building in East Africa, a ceremonial palace with a lot of mysterious stories inside. Leave nothing but your footprints up to Old fort (Old Arabic Fort) this fast erected feature in Stone Town, battle arena, famous primitive railway station etc. Tour will take further walking up to the homes of lead singer, song writer, front man and guitarist of the Rock Band Queen Freddie Mercury where you will get a chance to hear his history and take photos near Freddie born house. Finally we will visit the French catholic cathedral (Notre Dame of Zanzibar) well sculptured church inside the heart of Stone Town with a lot of stories to tell. Also tour will continue by wandering around to the narrows street of Stone Town exploring Zanzibar door visit many souvenir shops, boutique and return back to your pick up station where driver wait for you or Hotel.

Through a local guide, discover the beauty of Stone Town, the oldest city in Zanzibar. Designated a World Heritage Site in 2000, Stone Town is a vibrant hub where Arabic, African, Indian, and European cultures harmoniously converge, creating a lively and multicultural atmosphere. Take in the different historical landmarks and discover how the town has changed over time. From the ancient buildings to the busy markets and even learn a little about the slavery which went on back in the day. Embark on a captivating exploration of Stone Town led by a local guide, unraveling centuries of history through its streets. You will encounter mosques, churches, and temples standing side by side. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of bustling markets, where the sights, sounds, and flavors of local life come alive before your eyes. This tour is mainly done as a walking tour and with this, you will meet the locals and find the best places to visit. Gain a deeper understanding of Stone Town's complex history, including its poignant connections to the historic trade routes and the enduring legacy of slavery. Connect with welcoming locals as you traverse hidden alleys and discover authentic spots favored by residents, uncovering the true essence of Stone Town. After your walking guided tour, your driver will drop you off at your hotel.

Walk to the spice plantation and have an opportunity to see, smell, and taste some tropical spices and fruits, including cinnamon, cardamon, black pepper, chill, ginger, vanilla stick, lemongrass, lemon mint, turmeric, nutmeg, and cloves. Learn about the nature of spices and how they are grown in Zanzibar. Get the chance to see someone called a human butterfly, who climbs up to the top of a coconut tree and sings the "Hakuna Matata song." Later, go on a Stone Town walking tour. Learn about the history of the slave trade in the 17th and 18th century. See the old slave market site and the Darajani Fish Market, Freddy Mercury's house, the House of Wonders and the old fort. Enjoy an exciting and informative tour that offers lots of history on the island's history and cultural influence.

This atmospheric and mystical town is the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar. This is a half a day trip where you can visit a historical street constructed from coral stone during the 19th and 20th century. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. Stone Town is a very lively place where you’ll find a combination of Arabic, African, Indian and European cultures living happily together. As you walk through the labyrinth of streets too narrow for cars to pass, you can see mosques, churches and temples side to side. While you wonder around the city, your guide will take you on a historical and cultural journey through the old slave market, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace and the Darajani market place. Also, it will include a lunch in a restaurant or in a local house, as agreed before.

This is a half a day trip where you can visit a historical street constructed from coral stone during the 19th and 20th century. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. Stone Town is a very lively place where you’ll find a combination of Arabic, African, Indian and European cultures living happily together. As you walk through the labyrinth of streets too narrow for cars to pass, you can see mosques, churches and temples side to side. While you wonder around the city, your guide will take you on a historical and cultural journey through the old slave market, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace , Darajani market place and Forodhani Gardens . Afterwards we will take a boat from the shores of Stone Town, setting down anchor 5 km away, on the beautiful beach of Prison Island. The prison – which is now owned by a hotel – was built in 1893 and was originally intended to house violent prisoners from the mainland and sick people. You will get the opportunity to visit the tortoise sanctuary, which contains a large colony of giant tortoise imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. The average weight of these creatures is 200 kg, and many of them are said to be over 150 years old. There will be a chance to touch the tortoise and take photos. The island is also a home to a colony of beautiful peacocks. For the rest of the trip, you can either enjoy the marine life as you snorkel around the coral that fringes Prison Island or just relax under the warm glow of the sun, until you head back to Stone Town.

Begin your private tour in Stone Town, a city of significant historical and artistic importance in East Africa. The town's 19th-century architecture reflects the diverse influences of Swahili culture, showcasing a unique mix of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European elements. In 2000, Stone Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural richness. Start by exploring the Old Slave Market site and the Anglican Church. Then, stroll through the narrow streets to the City Market, where you can marvel at the fresh produce, observe the vibrant hustle and bustle of the fish auction, and watch locals buy and sell various goods. Next, embark on a sightseeing tour of Stone Town's main buildings, including the Palace Museum and the House of Wonders (Bait-al-ajab), the largest and tallest building in town. Continue to the Old Fort, Tippu Tip’s House, and the famous Freddie Mercury’s House. You will also visit the Peace Memorial, the Natural History Museum, and other attractions. The tour then shifts focus to one of the region's key industries: spices. Discover how the islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper, earning the Zanzibar Archipelago and Tanzania's Mafia Island the nickname "Spice Islands." Visit an organic spice farm, where a guide will explain how these spices are grown and used in medicine and cooking. Experience the spices firsthand by touching, smelling, and tasting them directly from the plants. Participate in a cassava leaf harvest, make coconut milk, and practice some cooking techniques. A coconut tree climber will also pick fresh young coconuts for you to try. End your trip with a delightful lunch at the spice farm and the chance to purchase spices from the shop (cash only).

Explore the fascinating Stone Town on a guided walking tour. Learn about the city's history, architecture, and culture as you visit the Anglican Cathedral, the House of Wonders, and the Palace Museum. Meet your guide and set off on a walking tour of Stone Town. Learn about the city's geography, history, architecture, and culture as you explore its narrow streets. Admire the more than 2,000 limestone buildings that cover an area of 50 hectares and house a population of 18,000 people. Discover the city's unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, Persian, and European elements, which led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Visit the Anglican Cathedral, the former slave market, and the House of Wonders, which is now the national museum. Continue to the Palace Museum, the Old Fort, the Darajani Market, and the Hamamni Baths. Admire the Catholic Cathedral, the Freddy Mercury House, and the colorful doors of Zanzibar. Explore the markets where locals purchase their daily requirements and a market street full of colorful textiles.

Zanzibar is also known as a spice island because of the use of different spices in daily life starting from breakfast, lunch but also dinner. Through this tour, you will have an opportunity to see, touch taste, and smell some of the spices that we have here in Zanzibar because most of the people just eat the food without knowing what the tree looks like by its origin. Also, there is a session of seeing the coconut climber also known as a butterfly and you can taste the fresh Zanzibar coco-cola. In the end, there is a fruit testing session whereby you can have time to taste some tropical fruit that we have here in Zanzibar. After that, we can do a stone town tour where the customer can have time to visit and see the culture of Zanzibar people with some of the historical sites that we have here in Zanzibar town as the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the old slave market as well. The last point is Prison Island where the customer can have time to visit Changuu Island also known as Prison Island and see some tortoise around the place but also some history.

Get ready for a fascinating journey through Stone Town, Zanzibar, where you'll discover the town's geography, history, architecture, and culture. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you'll find more than 2000 limestone buildings. These streets cover an area the size of 14 football fields, and around 18,000 people live in the neighborhoods. Stone Town is like a mix of different cultures, including African, Arab, Indian, Persian, and European influences. Because it's so special, it's been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. A Melting Pot of Cultures: Zanzibar and Stone Town are like a big blend of cultures. During your adventure, you'll visit places like the Anglican Cathedral (which used to be a slave market), the House of Wonders (now a national museum under renovation), the Palace museum, the Old Fort, Darajani market, Hamamni Bath's street, Catholic Cathedral, Jaw's corner; Freddy Mercury's house, and you'll also experience the bustling streets, the lively market where people drink coffee, and the beautiful doors of Zanzibar. You'll see why Stone Town deserves to be called a World Heritage Site. Don't forget to explore the bazaar shops zone where local people shop for their everyday needs and a colorful market street. Custom-Made Experience: No matter if you're into history, culture, architecture, or shopping, our guides can adjust the tour to match your interests. They'll share stories, some funny and some sad, about how people lived and what the culture was like in old Stone Town. And when the tour ends, our guide will make sure you safely return to where you started the tour or where you first met. This tour is a delightful dive into Stone Town's rich diversity, where history and culture come together, waiting to be discovered and appreciated!