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Zanzibar City Architecture

Our most recommended Zanzibar City Architecture

Zanzibar: Stone Town 3-Hour Walking Tour

1. Zanzibar: Stone Town 3-Hour Walking Tour

After a greeting and short briefing, you will be heading to the old fort which is also known as the Arab fort, the house of wonders, and then to Forodhani Gardens, a darajani fruits and spice market, and the Zanzibar ferry terminal. The tour also includes visits to the Freddie Mercury house, Zanzibar Curio Shop, Jaws Corner coffee shop, and more. Visit the Anglican cathedral, also known as the former slave market which was used for centuries as a hub for the East African slave market, whereby slaves were hunted and abducted from Malawi, Congo, Zambia and other parts of east Africa. With your guide you will have enough time for some leisure time to explore the narrow streets alongside the curio shops. The tour will end after 3 hours.

Prison Island: Private Half-Day Tour

2. Prison Island: Private Half-Day Tour

This private guided half day tour can begin any time from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Meet your well-trained guide and boatman as your board your steam-engine wooden boat. Head to the prestigious island and enjoy the 30-minute journey.  Listen to the history of the island and discover the past centuries through the historical buildings, which have served many purposes over the years including a prison, chapel, and hiding place for slaves after the abolition.  Enjoy a swim or snorkel around the colorful coral rocks and turquoise waters. Play with giant tortoises and you may take photographs with these old precious creatures. If you do not have much experience or confidence in the water, you will be provided with a life jacket. 

Zanzibar: Stone Town & Spice Farm Tour with Lunch

3. Zanzibar: Stone Town & Spice Farm Tour with Lunch

Begin your private tour in Stone Town, a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa. Its architecture, mostly dating back to the 19th century, reflects the diverse influences underlying Swahili culture, giving a unique mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements. For this reason, the town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Start by exploring the Old Slave Market site and Anglican Church, before strolling through the narrow streets towards the City Market. Marvel at the fresh products and fruits and watch how locals buy and sell anything here. Observe the hustle and bustle of the fish auction. After this, take a sightseeing tour of the main buildings in Stone Town including the Palace Museum and the House of Wonder, which is the largest and tallest building in the town, also known as Bait-al-ajab. Continue on to see the Old Fort, Tippu Tip, and of course, the most famous, Freddie Mercury’s House. Also visit the Peace Memorial and Natural History Museum, amongst other attractions.  Next, learn about one of the main industries in the region: spices. Discover how the islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. For this reason, the Zanzibar Archipelago, together with Tanzania's Mafia Island, is sometimes called the "Spice Islands". There are many spice farms in Zanzibar and for the next portion of the tour, you will visit a real organic spice farm. When you arrive, the spice farm guide will describe how the spices are grown and used as medication and flavor in dishes. See spices like vanilla, cardamom, nutmeg, and many more. It will be possible to touch, smell and taste the spices and herbs directly from plants. Later, take the opportunity to join a cassava leaf harvest, make coconut milk, and practice some cooking. Even more, a coconut tree climber will pick some fresh young coconut fruits for you to try. End the trip with lunch at the spice farm and the opportunity to purchase spices from the shop (cash only).

Stone Town: Stone Town and Prison Island Private Day Trip

4. Stone Town: Stone Town and Prison Island Private Day Trip

See the National Museum of Zanzibar (rebuilt in 1883) and the Arab fort while passing along bazaar streets towards the famous Freddie Mercury house. See the old slave market, fruit market, and spice market — don’t miss the classic Zanzibar curved doors decorating the stone town.  After you have explored Stone Town, you’ll have an opportunity to take a short break before heading to Prison Island. Prison Island is also known as Changuu Island, the nickname came from the island being used by some sultans of Zanzibar to detain enslaved people. While you are on this island, you can swim and take pictures with giant tortoises. 

Stonetown Historical Walking Tour & Traditional Lunch

5. Stonetown Historical Walking Tour & Traditional Lunch

The tour will start in one of the most important parts of the old slave market site, the Anglican Church, then continue through the narrow streets. The next stop will be at city market. Here you can see the biggest market of all the islands. Locals buy and sell all sorts of products here, including the freshest fruits and fish auctions where locals bid on sea food. Afterward the tour will cover the main sights of Stown Town, such as the Palace Museum, House of Wonder, which is the largest and tallest building in Stown Town and also known as the Bait-al-ajab. Visit an old fort, the Tippu Tip and of course the most famous spot, Freddie’s Mercury’s house. Visit the Peace Memorial, Natural History Museum and many more. Your tour will end with local lunch in a cozy restaurant.

Other Sightseeing Options in Zanzibar City

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What people are saying about Zanzibar City

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 5 reviews

The Spice Farm was by far the best part of this tour. The guides were very knowledgeable and funny. They have dozens of different spices and fruits to see and try. The meal cooked for us was amazing too. Really special. The Stone Town was okay but the guide spoke little English (which is fine as it wasn’t his natural language) so it made asking questions difficult. Our transfer was straightforward from our hotel too.

Customer service was great for the little hiccups I had. Boat driver was amazing. Guide was good and nice. At the end i was ready to not be haggled anymore after the boat ride to do other things in very touristy spots. Overall great experience with get your guide and will use it again.

The tour in German was very good. Our guide showed us the interesting places in Stonetown and always had background knowledge ready. The booked pick-up at the hotel in Kiwenga went on time and without any problems. I can unreservedly recommend the tour. 3 hours are enough.

Haij was the best tour guide! He was knowledgeable and explained everything so perfectly to us. He tailor made this private tour to suit our needs and was prompt, honest and was excellent value for money. We would recommend Upendo tours and Haij when visiting Zanzibar!

The spice farm part was amazing! So interesting and authentic. The stone town part more or less. I would recommend to go to Stown Town by yourselve.