Overview
Stone Town blends Swahili, Arab, Indian and European history in its narrow streets. Wander the markets, visit the old fort and end the day with street food at Forodhani gardens.
Stone Town is the old heart of Zanzibar City, a maze of narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, mosques, churches and markets shaped by Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences.
A guided walk covers the Old Fort, the former slave market site and its cathedral, the spice and fish markets, and ends at the Forodhani Gardens food market at sunset.
Highlights
- Carved wooden doors
- Forodhani night food market
- Former slave market memorial
- Sunset dhow cruises
Things to do here
Good to know
Best time to visit
June – October, December – February
Getting there
About 15 minutes from Zanzibar airport; ferries arrive from Dar es Salaam.
Where to stay
Boutique hotels in restored merchant houses.
How long to stay
1–2 nights
Key facts
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site since 2000
- Known for
- Carved doors, Swahili architecture, markets, Forodhani food market
- Nearby
- Spice farms, Prison Island, Jozani Forest
Seasons
All year
Stone Town can be visited in any month; it is hot and humid from December to March.
Practical tips
- Dress modestly in town: cover shoulders and knees.
- During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during the day.
Questions about Stone Town
June – October, December – February.
More places nearby
Plan your safari with our team in Arusha
Tell us your dates, group size and budget. We will design an itinerary around you.
Get my safari quoteCall our team
Private vehicles, knowledgeable guides, and a real person on the phone.
+255 754 572 279+255 715 174 717info@karibuafricasafaris.com