Stone Town Tour in Zanzibar

Stone Town, also known as Mji Mkongwe (old town in Swahili), is the mythical main town of Unguja Island—the primary island of the Zanzibar archipelago, often simply referred to as Zanzibar. The name Zanzibar conjures images of fine white sands, the sun reflecting off the sparkling Indian Ocean, crystal clear waters, aromatic spices, coconut palms, and a refreshing breeze. While this is all true, when visiting Zanzibar, ensure you take time away from the poolside to explore the wonders of Stone Town for an afternoon, a day, or even a few evenings!

A great starting point for any visit to the town is Darajani. Located on the outskirts of the old town, this bustling market features men on creaky bicycles weaving between baskets overflowing with papayas and pineapples, elderly women in brightly colored dresses haggling over onions and chilies, and children enjoying slices of watermelon or fresh coconut water. This is a fantastic place to stock up on spices, which can be purchased at more affordable prices than in the tourist shops.

For the more adventurous, head to Suma Street, opposite Darajani and to the right of the bustling daladala (bus) terminal. This street is the place to buy fabrics—anything from cheap cotton kangas to heavy, waxed kitenge, sequined chiffon rolls, and vibrant animal prints.

Exploring the Heart of Stone Town

As you venture into the main town, it's the perfect time to get lost in the maze-like alleyways and zigzagging streets of the old town. Along the way, you'll pass street vendors selling kaskata (a type of nut candy), mandazi (cardamom-flavored semi-sweet donuts), or delicious sambusa (Swahili for samosa). Open shop fronts reveal tailors working diligently inside, and packs of laughing children will run past you, disappearing around corners. There are also numerous souvenir shops selling beaded jewelry, wooden carvings, and ceremonial Maasai artwork, along with authentic antiques. This is your chance to practice some serious bargaining!

During your tour, you might find yourself at Jaws Corner—the main gathering point for Zanzibaris to play dominoes or bao (a complex and challenging local game), exchange news, and enjoy spiced coffee or fresh tangawizi (ginger tea). If you visit in the evening or at night, be sure to try some grilled octopus from one of the street vendors. Simply choose a clean cocktail stick and nibble on the bite-sized pieces, accompanied by chili salt and sauce. Keep track of how many pieces you've had to settle up with the vendor afterward, typically costing around 100-250 Tshillings per piece, depending on size.

Historical Sites and Shopping in Stone Town

Stone Town is rich with historical sites including the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, Freddie Mercury's House, St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Hamamni Persian Baths, and Jaws Corner. Your guide will take you to the House of Wonders, known as Beit-el-Ajaib, now the National Museum of Zanzibar, rebuilt in 1883. The tour also includes the Arab Fort, the old slave market, various souvenir shops, the spice market, and the iconic Zanzibar carved doors.

Most curio shops are located in Stone Town, offering a variety of gifts and souvenirs. This tour is a great opportunity to buy for your loved ones, with items like artworks, Zanzibar chests, spices, and crafts waiting for you. It’s common for tourists to bargain, with larger shops having fixed prices while smaller shops often offer more affordable items, including Maasai jewelry, paintings, and wooden carvings.

Dining at Rooftop Restaurants

One of the most romantic things to do in Stone Town is dining at a rooftop restaurant. These spots are perfect for relaxing in the evening, enjoying the call to prayer, and watching the sunset over the copper-hued rooftops.