Stone Town Guided Historical Walking City Tour

Explore Stone Town’s vibrant culture and history on a guided walking tour. Visit iconic landmarks, bustling markets, and capture Instagram-worthy moments.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Forodhani Gardens - Nestled within the historic city of Stone Town, Zanzibar, Forodhani Gardens, also known as Forodhani Night Market, is a charming park located along the primary seawalk. Positioned in front of two iconic landmarks, the House of Wonders and the Old Fort. It offers a picturesque setting for visitors to unwind and soak in the local ambiance.

If you explore Stone Town in the morning until 16:00, you’ll have the opportunity to leisurely stroll through the garden. However, if you opt for an evening visit, you’ll be treated to the vibrant atmosphere of the Forodhani Night Market. As the sun sets, the market springs to life, drawing a diverse crowd of tourists and locals alike.

During this lively period, the main square transforms into a bustling food street market, offering an array of delectable Zanzibari cuisine. From the iconic Urojo (Zanzibar Mix) to grilled seafood, samoosas, Kahawa (coffee), cassava, Zanzibar pizza, and sweet potatoes, there’s something to tantalize every palate.

  • House of wonder - The Bayt al-ʿAjāʾib, or the House of Wonders, the famous landmark in Stone Town. Situated along Mizingani Road, it faces Forodhani Gardens, gracing the seafront of the old town with its imposing presence. As the largest and tallest structure in Stone Town, it holds a position of significance in the architectural landscape.

Nestled between the Old Fort and the Forodhani Mosque and Palace Museum (formerly the Sultan’s Palace), this architectural marvel bears witness to Zanzibar’s rich history. Commissioned by Barghash bin Said, the second Sultan of Zanzibar, it is one of six palaces constructed during his reign.

During your visit, our knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the former sultanate system, shedding light on the House of Wonders’ role as the state house of Zanzibar. Explore the intricate details of this historic landmark and unravel the stories of its past, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and legacy of Zanzibar’s royal heritage.

  • The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) - The Old Fort, also known as Ngome Kongwe in Swahili, stands as a testament to Zanzibar’s rich history and cultural heritage. Situated in the heart of Stone Town, it holds the distinction of being the oldest building in the area and remains a cherished tourist attraction.

Built by Omani Arabs following the expulsion of the Portuguese in 1699, the Old Fort served various purposes over the centuries. Initially used as a garrison and prison during the 19th century, it later functioned as a terminal for the Zanzibar railways from 1905 to 1928, connecting Stone Town to the village of Bububu.

The Old Fort is one of the popular tourist attractions in Stone Town, here you will be able to do sourvenirs shopping such as paintings, sculptures, Traditional clothes; it also has an open-air amphitheatre where live dance and music shows are held during the festival such as ZIFF and the Sauti za Busara.

  • Freddie Mercury Museum - Explore the roots of music legend Freddie Mercury, the iconic lead singer of Queen, who was born in Zanzibar in 1946 under the name Farrokh Bulsara. Growing up in Stone Town, Freddie’s family, with his father serving in the British colonial service, resided in various locations throughout the area.

At Freddie Mercury’s childhood home, you’ll have the opportunity to glimpse the exterior and uncover the history of this iconic figure. For those eager to delve deeper, an optional additional fee allows entry into the house, where you can immerse yourself in the surroundings that shaped Freddie’s early years.

Discover the legacy of one of music’s most influential figures and gain insight into the life and upbringing of Freddie Mercury, a true Zanzibari icon.

  • Stone Town - As part of the tour, you’ll stroll through the streets of Stone Town, where architectural wonders and street stores await your exploration. Here, you’ll have the chance to acquire souvenirs and local items, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Zanzibar. Additionally, you’ll delve into the rich history behind the iconic Zanzibar doors, gaining insight into their significance and symbolism.
  • Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral - On the way to Darajani Market, you will firstly visit to the renowned old slave market nestled in Stone Town along Mkunazini Street. This historic site served as a harrowing reminder of a dark chapter in history, where slaves were once bought and sold. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, you’ll delve into the profound history of the slave trade, gaining valuable insight into its workings and impact. Prepare to embark on a journey of discovery as you confront the sobering realities of the past and honor the resilience of those who endured.
  • Darajani Bazaar - Conclude your tour with a visit to the bustling Darajani Market, the heartbeat of Stone Town, Zanzibar. Also known as Estella Market or Marikiti Kuu, this vibrant bazaar holds a rich history dating back to its construction in 1904 by Bomanjee Maneckjee for Sultan Ali bin Hamud.

As you wander through its bustling aisles, you’ll encounter a cornucopia of sights and scents, from fresh seafood and meats to an abundance of fruits, grains, and spices. While Darajani Bazaar is renowned for its food offerings, you’ll also find shops selling an array of goods, including consumer electronics and clothing.

At your final destination, immerse yourself in the vibrant marketplace atmosphere and gain insight into Zanzibar’s spice trade, fruits, and vegetables. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase spices as cherished gifts for your loved ones, carrying a piece of Zanzibar’s essence back home with you.

What's Included
  • Professional local guide
  • Entrances to Former Slave Market
  • All fees and/or taxes
Additional Information

Embark on a captivating half-day Historical Walking Tour through the enchanting Stone Town, immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture. Led by an expert licensed local tour guide fluent in multiple languages, this tour ensures you don’t miss a single detail while exploring the iconic city of East Africa.

You will visit the local market, where you’ll witness the bustling lifestyle of the city’s residents firsthand. Delve into the heart of Stone Town as your guide leads you to discover its most significant landmarks, including the Freddie Mercury House, House of Wonders, Darajani Market, and the Former Slave Market.

As you wander through the narrow streets of Stone Town, your guide will provide insightful commentary, offering a deeper understanding of the rich history and culture of the Swahili people. Along the way, take the opportunity to browse souvenirs shops, capturing memorable moments with Instagram-worthy photos that showcase the beauty and diversity of this historic city.

Location
People's Palace Museum
Mizingani Road
Please arrive in-front of the Palace Museum in Stone Town. Our guide will be waiting for you.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.1
(9 Ratings)
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1 star
Thebrowndoughs
Jul 16, 2024
Highly recommend - We happened upon this company when looking for a car service from the airport to our hotel, which was about an hour away. Zanziworld was very affordable, professional, and super flexible, especially when our flight was delayed an hour and a half. When looking to do a walking tour of Stone Town, we once again reached out to Zanziworld, and we’re so glad we did. The person we reached out to was beyond helpful, mapping out an itinerary that met our needs. The driver, guide, & photographer were very friendly and knowledgeable. Of course we reached out to Zanziworld when we needed a ride back to the airport. Highly recommend this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside33378023037
Jul 14, 2024
Very good - The guide is very professional, speaks English, knows a lot about the place, conveys knowledge in an interesting way, we received good service
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Northstar46600901262
Jul 11, 2024
Jozani-Forest, Spice-Farm & Stone-Town - We booked a day trip at short notice and stayed at Jozani Forest, Spice Farm and Stone Town. Everything worked wonderfully and we were very satisfied.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
15zhangp
Jul 4, 2024
Sunset Cruise at Stone Town - Nuru is so helpful to make things easy. I booked sunset cruise from Stone Town. Staffs are friendly and they invited a musician on the boat for entertainment. Just a little hard to find guide at beginning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
184lynael
Jun 14, 2024
Be careful! - Tour started off over an hour late! We literally waited over an hour for the pick-up. Once the tour started it was okay. However the ride back to the hotel was terrible. Driver attempted to drive us into a “military base” where we would have had to pay to leave. When asked why the driver was even willing to take us in there knowing the expectation was for us to pay he laughed. When speaking to other employees they stated they have to listen to the military. The whole thing seemed very shady. If you’re going on a tour with them beware and alert at all times !!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
September 2024
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