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Stone Town Walking Tour: Explore Historic Sites and Cultural Artifacts in Zanzibar
4.7
50 Ratings
Zanzibar
Embark on a captivating three-hour walking tour of Stone Town in Zanzibar. Discover historic sites, cultural artifacts, and indulge in the vibrant local culture.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) - At the Old Fort, or Ngome Kongwe, you will step into the oldest building in Stone Town, a formidable structure built in the 17th century by the Omani Arabs to defend against Portuguese invasion. This historic fort, with its thick stone walls and crenelated battlements, now serves as a vibrant cultural center. You’ll have the chance to explore its courtyard, where local artisans display their crafts, and learn about the fort’s storied past, from its days as a military stronghold to its role as a prison and later as a venue for community events. The Old Fort offers a unique glimpse into Zanzibar’s history and is a perfect place to soak in the local atmosphere, watch a live performance, or simply relax in the charming surroundings.
- House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib) - At the House of Wonders, one of Stone Town’s most iconic landmarks, travelers will learn about Zanzibar’s rich history and cultural heritage. Originally built as a ceremonial palace for Sultan Barghash in the 19th century, it was the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator, earning its name. While the building is currently under renovation, you’ll still hear fascinating stories about its unique blend of Omani and European architecture, its significance in Swahili culture, and Zanzibar’s history as a major trading hub across the Indian Ocean. Our guide will provide insights from the outside, ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable site’s past and its impact on Zanzibar today.
- Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral - The Old Slave Market is a powerful and moving historical site where travelers can learn about Zanzibar’s role in the East African slave trade. You’ll visit the underground slave chambers, see the chilling memorials, and explore the Anglican Cathedral, built over the former market site. Our guide will share stories of the enslaved people’s struggles and resilience, providing a deep and emotional understanding of this dark chapter in history.
- Freddie Mercury Museum - As we pass by the Freddie Mercury House, you’ll catch a glimpse of the birthplace of the legendary Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury. Learn a bit about his early life in Zanzibar and his rise to global fame, adding a pop-culture twist to your tour as you continue through Stone Town.
- People’s Palace Museum - At the People’s Palace, also known as Beit al-Sahel, you will explore the former residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar. Now a museum, it showcases the lavish lifestyle of Zanzibar’s royal family, with exhibits featuring original furnishings, historical photographs, and artifacts. You’ll walk through opulent rooms, learn about the island’s royal heritage, and gain insight into Zanzibar’s fascinating past from our expert guides.
What's Included
- Pick up and drop off from your Hotel (Around stone town only)
- Professional Tour guide
- Service Entrance Fees
- Mineral water
- Shopping time
What's Not Included
- Any Expenses of a personal nature
Additional Information
Choosing our Stone Town city tour means experiencing Zanzibar through the eyes of a local expert. Our guide brings a wealth of knowledge, offering deep insights into the town’s rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant culture. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized tours tailored to your interests, whether it’s uncovering hidden gems, tasting local cuisine, or capturing stunning photographs. With a commitment to authenticity, quality, and exceptional service, we ensure a memorable and engaging experience that goes beyond the ordinary, making us the top choice for exploring Stone Town.
Location
Forodhani Park, Zaznzibar
Meeting point is near the house of wonder opposite to forodhani park
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(50 Ratings)
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Northstar53202552958
Aug 5, 2024
Nice and informative Tour with knowledgeable Hamad - Hamad (Mado) our guide was knowledgeable and very nice guy to take us around the stone town.
It was indeed a fun and informative tour with Hamad and i do recommend him highly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allison_d
Dec 13, 2023
Great tour and guide - Mady was a great guide! Super knowledgeable about the history behind every place he brought us to. Would recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Lesli
Oct 1, 2023
Absolute BEST Walking Tour EVER! - We were so impressed with our guide, Mady’s deep and broad historical grasp of Zanzibar, its people and culture. Our favorite stops were Darajani market, and the old fort, as well as hanging out at Jaws Corner.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Soniamurraysmith
Jul 18, 2023
Excellent guide, very informative and enjoyable! - Our guide Mady, was superb! He was friendly, unbelievably knowledgeable, helpful and adaptable. How we managed to learn all of Stone Town/Zanzibar’s complex history in three hours, I do not know! Thoroughly enjoyable! Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sonia_m
Jul 18, 2023
Fantastic tour with Mady, we learnt so much in such a short space of time. Highly recommended! - Our guide Mady - zan Archipelago Tours & Safaris, was superb. His in-depth knowledge, passion, helpfulness, flexibility and communication skills were excellent. I don’t know how he managed to advise all of Zanzibar’s complex history and culture in 3hrs!
Review provided by Viator
Trishells2015
Jun 22, 2023
A walking experience - I loved how knowledgeable our guide was. Mady (guide)answered all our questions and gave us a rich history of zanzibar and Tanzania. Wow!
I would definitely recommend this tour for those looking to gain something more.Walking through the streets of stone town felt like you were transported to another time.
What I especially liked was their abiltity to customize our walk so we ended at our dinner spot AND they arranged transport for us from Numgwi. You can't beat that:)
Thank you Mady!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sofia
Jun 18, 2023
Fantastic Walking Tour with Ishmael in Stone Town! - Ishmael provided a fantastic walking tour of Stone Town. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and warm approach made the experience truly memorable.
Can’t recommended this tour enough! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigate466307
Apr 13, 2023
Excellent tour - Mady our guide was excellent .. he was very knowledgeable, was happy to answer questions and was very personable. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour .. walking is the only way to appreciate Stone Town.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P9272lkdoreenb
Sep 24, 2023
Walking Stone Town - The tour guide, Ismael, was friendly and knowledgeable of the history. However, it is advisable not to take the tour at 16:30 as it run approximately 2 1/2 hours not 3 hours. Moreover, in the late afternoon/ evening, many of the vendors in the fish and spice markets had closed their workstations and the slave trade exhibit had also closed.
Nonetheless, Ismael, made the time enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lolettec
Sep 6, 2023
Our Stone Town walking tour 🦶 - We went to visit on foot. The stone town of Zanzibar Stone Town, we passed by our hotel guide. We started with the fish, meat, vegetable, fruit and spice market, very rich in color and variety, then the house of wonders (the first to have had electricity) After the old fort, the square (where there was the palace of the Sultan) visit to the Anglican Cathedral (former slave market), Freddy Mercury's house, the park and Tip Tip's house! Full of small streets filled with magnificent Indian and Arabic style doors Zanzibar and Stone Town are really cosmopolitan with all this touch and you quickly find yourself side by side with all the Indian Arabic Persian African English style etc… it is magnificent and you see the islands (to snakes and prison)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
