Zanzibar Town Things to Do Tips by DAO Top 5 Page for this destination

OLD DISPENSARY

The Old Dispensary is a colourful and exotic looking building not far from the Port. It was built by Sir Tharia Topan (a rich man in Zanzibar) to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It was started in 1887, but worked stopped in 1891 when Sir Tharia died in India. His widow finally had the building completed inl 1894. It takes its name from the fact that housed a dispensary on the ground floor, as well as a pharmacy and resident doctor.

In 1900, it was bought by the estate of Nasser Nur Mahomed to use the building as a charitable institution. A dispensary was set up on the ground floor and the upper two floors were made into apartments. After the Revolution in 1964 the occupants fled the island building was abandoned. It was later taken over by the government.

In 1990, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture leased the Old Dispensary from the government in order to restore this major landmark. The building now houses a Cultural Centre, a restaurant, shops and offices. There is also a gallery of art by local artists. Admission is free and it is open daily from 10;00 to 18:00.

I walked by this architectural landmark several times and never went in. In fact I really regret that I did not and I only took 1 picture of it. Definitely worth a visit

Address: Mizingani Road

Directions: On the seafront, near the port entrance

Website: http://www.akdn.org/aktc/hcsp_zanzibar3.html

YOUR PICTURE WITH THE MASAI

It's a bit of fun and a great photo. The Masai sell all sorts of brightly coloured souvenirs. They will have their picture taken with you for a small fee. They will quote you a very high price then tell you later that they meant Kenya Shillings (a lot more money).

I gave them about $1 and they pestered me for 3 days for more. They are polite and good natured though or they would end up in the Danger/Annoyance category!

Address: Located in several shop areas accross town

THE PALACE MUSEUM & MAKUSURANI GRAVEYARD

The Palace Museum is also known as Beit el-Sahel. This palace served as the Sultan's residence until 1964 when the Al-Busaid Dynasty was overthrown. It is now a museum devoted to the era of the Zanzibar sultanate. The interior is suitably grand and many (but not all) of the last Sultan’s possessions are on display. Some of the displays are possessions of Princess Sayyida Salme. She created quite a stir when she eloped with a German businessman, Wilhelm Ruete. They settled in Hamburg Germany and had 3 children. She did return to Zanzibar twice and wrote her memoirs later in life.

The building has exhibits on 3 levels and the top floor contains the living quarters of the last Sultan, Khalifa bin Haroub (1911-60), and his two wives.

Outside in the grounds is the Makusurani graveyard, where some of the Sultans are buried

OPENING HOURS:
Tuesdays - Thursdays 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Sundays & some Public Holidays: 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
Mondays & most Public Holidays: CLOSED

Address: Mizingani Rd

Directions: THE PALACE MUSEUM
P.O.BOX 116
Zanzibar
Tanzania

Phone: +255 24 2231158

Website: http://www.zanzibar-web.com/palace.html

THE HOUSE OF WONDERS

The House of Wonders is a very large square building with several stories that is open in the middle. Each level has a series of pillars and balconies, and topped by a large clock tower. Locals called it Beit el Ajaib, meaning the House of Wonders because it was the first building in Zanzibar to have electric lighting and the first in Eat Africa to have an elevator. It was built in 1883 as a ceremonial palace for Sultan Barghash on the site of Zanzibar Queen Fatuma's residence. It was damaged in 1896 during the shortest war in history (40 minutes) between Britain and Zanzibar. A clock tower nearby had been completely destroyed in the battle, so a new clock tower was incorporated into the House of Wonders when it was repaired.

It was used by colonial officials as offices until the revolution in 1964. It is now a national museum and downstairs is a replica of a Mtepe: a traditional Swahili boat. Several rooms on different floors tell you about some of the history and blends of culture that have shaped Zanzibar.

If you climb to the top and go outside onto the veranda, you will be rewarded with the best view of Stone Town and the port of Zanzibar. You can see the Arab Fort next door, both Cathedrals, Forodhani Gardens, the Port and several nearby islands. Definitely worth a quick visit.

THE REAL FREDDIE MERCURY HOUSE

Freddie Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara right here in Stone Town. His father worked at the British Colonial Office and young Farrokh was sent to school in England where he learned to play the piano. Because of the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution, his family fled permanently to England and the rest is show business and music history. A good guide in Stone Town will take you to his humble town down one of the many narrow alleys. About 6 families live inside now. It is so humble that I did not take a picture of it or even inside out of respect for the current residents.

Please Note: There is a gift shop that has a nice Brass Plaque near the entrance that grandly states that the building was the home of Freddie Mercury. It is a total lie. They invented this for the tourists who come on cruise ships and only see a small amount of Stone Town.

** PLEASE NOTE:The photos are just of normal housing in Stone Town **

USE THE ATM'S FOR CASH

Life changes, guidebooks are out of date and some VT tips need to be removed. There are ATM’s on Zanzibar. 4 in fact and all in Stone Town. They are linked to the outside world and an American friend with a Plus card easily got cash. Travellers Cheques can be cashed as well in several locations in Stone Town. Get Schillings in Stone Town BEFORE you go to your hotel somewhere else on the island.

USE THE ATM'S FOR CASH

Life changes, guidebooks are out of date and some VT tips need to be removed. There are ATM’s on Zanzibar. 4 in fact and all in Stone Town. They are linked to the outside world and an American friend with a Plus card easily got cash. Travellers Cheques can be cashed as well in several locations in Stone Town. Get Schillings in Stone Town BEFORE you go to your hotel somewhere else on the island.

THE WOODEN DOORS OF STONE TOWN

Zanzibar, and Stone Town in particular, are blessed with huge decorative wooden doors. They are usually found at the entrance to large building that may house 10-15 families. These expressions of art are up to 200 years old and originated from Arab Trading families. Their lack of depiction of living things is in keeping with Islamic tradition. If you do wander around Stone Town you will find shops that will sell you this massive thick works of art. There are also at least 2 workshops I came across who are in the business of restoring some of these magnificent doors.

Address: STONE TOWN

Directions: Located in the many small paths and lanes accross Stone Town

Website: http://www.scholarsresource.com/browse/work/2144552117

THE SLAVE HOLDING CELLS

If you do go to the Former Slave Market (on the site of the Anglican Cathedral) you will have the opportunity to see the horrors of slavery first hand. The Cathedral and a Vicarage were built over the former slave market, but the original holding cells are still underneath. As you go down the dark stone stairs your turn to the right to see the cramped Men’s holding cell. A small slit of a window lets in just the bare minimum of light. This cramped cell held as many as 65 grown men in atrocious conditions. Original chains still hang from the ceiling. It is hot, damp and oppressive. That was just with 2 of us in the room at a time. To the left was the smaller holding cell for women and children. They took up less room, so the cell is smaller. Whole families were imprisoned here before being sold across the world – if they lived that long.

Address: INSIDE THE FORMER SLAVE MARKET - STONETOWN

The statue dedicated to the victims of Slavery

It looks almost peaceful until you get very close and see the chains

Address: OLD SLAVE MARKET

Directions: Over to the right after the entrance, behind a modern building.