"Zanzibar Town" Top 5 Page for this destination Zanzibar Town by sachara

Zanzibar Town Travel Guide: 259 reviews and 636 photos

Zanzibar Town or Stone Town is the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar. Stone Town, locally known as Mji Mkongwe, meaning old town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Zanzibar Africa meets the Orient.
Stone Town is a very fascinating city with an unique atmosphere. In many ways it looks like the medinas of North Africa by its lively bazaars and markets, Arab mansions, but especially by its labyrinth of narrow and twisting streets and alleyways.

Staying in Stone town for six days at the end our trip of three months through Africa was a great choice.

View from the boat

Stone Town, view from the boat

Zanzibar lies in the Indian Ocean, 35 KM off the coast of mainland Tanzania, six degrees south of the Equator.

Stonetown lies at the west coast of Unguja, the largest island of Zanzibar. From Dar es Salaam you can reach Stonetown easily by boat.

Zanzibar doors

We stayed in former Arab mansion, at one of the narrow alleyways. At the roof of the mansion was a bar with great views at the town and surrounding ocean.

When we strolled around in the many alleyways we could feel and see the fusion of cultures. There are mosques, churches, hammans, temples, lively shopping and marketstreets. We especially liked the architecture with its lovely balconies and nicily carved doors.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Africa meets the Orient

Last visit to Zanzibar Town: Mar 2004
Intro Updated Aug 12, 2004
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Reviews (38)

Dolphin Tour Off The Beaten Path (2)

From Stone Town we visited the south part of the island. The trip over the island to the south was wonderful. The inland... more travel advice

Spice Tour Off The Beaten Path (2)

Everywhere in Stone Town, in the travel agencies or hotels, you can book a half-day spice tour. We went to the... more travel advice

Baraza Local Customs (3)

In Zanzibar the baraza bench is very popular allready for centuries, as social meeting point. Everywhere in the streets... more travel advice

Zanzibar chests Local Customs (3)

Like the elaboratily decorated doors by carvings and brass studs you can find in the mansions also carved wooden chests,... more travel advice

Favorites (13)
See All Freddy Mercury
Restaurants (3)
See All Rooftop Bar Chavda Hotel
Transportation (2)
See All To Zanzibar by Seabus

Things to Do (14)
See All Victoria Garden
Hotels (1)
Living in style in an Arab mansion
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Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 13, 2004

8 photos

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Comments (12)

hunterV Jun 27, 2010 at 2:49 AM Report Abuse

Your Africa stories are great, Ali! Thanks for sharing here!
mecute Nov 14, 2007 at 8:35 PM Report Abuse

Me missed Victoria garden xxx
cleocat Aug 28, 2006 at 12:53 PM Report Abuse

Great pages. Nice info. Hopefully I will go there soon. Can't wait.
matcrazy1 Mar 4, 2006 at 3:13 PM Report Abuse

Great page, surprise and discovery for me! What an interesting destination! Thanks for sharing.
Acirfa Feb 6, 2006 at 2:59 AM Report Abuse

Oh my goodness, I love your pages, love them, thank you for such insight, so glad I have found them.
budapest8 Jul 23, 2005 at 3:01 AM Report Abuse

Absolutely great pages! Never been and will prob never be able to go, but just seeing the pics and reading your info about Zanzibar Town makes the feeling of why we travel to far off places worthwhile!!!
kyoub Aug 17, 2004 at 3:51 AM Report Abuse

What a great page on Stone Town. I loved the pictures and tips.
marcelo15 Aug 15, 2004 at 9:54 AM Report Abuse

Nooooooo!!! Your zanzibar page is so amazing. Specially for the pics about Freddie (almost crying)LOL. Defenetely i have to be there someday + talking about Queen. Ali, thanks a million for showing us this pics. sigue trabajando duro...
Bwana_Brown Aug 13, 2004 at 9:08 AM Report Abuse

Wow Ali, another fantastic page! Your photos are beautiful and really capture the atmosphere of this unique place. Great tips too - wish I had gone when I was so close!!!
eden_teuling Aug 13, 2004 at 1:20 AM Report Abuse

thanks, Ali: a very well done job en I enjoyed it as thoroughly as you built it! Oh, a HAMMAM visit: great, great! elisabeth