Stone Town Walking Tour with Hassan
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Stone Town Walking Tour with Hassan

Active
(129 reviews)
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Stone town is a part of the world heritage with mixing of different cultures and traditions as well as beautiful history that can make guests to visit and enjoy the good scenery of the stone town. This is a capital city built by Oman since 19th century. In this tour, you will experience the historical buildings by visiting the house of wonders, old fort, people's palace, Freddy Mercury museum, Darajani Bazaar, former slaves market, catholic & cathedral church and so many buildings.

Available options

Stone Town Walking Tour

What's included

Professional and certified tour guide in English
Bottle of water

Detailed itinerary

1

House of wonders was built in Stone Town, Zanzibar by Sultan Baraghash bin said. It was largest and tallest building of Stone Town during in the 19th century. And occupies a prominent place facing the Forothani gardens, it is located between the old fort and the palace museum. This building used as ceremonial palace and reception hall.

2

Here you will experience the visiting of the night food market in Zanzibar where tourists and local are coming to enjoy a simple dinner. But also forothani gardens were originally laid out in 1936 to commemorate the silver jubilee of Sultan Khalifa.

3
Stop 3

The Portuguese influence located in a stone town that was built by Portuguese in 16th century and now is used for different Zanzibar festivals. As well as it is the first oldest building in Stone Town, also this building knows as the Arabic fort located in Stone Town the capital of Zanzibar.

4

Freddie mercury was born in Zanzibar Town in 5 Sept 1946 and he be came British singer and songwriter who achieved worldwide fame as the lead vocalist and pianist of the rock band Queen and he died in 24 Nov 1991.

5

This church started building in 1863, by the missionaries were French and they came frome the French Colony Reunion around 1857- 1860. But stopped when they found that there were graves on the land. Building resumed 30 years later and the first mass was held at Christmas 1898.

6

Jaws corner is the heart of town also is a meeting place for local people and tourists on the island getting coffee and joking each other.

7

Slaves market museum, but before it used as market of Slaves and the slaves were from different countries, and it was closed as the market of Slaves around 1873 by Sultan baraghash, Then it was built a Anlican Church by Edward Steere, third Bishop of Zanzibar, and reigned 1874 to 1882. When he died of a heart attack in the building next door he was buried behind the altar.

8
Stop 8

This building is the largest of the Central market structures. It was designed in an eclectic style by the British architect J. H. Sinclair and inaugurated in August 1904. The market was facing the Creek, and inside of small market like market of fish, spices, meat, fruits and vegetables.

9

The construction of the old dispensary was commissioned in 1887 by Tharia Topan, Topan's intent was for the building to be used as a charitable hospital for the poor. When he died in 1891 the building was not finished. His widow resumed the works but had to suspend them in 1893 for her budget was exhausted. That same year, as a consequence of a family quarrel, the building was sold for the new owner, who finaly brought it to completion in 1894.

10

Ijumaa mosque (Friday mosque) was built in the 19th century. Compared with domes and tall minarets, the mosques of Zanzibar are relatively plain and unpretentious. However, in 1994 the ijumaa mosque was completely renovated in a modern arabesques styl, and the other large mosques may follow this trend.

11

This building was built around 1865 and constructed as the home for Zam Zam, a daughter Seyyid Said, the first Sultan of Zanzibar, and her husband Sayyid Humud bin Ahmed of the Busaidy family. After the death of bin Ahmed just a few years later. Zam Zam moved out of the house and left it in the hands of the relatives of her later husband. In 1928 the customs authority moved from Forothani area to the new port area and the family house served as the new Costoms House until 1987.

12

The palace was built by Seyyid Said bin Sultan in 1830's for members of the Sultan's family, it was the second palace that he built, the first one was Mtoni palace. The palace was bombarded during the Anglo- Zanzibar war in 1896. The building was reduced to half of its original seize. The building continued to be the Al Busaidy palace until the Revolution of Zanzibar in 1964 when Sultan Jemshid was overthrown. It was renamed the people's palace. It continued to be used as government offices. The building was officially opened as the palace Museum in 1994.

What's not included

Any means of transport from your hotel to the meeting point for the tour.
Picked up from your hotel but if your hotel is in stone town please send us an advanced message.

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
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3★
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1★
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Tripadvisor 5.0
127 reviews
5★
125
4★
2
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1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Travelers can come to the forodhani Gardens, in the centre of the gardens, there is a bandstand, so I will be waiting for you at a bandstand

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. This semi-autonomous region of Tanzania offers a unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and beach lovers alike.

Top Attractions

Stone Town

The heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow alleys, historic buildings, and vibrant markets.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Prison Island

A small island known for its giant Aldabra tortoises and historical significance as a former slave prison.

Historical/Nature Half day Moderate (entry fee and boat ride)

Nungwi Beach

One of Zanzibar's most famous beaches, known for its white sand, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Beach Full day Free to access, activities vary

Jozani Forest

Zanzibar's only national park, home to the rare Red Colobus monkey and diverse birdlife.

Nature Half day Moderate (entry fee and guide)

Kizimkazi

A historic village known for its ancient mosques and dolphin tours.

Cultural Half day Moderate (dolphin tour fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Urojo

A spicy Zanzibari soup made with cassava, potatoes, and sometimes meat or seafood, served with coconut and chili sauce.

Snack Vegetarian option available

Coconut Rice

Rice cooked with coconut milk, often served with fish or meat.

Main Vegetarian option available

Zanzibar Pizza

A local street food item made with a thin, flaky pastry filled with eggs, meat, and vegetables, cooked on a griddle.

Snack Customizable to dietary preferences

Biriyani

A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat, and sometimes vegetables, influenced by Indian cuisine.

Main Vegetarian option available

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Island hopping Spice tours Dolphin tours Beach relaxation Sunset cruises Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

June to October

This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and exploring the island.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Swahili, English
  • Widely spoken: Arabic, Indigenous languages
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Use common sense and take precautions to ensure a safe trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use reputable tour operators and taxi services.
  • • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air
  • Abeid Amani Karume International Airport • 5 km from Stone Town

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but can be crowded. Useful for reaching popular destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely used

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Stone Town Nungwi Kendwa Jambiani

Day trips

Pemba Island
100 km • Full day to overnight

Known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and spice plantations, Pemba Island offers a more secluded and adventurous experience.

Chumbe Island
12 km • Full day

A small island known for its coral reef sanctuary and lighthouse, offering excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Mafia Island
150 km • Overnight

Known for its remote beaches, excellent fishing, and whale shark sightings, Mafia Island offers a more secluded and adventurous experience.

Festivals

Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) • July Mwaka Kogwa • July Zanzibar Carnival • June

Pro tips

  • Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
  • Hire a local guide for spice tours and historical sites to gain deeper insights.
  • Visit the Forodhani Gardens night market for a taste of local street food.
  • Book a sunset cruise for a romantic and memorable experience.
  • Explore the island's diverse regions, from the bustling Stone Town to the serene beaches of Kendwa and Jambiani.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 9-70
1
Childs
Age 5-8
0
Infants
Age 0-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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