The major buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries and include monuments like the Old Fort, built on the site of an earlier Portuguese church; the House of Wonder, a large ceremonial palace built by Sultan Barghash; the Old Dispensary; St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral; and Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, marking the work of David Livingston in abolishing the slave trade. The Stone Town of Zanzibar is a fine example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. It maintains its urban fabric and townscape virtually intact and contains many fine buildings that reflect its unique culture.
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The trip to Zanzibar Jozani Forest national park involves a visit to the high, dense groundwater forest. Home to the red colobus monkey, a rare species only found in Zanzibar, take the opportunity to get up close to the wild animals. Other animals within the park include blue monkeys, elephant shrews, and bush babies. Proceed then to the mangrove, through which the conservation authority has built a bridge to allow visitors to observe the wildlife without trampling on it.
The Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church was built in Stone Town (the old part of Zanzibar city) in the place where the biggest slave market of Eastern Africa operated. Its altar was placed exactly where the slaves for sale were whipped. On the floor, among the benches, there are black cobblestones as a remembrance of the dungeons used for slaves in the basement. Outside the Cathedral, there is a stone monument showing four people enchained by their necks as a way of reproducing the way in which slaves were offered to buyers.
Near the Church there is the Exhibition of the Slave Market of Eastern Africa, an exhibition center that displays pictures, photographs and historical information.
The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), also known as the Arab Fort and by other names, is a fortification located in Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. It is the oldest building and a major visitor attraction of Stone Town. It is located on the main seafront, adjacent to another landmark building of the city, the House of Wonders (former palace of the Sultan of Zanzibar), and facing the Forodhani Gardens.
The Old Fort is one of the prominent visitor attractions in Stone Town, and its courtyard as been adapted to serve as a cultural centre with curio shops selling tourist-oriented merchandise such as tingatinga paintings; it also has an open-air amphitheatre where live dance and music shows are held most evenings, a restaurant, and a tourist information desk. It is also the main venue used for large events such as the Festival of the Dhow Countries (also known as the Zanzibar International Film Festival) and the Sauti za Busara.
Darajani Market is the main market in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is also known as Estella Market and informally as Mariketti Co. The market is located on Darajani Road, in the vicinity of the Anglican Christ Cathedral. The main structure of the market was built in 1904 by Bomanjee Maneckjee for Sultan Ali bin Hammoud. It was later extended and restored.It is a local market for affordable spices, fruits, vegetables, fish and meat where you can enjoy a real buying experience.
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.
The heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow alleys, historic buildings, and vibrant markets.
A small island known for its giant Aldabra tortoises and historical significance as a former slave prison.
One of Zanzibar's most famous beaches, known for its white sand, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.
Zanzibar's only national park, home to the rare Red Colobus monkey and diverse birdlife.
A historic village known for its ancient mosques and dolphin tours.
A spicy Zanzibari soup made with cassava, potatoes, and sometimes meat or seafood, served with coconut and chili sauce.
Rice cooked with coconut milk, often served with fish or meat.
A local street food item made with a thin, flaky pastry filled with eggs, meat, and vegetables, cooked on a griddle.
A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat, and sometimes vegetables, influenced by Indian cuisine.
This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and exploring the island.
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
GMT+3
230VV, 50HzHz
Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Use common sense and take precautions to ensure a safe trip.
Affordable but can be crowded. Useful for reaching popular destinations.
Available • Apps: None widely used
Car, Bike, Scooter
Known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and spice plantations, Pemba Island offers a more secluded and adventurous experience.
A small island known for its coral reef sanctuary and lighthouse, offering excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Known for its remote beaches, excellent fishing, and whale shark sightings, Mafia Island offers a more secluded and adventurous experience.
Price varies by option