Zanzibar City: Guided Tour of the Stone Town District
Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa that offers a rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and a unique blend of influences left by Swahili, Indian, and Arab traders. One of the must-visit destinations within Zanzibar is Stone Town, the old part of Zanzibar City, which is a maze of alleys lined with old stone houses, vibrant markets, and historical monuments. To make the most of your visit to Stone Town, you should consider taking a guided tour, and we recommend the following experience:
Experience
This walking tour of Stone Town will take you through the most iconic landmarks of the district, and it will provide you with a deep understanding of the culture, history, and lifestyle of the locals. You will explore the narrow alleys of the city under the guidance of a local expert who knows all the hidden gems that are not accessible to regular tourists. The tour is interactive, and you will have the opportunity to meet local people, learn about their stories, and taste some of the delicious street food specialties.
Highlights
– Immerse yourself in the true Stone Town by meeting locals on a walking tour;
– Explore the maze of alleyways lined with old stone houses with a local guide;
– See where the famous Queen singer, Freddie Mercury, spent part of his childhood;
– Take in key landmarks such as the Old Fort, temples, Hamman baths, and more;
– Get recommendations on where to go and what to see next from your guide.
Full Description
The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel or a central location, and then you will head to Stone Town to meet your local guide. The guide will take you to the Old Dispensary, a beautiful example of Stone Town’s architecture. The building has richly decorated balconies, stained-glass windows, and a courtyard garden. Then, you will visit the Old Fort, which was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and then turned into a prison by the Sultan of Oman. The fort is now a cultural center with exhibitions, music, and arts performances.
As you walk through the alleys, you will see the iconic doors of Stone Town, which are made of carved wood and have intricate brass studs and knockers. Some of the doors have cultural significance, such as the ones in front of the houses of wealthy merchants or leaders. Your guide will explain the hidden meanings and symbols behind these doors.
In the heart of Stone Town, you will see the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen. The house has a plaque in honor of the singer, and it is now an art gallery. You will also visit the Hamman, a traditional public bathhouse that was once a social hub for men and women to relax and socialize.
Throughout the tour, your guide will introduce you to local people, such as craftsmen, traders, or musicians, who will share their stories and traditions with you. You will also have the chance to taste some of the street food specialties, such as Zanzibar pizzas, samosas, or fresh fruit juices.
At the end of the tour, your guide will provide you with recommendations on where to go and what to see next in Stone Town, based on your interests and preferences.
Includes
– Guide
– Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not Suitable For
– People over 95 years.
Booking
To book this tour, go to this website and follow the instructions. The tour takes approximately 3 hours, and it is a great way to discover the hidden treasures of Stone Town with a local expert. We highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the authentic culture of Zanzibar.