STONE TOWN TOUR
Stone Town is a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa. Its architecture dates back to the 19th century. The town is also known as Mji Mkongwe (Swahili for ‘old town’). It is the old part of Zanzibar City, the main city of Zanzibar, in Tanzania. (The newer portion of the city is known as Ng’ambo (Swahili for ‘the other side’). This half-day tour will give you an excellent way of familiarizing yourself with Stone Town’s geography, history and culture. This fascinating excursion leads you through a maze of narrow streets, reminiscent of century-old towns in Europe. Stone Town boasts more than 2000 limestone buildings, covering an area of 50 hectares and with a population of 18000 living in the suburbs. With its defined and overlapping African, Arab, Indian, Persian and European elements, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Zanzibar and Stone Town are truly cosmopolitan. After a visit to the Anglican Cathedral (former slave market), House of Wonders (national museum), Palace museum, the Old Fort, Darajani market, Hamamni Baths, Catholic Cathedral, Freddy Mercury house and experiencing the hustle and bustle of the streets, the bazaar full of coffee drinkers and the beautiful doors of Zanzibar, you too will bear witness that Stone Town is a cultural crossroads and that it is worthy of its world heritage title. Also take the time to explore the markets where local people purchase their daily requirements and also a market street full of colourful textiles. Whether you are interested in culture, renovation work, history or just a shopaholic, your guide can adapt your tour to your needs. They will share amusing, but also cruel stories, about the life and culture of the old times in Stone Town and then safely deposit you back where your tour started.
Programme
Half day excursion, 3 hours maximum starting around 9:00 am,
You may also choose your desired time of departure.
Recommendations
It is advisable to wear walking shoes and a hat or cap and to bring some money if you wish to buy souvenirs, local handicraft and artifacts.