About this experience
This is a wonderful introduction to Zanzibar and gives you a feeling of the rich cultural heritage. One gets a comprehensive view, history and walk of the Stone Town, magnificent architecture, narrow alleys, sand and stone ancient built houses where some of them are over 200 years old and have Arab/Indian carved doors.
The tour starts at the main City market which was opened in 1904, where tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and fresh fish from the island are sold.
Our next stop is the Anglican Church of Christ which was built by Bishop Steers in 1873 on the site where slaves used to be auctioned.
Other highlights on the historical stone town tour are visits to:
• The Africa House - Formerly the English Club.
• Forodhani Park - Where you can spend your evenings leisurely watching the brilliant sunset while sipping freshly squeezed sugarcane juice or enjoy charcoal barbeques and locally made dishes.
• The Old Fort - Built by Arabs for defense against the Portuguese.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Pickup and drop off from your hotel
- Well experienced and professional tour guide
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Lunch
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Known as the House of Wonders, Beit el Ajaib was built around 1883 as the ceremonial palace for the ruling sultan, Sultan Barghash. This is one of the most prominent and magnificent structures in Zanzibar and all of East Africa. It is the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an electric elevator! Beit al Ajaib can be seen from a great distance while approaching Zanzibar from the sea, and now acts as a symbol of Zanzibar’s rich history and is featured on many postcards and history books.
The Palace Museum is a large building with castellated battlements overlooking the Indian Ocean on Mizingani Road in Stone Town. Originally called the Sultan's Palace, it was built in the late 1890s for members of the sultan's family and is the most recent of the Sultan’s palaces in Zanzibar. In 1911 it became the official residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar. After the 1964 Revolution, when Sultan Jamshid was overthrown, it was renamed the Peoples' Palace and used as government offices. In 1994 it became a museum dedicated to the history and lifestyle of the Sultans of Zanzibar.
The Roman Catholic cathedral of St. Joseph is an important historical building located in the Baghani area of Stone Town, Zanzibar. It was built by French missionaries between 1893 and 1898, and the plans were drawn by the same French architect who designed the cathedral in Marseilles, France. The defining characteristic of the cathedral are its twin spires (similar to those of Marseille’s church) which are prominent elements of the Stone Town’s skyline and can be easily spotted from a distance off the coast. Despite these prominent spires, the church itself can prove difficult to find while walking the narrow streets of Baghani.
The Freddie Mercury Museum is located in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is located in the same house where Freddie and his family stayed until they moved to England in 1963.
The Museum showcases a detailed accord of Zanzibar starting from the late 1800’s, the birth place of Farrokh Bulsara, his roots with the Zoroastrian Religion, his childhood and upbringing in Zanzibar, followed by his schooling in Panchgani, India, and then his extraordinary journey to becoming one of the greatest stars of all time. Farrokh Bulsara was born on Thursday, 5th September 1946 in Zanzibar, Stone Town to parents Bomi Bulsara and Jer Bulsara. Farrokh means; lucky and fortunate. Farrokh and his family belonged to the Zoroastrian religion, one of the world’s oldest religions.
Meeting and pickup information
- Should there be any changes on pickup time or location please keep us updated before the service date
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- English — Guide
- French — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Zanzibar Treasure Tour & Safaris
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a private tour and private transportation will be provided for those staying at beach hotels at an extra cost
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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