Stone Town Zanzibar Things to do and see
Stone Town Zanzibar things to do and see shall keep you captivated and busy during your stay and visit on a Zanzibar holiday. Also known as ‘Mij Mkongwe’ in Swahili which translates to Old Town, Stone Town is the oldest part of Zanzibar with a thrilling cultural diversity. Stone Town is a UNESCO world heritage site having been recognised in 2000, recognised for the rich cultural diversity of mostly Arab, Persian, Indian as well as European cultural elements.
Travelers do visit Zanzibar and Stone town in particular for various reasons. Whereas some travelers do come direct to Zanzibar Island in Stone town for beach holidays, some do convert their Stone town Zanzibar holiday with a Tanzania safari tour, usually in the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Selous National Reserve and Kilimanjaro National Park among so many others. After extensive game drives in the vast savannah parks, star gazing in the savannah plains and spotting prides of lions, large herds of elephants, and witnessing the Great wildebeest migration among so many other activities, walking by the Zanzibar beaches, staying in any of the Zanzibar Island resorts and hotels, exploring the Stone town area and so much more is just the perfect way to wind up your Tanzania safari tour. Below are some of the Stone Town Zanzibar things to do and see that might interest you in one way or the other;
Forodhani Gardens
The Forodhani Gardens are found on the coast of the Indian Ocean just across the Arab Fort which is one of the most famous buildings in Stone Town. Forodhani Gardens were put up in 1936 to commemorate the Silver jubilee of Sultan Khalifa. The Forodhani Gardens offer great food markets every single night, with mouth-watering meals. With as cheap as a few dollars, you are sure to eat your heart out literally, including various delicacies like meat kebabs, coconut bread, garlic chapatti, grilled cassava and an array of fresh tropical fruits among so much more. It is however the Zanzibar pizza that you should look out for while in the Forodhani Gardens. There is a children’s play park, and with great a great oceanic breeze exuding a relaxing ambiance, be sure to pass by while in the area, especially in the evening hours. You could even choose to enjoy your Zanzibar nightlife here.
Old Fort
The Old Fort also known as Ngome Kongwe is a notable architectural beauty in Stone town, which you should include on your list of Stone Town Zanzibar things to do and see. The Old Fort has pale-orange ramparts which overlook the Forodhani Gardens and the Indian Ocean. Constructed in the 17th century, the Old Fort was once used as a means of defence against the Portuguese forces, became a prison in the 19th century and then a ladies’ tennis club before the 1964 Revolution. The Old Fort though old still stands and if lucky to visit when there is a live performance, you shall be sure to enjoy your stay. Inside, you can visit an art gallery, curio market, café and even a bar especially in the evening hours.
National Museum of Stone Town
The National Museum of Stone Town, also known as the House of Wonders, is just out right near the ocean, and is the tallest and largest building in Stone Town built by Sultan Barghash in 1883. The National Museum of Stone Town has enormous carved doors believed to be the largest in East Africa given they were built for the Sultan to pass while riding an elephant.
Darajani Bazaar
The Darajani Bazaar is Stone Town’s commerce hub where traders sell a wide range of groceries as well as traditional kangas, pans, food stuffs including meat, fresh fish, among so much more. The Darajani Bazaar is also a good place to visit for your souvenir shopping in Stone Town. You shall see the power of bargaining here by the locals, and also get to see, buy or even eat some of the finest cuisines in Zanzibar including freshly baked bread, fruits, vegetables, as well as some of the finest spices. The Darajani Bazaar starts to be busy at around 5pm, be sure to plan visiting then for those traders who do work through the night.
Prison Island
Prison Island also known as Change Island is only about 20-30 minutes away from Stone Town. The Prison Island is a home to some of the oldest and huge rare Aldabra giant tortoises, believed to be even more than 150 years. Apart from the old tortoises, prison Island has great beaches and offers clear fresh waters perfect for activities like snorkelling and scuba diving, for those travelers who would be interested in some bit of adventure.
See Freddy Mercury House
One of the Stone Town Zanzibar things to do and see include the hose where Freddy Mercury was born and raised. Yes, Queen’s frontman was born and raised in Zanzibar and you get an opportunity to visit the house where he was born and raised.
Take a Spice Tour
One of the Stone Town Zanzibar things to do and see include taking an out of town spice tour. You shall be able to sample a variety of spices, or even buy some for your keeps.
Other Stone Town Zanzibar things to do and see include the Palace Museum, Princes Salme Museum, Malindi Mosque, St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, the Old Dispensary, experience coffee roasting at the Zanzibar Coffee House, among others.
