A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone town has much more to offer than beautiful beaches and awe-inspiring shorelines. It is the town´s mix of diverse cultures and architectural styles that gives it its unique character. Grand palaces that once belonged to powerful sultans coexist here with Indian and African traditions and architecture. Stone Town´s winding alleys are surely a place to get lost and explore history and heritage, shopping and excellent dining. 

Stone town is actually the oldest area of Zanzibar city. Abundant in Arabian arches, ancient wood ornaments and charming little shops and art galleries, it is a city that hasn´t changed much in two centuries. A visit to Stone town is the perfect complement for your adventure African trip or safari, but it is also worthy of a visit if you want to see a different side of East Africa.

The swahili name of Stone Town is Mji Mkongwe (old town). Located on the West coast of Unguja, the most important island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, it was the ancient capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate, which experienced an era of grandeur due to the thriving of the spice trade and the slave trade. 

Because the area is surrounded by beautiful beaches, many people ignore just how much Stone Town has to offer as a bustling historic urban center.  The town´s well-preserved old architecture of should, in fact, in no way betray its offer of modern services and amenities.

Shop the stone

Cotton growing is very well adapted to this African region, and organic cotton concepts are being developed locally, offering a green alternative, such as ONE WAY, where 100% cotton garments in lively African motifs can be found for men, women and kids, making a perfect high quality African souvenir to take home.

Kanga Kabisa is also a great place to find clothes in natural materials. Created by Lotta Gillving, the store also offers clothes for the whole family. Made from noble natural fabrics, the store´s beautiful African-inspired designs are a favorite with locals and tourists alike.

If you are looking for a highly entertaining shopping experience, you can visit Moto Handicrafts, where you will be able to try your hand at making your own batik design, among other activities.

Dining with a view

Tower Top restaurant is the perfect place to discover the beauty of Stone Town from above while enjoying some local music and varied menus. The skyline of minarets, towers, and church spires will be experienced at its best at sunset, while the sun goes down over the ocean.

Mercury´s offers great pizzas and seafood with ocean views just a 2-minute walk from the old fort, while the beachfront Tatu Pub is both a restaurant and a busy night club after sunset.

The Fusion Lounge at the chic Al Johari hotel is a fashionable spot with lounge music a hip décor and a great atmosphere, while the charming La Taverna Cafe offers great Italian food in the Mkunazini area.

Heritage and culture

Once the sultans` private residence, the Palace Museum of Beit El Sahel is the perfect spot to start discovering the fascinating history of the Zanzibar Sultanate.  

Beit-al-Ajaib, The House of Wonders, is the largest and tallest building in town. A landmark of Zanzibar architecture, it is located on the seafront and faces the beautiful Forodhani Gardens. Built by Sultan Barghash bin Said, this rectangular palace is home to the Museum of History & Culture of Zanzibar & the Swahili Coast.

Book lovers should also make a point of taking home some items from Gallery Publications` extensive collection of Tanzania and East Africa-related titles.

Pampering Zanzibar way

The best spas in Stone Town are the Kama Ayurveda Spa, which is part of the Al Johari boutique hotel and the Cinnamon-spa  which features treatments inspired by the ancient Swahili beauty rituals.  

Beyond Stone Town

Once you have really taken in everything the charming Stone town has to offer, you can choose one of the many great options of tours and safaris in the region or simply relax at one of the beautiful local beaches, knowing that beautiful shores are only a small part of the many wonders that Stone town has in store for travelers from all the corners of the world.

Veronica Pamoukaghlian, MyDestinationTanzania
June 2011

Picture Credits to : Whalerockstudio.com
Photographer: Marko Balenovic