Stone Town is truly the cultural and historic heart of Zanzibar – Tanzania, located just along the western shores. This dubbed Old Town is incredibly the perfect example of the Swahili Coastal Towns / Trading Centers on the East African coast, built during ancient Trade and Exchange era between Africa and Asia, Arabia.
Stone Town has kept its beautiful urban setting, townscape and several ancient buildings in their traditional state making it the best place to experience the African, Indian, European and Arabic cultures etc.
Geographical location.
Stone Town is undeniably the oldest town found at the heart of western Unguja Island Coast-East Africa. It makes up part of the Zanzibar City that also covers Ng’ambo City at Zanzibar coastline. Stone Town was initially the capital of the Sultanate of Zanzibar and remarkably, featured as one of the lively centers during the 19th century Slave Trade, Spice Trade era.
This town still maintains its significance as historic town in the East African region coastline since its creation 1000 years ago. In terms of area coverage, Stone Town is a beautiful city occupying only 96ha of land and in Swahili, it is most popular as Mji Mkongwe.
History.
For years, Stone Town has stood as the most vibrant City with fascinating architecture. In 1503, the Portuguese established it as small fishing village. Stone Town is more recent yet dates back to about the 2nd second half of the 19th century.
Zanzibar entirely played a significant role during the Slave Trade era more so during the 18th century. A visit to Zanzibar Island or Stone Town leaves holidaymakers astonished by the blend of Arab, European, Persian and Indian cultures yet haven’t impacted the authentic Swahili culture. Stone Town, the oldest city is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 making it the world’s exceptional tourist destination.
ATTRACTIONS IN STONE TOWN-ZANZIBAR.
The Old Dispensary / Nasur NurMohamed dispensary
The Old Dispensary/Nasur NurMohamed Dispensary is Stone Town’s historical building dating 1887, built by Thaira Thopen. It took Thaira Thopen 7 years to complete constructing this dispensary and began to function as a charity hospital serving the less privileged. Later, it became a dispensary and features incredible carved wooden balconies and stained glass windows.
Between 1970 and 1980s, the Nasur NurMohamed Dispensary became dilapidated though it was restored by Aga Khan for Trust of Culture (AKTC).
Hamamni Persian Baths.
The Hamamni Persian Baths are ancient public baths built between 1870 and 1888 in Zanzibar City. They remained unused till 1920 and they derive their name from Swahili word meaning Place of Baths.
Old Fort.
Also popular as the Omani Fort, the Old Fort is a magnificent historic site of its own set just near the House of Wonders. This ancient site was built by the Omanis in the 17th century. Later, it was used by the early rulers to protect Stone Town from any European invaders.
Several significant events are conducted here including the popular Zanzibar International Film Festivals.
House of Wonders.
This is also most popular as the Palace of Wonders/Beit-al-Ajaib and found on Mizingani route just at the seafront of Stone town. The Palace of Wonders is a significant historical building in Stone Town, built in 1883 and later, renovated after the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896. It is interestingly the first building to have electricity and elevator in the whole of Zanzibar and East Africa. Since 2000, the Palace of Wonders has served as a Swahili Museum.
Anglican Cathedral.
The Anglican Cathedral dates back to 1873 when it was built by Edward Steere – the third Bishop of Zanzibar. This cathedral lies on Mkunazini route and it was built to celebrate the end of Slave Trade in East Africa.
Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint Joseph.
Built between 1893 and 1897, the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint Joseph is constructed by the French Missionaries. It features a unique design copied from the Marseille cathedral comprising of 2 towering spires which it an exceptional historical building in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Forodhani Gardens.
The Forodhani Garden is a beautiful tiny park established along the main sea walk of Stone, along the Indian Ocean Coast where you can have Night local BBQ every night with a wonderful sunset. Other significant sites worth exploring on Stone Town tour include the Palace Museum/Beit-el-Sahel, Malindi Mosque.
What to expect on Stone Town Tour in Zanzibar?
Expect a lot more things to explore in Stone Town. There are numerous exciting activities and experiences to be part including Guided walks along the streets of Stone Town, sightseeing different historical sites & souvenir Shopping.
When to travel to Stone Town in Zanzibar?
Stone Town experiences ideal weather and climatic conditions making it whole year-round destination. The perfect time to travel to Stone Town is during the dry season starting June to October or December to February. These are peak months of the year worth taking part in beach holiday in Unguja Island (known as Zanzibar Island).
Accommodations in and around Stone Town.
Stone Town features wide array of hotels and resorts for holidaymakers to retire for the night. They include Forodhani Park, Zenji Hotel, Mizingani Seafront Hotel, Emerson Spice Hotel, Zanzibar Coffee House, The Seyyida Hotel & Spa, Jafferji House & Spa, Tembo House Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton, Zanzibar Serena Inn, Park Hyatt among others.
Getting to Stone Town in Zanzibar.
Stone Town is 8kms away from Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). It is accessible using private cars, 4×4 rental cars, airport shuttles or public transport means in Zanzibar.
This historic town is set at the heart of Unguja Island and bordered by Bagamoyo in the South.
