Stone Town, the old town of Zanzibar Town, is situated on the island of Zanzibar which belongs to Tanzania. It is a medina with distinctive characteristics found nowhere else in this region. Stone Town is a city within a city—over the centuries, Arabs, Portuguese, Persians, and English have inhabited these streets, each bringing their own cultural mark. The city developed organically; alleys intersect, blend, and touch without real coherence, and it is rare to find straight lines or right angles. No cars can navigate the streets, so narrow are they.

The haphazard geometry of Stone Town often confounds visitors. It is easy to believe you're following a straight path when in fact you're turning a few degrees without noticing. The only way to navigate the medina is to use a compass or rely on the sun's position. Stone Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2000.

The doors of Stone Town's houses are exceptionally distinctive, and you will find yourself captivated by them at every turn. In the past, a door reflected the social status of its owner, and the designs were often connected to their profession. The arched tops of the doors draw inspiration from Indian architecture. Conversely, rectangular doors are of Arab origin. In fact, all of them were built either in India or in the Middle East. Most are crafted from teak.

Unfortunately, since the restoration of the old town began in 1984, the old doors have been gradually disappearing and are being replaced with new ones.

Stone Town comes alive in late afternoon, when residents take advantage of the cooling heat to stroll through shaded alleys. Shops and restaurants bring vibrancy to the medina. In the evening, if you venture to the waterfront, you can browse the market and enjoy grilled specialties or seafood on the beach, facing the Forodhani Gardens.

One essential visit within the medina is the Old Arab Fort, where a visitor center has been established on the ground floor—you'll find valuable information about Zanzibar there. We recommend tasting the local culinary specialties offered in the restaurant set up in one of the fort's towers. The old fort stands in the heart of the city and is Stone Town's oldest monument, built by Omani Arabs in the 19th century. A modest garden sits within the fort, and the visit is pleasant, though don't expect to find rare artifacts or works of art. Other must-see monuments include the Old Dispensary, the House of Wonders, St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Slave Market, and the Forodhani Gardens.

Stone Town's beach, located a bit further on, is not particularly well-maintained and is mostly populated by fishermen and traders. You won't find umbrellas or loungers here. However, do not hesitate to board the small traditional dhows typical of Zanzibar; you'll experience the "Blue Safari" and visit the small islands scattered around Stone Town. At the island's tip, you may well have the pleasure of spotting whales and dolphins. The beauty of the landscapes around the medina is striking—do not miss this experience.

Don't hesitate to ask a fisherman to take you on a pirogue ("dhow") to Changuu (Prison Island). If you can't find beautiful beaches in Stone Town, Changuu offers some truly stunning ones. This island, which once housed a prison, is the perfect place for relaxation or diving. A colony of giant tortoises has made it their home.

Back in the medina, heading from the sea toward the Darajani district, you'll see the numerous shops lining the alleys. You'll find everything there: clothing, spices, food supplies... For even more activity, visit the covered market of Stone Town, and nearby you'll discover with delight the shaded alleys protected from the sun by enormous fabrics stretched above the stalls. It's magnificent, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. This technique is found in many towns across Zanzibar, as a way to shelter from the heat.

The port of Dar es Salaam is not far from Stone Town; it's always a lively place where you can visit a Hindu temple or have lunch by the sea. Visit the famous Africa House café, and from the terrace you'll have a splendid view of the ocean and watch the dhows sailing peacefully through turquoise waters.

If you spend some time in Stone Town, don't forget to experience the "Spice Tour". You'll travel through the heart of the island, and the sometimes peppery aromas and their intriguing shapes make discovering African spices truly appealing. You'll taste cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, saffron, ginger, cacao, mangoes... It's a journey into exotic flavors that's most captivating. You can take home spice assortments as souvenirs.

Around Stone Town are several historic sites, such as the ruins of Maruhubi Palace, dating from 1882. This was the former harem of Sultan Barghash. Other monuments to visit include Mtoni Palace, the Persian Baths, and the Mangapwani Slave Caves, which will enhance your stay.

The Galago Expeditions Tip

The terraces of Africa House or Emerson & Green offer magnificent views of the ocean. Don't miss watching the sunset while enjoying a refreshment.