Nestled on the island of Unguja, the city of Zanzibar is a place steeped in history, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its beaches, harbor dotted with colorful dhows and colonial architecture make it a fashionable summer destination.

Zanzibar City, a colonial town with many facets

Visiting Zanzibar City means discovering a mixed and cosmopolitan destination that captivates through its past. From the Portuguese colonial era, an imposing fortress remains, the Old Fort, which is a source of pride for Zanzibar. From Arab rule, Zanzibar inherited culture and spice production, a long-standing tradition that has shaped the landscape.

The blend of influences is clearly reflected in the Stone Town district, something every traveler will appreciate during a stroll through the old quarter. Passing from one monument to another, you will agree that Zanzibar is a museum, an open-air history book.

Once your heritage visits are done, venture into the medinas, taste culinary temptations and enjoy a sunset over the harbor. The sense of escapism is guaranteed in the city, the fourth most visited in Africa.

History of the capital

Before European settlement, Zanzibar's capital was merely a small fishing community. It owes its urban planning to the colonial ambitions of Portugal, the Ottoman Empire and the British Crown. In 1503, the Portuguese took the islands of Unguja and Pemba by force and established a trading post. The founding of a Catholic church in the Stone Town district is a sign of colonial authority.

When the Sultan of Oman seized power toward the end of the seventeenth century, with the agreement of the upper bourgeoisie, they intensified spice exports. The island's reputation as a spice hub spread across the oceans for its cloves. Ottoman princes built palatial residences with harems, mosques and sumptuous halls, not to mention the old fortress designed to repel Western attacks.

The plundering of wealth was continued by the British, who hastened to intervene in favor of enslaved people when they led a popular revolt. By abolishing the abominable slave trade in 1897, the British granted themselves the right to monopolize Zanzibar's port traffic through a protectorate regime.

While the living conditions of enslaved people had improved considerably, glaring inequalities remained between the bourgeois class, peasants and freed slave families. One need only look at the luxurious residences with coral walls standing alongside the thatched-roof houses of tenant farmers to see this.

With the law now condemning the slave trade, Omani settlers saw their income vanish. Many wealthy landlords then turned to commerce, joining Persians and Indians. The power of the sultanate weakened considerably, even though Great Britain gave it a free hand in managing political affairs.

After a deadly revolution in 1964, the sultanate was forced to abdicate. Zanzibar City became the new capital of the independent archipelago.

Today

Steeped in various influences, Zanzibar's capital is today a city of art and history not to be missed. It sits on the western coast of Unguja Island, off the Indian Ocean. Its population is estimated at 205,000 inhabitants, spread across some twenty districts.

Sites and activities to discover in Zanzibar City

Stone Town, the old quarter

The number one attraction in Zanzibar City is its city center, Stone Town, which UNESCO describes as a "remarkable example of a Swahili trading town." Stone Town welcomes a unique gathering of buildings showcasing the architectural tastes of Arabia, India, Persia and Western Europe.

Start your day with the "spice tour," a visit to local agricultural farms. Discover the production steps of clove, vanilla and black pepper.

The monuments

From there, wander through the narrow streets keeping an eye out for the main monuments:

The Old Fort

Enclosed by impressive walls, the Old Fort (Ngome kongwe) witnessed the defeat of the Portuguese by the troops of Sultan Al-Busaïd. It changed hands nine times throughout the vicissitudes of history. The orange-grey facade stands beautifully against the sea.

The House of Wonders

Built in 1882, the House of Wonders is a monument to the grandeur of the Omani sultans. To give you an idea, it was Zanzibar's first building to be equipped with an elevator and electrical installation.

The Palace Museum

With its masonry enhanced by crenellations, the Palace Museum ranks among the most famous monuments in Zanzibar City. It stands between the Old Dispensary and the House of Wonders.

The Old Dispensary

This building was commissioned in 1887 by a wealthy Swahili businessman to celebrate the bicentennial of Queen Victoria's reign.

St. Joseph's Cathedral

Dating from the late nineteenth century, this Catholic church is the work of French missionaries who took advantage of colonization to evangelize the population. The walls inside depict figures from the Old Testament.

Christ Church Anglican Basilica

A restoration project in 2014 gave a fresh look to this nineteenth-century basilica, which subtly blends Gothic elements with sculptural motifs imported from Arabia and the Middle East. The basilica is erected in memory of David Livingstone, whose courage and devotion were instrumental in freeing enslaved people.

The former slave market

Close to the Anglican cathedral stands the slave market. A visit can be quite moving.

Changuu Island

Affectionately called "prison island," Changuu Island is a popular destination for its giant tortoises.

Forodhani Gardens

As evening falls, locals and visitors alike find themselves drawn to the Forodhani Gardens to relax. Vendors display grilled fish and crustacean skewers. This small park sits right next to the Arab fort.

Boat tour of the harbor

To add a touch of romance to your stay, treat yourself to a boat tour of the harbor.

Culinary experience

Also take advantage of your stay in Zanzibar to sample the authentic flavors of the island: basmati rice, biryani or ugali, the national dish of Southern African inhabitants, and much more. Zanzibari specialties are varied, but share one common thread: the use of spices, vegetables and seafood.

Practical information

Best time to visit

If you plan to enjoy beach pleasures or diving after your cultural visit to Stone Town, coming in summer (between June and September) is a good idea. Avoid the rainy season, from March to May.

Direct flights to Zanzibar are numerous from Paris. The plane departs from Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport and lands at Kisauni Airport. Expect around 18 hours of flight time on average.

Zanzibar is also connected by air to mainland Tanzania. You can travel from Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, and so on.

Getting to your hotel requires taking a dalla-dalla (shared minibus) or taxi. The dalla-dalla serving the city center is number 505. Very affordable (500 tsh, or less than 20 cents), but crowded. For just under 10 euros, it's better to hail a taxi.

In the surrounding area

Visiting Zanzibar City takes at least a full day to see all its attractions. Leaving the capital, other sites are worth seeing: Jozani National Park, the royal baths of Kidichi, the Chumbe marine sanctuary, or the beach resort of Nungwi for those who enjoy nightlife.