Stone Town - Zanzibar

At the heart of Zanzibar Town on Ujumba Island lies the old quarter, known as Stone Town, which has been declared a world heritage site for its historical and cultural significance. A maze of narrow streets and alleyways carve theirway through Stone Town, lining and framing its ancient buildings. The best way to experience this city from another world, is by walking through it, even if its odours launch a bit of an assault on the senses and you do get a little lost and disorientated.

The island was a major centre of the old ivory and slave trades, and also the base for David Livingstone's campaign to abolish slavery. Many of the buildings in Stone Town date back to the 19th century, an era of prosperity for Zanzibar as it was then a major trading port. Palaces, mosques and luxurious homes were built then and many remain today.

As East Africa 's most famous port, Stone Town has cultural and architectural influences from all over the world.

A stay in Stone Town enables you to shop for anything from antiques and gemstones to exotic spices. You can also visit the bazaar where the traders still bargain frantically. Alternatively, simply spend your time walking through the winding streets; discover buildings and hotels with overhanging balconies and huge, intricately carved wooden doors.

Some of the sites worth seeing in and around the Stone Town include The People's Palace, the House of Wonders, the Anglican Cathedral and the slave market, the Peace Memorial and Palace Museums, the Old Dispensary, Livingstone's House, the Arab Fort and Tippu Tip's house (Tip was a notorious slave trader).

For Stone Town accommodation there is a spattering of great hotels. These include the Zanzibar Serena Inn, Tembo House Hotel, Dhow Palace Hotel and the Beyt Al Chai.

Zanzibar Tours that include Stone Town:

Luxury Zanzibar - Spend 6 days at the luxurious Gemma Dell'Est soaking up the sun on the beach in Zanzibar, before spending a day exploring crumbling Stone Town.

View more Zanzibar Tours.

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