Stone Town is a vivid example of the Swahili coastal trading towns in East Africa it is the oldest city and cultural heart and heritage of Zanzibar where little has changed for the past 200 years.
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Stone Town is a place of long winding alleys, unique bazaars, mosques, old churches, and Arabic houses. When visiting Stone Town, you can simply spend time just wandering through the fascinating maze of narrow and unique streets. Here is a list of things you can do around Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Forodhani Gardens
Zanzibar's Twilight Oasis, a verdant haven where the sea and sky converge, a symphony of colors as the sun descends. A twilight paradise where dreams take flight and worries subside.
Located along the coast of the Indian Ocean, Forodhani is a small park sitting along the Indian Ocean, famous as a Street Food Market in Stone Town. Forodhani Garden is a wonderful local food market that takes place in the garden every night, you can easily stop by one evening while in Stone Town and spend a calm evening sampling the most delicious Swahili and Zanzibari cuisine.
The Arab Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
Ngome Kongwe, a towering fortress that dominates Stone Town's skyline, stands as a sentinel of the island's storied past. Constructed in the late 17th century by the Portuguese atop a church, this imposing structure served as a strategic defense against potential threats. Its thick walls, fortified towers, and strategic location provided a formidable barrier against invaders.
Over the centuries, Ngome Kongwe has witnessed the ebb and flow of Zanzibar's history. In the late 19th century, it was repurposed as a prison, a stark reminder of the island's turbulent past. Later, it underwent a transformation, serving as a tennis club until the 1964 Revolution. Today, Ngome Kongwe invites visitors to journey back in time, exploring its labyrinthine corridors, admiring its intricate architecture, and immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of stories that have unfolded within its walls.
From its vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the bustling harbor and the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, offering a glimpse into the vibrant life that surrounds this historic landmark. Ngome Kongwe remains a testament to Zanzibar's resilience and cultural heritage, inviting all to step into its hallowed halls and experience the enduring legacy of this iconic fortress.
Darajani Bazaar
Meet the hub of Stone Town’s commerce, Darajani Bazaar where people sell a wide range of groceries from fish to spices and other local and imported produce. Moreover, Darjani Bazaar sells a wide variety of wares and crafts made by the local people in Zanzibar.
Most shops and stands sell souvenirs that make a perfect take-home present or for keeps as a sign of memories and experience of your time in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Generally, the Darajani Bazaar offers a great cultural experience and an authentic Zanzibar local market.
Dhow Countries Music Academy
Dhow music academy was opened in 2001 by a non-profit organization (NGO) to provide the basic music education for the citizens in Zanzibar. Regularly, the Dhow Countries Music Academy hosts local musical performances and art exhibitions as a part of entertainment in Zanzibar.
The event and mix of concerts create an extraordinary and vibrant ambiance with its beautiful setup. This place is definitely worth your time and a visit for the musically inclined purposes or for anyone who supports community initiatives for cultural and artistic enrichment.
Malindi Mosque
Stone Town has several mosques the oldest being Malindi Mosque, a small and inconspicuous building near the port, with a minaret which is thought to be several hundred years old. It was built by the Sunni sect in a simple unique style, this is one of three mosques that exhibit cone-shaped.
The mosque is well worth a visit while in Stone Town, especially since it’s conveniently located just opposite the town center and you get to experience the oldest landmarks heritage in Zanzibar.
Capital Art Studio
Capital art studio which is located near the top of Kenyatta road was founded in 1930 by Ranchid Oza who became the official photographer of the royal family of Sultan Khalifa. After 88 years the studio is being run by his son called Rohit who shoots and film amazing memories for Zanzibar. The studio is a photographic treasure and its walls are bounded by the political and monarchical history of Zanzibar and East Africa at large
Spice Tour
Once you visit the spice island (Zanzibar) you can simply go on a spice tour cause the experience is worth it. You can learn from the guide about Zanzibar’s claim to fame during the 19th century as one of the world’s leading producers of spices, such as clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Sample these aromatic treasures at a spice farm during this 3-hour tour. The guide will walk you amongst vanilla pod vines, lemongrass fields, cumin seed farms, and turmeric root. You can easily smell, see a sample, savor the experience is a sensual journey into the spices that flavor our food.