Stone Town Heritage Tour: A Comprehensive Historical and Cultural Experience in Zanzibar
4.0
2 Ratings
Stone Town
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar on a comprehensive Stone Town Heritage Tour. Explore the historical sites, magnificent architecture, and narrow alleys while learning about the island's fascinating history.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib) - Known as the House of Wonders, Beit el Ajaib was built around 1883 as the ceremonial palace for the ruling sultan, Sultan Barghash. This is one of the most prominent and magnificent structures in Zanzibar and all of East Africa. It is the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an electric elevator! Beit al Ajaib can be seen from a great distance while approaching Zanzibar from the sea, and now acts as a symbol of Zanzibar’s rich history and is featured on many postcards and history books.
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Guidance from an experienced and professional tour guide
  • All fees and taxes covered
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Tea and coffee
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

This provides a fantastic initiation to Zanzibar, instilling a sense of the area’s abundant cultural heritage. One receives a thorough understanding, historical background, and exploration of Stone Town, its splendid architecture, narrow lanes, and age-old residences constructed from sandstone, some of which are over two centuries old and feature Indian/Arab-inspired carved entrances.

The tour commences at the main city market, inaugurated in 1904, where one can purchase tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and freshly caught fish from the island.
The subsequent stop is the Christ Anglican Church, which Bishop Steers erected in 1873 atop the very spot where slaves were previously sold at auctions.

Additional key sights on this historical Stone Town tour include visits to:
• The Africa House - once an English Club,
• Forodhani Park - an evening hub where you can relish the beautiful sunset while sipping on fresh sugarcane juice and feasting on charcoal-grilled barbeques and local dishes,
• The Old Fort built by Arabs to fend off Portuguese invaders.

  • This is a private tour and private transportation will be provided for those staying at beach hotels at an extra cost
Location
House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib)
Mizingani Rd,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.0
(2 Ratings)
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Adanielle06
Jul 23, 2019
Insight into this historical town - Wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare to be intrigued with this magical town. Our guide, Mussa, was very knowledgeable about the history and provided a look into this culture that was very informative. We enjoyed a traditional lunch and felt like friends by the end of the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jdcbromley
Jul 7, 2023
Overpriced and not worth it - Booked through Ally who was very professional and helpful. The first shock was when he turned up for the tour and handed us over to another guide - Ally is just the front man. The guide was ok, not very informative or chatty - but tbh the stone town tour does t have much to it that’s accessible at the moment - everything (church, house of wonders etc) is under reconstruction so closed. Secondly the guide then handed us off to another guy for the slave market sub-tour section who then wanted a tip (we were straight off the plane and had no tsch as I had explained to Ally) - this was very awkward. I had hoped for more, maybe a stop for a coffee at the market or being able to actually go inside a building - this tour was $85 for 2 people - I’ve paid more for a full day tour of NYC…..I saw it advertised in tourist shops for $25 - even that is steep….but $85!! You must be joking!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
minimum 5 guests
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up to 15 guests
5 Adult, 1 Senior, 1 Infant, 1 Child, 1 Youth
May 2024
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