Stone Town Guide

Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its tangle of narrow lanes carries the marks of centuries of Swahili, Arab, Persian and Indian life, and it deserves a proper plan rather than a rushed afternoon.

What to See

The Old Fort, the House of Wonders and the famous carved wooden doors, no two alike, feature on most walking tours. Just wandering the alleys, past spice stalls and coffee sellers, is equally rewarding.

The Old Slave Market

Stone Town was once East Africa's largest slave-trading port. The former market site now holds a memorial and museum that tell this painful history honestly, and it is a moving, important visit.

How Long to Stay

Allow at least a full day. Too many visitors squeeze it into a few hours between the airport and the beach and miss its charm.

Getting Around

Stone Town is best explored on foot. Most lanes are too narrow for cars, and that is exactly what gives the town its atmosphere.