Top Things to do in Stone Town
10 Walking Tours in Stone Town That You Shouldn't Miss
Former palaces and Arab mansions along the twisting streets of Stone Town hint at a grander age for this port city on the western coast of Zanzibar. The Old Fort, built in the 1700s to fend off the Portuguese, now hosts local performances, a café and an art gallery. Overstuffed bazaars lend an air of nonstop bustle. Mafia Island Marine Park sits just offshore, a haven for snorkeling the local reefs. Day tours visit working plantations where the island's legendary spices are grown.
Restaurants in Stone Town
1. Stone Town City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar.It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This is a walking tour that takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders,the former slave market for East African Slave trade, and Arab Fort,Freddie Mercury house, spice market, roman catholic church, Anglican cathedral church and others. The architectural style of Stone town buildings is a unique mixture of various influences and culture, ornately carved doors Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts. A guide walk through this colorful and alternating city who knows not only funny of Stone town, but also cruel stories to tell about life of the old times in Stone town. Stone town tour is a walking tour and takes almost 3 hrs walking in the narrow streets.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Coffee and/or Tea, Use of SCUBA equipment
Reviewed By 632ksenija_
From the moment we left the hotel in Stone Town until our return, Mohammed perfectly arranged our full day trip to Kwale island. He arranged everything needed, from transport, excellent food, fruit on the boat, swimming, snorkeling, even walking through mangroves, what was my biggest wish. He speaks a very good english. We had fun and spent a great time with him and others on the boat. We met him as a guide and we leave as a long known friends???? We are greatful for everything he has done for us.
2. Spice Tour by the door tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Spice Tour is one of the most popular excursions in Zanzibar, the Spice Island. Zanzibar was one of the world’s leading producers of spices such as clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. Tour takes you to on organic farm with wide variety of plants around the year. You don’t just see, you also touch, smell and taste
Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Use of SCUBA equipment, Breakfast, Dinner
Reviewed By DENNIS P
My husband and I cannot recommend the Door Tours more. Imani and his brothers Geoffrey and Kevin, grew up in Zanzibar and are full of many interesting details of the city and its history. We walked thru the fish market and witnessed an authentic fish auction, learned about the sad history of Zanzibar's Slave Market and explored the underground holding rooms. Also wandered thru narrow alleys with elaborate door carvings which identified the residents as being involved in the slave trade.This was our best tour on our entire 3 month trip. These guys were such great people. You'll be glad you chose this tour. They also gave us more time and took us more places than the other Zanzibar city tours that we considered and all at a great price. Martha and Dennis from California
3. Zanzibar City/shopping (stone Town Tour)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
This is a walking tour that takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders,the former slave market for East African Slave trade, and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar.The architectural style of Stone town buildings is a unique mixture of various influences and culture. You will see Zanzibar’s bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from. A guided walk through this colorful and alternating city with tour knowledgeable tour guides, who knows not only funny of Stone town, but also cruel stories to tell about life of the old times in Stone town.
Inclusions: Pickup & Drop-off, Entrance Fees at slave market site, Expirienced Professional Tour Guide
Exclusions: Food and Drinks, Medical insurance, All cost of personal nature
Reviewed By MariaL10126
I ordered almost all my Zanzibar tours and transfers at Mo tours & safaris, and was very much pleased by their work. Mohammed Ali turned to be very knowleadgeble and thoughtful person, and what was extremely important for me - absolutely reliable. My ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Zanibar was delayed for 3 hours, while I had no phone and internet connection to inform Mo about this delay. Moreover, I had to spend additional time in the port for the border formalities - and it was such a great happines to see Mo istill waiting for me to transfer to my hotel. I highly recommend his service.
4. Stone Town tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The tour covers the most attractive places in Zanzibar and is provided by the experienced and certified guide.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Food and Drinks, Transport fee to starting point
Reviewed By R7631QD_
Very nice and funny guide. The story is very interesting. It was nice to spend time with him. Thank wery much!
5. Spice Tour + Stone Town Tour + Prison Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is the combination tour of Spice tour, stone town tour and prison island tour. During Spice Tour: The traveller will walk through the farm, guests will be shown and given explanation of each and every spice that are found in Zanzibar. After being fully packed with knowledge, our guests get time to buy spices, soaps and creams which are all handmade by the community within the farm. During Stone Town Tour: Guests will visit the Cathedral, Slave Markets, Sultans Palace, Tip Tip’s House, The Old Arabic Fort, Freddie mercury house, Forodhani Park and the famous Zanzibar Doors in the petite streets. During Prison Island Boat Trip: This tour offers nature, history and adventure combined in a relaxing, enjoying the beautiful and nice beach, feeding giant Aldabra tortoise and colored fish and corals for snorkeling in the channel of the Indian Ocean.
Inclusions: Pick up and drop off from your Hotel (Around stone town only), Service Entrance Fees, Shopping time, Services of Experienced Professional Tour guide, Spice lunch and Drinks, Snorkelling Equipment
Exclusions: Guide tip, Expenses of a personal nature
Reviewed By AAS1111
Asante Mady for such a safe and amazing tour! Your knowledge of Zanzibar/Tanzania history and culture was very informative! If anyone gets a chance to take a tour with Mady, you will not be disappointed.
6. 3 Days / 2 Nights Zanzibar Holiday Package
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This is a Zanzibar holiday package that takes you to three places: Stone Town Tour,Spice Tour and Prison Island, all this happens in a span of three days. In this package the Guests will experience the historical building that found in Zanzibar then you proceed with the tour to discover why Zanzibar is called spice island through the spice tour after spice lunch will visit the prison island so as to experience the Giant Tortoises and enjoy the beautiful and nice beach.
Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Services of Experienced Professional Tour guide, Pick up and drop off from your Hotel, Hotel Accommodations, Transfer & Transport waiting charge
Exclusions: Expenses of personal nature, Guide tip, Visa fee (50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival), Airport Taxes
Reviewed By AAS1111
Asante Mady for such a safe and amazing tour! Your knowledge of Zanzibar/Tanzania history and culture was very informative! If anyone gets a chance to take a tour with Mady, you will not be disappointed.
7. Prison Island, Nakupenda Sandbank and Stone Town Tour | Full-day + Lunch Buffet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
It is a full-day private tour that includes Three most recommended tours in Stone Town; Prison Island, Nakupenda (Sandbank), and Stone Town City Tour. It is the Lifetime experience that you will not want to miss while on your vacation in Zanzibar.
Inclusions: Seafood Buffet (Lobsters, Tuna fish, Calamary, Octopus, Prawns), Chicken, and fries. Or Vegetarian (Fries, Salads, Fruits, etc), Fruits (Watermelon, Bananas, Pineapple, Coconut, etc), Bottles of Waters and Soda will be available all the time, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Prison Island Admission Fee (10,000TZS), Anglican Cathedral Admission fee (5USD)
Reviewed By Elizapaul121
Pickup from Michamvi very early in the morning, we went to the north and take a boat to Mnemba. It was a long trip but worth it. There were so many dolphins playing so closer, we enjoyed it and also the marine life at Mnemba is amazing. Ahmed was there with us during this trip, he was so helpful. I really recommend the trip.
8. StoneTown Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
The traveler will meet a guide on time , we provide the professional skilled guide who will take care to all needs of tour and we are kind and well understandble to any exuse .
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
9. Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
These are the two most recommended tours in Zanzibar from Stone Town, where you will be able to visit Prison Island with a private boat then explore the oldest city in East Africa (Stone Town).
Inclusions: Bottled water, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Admissions Fees
Reviewed By Stefananadya
The Dhow looks more tradictional and beautiful. It was a long trip from Nungwi to Mnemba but we enjoyed the beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. The snorkeling was great as we saw so many coral reef fishes.
10. Prison Island and Nakupenda Private tour - Full day + Seafood Buffet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
This is one of our most recommended tours in Stone Tone where you will take a local traditional private boat to Prison Island then After we will go to Nakupenda Sandbank and have a seafood buffet, relaxing at the calmest waters while enjoying the most beautiful views.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Fruit snacks, Seafood Buffet, Soft drinks: Cocacola, Pepsi, Fasta, Sprite, etc, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes except Prison Island Admission fee (10,000TZS/ 4USD)
Exclusions: Sunscreens, Towels, Camera
Reviewed By Stefananadya
The Dhow looks more tradictional and beautiful. It was a long trip from Nungwi to Mnemba but we enjoyed the beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. The snorkeling was great as we saw so many coral reef fishes.
