Top Things to do in Stone Town
The 10 Best Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar Archipelago
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. Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Fantastic food and spice experience,start at a local market shop for ingredients - then spice farm tour and cooking class.
Inclusions: Transportation by tuk-tuk, Hotel pick up and drop off, Guide, Cooking class, Spice farm tour, Local market tour
Exclusions:
Reviewed By by1969tttt
The full day trip turned out to be 3.5 hour! The tour guide knew very little about history of Stone Town or the Prison Island. I really regret booking this tour before getting to Zanzibar. You can find a better selection of tours for much better prices when in town!!
2. 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.
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. 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.
5. 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.
6. Airport pick up
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
One of the dedicated company to make your transfer smoothy and reasonable. We ensure all our clients are satisfied to what we offer.
Inclusions: Private transfer
Exclusions:
Reviewed By byron_antoni
On time for pick up that I could make it to Paje to Kitesurf with all my gear???? would definitely recommend
7. Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank - Full Day Tour + Seafood buffet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
It is one of our most recommended activities in Stone Town, It s a full-day tour that includes the two must-visit in Stonetown; Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach.
Inclusions: Seafood Buffet, Fruits (Watermelon, Bananas, Pineapple, Mangoes, Oranges, Coconut, etc.), Bottles of Waters and Soda (Cocacola, Fanta, Sprite, etc), Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Towels and Sunscreens, Admission fees
Reviewed By Aaronmichael8
What a beautiful evening with such a romantic sunset cruise, the trip was well arranged and the staff were really nice and helpful.
8. 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.
9. Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 6 reviews
Zanzibar is also called the “Spice Island”, besides the beautiful beaches and parks, it offers a unique tour of various types of aromatic spices, also known as “The Spice Tour”. Even though these Zanzibar spices like Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Cardamon are commonly used and we all know their taste, hardly anyone would be able to identify them in wild nature. This tour is a unique highlight and absolute must if you want to learn more about the origin of the spices and the traditional food of Zanzibar.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Lunch
Exclusions:
Reviewed By sezawenn
We had come to stone town with the idea of just wandering around ourselves but Abdi was so chilled in his approach to us that we said we’d give it a go. No regrets! He was so knowledgeable and relaxed. He even took us to a lovely bar to wait out the rain (bonus points!). Highly recommend!
10. Stone Town Tour (Group Walking)
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 10 reviews
It is a three-hour tour which begins at your hotel or entry point where you walk and driven around the historic old city. Our first visit during this tour and excursion in Zanzibar is the fruit market which was opened in 1904 here you will see and buy a variety of the tropical fruits and spices, 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. Also to see and look at beautiful things concerning to Zanzibarculture like traditional wearing (khanga) for women and (kikoi) for men.
Inclusions: Services of Experienced Professional Tour guide, Shopping time, Service Entrance Fees, Mineral water , Pick up and drop off from your Hotel (Around stone town only)
Exclusions: Expenses of a personal nature, Guide tip
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.
