Stonetown:

The heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town, was constructed during the 19th century and remains largely unchanged. Labyrinths of narrow alleys lead to palaces, mosques and old Arab houses. Tiny shops sell dotted tinga-tinga paintings, Zanzibari clocks and heavily adorned chests. The early-morning market on Creek Road is fabulous, as determined Zanzibaris haggle over fragrant spices, exotic fruit and enormous fish.

Stone Town is an easy place to explore on foot; you never need to travel by vehicle.

Note that Stone Town can be noisy. frequent calls to prayer from the mosques, along with the hustle and bustle of town, are part of everyday life here. It’s a lively, vibrant atmosphere.

Some other attractions in Stonetown are:

• Freddie Mercurys House:
  The late Freddie Mercury, former lead singer and front man for the rock band Queen, was born in Zanzibar on 5 September 1946. His name then was Farouk Bulsara, and his father was an accountant working for the British government in the House of Wonders. His family had immigrated to Zanzibar from India but were originally of Persian extraction.

The current inhabitants of various houses around Zanzibar Town will tell visitors ‘Freddie lived here’; his father moved house several times so the claims could all be genuine. Local historians confirm that the Bulsara family lived in the house now occupied by Camlur’s Restaurant, and in at least one other house near the post office, either on Kenyatta Road or the small square just behind the post office.

• House of Wonders:
  Is a very large square-shaped building, with several stories, surrounded by tiers of pillars and balconies, and topped by a large clock tower. It was built in 1883 as a ceremonial palace for Sultan Barghash and was the first in Zanzibar to have electric light and an electric lift.
  The local people called it Beit el Ajaib, meaning the House of Wonders when it was complete. It is one of the largest buildings in Stonetown and there are plans to open it as the National Museum.

• The market:
  Is a great place to visit even if you don’t want to buy anything. It is a vibrant place where everything under the sun is bought and sold. People bring their produce here from all over the island. Of special interest is the huge selection of brightly coloured khangas (worn by the local women) and the auctions that are held regularly.

There is lots to see and do and other interesting places to visit in Stone Town, so exploration is the order of the day!

Zanzibar day-trips:

There are many possible day-trips on Zanzibar, the majority of which are most easily reached from Stone Town.

The most popular is the classic Spice Tours. Spices are integral to Zanzibari life providing food, remedies, dyes and income. One of the popular local tours is a ‘spice tour’, which takes a few hours and costs about US$20 each(rough estimate). On such a trip you’ll be guided around a plantation to pick leaves, pods and twigs, and discover how many of our common spices grow, including cinnamon, pepper, vanilla, nutmeg, ginger and turmeric.

There are also options for visits to the giant tortoises of Prison Island, and the endemic red colobus monkeys of Jozani Forest.

However, if you want an original and very authentic experience, then a day-trip to Ufufuma Forest is what you will want. No two trips here are the same, but you may spot some wild Kirk’s colobus monkeys, and perhaps consult with a local ‘witchdoctor’. These aren’t staged: you’ll be treated as an individual, and because they are so new, they’re both fascinating and unpredictable.

Beach Activities:

• Safari Blue Tour:
  A full day excursion in the Menai Bay Conservation Area on traditional hand-built dhows. With guided snorkeling, dhow and ngalawa sailing, swimming in a lagoon, delicious seafood buffet lunch, tropical fruit tasting and much more.

The Beaches on the South East coast are popular among travellers. The sand is brilliant white, and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are a deep teal.

• Nungwi
  Deep Sea Fishing with ” Hooked on Fishing” in Nungwi in the North Coast.
  Kite-surf at the Ras Nungwi beach with full equipment is also an option. Experience divine diving in Zanzibar’s crystal blue waters and pristine white beaches. Explore over 25 different dive sites with a variety of abundant, vibrant, colourful corals and marine life.

• Paje
  Kite-surf is a popular sport in Paje Beach, where the crystalline lagoon waters and reef protection offer ideal conditions for both advanced and beginner kitesurfers. Zanzibar Kite Paradise offers beginning classes as well as rentals.

• Kendwa Beach
  On the North Western coast is beautiful. Here you can swim during low and high tide, which is not always possible on the East side of the island. Just beware of the “Sea Urchins” that give a powerful sting if stepped upon during low tide.

• Jambiani:
  Fishing with local Dhow and “jumping” out of the dhow on the coral reef like a local, the most exciting feeling must try in a life time or you can sit and stare at the water for hours on end.
  Arrange for a ride on a local’s dhow (a carved, wooden boat).