Is Stone Town worth Visiting? is a trip to Stone Town worthwhile? Yes! The stone town is worth visiting, and it’s a great place to go on a safari in Africa (Tanzania, Zanzibar). After a wildlife safari in one of Tanzania’s national parks, like the Serengeti National Park, or after a hiking safari in Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, and Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, Stone Town, which is located in the Old Quarter of the main town of Zanzibar, is undoubtedly an interesting place to spend a few hours or days. Because of the region’s surviving Arab and colonial architecture, it was named a UNESCO world historic site in 2000.
Stone Town is a popular tourist destination in Africa for many travelers who value and enjoy cultural excursions. The locals of Zanzibar are friendly and welcoming, and the stone town is safe for guests of all types, including females, families, honeymooners, and single travelers.
With the influx of tourists to the island and the seeming weekly emergence of a new hotel in the town, to make the trip to the adjacent airport less arduous than from the beaches, it is well worth stopping for a brief stay on the way to a safari or on the way back. Even at night, it is safe to stroll along little roads.
Why should one travel to Zanzibar’s Stone Town? When planning your next African safari, there are numerous reasons to visit Stone Town. The area offers a wide variety of sights to view and things to do for all visitor types, including children, adults, seniors, families, honeymooners, and single travelers, making your safari experience truly exciting and unforgettable.
What are the key sights to see in the stone town of Zanzibar? During your safari journey to Zanzibar, a historic town in Tanzania, there are a number of significant sights in Stone Town that you should see. The following are Stone Town’s top tourist attractions to see and activities to do:
The Old Arab Fort
Located in the heart of the city, this sight is unquestionably worth seeing when on a safari in Tanzania’s Zanzibar. This medieval fort, which dates back to the 16th century, was erected on the site of a Portuguese chapel that had been built more than a century earlier, during the Omani occupancy of the island. It is a fascinating footnote in the history of the island that it lost its significance as a defensive strategy in the 19th century.
House of Wonders
In a similar vein, it is interesting since it played a significant role in the history of the island. This is located immediately adjacent to the Old Arab Fort. It was the first building on the island to receive electricity at that time and was initially erected in 1883 as a ceremonial palace. The island’s tribute to its past is now housed in the spectacular balconies and balustrades, and it provides a fascinating window into Swahili and Zanzibar culture.
Visit the Sultan’s Palace Museum
The museum, which is the main historical structure in Stone Town, is housed in a number of structures along the waterfront. This palace was owned by Sultan Seyid Said for 68 years (1828 to 1896). The British Imperial soldiers later destroyed it, and it was later reconstructed. After the last Sultan was deposed in 1964, the structures started a new life as a bustling tourist attraction. Much of the original artwork, banqueting tables, china, and stately thrones were preserved, and the museum also received new additions to make it more appealing than ever.
Explore the Slave Market
One of the last slave markets in existence is The Slave Market. Slaves were bought and sold here, and the Sultan would move at least 50,000 slaves via Zanzibar annually. After the British destroyed the market there in 1873, Christ Church Cathedral was erected there. Life-size statues of chained slaves symbolizing the horrors of life during the slave trade may be found at Stone Town’s slave market, Is Stone Town worth Visiting?
Visit the Zanzibar Doors.
Stone Town is renowned for its exquisitely crafted doors. Because of its intricate carving and elaborate ornamentation, this has gained popularity all around the world. However, many of them were brought from India during the Arabian era before being created locally after that.
In Stone Town, there are thought to be more than 550 doors with distinctive carvings. Many of the door patterns are symbolic, just like carpets are in the Middle East and window frames are in Indonesia. Different cultural influences can be seen on each door. Arabic-style doors have intricate carvings on the door frames as well as numerous carvings with Arabic calligraphy.
Visit Forodhani Gardens.
This location serves as the town’s primary collection point and has recently undergone renovations, making it well worth a visit. It is one of the more well-liked nighttime gathering places for locals and merchants selling their wares because of the elaborate gardens and fantastic views of the port.
Hotel Africa House
In the 1888s, it was the English Club, and today it is without a doubt the best outdoor patio or pub to watch the sun set in Zanzibar. Along with this, the structure is attractive and a majestic tribute to the days of western occupation.
Enjoy a Walking Tour in Stone Town.
Numerous visitors to Stone Town have important things to do. The best way to see this historic city is on foot, but you should have a local guide with you. In the gorgeous Stone Town, it’s really simple to become lost. Visitors with spare time are urged to go exploring on their own.
Go local Shopping
The best spot to purchase regional arts and crafts is in Stone Town. Visitors can purchase traditional mats, carpets, and hand-woven baskets as well as spices to take home. The best spot to get spices is in Chang Market. Visitors should travel to Hurmuz Street to purchase wooden creatures and regional artwork.
What are the interesting facts about Stone Town? Here are some of the unique facts about Stone Town, Zanzibar that will persuade you to want to visit this place on your next African safari tour
ü Freddie Mercury, the main singer of the well-known rock band Queen, was born in Zanzibar (he was born in Stone Town). His birthplace is highlighted in a recent documentary about his life, introducing Zanzibar to many of his followers.
ü The structures and residences in Stone Town are made of native stone. The structures were created by slaves and Arab traders in the 19th century. Visitors will almost certainly end up on the beach even if they get lost, because beaches encircle the town on three sides.
ü Approximately 600,000 slaves were sold through the slave trade between 1830 and 1863 in Zanzibar.
