Stone Town is the largest city in Zanzibar and its capital. Stone Town, located in the center of the west coast, was named after the coral stone buildings that were built here mainly in the 19th century, on the site of a very old fishing village. The area, which is commonly called Stone Town in Zanzibar, is home to about 16,000 people and has approximately 1,700 buildings that form a labyrinth of narrow streets. These streets are too narrow not only for cars, but also, unfortunately, for bicycles and motorcycles. Therefore, you can only move around the Stone Town on foot.

Stone Town in Zanzibar is an amazing place with a unique atmosphere. Here you can hear the muezzin's calls to prayer 5 times a day. The architecture of the area is predominantly Arabic, which means that the walls of the houses are very thick and the houses themselves are tall and have square and simple facades. Many of the buildings have a central courtyard that runs upward through all floors and serves as natural ventilation. As a rule, Indian craftsmen were engaged in decorating houses, so elements such as wooden balconies and carved doors and stairs appeared on houses. Some of the doors have copper pins, which also came from India, where they were used to protect buildings from elephants. The oldest, simplest traditional doors have the horizontal lintels characteristic of Oman and Arabia in general, but later doors have rounded tops, and this style shows the influence of Indian architecture (many of the builders and craftsmen came to Zanzibar from the Indian subcontinent).

Surprisingly, the relatively small town of Stone Town in Zanzibar has 51 mosques, whose muezzins constantly compete with each other during prayer, as well as 6 Hindu temples, Catholic churches and an Anglican cathedral. Stone Town in Zanzibar has many burial sites around the outskirts with interesting headstones and graves, as well as some important graves in the town itself. As a rule, these are the graves of religious figures of the past.

The old tree on the waterfront, near the old dispensary, is the most famous tree in Zanzibar and can often be seen in many old photographs of the city.

History of Stone Town

The Stone City is as old as the first stories about it. The first Arab sea traders mentioned the "Black Folk Coast" in their letters. The island's strategic location near the east coast of Africa allowed it to develop into a cosmopolitan center where Arab, Indian, European and African traditions and cultures met. The first settlement and the oldest known city on Zanzibar today, Stone Town or Stone Town, was a Portuguese fort. Its foundations were laid in the early 18th century, but the city was probably never completed until 1780, when the Omani rulers arrived. Therefore, it is more correct to consider Stone Town an Omani fort. A significant part of the stone city consists of Arab houses. These buildings, often square and with a spacious courtyard to allow light and air to circulate throughout the house, were built close together and did not have any enclosures or garden plots near them. Arab families tried to live as close to each other as possible, and many buildings were connected by pedestrian paths, which are still visible on the ground floors. This allowed women to visit relatives and friends without having to go outside.

Stone Town became a thriving center of commerce in the 19th century. It was a center for the spice and slave trade. The ruling sultanate had close relations with the British, and in 1890 Zanzibar became a British protectorate. But the Omanis in Zanzibar soon rebelled against British rule in 1896, and this rebellion escalated into what is known as the shortest war in history, lasting only 45 minutes of naval bombardment by the British Royal Navy, after which the Sultan was forced to surrender.

At the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, Stone Town was clearly divided. It had Arab, Indian and European quarters. Very few Africans lived in Stone Town - they mostly came to the town only to work and lived in a nearby area called Ngambo.

In 1964, Stone Town was the central point of the revolution in Zanzibar that marked the beginning of the socialist government and the fall of the sultanate. After the revolution, most non-Africans left Zanzibar, leaving behind their homes and buildings. The government confiscated abandoned buildings and established government offices, schools, and other public institutions in some of them. Some buildings were rented to tenants for a nominal monthly rent, and the spacious houses could easily accommodate many poor families.

The new ruling party decided to annex Zanzibar to the mainland of Tanganyika to form a new country, Tanzania. Today, Zanzibar remains a semi-autonomous region within Tanzania, and Stone Town is the capital and center of political and social life on the island.

In 2000, Stone Town was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its globally significant heritage and built environment.

Sights of Stone Town

There are currently 26 landmark buildings in Stone Town, assessed as Grade I buildings. A Grade I building is a building of outstanding architectural, historical or cultural significance. We will present only some of the attractions of the Stone Town in Zanzibar, but you can be sure that there are many more interesting buildings here.

Old fortress

The foundations of the old fort were laid by the Portuguese in early 1710, but construction was completed by the Omanis in 1780. The fort was later used as a prison for British officials until 1950, and as railway workshops in the 1920s when the railway from Bububu to Stone Town was built. Now the old fort is used as the cultural center of the Stone Town.

House of Miracles

Built in 1883 by Sultan Seyyid Barghash for ceremonial purposes, the House of Miracles also served as the residence of one of his heirs. After the revolution, the building was used by the ruling party, and in 2001 it became the Zanzibar Museum.

Persian bath

The bathhouse was built for the public by Sultan Seyyid Barghash (1870-1888) and designed by a Persian architect.

Forodani People's Palace

The first Sultan Said Said settled in Zanzibar in 1832 and chose a place on the waterfront for his residence. The palace had many forms and went through many changes. In the aftermath of the bombing in 1896, the palace was heavily damaged. It was later restored, but on a much smaller scale. Despite its smaller size, the architectural grandeur of the palace is still undeniable.

Royal Tombs

There are several royal tombs scattered around the Forodani area. According to old customs, burial plots were located near the house. The Sultan's family is mostly buried in close proximity to the palace.

Construction market

The original name of this market is Sayidieh. The market opened in 1904 and was designed by British architect Sinclair. It was built on the first reclaimed land on what is today Creek Road.

Peace Memorial Museum

The Anglican Cathedral in Stone Town became a symbol of the end of the slave trade. The foundation stone for this building was laid in 1873, and in the same year the slave trade was officially abolished. The Anglican Cathedral was built primarily with cement rather than mortar, and in the construction of this cathedral the builders attempted to incorporate some Arabic features into the Gothic building. It is said that Sultan Barghash donated a clock for the cathedral tower on the condition that the tower should not exceed the tower at Beit el-Ajaib.

Hospital

The first part of the hospital was built in 1896 and had 6 Asian and 9 African wards. In 1924, an additional wing for Europeans was built. After the revolution, the hospital was named after Lenin.

Hindu temple

Kiponda Temple is located just behind the People's Palace, in a residential area. The temple is believed to have been built in the 1870s.

Former British Consulate building

The British Consulate was opened in 1841 and was located in the commercial districts, but quite close to the coast. The building was reportedly home to famous explorers such as Spake, Barton, and Dr. Livingston.

The island of Zanzbier is not only a natural beauty, but also historical and architectural. Although, to be fair, I will say that the nature here is still very cool, but with urban attractions things are so-so. However, if you are vacationing in this place, not visiting its central city called Zanzibar with its old town of Stone Town is an unforgivable omission. After all, this is the capital of the island.

Zanzibar City: where is it located?

Let's first understand geographical concepts and names. The island of Zanzibar itself is located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Tanzania and is part of this country with autonomy. That is, Zanzibar is the name of the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago of the same name. That is, we see that the word “Zanzibar” refers to two geographical objects - the archipelago and its main island. But there is also a third toponym. This is the capital of the island - Zanzibar City. Yes, the locals were clearly not very imaginative and called everything they could by that name. Look, here it is, the capital of the island of Zanzibar.

Zanzibar city on the map

As you can see, the city is located on the east coast of the main island. It's quite small. It is an administrative and transport hub: there is even an international airport. So even with all your great desire, you will not be able to pass by. And therefore it is worth looking at it.

Stone Town of Zanzibar: Stone Town

Of historical and cultural value in the city is the old center called Stone Town, which means “Stone Town”. This is where the main attractions and cafes are concentrated.

I’ll tell you about the attractions below, but for now a few words about organizing excursions and hotels in Stone Town.

As for me, you can allocate 5 hours, no more, to explore this place. During this time, you will have time to explore the main attractions on your own and with a guide. But if you expect good shopping, then you will need more time. Let's do the math. Sitting in a cafe - 1-2 hours, guided tour - 2-3 hours, shopping - depends on your needs and desires. Total hours 5-8.

The guide can be found right on the street. More precisely, you don’t have to look for him; he will most likely come to you himself. At least he came to us. At first I wanted to walk around the city on my own, but my husband decided to agree to the excursion - and in the end we did not regret it. With a guide, you will have a rich program with visits to places you didn’t even know about. For example, everyone thinks of visiting the slave market or Freddie Mercury's house, but almost no one knows about the panoramic view of the city on one of its highest roofs or about the Buddhist temple, which, surprisingly, exists in Zanzibar. So don't skimp: agree to a guide. Moreover, his services are inexpensive: only 20-30 dollars.

Stone Town attractions

As for visiting attractions, regardless of whether you go on your own or with a guide, you need to know the main ones in advance. So as not to forget to watch them.

The first, truly iconic landmark of Stone Town, which was already mentioned above, is Freddie Mercury's house. More precisely, now this is a hotel room where there was once an apartment building and the family of Farrukh Bulsara (the real name of the idol, given to him at birth) lived. This number can be viewed freely if it is open.

Also a must-see is the slave market in Zanzibar. Here, during a separate mini-excursion, for a small fee, you will be shown the inhuman conditions in which these unfortunates were kept.

Also visit the famous Zanzibar market, where you can buy literally everything. Personally, it made an indelible impression on me, causing real horror with its unsanitary conditions. Clouds of flies that land on dried octopuses, fruits from the floor, crowds of people and smells, smells, smells... In general, it’s very difficult for me to imagine that anyone buys anything there. However, the place is very colorful and worth a look.

During the tour through the streets of the city, the guide also showed us numerous famous Zanzibar doors, which are an entire art movement and are still very popular among rich people from all over the world. Each door is a unique masterpiece worth several thousand dollars. And there are many such masterpieces on the streets of Zanzibar. Moreover, there are three directions in ornaments: Indian, Arabic and Zanzibar itself.

Also, when walking around the city, you will see several temples, of completely different faiths. One of them is a long-term long-term construction. It reminded me a lot of our country with its long-term construction projects. It is unlikely that he will ever be ready.

In general, the attractions of Stone Town are rather weak. That is, it’s not worth going to the island to see them. People come here only for a luxurious beach holiday. And period. That's why staying at a hotel directly in Stone Town itself is an unforgivable mistake. It's ugly, crowded, dirty and there are no good beaches.

Shopping in Stone Town

As for shopping, in Zanzibar you need to go to Stone Town. Moreover, this shopping will, of course, be purely touristic. That is, you are unlikely to visit clothing stores. This is not Milan for you. Most likely, you will opt for souvenirs and jewelry. There are a lot of them here and for every taste. However, if you are also planning to visit the mainland of Tanzania, you can shop there too: prices on the mainland are sometimes lower than on the island.

Are you going to Zanzibar?

Stone Town (Zanzibar) is an administrative and cultural center with Arabic architecture and the only port on the most famous island of Tanzania. The sights of the old colonial “Stone Town” will be of interest both to those who are already familiar with the history of Zanzibar and to tourists who come to relax on the turquoise beaches.

general information

Stone Town is not only the capital of Zanzibar, but also the only city on the island. It is located in the central part of the western coast, and is named after the stone buildings erected on the site of a fishing village in the early 19th century. The population is up to 200 thousand people. The area is quite small, so all the sights can be visited in a couple of days.

There are no trams, railways, trolleybuses or metro in the Stone Town, but there is the only seaport and an international airport that accepts both domestic and foreign flights.

The city is famous for its ancient history. Its territory was inhabited back in the 16th century. Over the long years of its existence, it managed to visit the possessions of a variety of peoples, including the Ottoman state. Now Stone Town is one of the most visited places in Tanzania.

Holidays in Stone Town

Stone Town, charming with the spirit of antiquity and attracting with interesting sights, has a relatively developed tourist infrastructure. For a comfortable stay, there is almost everything here - from souvenir shops and large shopping centers to medical institutions and information centers.

Due to its small size and extremely narrow streets, it is better to move around the city on foot. If you wish, you can use a motorcycle (they transport both people and goods) or Daladala, a minibus that acts as a taxi. The main station is at Arajani Market. Travel to other settlements using mabasi, trucks converted to carry passengers not only in the back, but also on the roof. The main station of this type of transport is located near the slave market. Among other things, you can rent a car - the roads in Tanzania are very good. For those who want to save money, we advise you to ask someone local for the service. The fact is that for them, renting a car will cost much less than for visitors.

As for accommodation, here you can find it for every taste and budget - from fashionable 5* hotels and comfortable apartments to cozy hostels and bed and breakfasts. The greatest demand is:

Zanzi Resort

• Zanzi Resort;
• Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge;
• Park Hyatt Zanzibar;
• Kisiwa House;
• Annex of Tembo Hotel;
• Zanzibar Hotel;
• Africa House Hotel;
• Jafferji House & Spa.

The minimum cost of living in a separate room for two in a 3-4* hotel in high season ranges from $50 to $230.

And the last important factor is nutrition. The capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town, boasts a considerable number of restaurants, cafes, bars, eateries and other similar establishments.

Among the most popular are:

Terrace Restaurant at Maru Maru

• Terrace Restaurant at Maru Maru is the best city restaurant located on the roof of the hotel. Here you can take a hookah and admire the sunset;
• Tea House Restaurant – offers Persian, vegan and oriental cuisine;
• Zanzibar Coffee House Cafe – features an original interior and delicious lunches;
• Tamu Italian Ice Cream - an inexpensive cafe known for delicious ice cream;
• Lazuli – in this cafe you can try fresh juices, smoothies and cocktails from a variety of different fruits.

The average cost of lunch or dinner for two at a mid-price establishment will cost $50, and at a budget diner - approximately $20.

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Attractions

Numerous attractions of Stone Town are colorful and truly unique places that remain not only in the memory, but also on the Instagram of every tourist. Let's look at the main ones.

The old part of Zanzibar City, which is a must-visit, is called Stone Town. Its main distinguishing features are its varied architecture and narrow, tangled streets, in the labyrinth of which it is easy to get lost. But this coin also has a downside - houses standing closely next to each other create thick shade in which you can walk even in extreme heat. And the walk promises to be quite interesting!

Ancient buildings, more than 100-150 years old, elegant verandas, carved gates, ancient ruins, traditional Arab houses, palaces and small shops - all this takes us back a couple of centuries. But the most unusual thing is that in the limited territory of Stone Town there are 2 Catholic churches, 6 Hindu temples and more than 50 Muslim mosques - calls to prayer are heard here 5 times a day!

Unfortunately, most of the buildings are in poor condition, and some are completely destroyed, but they still deserve the attention of European tourists. Not long ago, the Stone Town in Zanzibar was included in the UNESCO register - this allows us to hope that the situation will soon change for the better.

This attraction will be of interest to both young and older people. And even though at first glance there is nothing special about it, it was in this house, located in the very center of Stone Town, that the famous Freddie Mercury, a legend of world music and the constant leader of the Queen group, was born and lived until he was 6 years old.

Nowadays, the uniqueness of this house, which now houses the Mercury House Hotel, is revealed only by a nameplate and a small plaque of honor mounted on one of the walls. Tourists have the opportunity to take a photo near the famous entrance door.

Address: Kenyatta Road, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

House of Miracles

The House of Miracles in Stone Town can be called the main architectural structure of all of Zanzibar. Until 1964, it served as the residence of local rulers, so it was here that such rare things at that time as electricity and plumbing first appeared.

Today the palace has lost its former grandeur. Famous politicians no longer live there, and the elevator that was used to move between floors has not been working for a long time. However, the building is alive - several of its rooms are given over to a museum dedicated to local crafts and customs. And from the terrace of the house there is a wonderful panorama, allowing you to fully admire the Old Town.

Address: Mizingani Rd, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Christ Church Cathedral

The Anglican Church in Stone Town, built in 1887, is considered the most significant architectural landmark of the island of Zanzibar. The whole point is in its extraordinary construction, which does not allow one to determine which denomination this building belongs to - Muslim or Christian. Meanwhile, the Church of Christ became the first first Catholic church built in eastern Africa

Christ Church Cathedral is a structure made of coral stone, a beautiful, but not very durable material. From the outside it looks quite austere - stained glass windows, pointed arches, a simple tiled roof and a bell tower with a clock.

Another thing is inside! The interior of the Anglican Church impresses with its beauty and richness. Thus, the altar part is decorated with multi-colored lamps and a chic engraving depicting biblical heroes. The wooden crucifix erected in honor of David Livingston, a scientist and champion of slavery, deserves no less attention. The main highlight of the Church of Christ is the upside-down columns installed by black workers and approved by the chief architect.

Near the Anglican Church there are several other attractions - Livingston House, a monument to slaves and a former slave square.

Address: Mkunazini, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Turtle Island

The coral island of Prizon is located near the Stone Town. Once there was a prison for slaves, now this beautiful place is famous for the huge turtles brought from the Seychelles.

Most of the inhabitants of Prison Island have long been over a hundred years old - now they live in a special nursery and delight the eyes of tourists. And most importantly, turtles are freely available, as they roam throughout the island. You can take photos with them, pet them, feed them leaves, accompany them on walks, etc. The main thing is not to violate the rules of staying in the nursery.

• Address: Off the Coast From Stone Town | Shangani, Stone Town, Zanzibar 3395, Tanzania.
• Opening hours: 9.00 – 16.15.
• Entrance fee: 5$.

Looking at photos of Stone Town in Zanzibar, it is impossible not to notice the pictures of the Darajani Bazaar market. This place, imbued with African flavor, is aimed not only at guests of the island, but also at local residents. The biggest attraction of the island is located in the historical district of the city. Since its founding in 1904, practically nothing has changed here. Numerous stalls with various spices, interesting fruits and high-quality coffee, stalls with fresh and dried seafood, long rows of clothes - all this is accompanied by incredible hubbub and various aromas.

Market location near the Anglican Church on Market Street.

Spice Farm (Tangawizi Spice Farm)

A variety of herbs and spices are not just a profitable agricultural industry, but also an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of the city of Zanzibar. Recently, more and more specialized farms have opened on the island, where they grow ginger, basil, pepper, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, lemongrass and cloves. One such amazing place is Tangawizi Spice Farm. In addition to herbs, a variety of fruits grow here, the names of which are unfamiliar to the average European.

For a small fee you can see, touch, smell, taste and even buy all this. The quality of spices is very high, the prices are appropriate. At the city market, the same spices are sold at 2 or even 3 times cheaper. But even if you are not going to buy anything, be sure to bring small change. Tangawizi Spice Farm owners often give small gifts and expect a small tip in return.

Address: Kianga - Dole | next to the Dole Mosque, Stone Town, Zanzibar City.

Forodhani Park

Forodhani Gardens can be called the most visited attraction in Stone Town in Zanzibar. They represent a spacious area located near the city embankment. The name of the park, which translated means “ship unloading point,” is due to long-standing historical events - several centuries ago, slaves were brought to this place for sale at the local slave market.

Today, only memories remain of those terrible events. Forodhani Gardens now attracts attention with its market, a mecca for street food. With the onset of evening, an ordinary pier with shady alleys and ancient cannons turns into a huge fast food! Closer to sunset, the entire area of ​​the square is occupied by chefs, “armed” with their own braziers, najas, barbecues and other culinary equipment. The list of dishes is amazing in its diversity - shrimp and octopus, lobster and fritters with fish filling, marlin and lobster, tuna and French fries, sailfish, dorado and much more. Any of these dishes will be prepared right before your eyes.

To do this, just put everything your heart desires on a disposable plate and take it to the cooks. Payment is made both before and at the end of the meal. It’s better to check prices right away, because later you simply won’t be able to prove anything.

Address: On the Waterfront, Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Tanzania.

Beaches

The island of Zanzibar boasts a huge variety of beaches. However, in Stone Town itself the water is quite dirty and swimming in it is a dubious pleasure. If you are looking for a place to lie on the beach, you will have to go out of town. Among the most popular places for a beach holiday are Pingu, Nungwi, Kendwa, Kizimkazi, Kiwengwa and many others. We will look at the nearest beaches located near the capital of Zanzibar.

Bububu Beach, which is the closest beach to Stone Town, is a 30-minute walk from the city center. This place is called quiet and secluded. The path to it runs through villages with a unique Tanzanian flavor.

Several comfortable hotels have been built on Bububu, but only one has become famous - the Hakuna Matata, located in a lagoon with clean white sand and surrounded by mango trees towering directly above the water. The rest of Bububu's coastline is covered with small pebbles. The main advantage of this beach is the low tides and the small number of people, which allows you to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility.

Nakupenda

Looking at photos of the city of Zanzibar, you can see a small disappearing island located near Prizon. Why disappearing? Yes, because it appears only in the first half of the day, during low tide. Despite its small size, the beach on Nakupenda Island is very popular and is considered one of the most important natural attractions.

Crystal clear azure water, starfish, several dozen pleasure boats, a dozen souvenir sellers, grilled seafood and not a single tree around... The special atmosphere of this place is fueled by the knowledge that in just a few hours it will disappear into the ocean depths, only to reappear in the morning . The only drawback of Nakupenda is the influx of tourists arriving here every day.

Prices on the page are for August 2018.

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Weather and climate - when is the best time to come?

Stone Town in Tanzania can be called an ideal holiday destination in terms of weather, because it is warm here all year round. The average air temperature is +30⁰С, the water warms up to +26⁰С. The rainy season lasts from May to April - during this period some hotels remain closed. If you decide to come to Zanzibar in early February, you can catch Sauti za Busara, an annual music festival that sells out long before it starts.

As you can see, a visit to Stone Town in Zanzibar promises to be bright and eventful. Have a good trip and unforgettable impressions!

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But up close you can see the real African upper class: the tin roofs are almost rust-free, houses made of clay and sticks are not visible, houses made of foam blocks are not only plastered, but also painted. There are a dozen conventional high-rise buildings.

The beaches of Zanzibar turn into slush, mud and stones at low tide, Mama Africa is still fun, so we are in Zanzibar for the sake of the UNESCO pearl - the old colonial core of Zanzibar City - Stone Town.

It seems that Zanzibar has been a center of navigation in the Indian Ocean and trade with the African Great Lakes region for approximately as long as humans have had any highly developed civilization, at least since the Sumerians and Assyrians. Vasco da Gama, discovering this land for the Portuguese, discovered Arab city-states: Arab, Persian, Indian trade and settlement of the region are 2 thousand years old, and the oldest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere was founded by Yemenis in 1107 in the south of the island, in the village of Kizimkazi .

To the city in place Stone Town 1000 years, but everything that has survived, and what is worth going for, was built by Oman, starting in 1699 with a fort, recapturing the territory from:

At the peak of its power, Oman owned the entire coast of the Persian Gulf and East Africa in the area of ​​​​modern Somalia, Tanzania, Mozambique and - an absolutely amazing fact - in 1840 Said ibn Sultan moved the capital from Muscat to Stone Town. Now the massive volumes of the palaces lined up on the Stone Town embankment resemble the capital embankments of Europe, down to the specifically Arabian decoration and layout:

Those interested can get inside the palaces operated as a museum, hotel or restaurant - it’s cool there:

Oman's economic power rested on the trade in slaves, spices and ivory. After the death of Said ibn Sultan, greater Oman disintegrates, and in 1876 forces the Sultanate of Zanzibar to abolish the slave trade (the Russian Empire abolished serfdom 15 years earlier). Zanzibar soon becomes a British protectorate.

The slave trading rows of the Darajani market (well, it’s always like that in the market - meat rows, rows for phở bò, etc) symbolically demolish and build an Anglican church, and today a monument in which original slave chains of those times are used on stone figures:

In December 1963, history takes a predictable turn: Great Britain, of course, betrays the Sultan (and almost simultaneously the white minority of its colony, and then), unilaterally terminating the protectorate. A month later, as part of the national liberation struggle, the Sultan is overthrown by black revolutionaries, and, having previously massacred 20,000 people from the Arab and Indian minorities, they join modern Tanzania (Great Britain decides not to interfere).

A clear picture - dead Arabs and Asians, victims of the revolution, some, for some reason, with cut off penises stuffed down their throats:


wiki

An attentive Russian will find in Tanzania some parallels with his homeland - in the 70s and 80s Tanzania built socialism and a one-party system under the leadership of the Revolutionary Party Chama Cha Mapinduzi. In the 90s, the one-party system was abolished, economic relief was given, but Chama Cha Mapinduzi still has a visible office in every village and appoints presidents with a 60 percent share of votes (although Africans have a little more rights - presidents are allowed to change once every 10 years, free Tanzania already has the 4th president in history):

The Sultan's country palaces lie in ruins, except for the palace in Kibweni, which houses the government residence. The combat boats on the roadstead of the palace remind of the fate of the last sultan - he and the government managed to escape on a yacht.

Zanzibar City

Zanzibar City welcomes you with familiar sights:

Stone Town

On the left, with the clock tower, is the “House of Miracles,” one of the palaces of Sultan Barghash ibn Said, built in 1883, the first building in this part of Africa with a clock, running water and an elevator. On the right is the Old Fort. The strip of parks in the background, now separating the labyrinthine market streets of Stone Town from the six-story buildings of Zanzibar City, is a now buried estuary Pwani Ndogo, which previously separated the eastern elite of the city from the African suburbs:

The old city was located entirely on a peninsula connected to Unguja by a narrow spit:

The House of Wonders housed a museum of East Africa and Swahili culture, but in 2012 the House partially collapsed and the museum moved to the next colonial building.

In half of the fort there is now a souvenir market, a stage and an amphitheater for concerts, and in 1879, when the Sultan built the first railway in this part of Africa, its depot and Zanzibar terminal were somewhere on the site of the amphitheater or souvenir market:

Fort:

The main palace of the Sultan, the same one that the British destroyed in the famous, shortest in history 38-minute Anglo-Zanzibar war:

Guidebooks advise not to walk around Stone Town after dark.

I don’t know - the real danger awaits the traveler during the day: cars are prohibited, so the local male population demonstrates all its power by knocking down random passers-by, jumping out into narrow streets from the strangest corners:

Playing grains:

Mailbox:

There are two parapets:

Carved doors with metal spikes against elephants, photos of which must be brought from Stone Town, are called traditional Swahili in Zanzibar museums, but such doors (though without elephant spikes - there are no elephants in the Gulf) are typical of the Islamic architecture of historical medinas (for example,), and they were apparently improved with anti-elephant spikes in India:

People look at Zanzibar doors, but what if they have to look at Zanzibar walls?


Snek

In Zanzibar, they also cultivate a special African visual wall painting - without any composition: the necessary objects are placed in rows at equal distances. Education of taste begins with visual materials in kindergartens:

Then school -

The pinnacle of my career is to draw the official symbols of the Semi-Autonomous Region of Zanzibar on the walls of government buildings and institutions, fortunately a hoe, a machete, a palm tree and 2 silhouettes - Unguja and - are wisely spaced on a white field in accordance with African tradition. The ubiquitous abbreviation SMZ stands for Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar(Swahili - Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar). Zanzibaris are much better at federalism than ours: on the islands it sometimes seems that no Tanzania exists; the last mention of the Tanzanian government is found in the visa application form.

SMZ= Skuli Ya Msingi Mkunazini:

When Tanzanian socialism fell in the early 90s, Zanzibar itself, much faster than the mainland, allowed exchangers, free export-import activities and tourism in the archipelago is growing exponentially.

SMZ= Maendeleo:

* * *

The stone city is tangled and layered like a gnarled stump: neo-Moorish ones peek out from behind traditional Arab houses, and Art Deco and Constructivism bulge from behind them. Very cool.

They sell firewood:

Sell ​​furniture:

Bananas:

Mango:

Radio market:

Guidebooks write that if you come to Forodhani Gardens at sunset, you will find one of the best street food markets in the world(!). Well, I don’t know if a city food market could turn out better, why should Sergei Semenovich? Very doubtful!

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For the first time in 20 years of travel, the arrogant habit of not looking at the seasons at the destination (well, because why), unpleasantly repaid: in April-May in Zanzibar the rainy season is such that it is difficult to go outside. Take it into account.

Stone Town, or Stone Town, in (Zanzibar) is the oldest city in the archipelago. The area was inhabited back in the 16th century, and in the 17th century the first stone buildings began to appear here. From 1840 to 1856 Stone Town was the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Now Stone Town is the most visited in Africa. Stone Town has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

General information about Stone Town in Zanzibar

Weather in Stone Town

The average annual air temperature is +30⁰С, the water temperature on the beach is almost always +26⁰С. You can come all year round, but in May-April and November the rainy season, so some close or reduce the cost of living. From June to October there is practically no rain here and the air temperature is quite comfortable for tourists.

Currency exchange

The national currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian shilling, the coins are called cents. Banknotes in use are 200, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 shillings, but coins are practically not used on the island. You can import any currency - both dollars and euros are accepted here, but it is prohibited to export shillings from the country. Exchange currency at hotels, banks and licensed currency exchange offices. Exchanging currency on the street is illegal and risks deportation from the island. Banks in Stone Town are open from 8:30 to 16:00 on weekdays and until 13:00 on Saturdays. Exchange offices in the city are open until 20-00.

Credit cards are practically not accepted here, even in large hotels and expensive restaurants. Therefore, you can leave them at home. There are no ATMs in the city, and it is impossible to cash out cards in banks.

Sights of Stone Town

In Stone Town, we recommend going on excursions to the Sultan's Palace, or (House of Wonders), Old Fort and Cultural Center, and Slave Trade Square. An equally important attraction of the Stone Town is the Cathedral of Saint Joseph (St. Joseph's Cathedral).

The most beautiful place here is the Forodani Gardens, which were recently restored at a cost of $3 million. Every evening after sunset, performances for tourists begin here, along with the sale of grilled seafood and sweets based on Zanzibar recipes. The main diving center is located in Stone Town. The maximum depth is 30 meters, there are beautiful corals, underwater mountains, various marine flora and fauna.

Stone Town Hotels

Among the hotels in the city, the most popular among tourists are Doubletree By Hilton Zanzibar and Al-Minar - chic hotels that are decorated in warm colors in the traditional Zanzibar style. Hand-carved furniture and African decorative items give the rooms a special coziness. Forodhani Park Hotel features a rooftop outdoor pool and a café, located across the street from Forodhani Gardens. Price - from $100 per night.

For budget tourists, we offer Zanzibar Dormitory Lodge hostels within walking distance of the Old Fort and St. Monica's Lodge on the territory of the slave market. Breakfast is included in the price. Night stay - from $60.

Restaurants in Stone Town

The best restaurant is considered to be the Terrace Restaurant at Maru Maru - an elegant establishment on the roof of the hotel where you can order a hookah and watch the sunset on the ocean. Tourists also have positive reviews of the Tea House Restaurant with vegetarian, Middle Eastern and Persian cuisine and the Zanzibar Coffee House Cafe with an authentic interior and delicious lunches. The best ice cream in the city can be tasted at Tamu Italian Ice Cream, a family-run budget cafe, 2,500 shillings per scoop of any flavor. You can try an excellent selection of smoothies, cocktails, fresh juices from selected fruits and shakes for 3,500 shillings at the Lazuli cafe.

Shopping

Shopping lovers will not really like it in Stone Town. There are only two shopping centers here - Memories and Curio Shop. Prices for clothing and jewelry are low, but the choice is quite limited. The main purchases are various. The most popular are Tingatinga's paintings, which are sold only on. They depict fun African life on the island. The paintings are very popular not only among tourists, but also among residents of the mainland.

Note to tourists

1. It is best to call home at the post office, because... Calls from the hotel are much more expensive. At night and on Sundays, the cost of long-distance calls is two times cheaper. Mobile phones practically do not connect to the network, and in order to make a call, you must have the GSM-900 communication standard and activate international roaming. The Internet can be used in special business centers at hotels.
2. To visit Zanzibar you are no longer required to be vaccinated against yellow fever, although previously you would not have been allowed at the border without a certificate. The island has a low level of malaria, so the holiday is considered safe.
3. In addition to the local police, which keep order, there is a special tourist police in the city. There have been practically no cases of theft; tourists are respected and helped as much as possible, because they bring the majority of the income to the state.

How to get to Stone Town?

9 kilometers from the city there is Kiswani Airport (Airport Zanzibar Kisauni), which receives regular flights from and other major cities. From the airport to the center of Stone Town is half an hour away by car. A taxi costs about 10,000 shillings. You can also take a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town in 2.5 hours.

Transport

Stone Town has very narrow streets and the city itself is small, so the transport system is practically undeveloped. But on major streets you can see motorcycles that are used to transport people and goods. Public transport in the city is called Daladala - taxis in the form of minibuses. The main station is located in Arajani Market. For travel between cities, mabasi are available - trucks that locals have adapted to transport people in the back and on the roof. The main station is located near the slave market.

Also in the city, unlike mainland Tanzania, you can freely rent a car. The roads in Zanzibar are excellent. Renting a car for locals costs half as much as for tourists, so if you want to save money, ask one of the locals to hire a car for you or arrange at a hotel.