Excursion Stone town - a unesco's world heritage site tour at Zanzibar

Discover the highlights of Stone Town (a UNESCO's World Heritage Site), Zanzibar's major port and town. Your introduction begins with a visit to the city Market where you experience the hustle and bustle of morning activities. See and smell the tropical fruits piled high and the freshly ground spices neatly packed for sale.

Slave Market

Proceed to the Anglican Church built in 1874 by Bishop Steer on the site of the Great Slave Market, once the hub of the slave trade for the whole of East Africa. At its peak, up to 60,000 slaves passed through the market each year. You also visit the underground chambers where the slaves were held before being taken to the market. The site hosts a recently commissioned photo exhibition showcasing the slave trade and its abolition.

Sultan's Palace

Next, proceed for an outside visit to the Sultan's Palace, also known as the Palace Museum. The Palace was built in the late 19th century during the reign of the Omani Sultanate. It served as the residence for the ruling Sultan and his family, symbolizing the wealth and influence of the Omani Arab rulers who governed Zanzibar. Its location along the seafront in Stone Town reflects its prominence, with a strategic view of the Indian Ocean. The palace was heavily influenced by Omani architecture, blended with Zanzibari and European elements, showcasing the cosmopolitan nature of Zanzibar during that period as a major trading hub for spices, ivory, and slaves. The palace remained a royal residence until the Zanzibar Revolution of 1964, which overthrew the Sultanate and marked the end of its rule.

Old Fort

Overlooking a small square and the ocean, the fort was established by the Portuguese as a trading depot in the 16th century. It has been recently restored and now houses a number of craft and souvenir shops around the inner courtyard. From the fort, your guide leads you on a short walking tour through the narrow alleys that lead to the heart of Stone Town, passing the Roman Catholic Church, some extraordinary Zanzibar doors and glimpses of typical Zanzibar life.

Re-join your coach for the return drive to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Zanzibar, City Market, Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, Sultan's Palace (outside visit), Old Fort, Craft and Souvenir Shops, Stone Town, Indian Ocean

Note

Please Note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately .55 miles (900 metres) and approximately 22 steps. Guests must be aware that buses and guides are the best available. Tour vehicles come in various sizes and qualities; air-conditioning cannot be guaranteed. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim therefore guests should dress conservatively with shoulders and knees covered. As climate can be extremely hot and humid, we recommend wearing comfortable closed-toed shoes, cool cotton clothing, sunscreen and a hat. The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Souvenir shop accepts USD, EURO, GBP and credit cards. Photographing of Police Officers or persons in uniform is strictly forbidden.