5 Things You Have to Do in Stone Town, Zanzibar

1. Get lost in the old town

Stone Town's magic is in its narrow lanes, its mix of Swahili, Arab and Indian buildings and its famous carved wooden doors, some more than a hundred years old. The best way to enjoy it is to wander for an hour or two, ideally with a local guide who can explain the details you would otherwise miss.

2. Learn the history at the House of Wonders and the old slave market

The House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib) was once the tallest building in East Africa and the first in Zanzibar with electricity. Nearby, the site of the former slave market now holds a memorial and an Anglican cathedral built on the spot. It is a moving and important part of the island's story.

3. Visit a spice farm

Zanzibar is called the "Spice Island" for good reason. Cloves, vanilla, cardamom, nutmeg and black pepper have grown here for centuries. On a spice farm tour you see, smell and taste them fresh from the plant, usually followed by tropical fruit.

4. Eat at Forodhani Gardens at sunset

In the evening this seafront park becomes a busy food market, with Zanzibari pizza, seafood skewers, fresh sugarcane juice and the local urojo soup cooked in front of you. Locals and visitors share tables facing the harbor.

5. Sail on a dhow at sunset

Gliding along the coast in a traditional wooden dhow as the sky turns orange over the Indian Ocean is hard to capture in photos. Most cruises include a swim stop and end with drinks on deck as the sun sets.

How long to stay

Two or three days lets you enjoy Stone Town properly, especially if you are also spending time on the beaches. It is also a lovely way to end a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb, and many of our trips finish here.