What to do in Stone Town

Make the most of your trip to Stone Town

Charlie
Charlie
Africa Specialist
Published on
15 Dec 2017
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Stone Town By Night

It is very easy to land in Zanzibar and head straight to the beach, however if you want to add a little culture and history to your trip then add a couple of nights in Stone Town to your itinerary.

The capital of Zanzibar, and once the slave trade capital of the world, Stone town has a dark history to discover. Here are some of my suggestions on how to make the best use of your time in this wonderful city…

1. A tour of the city

Stone Town
Former Slave Market in Stone Town

Be enthralled in the history and stories of old as your wander the streets of Stone Town. Visit the Anglican Cathedral and the Slave markets, the Old Arabic Fort and see the imposing Zanzibar doors.

2. Spice Tour

Lipstick Tree Spice Tour
Lipstick Tree, Stone Town Spice tour

As the world leader in clove production, a spice tour of Zanzibar is a great way to learn more about this wonderful island. With an expert guide, explore the spice farm and learn the three different smells of the Cinnamon tree and find out why vanilla is so expensive.

3. Prison Island

Prison Island Zanzibar
Prison Island, Zanzibar

Just a 30 minute from Stone Town, Prison Island is so called as it was originally used as a prison. It was later used as a quarantine hospital and now accommodates the giant tortoises that were banned from Stone Town!

4. Shopping

Shopping Stone Town
Shopping in Stone Town

As well as the markets and street traders there are also some great tourist shops to stop and shop for your souvenirs and gifts. There are also many shops selling the rare and exclusive Tanzanite…. But if you are looking in invest then do your research in advance so that you know exactly what you are buying.

5. Eat Seafood

Seafood Stone Town
Seafood, Stone Town

From the local markets to fine dining restaurants the seafood in Stone town is as fresh as can be. With lobster, king prawns and fresh calamari on the menu in many establishments you really are in for a treat.

Stone Town is certainly worth a visit, if you would like to build it into your itinerary then please contact the Far and Wild team.

Happy Travels everyone

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

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March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024