Zanzibar - A Dark History

History and culture on Zanzibar

Charlie
Charlie
Africa Specialist
Published on
02 Mar 2018
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Zanzibar Slave Trade

It is easy to look at the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar and think of paradise but there is a dark side of this beautiful island that should not be forgotten!

Stone Town
The white sandy beach of Stone Town

Zanzibar was the slave trade capital of the world, as the gateway to the Indian Ocean individuals were taken from central Africa to the island. 40-50,000 people per year were piled onto overcrowded boats, thousands didn’t survive the journey.

In 1811 San Bin Sultan opened a slave trade market, throughout the 60 years of operation over 1 million individuals were traded. A third of the people were sold to plantations on the island of Zanzibar, to work on clove and spice farms, the others were shipped to Persia, Egypt and Arabia.

Zanzibar Slave Trade
Zanzibar Slave Chambers

In 1876 the slave trade was officially abolished and the sale of individuals became illegal, slavery itself remained legal in Zanzibar until 1897.

Spend some time exploring Stone Town to find out more....

Stone Town
Anglican Christ Church Cathedral

On the site of the old slave market now stands the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral; take a tour to learn more about the dark history of this area.

Slave Market Memorial
The Slave Market Memorial

Take a moment to stop at the Slavery Monument outside the Church, a very poignant reminder of the conditions that these people had to suffer.

Slavery Museum
Inside the Slavery Museam

Visit the Slavery museum, if you decide to visit alone (without a guide – you don’t necessarily need one) then the entrance fee is approx $5 per person. The information boards are all translated into English and offer a wealth of information about the Slave Trade and the history of Zanzibar.

If you want to take your time in Stone Town then add a couple of nights into your holiday and stay in one of the many hotels in the city. Alternatively day trips to Stone Town can be arranged from anywhere on the island of Zanzibar, the beaches on the East Coast are approx 1hr 15min drive away.

To find out more about Zanzibar please contact the team at Far and Wild Travel.

Speak to a Zanzibar expert today

and start planning your tailor-made vacation

Call 888 445-2912
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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 )

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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!

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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
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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!,

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March, 2024
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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