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Stone Town
Stone Town is the old quarter of Zanzibar: coral stone, carved doors, the harbour, and the night market.
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Zanzibar Stone Town Holidays
Zanzibar Town is the capital of Zanzibar Island but one part of it is particularly worth visiting: Stone Town. A maze of narrow, twisting streets and alleyways, Stone Town oozes history from every pore. A trading centre for 2,000 years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its wide range of architectural styles, eclectic collection of languages and the tastes, smells and sights of many cultures – Asian, Arab, African and European.
You can simply stroll around and soak up the atmosphere but given its labyrinthine nature and the number of ‘guides’ offering their services, we’d recommend booking a guided city walking tour and seeing the sights in comfort. There are museums, forts, cathedrals and mosques to discover and you’ll take in colourful markets and nearby spice plantations too.
Staying in Stone Town
Often experienced as a day tour, Stone Town does in fact have plenty of very upmarket and well-located accommodation. Many visitors stay for a night or two after flying in from the mainland and before hitting the island’s dazzling beaches. Elegant villas and boutique hotels provide a cool refuge to return to after a day of exploring and staff will be happy to arrange excursions in the area – a sunset dhow cruise is usually considered the best way to end the day in Stone Town!
When to visit Stone Town
Located on Zanzibar’s west coast, Stone Town has a tropical climate typical of the East African coast: it’s often very humid with temperatures warm to hot all year round. Rainfall is heavy from mid-March to late May and in November. The best time to visit Stone Town is during the hot and mostly dry December to February period or in the more comfortable June to October spring months, which offer the driest weather and cooler temperatures.
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Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Stone Town during your trip to Zanzibar. Let our travel experts guide you through the best attractions and hidden gems. Start planning your Zanzibar adventure today!
What travellers most enjoyed about Stone Town
Cultural interactions
Food and wine
Scenery
Where to go
- The baseA Stone Town hotel for the town nights, then a beach hotel. Moving every night wastes the island.
- The pairingA north-coast or east-coast beach for the rest of the nights. A northern safari before it if the trip is both.
When to go
When to go
June to October and December to February. The long rains, March to May, are the quieter, wetter weeks.
Travel advice
Before you travel
Zanzibar is malarial. Dress modestly in the old town. The alleys are a walk, not a car.
Popular tours and safaris in Stone Town
Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.
Ask for the rate
Luxury Kilimanjaro Lemosho Climb
3 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Kilimanjaro | Tanzania
From KSh721,910 to KSh1,416,554 pps
5-Day Luxury Serengeti Safari
5 daysHighlights
Game drives set around the month you travel. Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Serengeti | Tanzania
From KSh410,294 to KSh681,660 pps
5 Day Comfortable Serengeti Safari
5 daysHighlights
Game drives set around the month you travel.
Destinations visited
Serengeti | Tanzania
From KSh116,856 to KSh259,680 pps
Family Zanzibar Beach
6 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Tanzania | Zanzibar
From KSh798,516 to KSh1,011,454 pps
7-Day Tanzania Family-Friendly Migration Safari
7 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Arusha | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti | Tanzania
From KSh945,235 to KSh1,362,022 pps
7-Day Northern Tanzania Family Safari
7 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Arusha | Ngorongoro Crater | Northern Serengeti | Tanzania
From KSh654,394 to KSh797,218 pps
Tanzania's Best Value Migration Safari
7 daysHighlights
Game drives set around the month you travel.
Destinations visited
Arusha | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti | Tanzania | Tarangire
From KSh1,546,394 to KSh2,111,198 pps
Tanzania's Mnemba Private Island
7 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Tanzania | Zanzibar
Stone Town Accommodation
Accommodation in Stone Town ranges from family-friendly hotels to luxurious honeymoon hideaways. The emphasis at all of them however is on providing a cool and calm setting after a day of exploration and discovery in Zanzibar’s cultural melting pot.
Converted palaces, boutique hotels and roof-top dining are among the highlights of our selected Stone Town accommodation – browse our recommendations or simply contact one of our African Safari Experts for advice on the best Stone Town hotel for your requirements.
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Activities Travellers Enjoyed
From KSh9,980 to KSh14,280 pps
Activities Travellers Enjoyed
From KSh24,015 to KSh32,050 pps
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A named stay for Stone Town is not on a published itinerary yet. Get a quote and the camp can be written in.
Costs
Stone Town is a town rate, smaller than a beach resort and much smaller than a Serengeti camp. The flights belong on the quote.
International flights, visas, and tips sit outside the sample price. Nothing is paid until you accept the quote.