Town · Zanzibar
Stone Town (Zanzibar Town)
Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Zanzibar's main town, blending history with a genuine, lived-in city.
How to get there
By direct flight or ferry from Dar es Salaam.
What to find
A base for exploring Stone Town itself, with easy onward access to Zanzibar's beaches.
Overview
Stone Town is also Zanzibar's main town and the natural base for exploring the island. It's lively and busy, with markets, restaurants, rooftop bars and the waterfront, alongside its UNESCO-listed heritage.
From here, the famous beaches are an hour or so away: Nungwi and Kendwa in the north, and Paje, Jambiani and Matemwe on the east coast. That makes Stone Town the perfect first or last stop of a beach stay.
Highlights
- Evening food stalls at the Forodhani Gardens
- The Darajani market and spice stalls
- Rooftop sunsets over the harbour
- Easy transfers to the island's beaches
Things to do
Spice tour
Visit spice farms outside the town.
Prison Island
A boat trip to see giant tortoises.
Beach transfers
The north and east coast beaches.
Best time to visit
June to October and December to February are the driest.
Getting there
By direct flight to Zanzibar, or a fast ferry from Dar es Salaam (about 2 hours). Zanzibar requires compulsory travel insurance for foreign visitors, which we help you arrange.
Where to stay
Boutique hotels in the old town, and beach resorts across the island.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Tanzania →
Good to know
- Spend 1 to 2 nights in Stone Town, then head to the beach.
- Carry some cash. Not everywhere accepts cards.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.
From Stone Town (Zanzibar Town)
Places to visit from Stone Town (Zanzibar Town)
Drive times are approximate. Look up another city.