The capital of Zanzibar Archipelago has white sand beaches and a historic old town, Stone Town. Explore spice markets, ancient mosques, and enjoy music by the waterfront.
Zanzibar City, the capital of Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago, is known for its historic Stone Town, with its narrow alleys and wooden doors adorned with brass studs. The city has centuries-old buildings like the House of Wonders, a former sultan's palace. Beyond the old town, you'll find spice plantations and nearby islands with white-sand beaches. The city's food, architecture, and culture reflect African, Arab, and Indian influences.
Stone Town's Winding Alleys
Stone Town, the historic center of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through its narrow streets, you'll see wooden doors with intricate carvings, some featuring brass studs – a sign of the area's Indian influence. The town's buildings incorporate Arab, Persian, Indian, and European architectural elements, a testament to its past as a trading center. In the House of Wonders, now a museum, you can learn about Swahili and Zanzibar culture.
Zanzibar's Spice Legacy
Zanzibar is often called "Spice Island" because of its history in the spice trade. You can take a tour to see, smell, and taste various spices grown here, such as cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These tours often include visits to active plantations where you can observe traditional farming methods. You'll find these spices in many local dishes, which you can try at restaurants or the Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town.
Beaches Near Zanzibar City
While Zanzibar City isn't on the coast, you can reach several beaches within an hour's drive. Nungwi Beach, about an hour north of the city, has white sand and calm waters. For a less crowded experience, you can go to Kendwa Beach, a short distance from Nungwi. At these beaches, you can swim, snorkel, or watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
Historical Sites in Zanzibar City
On Stone Town's seafront, you'll find the Old Fort, the oldest building in the city. Built in the 17th century as a defense against Portuguese attacks, it now hosts cultural events and houses small shops. Next to it is the Palace Museum, once home to the Sultan of Zanzibar. Inside, you can see artifacts from the island's former ruling family and learn about Zanzibar's sultanate period.
Day Trips from Zanzibar City
Many visitors take a trip to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. Despite its name, it was never used as a prison. Instead, you'll find a group of giant Aldabra tortoises living there. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes. On the island, you can feed the tortoises, look around the old quarantine station ruins, or relax on the beach.
Climate and When to Visit
Zanzibar City has a tropical climate with temperatures between 25°C and 29°C (77°F to 84°F) year-round. The city has two rainy seasons: the "long rains" from March to May and the "short rains" in November and December. If you want to avoid rain, visit between June and October. During these months, the weather is generally good for walking around the city and spending time at the beach.
