| DISCOVER
THE SECRET OF ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar
Island is unique to the true meaning of the word. It is a pleasant
mixture of Persian, Oriental, African, European and Arabian rich
colorful cultures, exotic foods, natural beauty, forests and spectacular
romantic beaches.
STONE
TOWN
 More
than anything else, Stone Town is what makes Zanzibar different
from other beach destinations. Behind its elegant waterfront, it
is a place of narrow winding alleys, jostling bazaars, mosques and
a distinctive Swahili Arab Architecture, evidenced in the brass-studded,
carved wooden doors see throughout the island.
Most of the houses in Stone Town were built in the 19th century
when Zanzibar island was one of the most important trading centres
in the Indian Ocean region. The tradition was Swahili, those commissioning
the houses were usually Omani, British architects were often used
as were Indian carpenters. This mixture of cultures is evident in
the exotic nature of the houses.
Unfortunately due
to lack of preservation, many of the places are in ruin. Countless
places have also been destroyed due to neglect and lack of funds
to maintain them. Stone Town was recently and deservedly declared
a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
A night or two in
Stone Town will complete your trip to Zanzibar, and might be a necessity,
depending on your flight schedules. If you are into cultural activities,
you might want to spend more than a night in Stone Town, as this
is where it all happens.
SUGGESTED
TOURS & EXCURSIONS
Stone Town Tour
This tour takes you through fabled Stone Town,
where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of
Wonders, the Palace Museum (People's Palace), Dr Livingstone's House
and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the
essence of Zanzibar. You will see Zanzibar's bustling market, winding
alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and
countless mosques! A trip to the site of Sultan Barghash's harem
at Marahubi should also be included and rounds off an insight into
Zanzibar's huge history and vibrant culture. Stone Town has some
excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to
choose from.
Price per
person: US$40
Prison Island
Once the site of a gaol for misbehaving slaves,
the island lies just off the old stone town. It is fringed with
a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling, and has a lovely
white beach for sun-bathing.
It is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the
Seychelles in the late 19th century. This island is ideal for a
day-trip with refreshments available throughout the day. It also
has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish.
Price per
person: US$50
Spice Tour
The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete
without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices
which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous
slave trade.This tour takes you to various areas where these spices
are harvested. You will be asked to smell and taste various spices
and guess what they are, as well as witness harvesters climbing
huge trees with no harnesses or protection, to bring down coconuts
for your delight.
Price per
person: US$35
Jozani Forest
This is a protected forest housing the endangered
Red Colobus monkey. This is definitely worth a visit, if only to
see the monkeys. Nature walks are offered through the forest and
is a great way to see the wildlife on the island. Be sure to dress
comfortably, as there is very little shade on the walk.
Price per
person: US$50
Kizimkazi
About one hour South of Stone Town is the
little village and beautiful beach of Kizimkazi. The local fishermen
have organised themselves to take visitors on trips to see the dolphins.
Sightings are almost guaranteed and it is not uncommon to be able
to swim amongst them.
Price per
person: US$100
Mangapwani Beach
Some 15 miles North of Stone Town is the beautiful
beach of Mangapwani.
This beach is surrounded by flamboyant trees and is a beautiful
spot for bathing. There is also a restaurant at Mangapwani owned
by the Serena Inn - bookings can be made directly from the Serena
in Stone Town.
This is where you will find the Mangapwani Coral Caves and the Slave
Chambers. The coral caves are not of particular interest, so seeing
them is optional. The slave chambers are a little further along
the road. They were used to house slaves after trading was banished
in 1872. Traders used to hide the slaves in this underground structure,
waiting for their ships to transport the slaves out of Zanzibar
Price per
person: US$50
The Palaces and Persian
baths North of Stone Town
A day trip to Mangapwani beach can be enhanced
by a stop over at the ruins of the various Sultans Palaces along
the coast. The closest is Maruhubi Palace. This impressive palace
built for Sultan Barghash at the end of the 19th Century was destroyed
by fire at the turn in 1899. There are interesting remains of the
bathing areas. Mtoni Palace, was built at the beginning of the 19th
Century for Sultan Said. This was a massive complex and was the
house where Princess Salme was born. Only the main central structure
remains relatively intact and provides an idea of how impressive
the Palace once must have been. Beit el Ras Palace is still further
up the the North Road out of Zanzibar near the teacher training
School. This palace was constructed by Sultan Said but is now in
a sad state of repairs. To reach the Persian Baths, simply turn
left off the main North Road at Bububu and travel for a few Kilometres
until you see the baths on your right. The baths are still relatively
intact and interesting for a short visit.
Price per
person: US$33
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ACCOMMODATION
HOTELS IN STONE TOWN
Our selected hotels
in Stone Town include: Zanzibar
Serena Inn , 236 Hurumzi
, Mbweni Ruins, Tembo
Hotel and Dhow
Palace
Zanzibar Serena Inn
Idyllically situated
on the sea front of ancient Stone Town, washed by the aquamarine
waters of the Zanzibar channel, redolent of the scent of cloves
and flanked by an exotic melange of sultan’s palaces, Portuguese
forts, ancient dhow harbours, dark slave markets, and bright bazaars,
the Zanzibar Serena Inn is a haven of tranquillity and opulence
amongst the bustle of Zanzibar. Faithfully restored and lavishly
embellished with a jackdaw collection of antique clocks, crystal
chandeliers, fretwork screens, carved staircases, Persian rugs and
brass-studded doors, the interior design concept is a fusion of
authenticity and opulence that reflects the very essence of Zanzibar.
The Rooms
 Each
room is cool, white and constructed to the traditional design of
a Swahili house, which is dependant upon the length of the mangrove
poles that make up its ceilings. Adorned with arched niches, antique
plates and brass lamps and featuring traditionally carved furniture,
cool-ceramics, intricate fretwork, draped beds and louver doors
giving onto wrought-iron balconies overlooking the Persian-bath
pool and azure bay beyond, each room reflects a blend of essential
Zanzibar and world-class elegance.
Dining
Constructed so that the waves lap to within inches of its open windows
and the lateen-sailed dhows pass within metres of its tables, the
Baharia Restaurant features lazily whirring fans, a jewel-glass
atrium, mangrove-pole ceiling, fretwork screens, Omani carvings,
Persian rugs and bright Swahili artefacts.
The Zanzibar cuisine, meanwhile, is a glorious melee of freshly
caught seafood, fresh picked spices, luscious fruit and delicately
flavoured vegetables. You will enjoy exclusive Seafood Restaurant
on our open-air terrace with magnificent views over the Zanzibar
channel; We offer a selection of dining and entertaining venues
to include: The Baharia Restaurant, the Mdele Coffee Shop, the Masahani
Bar and the exclusive Mangapwani Beach Resort.
Price Range
from US$156 per person sharing per night
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Stone Town
236 Hurumzi
 In
the heart of Stone Town, 236 Hurumzi rises above standard accommodation
by providing elegant, traditionally furnished, airy rooms and a
Tower Top Restaurant with a view of the world.
The second tallest building in Stone Town Zanzibar, the hotel has
been restored to its former glory when it was the residence of one
of the richest men in the Swahili Empire. Atmosphere is of principal
import as the furnishings are all original Zanzibari antiques of
varied origins and styles that, together, create the impressions
of Arabian Nights and sultan princesses escaping in the dead of
the night for romance.
The hotel has sixteen guestrooms are beautiful and romantic, each
representing Zanzibari traditions in a distinct way. All rooms except
for the Kipembe room are equipped with large stone bathtubs providing
unusual bathing pleasure where a bubble bath and a bottle of wine
are a frequent request. Ceiling fans keep our guests cool along
with the constant breeze on the upper floors. Second and first floor
rooms as well as the South room are equipped with air conditioning
for added comfort. The sultan-sized rooms on the first and second
floors have 20 foot ceilings, carved doors, original stucco décor
and hand painted glass lamps and window panes. All guest rooms have
large Zanzibari beds complete with netting.
The Tower Top Restaurant,
a common stop for newlyweds and marriage proposers alike, is undoubtedly
one of the most romantic restaurants in the world. Featuring a panoramic
view of Stone Town and a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean, it
is the perfect to watch the sun set. Eighty feet above the Stone
Town and sitting on Persian carpets, more than one guest has told
us that dinner here feels like a ride on a magic carpet. The dining
room is open on all sides and guests sit Arabian-style on pillows
and carpets, their shoes having been left at the door, while their
dinner is served in five or more courses and accompanied by the
sites and sounds of exotic Zanzibar.
Price Range
from US$101 per person sharing per night
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to return to list of hotels in Stone Town
Mbweni Ruins
 Set
in botanic gardens by the ocean, the hotel is 10 minutes from Stone
Town or from the Airport. Mbweni offers accommodation for no more
than 30 guests.
All the rooms are air-conditioned, furnished in exotic Zanzibar
style and offer views of the Indian Ocean and the gardens.
The crystal clear fresh water pool on the edge of the beach lies
between the rooms and the restaurant where traditional spicy foods
and a panoply of seafood delicacies
await the discerning diner.
The hotel offers many exciting activities including a dhow trip
to the sandbanks opposite the hotel, swimming, fishing, diving,
snorkelling, a nature trail and visits to see the spice plantations,
stone town and to swim with dolphins.
Price Range
from US$88 per person sharing per night
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here to return
to list of hotels in Stone Town
Tembo
Hotel
 The
Tembo House Hotel is situated in the heart of Stone Town of Zanzibar
at the Picturesque seafront, It is magnificent building. Which has
functioned in many ways over the past years.
(As American Consulate in 1834) in 1884 it become the premises of
Cowasjee Dinshaw and Partners which was the famous Trading Companies
in the western Indian Ocean in those years. That name is till seen
on the one of the main entrance of the hotel.
As it could be seen, it is only a half kilometer from the harbor
and is 10 to 15 minutes driving from The Airport.
Most of the hotel rooms have balconies over looking the beach or
the swimming pool courtyard. Each bedroom is self contained, air
conditioned, equipped with fridge, telephone and satellite television.
Price Range
from US$58 per person sharing per night
Click here
to return to list of hotels in Stone Town
Dhow Palace Hotel
 This
small yet luxurious hotel is situated in the heart of Zanzibar's
historic Stone Town, where East meets West. The hotel lounge has
an impressive selection of antique ornaments and furniture, and
adds to the relaxed ambience that is a Dhow Palace trademark.
All rooms have large balconies overlooking an attractive and cool
central courtyard or the swimming pool.
This creates a tranquil atmosphere, making the Dhow Palace a perfect
retreat from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town and one of the
most popular hotels in Zanzibar Simply the best!
Price Range from US$53 per person sharing per night
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Go to Beach hotels
in North
Coast , North East Coast
, East Coast , West
Coast , Pemba and
Mafia Island
Send
us an e-mail
to book any of the hotels or request for further
information.
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