09:00
Meet your guide
Meet your local guide in central Stone Town and set off on foot into the old quarter.
Historic walking tour
Stone Town Tour
Wander the UNESCO alleys of Stone Town — spice shops, carved doors, the old slave market and sultans’ palaces.
Overview
About this experience
Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a maze of narrow alleys, coral-stone houses, intricately carved doors and bustling markets that reveal centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influence.
On this guided walking tour you’ll visit the sombre old slave market and its memorial, the colourful spice and food markets, the former sultans’ palaces and the waterfront. Your local guide brings the island’s dramatic history to life, from Omani rule and the spice trade to its role in the fight against slavery.
The walk is unhurried and easy, with plenty of stops for photos, tasting and questions, so it suits families and curious travellers alike. Your guide can tailor the route to your interests — history, food, photography or shopping — and will happily point you toward the best spots for lunch once the tour ends.
Highlights
Why you'll love it
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Old slave market
Visit the moving slave-market memorial and cathedral, a powerful reminder of Zanzibar’s role in the trade.
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Spice & food markets
See and smell cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and more, and browse the lively fruit and fish markets.
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Sultans’ palaces
Explore the House of Wonders area and former royal residences along the seafront.
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Carved doors & alleys
Get lost (safely) in the atmospheric lanes and admire Stone Town’s famous brass-studded doors.
The plan
Your day, hour by hour
A private, guided day built around Stone Town Tour.
Half day (3–4 hours) door to door: your guide collects you from Stone Town, Zanzibar, with 5 planned stops along the way and no other group to keep pace with.
The timings below are indicative. They flex with your start time, the season, and how long you want to linger at any stop.
- Stops
- 5 stops
- Departs
- Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Duration
- Half day (3–4 hours)
- Group size
- 2 – 12 guests
09:30
Markets
Wind through the spice, fruit and fish markets, tasting and smelling the island’s famous produce.
10:30
Slave market memorial
Visit the former slave market site and cathedral for a moving insight into Zanzibar’s history.
11:30
Palaces & waterfront
Walk the seafront past the former sultans’ palaces and landmarks, ending near the old fort.
12:30
Tour ends
The tour finishes in central Stone Town — your guide can recommend a spot for lunch.
Times are indicative. Your guide adjusts pick-up, stop lengths and pacing to your group, the season and road or trail conditions.
The day is private. Re-order the stops, add time wherever you like, or trade a visit for something else entirely.
Pricing
Price by group size
Every experience is private, so the price per person falls as your group grows.
| Group size | 1 PAX Solo rate | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7+ PAX Ask us |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | US$93 | US$60 | US$54 | US$50 | US$48 | US$46 | Ask us |
| Total for the group | US$93 | US$120 | US$162 | US$200 | US$240 | US$276 | Ask us |
Rates are in US dollars and cover the whole private experience — your guide, the vehicle and transfers, and every park, entry or activity fee listed above. Your written quote follows your dates and final plan; groups of seven or more are always priced individually.
Good to know
What's included & not included
Included
- Professional local English-speaking guide
- Guided walking tour of Stone Town
- Entry fees to visited sites
- Bottled drinking water
Not included
- Transport to and from Stone Town
- Lunch and drinks
- Souvenirs and shopping
- Gratuities
Come prepared
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered)
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Water and small change for markets
- Camera
Gallery
Stone Town Tour in pictures
Getting there
Where it happens
Stone Town is on the west coast of Zanzibar and is easily reached from most island resorts. Tell us where you’re staying and we can arrange transport to the meeting point.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much walking is involved?
Around 2–3 hours of easy strolling with regular stops. The streets are flat but uneven in places.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, though the slave-market history is sombre. Families find the markets and alleys especially engaging.
Can we customise the route?
Yes. Let your guide know your interests — food, history, photography or shopping — and they’ll tailor the walk.
Keep exploring
Pairs well with
Ready to add this to your trip?
Tell us your dates and travel style. Our local team in Moshi will slot the Stone Town Tour into your itinerary — free, with no obligation.
