About this experience
This introductory guided tour of Zanzibar provides living evidence of a rich cultural heritage, where Arab, Indian, Persian and European influences blended with local African tradition. Historic buildings with elaborately carved wooden doors shaded by balconies, loggias and verandas line the narrow winding streets. The tour includes a visit to a Town Market "Darajani", Slave Market, Sultan Palace, Old Fort etc. You will also have about 30 minutes of shopping.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Dress code is formal (Please dress conservatively when walking through Stone Town. Women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or trousers)
What is included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Itinerary and highlights
The Darajani Market (or Bazaar) is the main bazaar in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is also known as Estella Market (after Countess Estella, sister of Lloyd Mathews, Prime Minister of Zanzibar) and informally as Marikiti Kuu (in swahili, "main market")The market is located in Darajani Road, in the surroundings of the Anglican Cathedral of Christ.
The main structure of the market was built in 1904 by Bomanjee Maneckjee, for Sultan Ali bin Hamud.It was later extended and restored.
Darajani Bazaar is mainly a food market (seafood, meat, fruits, grains, spices), but there are also shops selling a number of different goods, from consumer electronics to clothing.
Explore the high brown walls and various entrances of The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), a landmark building of the Old Town and a popular tourist destination. Featuring crenelated stone battlements with upright merlons, embrasures, and entrances with pointed arches, the fort with its inner courtyard has been converted into a cultural center dotted with curio shops. Built by the Omanis as a defense against the Portuguese in the 17th century, this remains the oldest standing structure in the Stone Town. Buy some tingatinga paintings and traditional handicrafts from the shops, or watch a performance in the fort's open-air amphitheater.
A coral stone Canterbury-style Church of Christ, Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral has been built on the site of the old slave market from when Zanzibar was a huge slaving center under the British-supported Muscat and Oman Sultanate. Next to the church, you can enter slave chambers in the cellars of the old Anglican Mission House, that's now a hostel. Built in 1873-1883, the cathedral's altar is believed to stand at the place of the old whipping post. Boasting a cross made out of the tree under which the heart of David Livingston was buried in 1873, this active cathedral features a huge rectangular bell tower with a clock. In the churchyard, view a concrete sculpture of slaves exiting a holding cell from underground made by a Swedish sculptor
Meeting and pickup information
- Pickup Point: Your hotel in Zanzibar
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- ARP Travel Group
Accessibility and practical details
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Dress code is formal (Please dress conservatively when walking through Stone Town. Women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or trousers)
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
