STONE TOWN
If you are interested in a bit of history or just want to visit a quite unique city, it is worth stopping off in Stone Town for the architecture and the laid back hustle and bustle. Once the capital of the east African slave and spice trades and ruled by the Sultans of Oman, today Stone Town is a vibrant mix of new and old.
What to do
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the heady scent of spices and multi-cultural history suffuses narrow streets full of the hustle and bustle of daily life, fish and spice markets, bazaars, mosques, the old Omani fort and the Sultan’s palace. Exotic, charming, beautiful and small enough to explore mostly on foot. Another activity to do from Stone Town is to visit Prison Island, a small island offshore Stone Town with a small colony of Aldabra Giant Tortoises.
Where to stay
Stone Town is an ideal base for a longer trip to explore the islands of Zanzibar or spend several days here to unwind and soak up the atmosphere. Despite the tumble-down appearance of much of the town, there are some exquisite hotels and wonderful aromas and flavours. Rooftop sundown drinks and nibbles at the night food market are a must.
And then there is also Chumbe Island, a small island a few kilometres off the west coast of Zanzibar, known for its ecological, sustainable management and exceptional coral reefs. The quality of the reef and biodiversity found here is due to the fact that the island was within a military zone which limited human impact on the marine life. The park includes a fully protected coral reef sanctuary and forest reserve that harbour extremely rare and endangered animals, a Visitor and Education centre, a small eco-lodge, nature trails and historical ruins. All buildings and operations are based on state-of-the-art eco-technology aiming at zero impact on the environment, for which the island has won several awards.
What to do
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the heady scent of spices and multi-cultural history suffuses narrow streets full of the hustle and bustle of daily life, fish and spice markets, bazaars, mosques, the old Omani fort and the Sultan’s palace. Exotic, charming, beautiful and small enough to explore mostly on foot. Another activity to do from Stone Town is to visit Prison Island, a small island offshore Stone Town with a small colony of Aldabra Giant Tortoises.
Where to stay
Stone Town is an ideal base for a longer trip to explore the islands of Zanzibar or spend several days here to unwind and soak up the atmosphere. Despite the tumble-down appearance of much of the town, there are some exquisite hotels and wonderful aromas and flavours. Rooftop sundown drinks and nibbles at the night food market are a must.
And then there is also Chumbe Island, a small island a few kilometres off the west coast of Zanzibar, known for its ecological, sustainable management and exceptional coral reefs. The quality of the reef and biodiversity found here is due to the fact that the island was within a military zone which limited human impact on the marine life. The park includes a fully protected coral reef sanctuary and forest reserve that harbour extremely rare and endangered animals, a Visitor and Education centre, a small eco-lodge, nature trails and historical ruins. All buildings and operations are based on state-of-the-art eco-technology aiming at zero impact on the environment, for which the island has won several awards.
where to stay...
From our many visits to Stone Town, we have first-hand knowledge of the hotels and below you can find the ones we most commonly use. Those hotels include mainly our favourites sorted from low-key to deluxe, which are usually smaller boutique hotels with very personalised service, but also some bigger places.
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shaba boutique hotel
dhow palace
The Dhow, being the heart beat of the East African culture, has been carrying people, goods and treasures to and from Zanzibar for hundreds of years.
Today, the Dhow Palace serves as a meeting point for people and cultures from all over the world amidst a decor and artifacts from a time gone by. Dhow Palace was originally the home of a rich merchant, Sheikh bin Mujbia. Bin Mujbia and his descendants kept the building for more than three centuries before it was sold.
The Dhow Palace building, being right in the heart of Stone Town, has bore witness to many events taking place in Zanzibar. The Dhow Palace does not serve alcoholic beverages.
tembo house
Located in a great position on the beach yet close to all the central attractions in the centre of the town. It has an African Colonial feel and is an historic hotel which was the American Consulate in Zanzibar (1834-1884) then the trading offices of Cowasjee Dinshaw & Partners. Mahatma Ghandi stayed here in 1930, whilst as a rising new star Freddie Mercury and his family frequently retreated to what is now the “Marashi” apartment. Next to Tembo House Hotel is what used to be the British Consulate, where in 1874, Dr. Livingstone’s body was brought before its long journey back to England.The Tembo does not serve alcoholic drinks, though the bar next door does.
maru maru
Set in the heart of the UNESCO world heritage site of Stone Town behind the House of Wonders; Maru Maru is just a few steps from the city’s historical attractions, colourful markets and labyrinth of shops. Once a town house famous for its marble floors and tiles, it was recently lovingly restored to offer 44 bright rooms blending classic Zanzibar style with iconic design and modern luxuries. Its roof terrace offers one of the best views in the city with a 360° panorama and is the perfect place to enjoy a drink as the sun melts into the Indian Ocean. Combined with the 4 pm to 7 pm happy hours it’s worth a visit for the sunset views alone. The restaurant serves a mixture of Zanzibari, Indian, and western cuisine dishes. Four star accommodation at three star prices.
jafferji house
swahili house
kisiwa house
emerson spice hotel
For those seeking true romance, opulence, something exotic and the best 360 degree birds-eye view of Stone Town, then nowhere can beat the newly opened Emerson Spice Hotel which has to be one of the most chic hotels in East Africa. Owned and renovated by the famous Emerson himself (he is one of Stone Town’s longstanding ex-pat residents, and co-founder of the renowned Emerson & Green Hotel, with many a tale to tell over a sunset cocktail, probably the strongest G&T you will try in Zanzibar), the hotel has exclusive individually styled suites and offers fine rooftop dining. Each of the suites is uniquely decorated following different themes and every room has a beautiful Zanzibari bed, huge bath, balconies and stylish touches. There are currently nine completed suites (there will be 12) – stay now before it gets booked up by celebrities as Matt Damon and Juliette Binoche have already visited. Dinner is served on the rooftop every evening and is a six-course menu of exquisite petite dishes. Zanzibari seafood, spices and fruit play central roles with menus including tambi prawns with grilled mango, passion fruit ceviche, coconut fish, squid ink risotto, lemongrass calamari with black pepper banana and sorbets of custard apple with saffron and mango with cardamom. Dinner is prepared and served on the roof by excellent staff and is a bargain.
emerson on hurumzi
serena stone town
park hyatt stone town
With a superb location on the seafront, a quiet infinity pool and some of the best food in town, The Park Hyatt is a great choice for relaxing in the sun during the day and with a sundowner or two in the evening.
CHumbe Island
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