Overview
Stonetown of Zanzibar, also known as Mji Mkongwe, is the old part of Zanzibar City, the main city of Zanzibar, in Tanzania. The newer portion of the city is known as Ng’ambo, Swahili for ‘the other side’. Stone Town is located on the western coast of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago.
Highlight
- Cultural Immersion: Explore Stone Town’s , visiting historical sites like the House of Wonders, Old Fort, and Sultan’s Palace Museum, and experience the Darajani and Forodhani Markets.
- Luxury Accommodation: Stay at Emerson on Hurumzi, a restored Swahili mansion offering ornate rooms and rooftop dining with ocean views.
- Spice Tour: Discover Zanzibar’s spice heritage with a hands-on farm tour, tasting fresh spices and enjoying a traditional Swahili lunch.
- Sunset Dhow Cruise: Sail on a traditional dhow at sunset, sipping champagne with views of Stone Town’s waterfront—a luxurious highlight.
- Scenic Beauty: Take in Stone Town’s architectural charm, with its carved doors, coral stone buildings, and Indian Ocean backdrop.
Itinerary
9:00 AM – Arrival in Zanzibar & Transfer to Stone Town
Arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). A private driver will pick you up for a short transfer to Stone Town (15-20 minutes, approximately 7 km) in a luxury van (1 vehicle per 6-7 people).
9:30 AM – Check-In
Check into Emerson on Hurumzi, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town, housed in a restored 19th-century Swahili mansion. The hotel features ornate rooms with four-poster beds, antique furniture, and rooftop views of the Indian Ocean.
10:00 AM – Gourmet Breakfast at the Hotel
Enjoy a gourmet breakfast on the rooftop terrace, featuring fresh tropical fruits, pastries, and Zanzibari coffee, with panoramic views of Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleys and the ocean.
11:00 AM – Stone Town Historical Walking Tour (3 Hours)
Embark on a guided walking tour through Stone Town’s narrow streets, led by an expert local guide. Visit key historical sites:House of wonder,(Beit el-Ajai,)Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), Darajani Market
2:00 PM – Gourmet Lunch at The Tea House Restaurant
Dine at Emerson on Hurumzi’s renowned Tea House Restaurant, enjoying a 4-course meal with paired drinks (non-alcoholic included). Savor Zanzibari dishes like seafood biryani with tamarind sauce, overlooking the rooftops of Stone Town—a luxurious dining experience.
4:00 PM – Free Time to Explore or Relax
Spend the afternoon at leisure. Wander Stone Town’s alleys to shop for local crafts like kanga fabrics, or relax at the hotel with a traditional Swahili coffee on the rooftop.
6:00 PM – Sunset Dhow Cruise (1.5 Hours)
Board a traditional wooden dhow for a private sunset cruise along Stone Town’s waterfront. Sail past the harbor, enjoying views of the city’s skyline and the Indian Ocean at dusk. Sip champagne and enjoy light snacks like samosas and fresh coconut water as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the water—a serene and luxurious highlight.
7:30 PM – Dinner at Forodhani Night Market
Return to shore and head to Forodhani Gardens for a cultural dining experience. Sample local delicacies like Zanzibar pizza (a savory stuffed pancake), grilled seafood skewers, and sugarcane juice, amidst the lively night market atmosphere. Your guide will help you navigate the stalls and recommend the best dishes.
9:00 PM – Overnight
Return to Emerson on Hurumzi for the night, relaxing in your ornate room, lulled by the sounds of Stone Town’s evening bustle.
7:30 AM – Breakfast at the Hotel
Enjoy another rooftop breakfast at Emerson on Hurumzi, featuring Zanzibari mandazi (sweet doughnuts) and fresh juices, with views of the waking city.
8:30 AM – Spice Tour (3 Hours)
Depart for a guided spice tour just outside Stone Town (20-minute drive). Visit a local spice farm to learn about Zanzibar’s history as the “Spice Island.” Walk through plantations, seeing and tasting spices like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, as well as tropical fruits like jackfruit and durian. Participate in a hands-on demonstration of spice preparation, and enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch at the farm, featuring dishes like pilau rice cooked with freshly harvested spices.
12:00 PM – Palace Museum & Old Dispensary Visit (1.5 Hours)
Return to Stone Town for a final cultural exploration. Visit the Sultan’s Palace Museum (Beit al-Sahel), a former royal residence, to learn about the Omani sultans who ruled Zanzibar, with exhibits on royal artifacts and Swahili culture. Then, stop by the Old Dispensary, a beautifully restored 1890s building with intricate balconies, showcasing Indian architectural influences. Admire its exterior and learn about its history as a charitable hospital.
2:00 PM – Farewell Lunch at Lukmaan Restaurant
Dine at Lukmaan Restaurant, a beloved spot in Stone Town, for a farewell lunch. Enjoy authentic Zanzibari cuisine, such as coconut-crusted fish with ugali, paired with a refreshing tamarind juice—a delicious and cultural end to your trip.
3:00 PM – Departure from Stone Town
Transfer back to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (15-20 minutes) for your onward flight, concluding your luxury Stone Town special.
3:30 PM – Arrival at Airport & End of Tour
Arrive at the airport for your departure, with memories of Stone Town’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- .Accommodation on a bed and breakfast
- .All land transfers
- .Guided Tour in Stonetown
- .Guided tour to a Spice Farm near Stonetown
- guide fee & entrance fee
- .All government taxes
Cost Excludes
- Tips for your guide
- Return flight to Tanzania/
- .Alcoholic/soft drinks during your stay in Zanzibar
- .Laundry
- .Anything of personal nature
FAQs
Absolutely yes. We will arrange all airport transfers for you from and to the airport so that you don’t have to worry about how to get to your hotel. One of our drivers or guides will come to pick you up and take you back to the airport. This is already included in our offers and services.
A private departure can be arranged at any time according to your individual travel dates for highest flexibility. A group departure has a planned schedule on a specific date and let you share some costs while travelling. So if you are on a budget and want to meet friends from all over the world you can join one of our groups.
Absolutely yes. Our handpicked hotels all offer you to safely store your luggage during your climb. In this way you can leave all gear that you won’t need during your climb at the hotel. That is very convenient if you are planning to go on a safari or to Zanzibar after your hike.